Space to think hypnotherapy

23/10/2025

Last month, I had the privilege of speaking at the Cost Matters Conference, to a great group of quantity surveyors on a topic that impacts every single one of us — stress.

We often think of stress as something “bad,” but in truth, it’s a natural response designed to protect us. When our brain perceives a threat — whether it’s a looming deadline or a difficult conversation — the amygdala sounds the alarm. This triggers a cascade of physiological changes: increased heart rate, tense muscles, and a flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

While this “fight or flight” response can help in the short term, chronic activation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and even anxiety or burnout.

In my talk, I explored how we can retrain the brain to respond differently — by using evidence-based tools such as:
✨ Mindful awareness to calm the amygdala
✨ Breathing techniques to reset the nervous system
✨ Cognitive reframing to shift unhelpful thought patterns
✨ Building lifestyle habits that support balance and recovery

The key message I shared: we can’t always control what happens around us, but we can learn to regulate what happens within us.

If stress or anxiety has been showing up in your life lately, know that it’s not a sign of weakness — it’s your brain doing its best to protect you. With the right support and strategies, you can retrain those patterns and restore calm, clarity, and control.

💬 I’d love to hear — what’s one way you manage stress in your daily life?

22/10/2025

Ever felt that Sunday night dread, that pit in your stomach when the weekend ends? That feeling might be telling you something.

It’s not just the Sunday scaries… it’s a sign you’re ready for a career that feels right.

At CPHT Leeds, we train people from all walks of life to become professional Solution Focused Hypnotherapists, helping others while creating a more fulfilling life for themselves 🌿

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make that change… this is it 💛

📅 Next Hypnotherapy Diploma Course starts March 2026, enrolment now open! 👉 Learn more: https://www.cpht.co.uk/schools/leeds/

05/07/2025

03/07/2025

Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Burn out or in a low mood?

Not sure how to feel better and get that sparkle back?

Maybe I can help.

When I say I’m a hypnotherapist to people it can sometimes be met with scepticism. The stage performers have really helped us out with that one!

My clients are often pleasantly surprised that a lot of what I do is backed by scientific research and a clear understanding of the brain. This gives confidence in the process and allows them to fully relax (Which often is the first step to feeling calmer and more in control!)

My aim is to be a partner to you in your most challenging time and be that support to move you to a better place mentally.

If you want know more below I’d love to chat to see how I can help.

Take care
Helen x

24/06/2025

I had the pleasure of being invited to speak to these students on their graduation weekend. I had the opportunity to share the learnings I have had with starting my own practice and answer questions about all things solutions focused hypnotherapy!

What an amazing group of people who will all make wonderful therapists.

18/04/2025

As we head into this long weekend, don’t forget that our volunteers are here to listen, anytime you need. If life feels tough right now, remember you’re not alone 💚

11/04/2025

I am often reminded that gratitude is one of the most powerful tools we have. It’s easy to be grateful when life feels steady and joyful, but the real test comes on the hard days, the ones that stretch us, test our patience, and leave us feeling drained.

Through my own challenges, I’ve learned that gratitude isn’t about ignoring struggles or pretending everything is fine. It’s about recognising the small, steady moments of good, the kindness of a friend, the warmth of the sun, the comfort of a familiar routine. It’s about choosing to see the light, even when the shadows feel overwhelming.

Some days, gratitude feels effortless. Other days, it’s a choice, a conscious decision to find the good despite the messiness of life. And every time I make that choice, I feel a little stronger, a little more grounded, and a little more at peace.

So today, no matter what battles you’re facing, I encourage you to find the courage to be grateful anyway. Even in the hardest moments, there is still something beautiful to hold onto.

~ Words from Knockin' on 50's Door & Beyond
Knockin’ on 50’s Door & Beyond

~ Image Unknown

02/04/2025

Well, these last few weeks have been tough.

Do you ever feel like you are waking up hill whist wading through treacle? That’s how it’s felt for me.

A mix of poorly kids, difficult conversations, a million things breaking and deciding not to work at the same time, people around me struggling as well as trying to navigate a hectic work and life schedule, the one word I could use is overwhelming.

That said, for some reason, I’m managing to keep it together… I’m not losing my cool or letting my emotions run wild. Instead I’m dealing with one thing at a time in a calm and logical manner (this is not my normal MO!)

I’m sat now reflecting on why this is and I can only come up with one reason. My hypnotherapy practice. I think my brain has truly rewired itself after countless sessions with my amazing clients . The education, skills and tools we discuss must have not only sunk in but fundamentally changed how I approach challenges.

That said I’m not perfect and I would be worried if I was, but I do feel different. My bucket gets filled but I know how to turn off the tap, be kinder to myself and not expect everything to be perfect all the time. That’s not life and i’m ok with that.

This has been my longest and most vulnerable post yet, but actually it’s important for me to share who I am and how I feel. A lot of what I do is about building trust and being your partner though your hardest times as well as being your biggest champion (because let’s face it, we’ll all need that from time to time)

So that’s it. Post over. If you made this far thank you for sticking with me.

If you want to chat, you know where I am.

Take care
Helen x

31/03/2025

This is exactly why I became a therapist.

I don’t do what I do for any other reason than to help people feel better and make the most out of their lives.

30/03/2025

Happy Mother’s Day ❤️