Life coaching started as an extension of the self-help movement that flourished in America in the 1970s. However, life coaching does not make any unbelievable-sounding claims - it does not pose as a miracle cure for unhappiness, or a quick-fix solution for obesity or debt. It offers a structured, methodical and realistic approach that resonates well with the British philosophy "Keep calm & carry on". The life coaching techniques used are based on psychological evidence and basic intuition, not opinion, judgements, or wishy-washy life advice.

People are starting to realise that 'self-help' is not a self-indulgent fad, it is in fact a way of improving what we already have, utilising what we already know and breaking down limiting preconceptions about who we are and what we're capable of. Even the most skeptical among us can benefit from discussing and organising our lives with an impartial stranger.

Hypnosis has been around for centuries, in some form or another. The ancient Greeks and Egyptians, Native Americans and Aborigines have all practised, and benefitted from, hypnosis. It has been an integral part of many religions around the world throughout history. From prayers to music, from ritual procession to repetitive chants, from awe-inspiring architecture to drumming and dancing, all can be considered to be in some way hypnotic.

Although until relatively recently the general public's perception of hypnosis was of stage shows and parlour games, hypnotherapy is now seen as a serious discipline with a range of therapeutic outcomes. It is a process which consists of a variety of psychological and physical aspects, of which arguably the most important is relaxation.

A hypnotherapist is typically a licenced professional who uses hypnosis as part of a treatment regimen for certain conditions or disorders. It is rarely used as the primary treatment, but instead is most beneficial when used in combination with relaxation and talk therapy for a more rounded therapeutic approach.

The lists on the right are by no means exhaustive- there is a myriad of different situations, issues and disorders that hypnotherapy can help with.

Please note:

Life coaching and hypnotherapy are not intended to replace medical advice, or diagnose medical issues. You should consult your GP or other healthcare professional prior to having hypnotherapy for any medical condition.

Stop Smoking

For most people, becoming a smoker is an emotional choice that they make at a subconscious level. Therefore, any decision to stop smoking needs to be taken at that same level. This is why hypnosis is such a successful way to stop smoking. The secret of hypnotherapy, is that it gets people to use their imagination to create a non-smoking future. This often feels very empowering and stopping smoking becomes a positive choice.

A recent study at the University of Iowa concluded that hypnotherapy is three times as likely to help you successfully quit smoking as any other method.

Lose Weight

Life coaching and hypnotherapy combined are one of the most natural approaches to steadily losing weight. This works in two ways. Firstly, hypnotherapy helps you to let go of all the bad habits and false beliefs that stopped you losing weight before, such as eating too quickly or for comfort. Secondly, and most importantly, together with life coaching, it helps you make positive changes by developing new habits and ideas.

Stop dieting. Diets are associated with denial and constraint. Life coaching and hypnotherapy can help you to make positive choices regarding food and exercise, stay focused, relax about food and your self, improve your self-esteem and confidence, and think positively- you'll be amazed how much can be achieved by working with your subconscious mind instead of against it.

And so much more

So what else can life coaching and hypnotherapy help with?

You might be surprised to learn that it can help with pre-interview nerves, passing your driving test, stuttering, insomnia, fear of flying, motivation, nail-biting, parenting, relationships and sports psychology to name just a few things.

Hypnotherapy involves the client feeling a deep sense of relaxation, with their attention focused on appropriate suggestions made by the therapist. These suggestions help people make positive changes within themselves or to their lifestyle.

Life coaching will give you tools which will empower you to deal with difficult situations and achieve your goals, coupled with support whenever you need it.