Vicki Barnes

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(HPD, DHP, SFBT, CIPD, MNCH, AFSFH & GHR)
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Bristol BS16
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Fully qualified, experienced Psychotherapist/Clinical Hypnotherapist and registered with professional bodies.

I’m really passionate about helping people develop their potential, overcome their difficulties/limitations and achieve more than they ever thought possible.  Solution-focused Hypnotherapy is a natural, calm and deeply relaxing experience which is effective in bringing positive change to your life and you will be surprised at how quickly this can be achieved.

We focus on how you want things to be rather than dwelling on the past.  A combination of solution-focused techniques is used for long-lasting results based on proven Neuroscience research, BBT, CBT, NLP and mindfulness.

Modern clinical hypnotherapy is a safe and very effective treatment for changing unwanted behaviours, attitudes and thought processes.  Unwanted patterns of behaviour such as smoking, over-eating and phobias can be eliminated effortlessly and naturally.

Hypnotherapy can also improve your quality of life by dealing with issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety and stress.  It can boost your self-confidence allowing you to face life with a renewed positive outlook.  You could look forward to social gatherings, feel in control of your exam nerves or excel at public speaking.  You can feel great about the way you look and be happy just being you.

Working background

My working background is varied but reflective of my ethical values, including volunteering as a counsellor and providing support for children with learning difficulties.  With 3 children and a busy lifestyle, I’m well aware of the demands of bringing up a young family and the challenges we face in trying to achieve work/life balance.

Alongside my work as a Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist, I also work part-time as an HR Manager at the University of the West of England (UWE)  with a particular interest in staff well-being.

Getting in touch...

If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with me, then I welcome you to give me a call either on the landline: 01179 391239 or the mobile: 07967 365896 or click here to send me an email.

Training, qualifications & experience

Professional Training - What do the letters mean?

Training:

  • DHP: Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
  • HPD: Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma
  • SFBT (Hyp): Solution Focused Brief Therapy for Hypnotherapists

Memberships: Professional bodies I am registered with and recognised by:

  • MNCH(Lic.): Licentiate member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy
  • GHR Reg: Registered Hypnotherapist (GHR) (the General Hypnotherapy Register and General Hypnotherapy Standards Council)
  • AfSFH: Association For Solution Focused Therapy

Areas of hypnotherapy I deal with

Information about health conditions (*)

Hypnotherapy can enhance the well-being of individuals diagnosed with serious medical conditions, but should not take the place of medical treatment and advice. If you have been diagnosed with - or suspect you may have - any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor before starting hypnotherapy.

Other areas of hypnotherapy I deal with


During 2015 I've worked with patients at BRI who were receiving treatment for chemotherapy, this was a very rewarding and positive experience.  I will be working with Marie Curie in the near future.

Photos & videos

Fees

Additional information

Initial consultation - free (up to one hour)

I offer a free initial consultation.  This is an informal discussion to identify how hypnotherapy can help you.  I'll briefly explain how the mind works and how, provided you are willing to make changes, hypnotherapy can help you get to where you want to be.  We'll agree what we aim to achieve from the therapy and how many sessions it is likely to take.  I'll also give you a free self-hypnosis CD to listen to before the first session.

Subsequent sessions

£60 - one hour

I offer a discounted rate of £45 for UWE students/staff and those in receipt of benefits or tax credits.

The number of sessions required will depend on your needs and preferences.  As a general guide, this may range from 2 sessions to quit smoking, 3-4 sessions for a phobia to 8-12 sessions for clinical depression.  Each session is approximately one hour

Payment

Payment can be made by cash, cheque at the end of each session or by using paypal or debit/credit card.

When I work

As well as sessions during the day, I offer appointments on weekends and evenings

Further information

What to expect from your first session

Initial consultation - free (up to one hour)

I offer a free initial consultation.  This is an informal discussion to identify how hypnotherapy can help you.  I'll briefly explain how the mind works and how, provided you are willing to make changes, hypnotherapy can help you get to where you want to be.  We'll agree what we aim to achieve from the therapy and how many sessions it is likely to take.  I'll also give you a free self-hypnosis CD to listen to before the first session.

Modern clinical hypnotherapy is a safe and very effective treatment for changing unwanted behaviours, attitudes and thought processes.

Hypnotherapy is an extremely effective method for making positive and permanent life changes.  Unwanted patterns of behaviour such as smoking, over-eating and phobias can be eliminated effortlessly and naturally.

Hypnotherapy can also improve your quality of life by dealing with issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety and stress.  It can boost your self confidence allowing you to face life with a renewed, positive outlook.  You could look forward to social gatherings, feel in control of your exam nerves or excel at public speaking.  You can feel great about the way you look and be happy just being you.

Its a very natural, calm and relaxing experience that we can all enjoy and benefit from. Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is very effective in bringing about change in your life and you will be surprised at how quickly this can be achieved. It is a very positive therapy and focuses on ways to move forward, rather than looking back at what has gone wrong.

The use of trance

The great advantage of Hypnotherapy is that it makes use of the trance state, a state that we are all very familiar with. Trance brings both your conscious and subconscious mind on board and focused on the same goal.

We go in to and out of trance many times a day - when we're cycling or driving to work in Bristol, when we're watching Television and even while you are reading this webpage. In fact we go in to a trance state when we are doing anything that requires our concentration.

In a clinical setting a trance state is induced by a Hypnotherapist using guided imagery, stories, metaphors and suggestions which changes unwanted patterns of behaviour and puts you back in control of your life. In this relaxed state, your mind is more responsive to suggestion.

Clients often comment about how “ordinary” Hypnosis feels - it’s not unlike daydreaming – you can often hear everything that is being said whilst in a deeply relaxed state. You'll go away after the hypnotherapy session feeling much more relaxed than when you came in.

Frequently asked questions

What is hypnosis?  It is an altered state of awareness in which your subconscious mind is more open and therefore receptive to suggestions made.  We drift in and out of different levels of awareness many times each day.  For example, you are in a trance like state when you are driving whilst day dreaming.  Or when you are doing the ironing whilst watching the television.  You can do these things without even thinking about them. 

Can anybody be hypnotized?  Yes, but only if they want to be.

How will I feel? Some people say they feel very light as if they were floating, others feel very heavy but most people agree it’s a pleasant sensation of extreme relaxation.

Are there any side effects?  Only good ones!  You will feel relaxed, energised,  and positive about the reason you sought hypnotherapy.  It is totally natural.

Will I be asleep?  You will be aware of everything that is happening and being said.  However, because you are so deeply relaxed you may find yourself drifting into different levels of awareness.  Your subconscious mind will be active throughout and it is this that your therapist is working with.

Will I give any secrets away?  No.  You won’t say or do anything you don’t want to .  If you were given suggestions that you didn’t agree with you would come out of hypnosis. You will hear everything that is going on and nothing will happen without your consent.  Your therapist is there to provide a safe and supportive environment for you so you can relax and benefit from the changes hypnotherapy can bring to your life.

Testimonials

Fear/Phobia - Sarah, Bristol

"I was honestly a bit nervous and skeptical about hypnosis to treat my life time fear of flying,  Vicki quickly made me feel at ease and I was amased that after only 3 sessions I was rid of this awthful phobia which had a huge negative impact on both me and my family for many years.  I just wish I had sought help earlier, now I can travel anyway which has given me a sense of freedom and confidence, thank you so much"

Anxiety, stress and Insomnia -Teresa, Bristol

"Vicki has helped me change my life around.  When I first went to see her I was coming out of a very difficult relationship, I hated my job and was extremely stressed, anxious, worrying about everything and feeling exhausted as just couldn't seem to sleep.   I'm now feeling back in control of my life and feel so much happier.  I really enjoyed the hypnotherapy sessions, it was deeply relaxing.  Understanding how the brain works was so helpful and I still listen to the cd as it keeps me positive and happy.  I would highly recommend you to others, thanks"

Smoking - Jenny, Bristol

"After being a smoker for most of my adult life, I had begun to despair of ever really quitting smoking.  I used patches and gum for a while but only seemed to have the will power to stop for very short periods.  That all changed after just one session about a year ago.  The treatment was swift, effective and relaxing and I'm proud to say that I'm officially a non smoker, thanks to Vicki's help."

Location & practical details about my practice

My practice is based at Begbrook Park in Frenchay (opposite) Frenchay Hospital, BS16 1NF

There is free parking available and it’s very close to the M32 and M4.  There is also a regular bus service and the nearest bus stop is at the end of the road on Begbrook Park.  I also practice at UWE’s Frenchay campus which is convenient for students and staff at the University.  Home appointments are available for those with mobility issues or prefer the comfort of their own home.

Begbrook Park, Frenchay, Bristol, Somerset, BS16 1NF

University Of The West Of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, Somerset, BS16 1QY

Type of session

In person