Author: Neil

  • Fundraiser Overcomes Obstacles with Hypnotherapy

    Every now and then, a story comes along that truly shows the power of change. One of my clients, a remarkable woman living with multiple long-term health conditions, generously shared her journey to inspire others. Her courage and results speak volumes — and I’m honoured to share her experience here.

    A Life Defined by Pain and Setbacks

    For more than 10 years, she had never known a day without pain. Living with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, her daily life was already challenging. On top of this, within the space of just two years, she faced a haemorrhage, underwent surgery to remove a tumour, and then needed further surgery again.

    Then came another terrifying ordeal. One evening, she suddenly found herself unable to move or speak. Having watched her grandmother suffer strokes, she feared the worst. Thankfully, her mother was nearby and able to call an ambulance.

    The following morning, things took a dramatic turn. She was hit by violent seizures that shook her whole body, followed by uncontrollable shouting and movements that doctors compared to a rare form of Tourette’s. At one point, she was even karate-chopping through the air in between seizures — moments she later described with a sense of humour as feeling like a “Ninja Warrior.”

    For days in hospital, these unpredictable seizures continued. Even after discharge, they persisted — up to ten times a day. She lost her independence, her driving licence, and her sense of freedom. Relying on others and being unable to be left alone left her feeling trapped and frustrated.

    A Turning Point

    After nearly a year of living with these frightening episodes, she decided she needed to try something different. That decision led her to me.

    She says:

    “This is the best decision I have ever made. He made me view my life very differently. He gave me the positivity and confidence to do new things. He has helped me to control my anxiety and, as I am writing this, I am touching every piece of wood in sight — but I have not had any seizures since seeing Neil.”

    Real Progress, Real Results

    Not only has she been seizure-free since starting hypnotherapy sessions, but she has also continued to reduce her reliance on pain medication. For someone who had spent over a decade in daily pain, this transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

    Katie Brind seizures tourettes testimonials bude cornwall fundraising

    Her story is a powerful reminder that change is possible, even after years of struggle.


    If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy could help you, please get in touch.
    And if you’ve worked with me before and would like to share your story, your review could help someone else make the decision that changes their life.

  • Say Goodbye to Skin Conditions

    Say Goodbye to Skin Conditions

    Itching For a Cure? Hypnotherapy Can Help with Skin Conditions

    This month I am focusing on how hypnotherapy can help with the management of skin conditions.

    As many of us who have suffered from these conditions will know, peeling off those extra layers of clothing and exposing skin to the summer sunshine may be good for us. But we do not want others to see our skin.

    Thousands of people suffer with the discomfort, stress and embarrassment that skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, can bring. These conditions are usually not life threatening.  But they can cause untold misery to those who have to deal with them day in and day out.

    skin conditions itchy

    The skin is our largest organ as well as the most visible, especially during the summer months. Whether it is through sweating when we are too warm, shivering when we are too cold, or doing its job of getting rid of toxins and waste through the skin, this piece of body ‘covering’ has a lot of work to do. It is often the first place where any signs of illness, stress and imbalance in our lives, physically or psychologically, shows itself. As those who suffer are only too aware, the more we worry about the state of our skin, the worse it seems to get!

    So where does hypnotherapy come in to the treatment of these conditions? Well, it seems that us hypnotherapists have been working with clients with these conditions for years.

    Some of us may be aware that there is often a mind-body connection with some common skin conditions, so this is often where support from hypnotherapy can help. To give you some more detail…

    In order to do its work, the skin contains millions of nerve endings which are closely connected to the brain, which is our body’s main ‘Control Centre’. Because of these links to our nervous system, the skin is very closely connected to our emotional responses, as well as those physical ones.

    For example, goose bumps when we are afraid, blushing when embarrassed, and so on. When we feel stressed, these emotional responses can make some skin conditions worse if you have them already. Or can in some cases bring them on.

    Pain control.

    Hypnotherapy is a great way to reduce stress levels in general. We understand that stress and anxiety affect the chemical responses in the body and mind. Hypnotherapy can really help to recreate that sense of balance. This is shown to improve skin conditions in general. There is mounting evidence to show that hypnotherapy is very helpful for pain control too. It is helpful for reducing the stress and chemical responses that cause flare-ups. It can also reduce the pain that’s associated with them. We work in a way that helps the client to manage stressful situations more effectively. Thus reducing the possibility of re-occurrence.

    I encourage clients to focus on how they want things to be. We avoid problem-talk and instead help our clients to visualise their preferred future. By encouraging clients to think and express themselves positively, we can help to improve their outcomes and say goodbye to skin conditions.

  • Rita Westlake retirement 2016

    Rita Westlake retirement 2016


    It is with great humility and respect that I take on the role of carrying forward the legacy of Rita Westlake. As Rita retires from North Cornwall Hypnotherapy (NCH) in November of 2016, I cannot help but reflect on the impact she has had on countless individuals and the Cornwall community as a whole.

    Rita Westlake

    Rita’s commitment to her work as a hypnotherapist has been unwavering throughout the years. Her dedication to her clients and her profession is something that I have always admired. Even when the going got tough, Rita remained steadfast and always found a way to help those who sought her assistance.

    As I reflect on Rita’s legacy, I realise that she has imparted not only skills but life lessons as well. Her unwavering commitment to her profession is something that I will strive to emulate in the years to come. I feel privileged to have been a part of her journey, and I know that the skills and knowledge that I have gained from her will serve me well in the future.

    Rita has touched the lives of many individuals, and I know that her clients, past and present, will have fond memories of the happy years that they spent with her. Her dedication to helping others to achieve a better understanding and quality of life is truly inspiring, and I am honored to have been a witness to her work.

    Of course, it takes a special kind of person to commit themselves to a profession like this on a daily basis, even when faced with challenges and difficulties. Rita is one of those special people, and her unwavering commitment to her clients is something that I will always remember.

    As I take on the mantle of NCH, I am deeply grateful for the confidence that Rita has placed in me. It is an undertaking that I have accepted with humility and determination. Though I am saddened to see her retire, I know that it is for all the right reasons, and I wish her all the best for the future in her retirement.

    The future of NCH is bright, and I am excited about the journey ahead. With Rita’s blessing, I will ensure that NCH provides the same high-quality treatments and care that she has always provided. The website for NCH is being updated and forwarded to this one, as it has been over four years since I took it over.

    In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Rita Westlake for her unwavering commitment to her profession and her clients. She has touched the lives of many individuals in Cornwall and has made a significant impact on the community. I am honored to have been a part of her journey and to continue the legacy of NCH in the years to come.

    Neil Cox MNCH(Reg), HPD

    Tel. +447900225171