Caroline Sutton Hypnotherapy- anxiety specialist

02/09/2025

Dear Bridget Phillipson,

As a Clinical Psychologist and parent, I'm deeply concerned by your recent comments about school attendance. You've fallen into a classic correlation-versus-causation error.

Children who miss the first week aren't absent because they "started badly" - they're likely facing underlying challenges that make school psychologically unsafe. When 1.6 million pupils are persistently absent, that's not a compliance problem - it's a design failure.

The real question isn't "How do we get children into classrooms?" but "Why are so many children unable to attend school?"

In my clinical practice, I regularly see:
• Children with neurodivergent profiles struggling with the school environment
• Pupils experiencing school-based anxiety so severe it manifests as physical symptoms
• Families forced into "elective" home education because schools can't meet their child's needs
• Children whose attendance difficulties stem from trauma responses

Fining struggling families adds pressure without addressing root causes.

Instead of focusing on compliance, let's ask:
- What makes school feel unsafe for so many children?
- How can we adapt environments to meet diverse needs?
- What support do families actually need?

Every child deserves education that supports both learning AND wellbeing. That sounds really hard for our education system, but it's exactly what our children deserve.

Dr. Natasha Holden
Clinical Psychologist & PDA Mum

01/09/2025

✨ From panic attacks on short flights… to enjoying a trip all the way to Australia! ✈️After just 3 sessions of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, my client has completely overcome her fear of flying. She previously dreaded even stepping on a plane, but now she’s travelled halfway across the world with confidence and ease.You don’t need to suffer with phobias or anxieties — hypnotherapy can be a safe and effective way to find freedom. 💙

28/08/2025

✨ The return to school can be a tricky time, especially for young people who feel anxious about change. Uniforms, new timetables, and the pressure of a new year can quickly feel overwhelming.

I’ve put together a free Back to School Guide with simple, practical tips to help reduce anxiety and make the transition smoother.

Inside you’ll find ways to:
✔️ Ease sensory challenges with uniforms and clothing
✔️ Help your teen prepare for new routines and expectations
✔️ Create calm moments at home during the first weeks back
✔️ Support them in finding their own solutions using a strengths-based approach

💌 Download your free copy here: https://caroline-sutton-hypnotherapy.kit.com/19b101d313

You don’t have to figure this out alone — these tips really can make the difference between a stressful September and a gentler start.

Is your teenager anxious about going back to school? Are you noticing signs like irritability, worry, withdrawal or sensory overload?

28/08/2025

Excuse the crazy look on my face at the beginning of this video! ☺️ the return to school after the holidays is a difficult time for many young people. Over the coming days I will share some tips and guidance for how to reduce stress and ease the transition back to the new school year .

Many children find the return to school stressful especially if they who are autistic ,ADHD and or have sensory sensitivities. Clothing and school uniforms c...

27/08/2025

💜 Thank you so much to everyone who has commented and shared such kind words about my upcoming ebook. Your support really means the world to me. I’m excited to share that it will be published mid–late September and available to purchase as an ebook. I’m currently working with my editor and formatter on the final touches — it’s getting very real now! ✨📖

21/08/2025

✨ This Sunday we’re holding space for something really special ✨

In this video you’ll hear Emily sharing a little about the retreat we’re running together. The theme is changing our personal narrative – working gently but powerfully on those limiting beliefs that hold us back, so we can step into something freer and more true.

It’s going to be a day of reflection, connection and renewal in a supportive, uplifting environment. 🌿💫

We only have ONE ticket left – so if you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time to say yes. Don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself.

https://www.restoreretreats.co.uk/check-out/p/rest-restore-wellbeing-retreat

17/08/2025

Only one ticket left for our retreat on Sunday 24 th August .

05/08/2025

“Ever had your whole day thrown off by a pair of trousers? 🧠👖”
It’s not just about fashion — it’s about sensory survival. Emily my daughter shares how ADHD and clothing sensitivities are more than just a ‘quirk’…

Let me tell you about my new trousers!

Recently me and my partner went on a trip to Scotland. It was a wonderful trip, filled with everything that makes you feel alive. Sun, wild swimming, good food and even an incredible gig at Edinburgh castle. It was everything I needed after a busy couple of months.

However there was one day in particular where something just felt off. I was overstimulated, agitated and finding everything a bit much. I didn’t understand it and it was really frustrating me. It wasn’t until I went into a shop and tried on the COMFIEST trousers in the entire world that my mood completely shifted. It was my jeans that were causing the problem the entire time. So I bought the trousers and changed into them and immediately my day was better. I found myself feeling slightly dramatic and ridiculous.

But then I remembered my ADHD and sensory sensitivities. I thought about the work I do with clients around these types of issues and how much they can impact you. How just, that one uncomfortable sensation on your body can cause overstimulation and quite frankly ruin a perfectly good day. It was at that point that I decided that from now on I only wear comfy trousers! 👖 ❌

So if you come and see me and you notice me in ANOTHER pair of comfy linen trousers… just know it’s completely necessary 🤍

24/07/2025

I’m sharing some of the new fidget toys I’ve added to my therapy room and how I use them to help both myself and my clients feel calmer and more focused
Fidget toys aren’t just for children. They can be incredibly helpful for anyone who feels anxious, restless, or overwhelmed. By giving your hands something repetitive and soothing to do, they help regulate the nervous system, release built‑up tension, and make it easier to concentrate or stay grounded in the moment.

Whether it’s a smooth stone, a stretchy band, or a simple clicker, these small tools can make a big difference in sessions. Watch along as I show you my favourites and explain how they support self‑regulation and comfort in the therapy space.

If you’ve got a favourite fidget toy or tip, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

24/07/2025

Tickets are flying out today for our summer retreat , don't miss out only x 2 tickets left .

20/07/2025

I have just uploaded a short video on YouTube where i talk about school avoidance ( also known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance or EBSA ) and why it's so much more than just not wanting to go to school.
If you are a parent or carer in this situation you are not alone . In this video i share some simple and compassionate ways to start supporting your child and understanding what they might be going through .
👉 watch it here https://youtube.com/shorts/l3NrD0PYMiI?si=SjDFWtFP7OQ_aFl5
💛 IF YOU FIND IT HELPFUL , please click SUBSCRIBE on my youtube channel , it means you will see future videos i upload with tips and support for families navigating school anxiety, and it helps me reach more families who might need this information.

Struggling with a child who can't face school? In this short video i share how school related anxiety (EBSA) affects young people and what parents can to sup...

14/07/2025

🌿 Gentle Tips for Surviving the School Holidays with Your Neurodivergent Child 🌿

For many years, I used to dread the school holidays.

When Max was younger, the lack of structure, the sensory overload, and the constant demands felt overwhelming — for both of us. While other families seemed to be planning beach days and adventures, I was just trying to keep things calm and avoid crisis.

That’s why I’ve put together a free guide filled with gentle, realistic tips to help you navigate the holidays if you’re parenting a neurodivergent child. These are strategies I’ve used myself — things that made life a little more manageable, and helped Max feel safer and more regulated.

Whether your summer looks quiet and home-based or full of careful plans, this guide is for you. ❤️

🧠 Includes:
• Low-demand ideas for connection
• Tips on travel and outings (including sunflower lanyards & RADAR keys)
• Thoughts on structure, screen time, sensory needs, and more

You can download it https://caroline-sutton-hypnotherapy.kit.com/19b101d313

Sending love to every parent quietly doing their best behind the scenes — I see you.

I’m Caroline, a psychotherapist who supports neurodivergent young people and their families, especially when things feel overwhelming, unpredictable or out of sync.