There’s been a lot of articles written about how to discover happiness in recent times. On the one hand, you’ve got the positive thinking gurus peddling their often simplistic fast track to deep joy. And on the other, you’ve got the doom-mongers telling us we’re richer, healthier and yet unhappier than we’ve ever been.
Despite being somewhat cynical about the way happiness is regarded as the panacea for all ills, I confess to being part of the industry which promotes it as a life-affirming goal. Some see happiness as a sentimental dream or fleeting fantasy. But I realise through my work as a hypnotherapist that it is possible to create a happy state of mind. Oh and spread a little of this magical ingredient too, there’s no secret there.
What makes you happy is only relevant to you.
A loving partnership and strong friendships are more highly prized than material things by most of us. It’s a given that happiness is not necessarily about millions in the bank, a yacht on the Med or any of those affluent trappings. Many are the tales of how lottery winners lose their friends, community, identity and even their loved ones over arguments about new found loot.
There’s no question, cash equals freedom of choice. More to the point, earning it equals a healthy sense of self worth which no trust fund kid will ever know (hence the less than life-enhancing addictions that often fill the gaps in their lives).
In a wealthy western culture, we generally don’t go hungry or lack material goods. The poorest and most disadvantaged have access to housing, healthcare, education, the welfare state, iPods, mobiles and flat screen TVs.
What makes the starving happy is a good meal.
It takes more than that to satisfy an emotionally starved but nutritionally nourished appetite. Whilst not life-threatening, such a condition undermines energy, motivation and focus, impairing the ability to set and achieve goals. High flyers in both primitive and technological societies often start out the hungriest and succeed simply because they try harder.
So it seems that the old fashioned principle of good old hard graft leads to a very secular kind of satisfaction. And being a bit peckish is no bad thing. It makes those little snacks in life so much more tasty. In this indulgent era of comfort and excess, those who make an effort and choose energy over inertia, those who curb their appetite enough to truly savour all that is plentiful and those who take the time to nurture their loved ones are the winners in the happiness stakes.
So you’ve been working as a therapist for while now, and you’ve got a good client base. Things are going well, until you find next door begin renovations. Being in an area where most properties are of the same age, you find others doing the same. All of a sudden you have a DIY hotspot. Angle grinders, concrete mixers, deliveries being made – there’s a lot of scaffolding going on too. That quiet peaceful location you decided would be ideal to set up in business becomes somewhat less attractive and you end up wishing you never chose it in the first place.
Considerations.
You try and sit it out, thinking it can’t continue on indefinitely. Yes, you get the odd day when things are really quiet, but on the whole when one finishes another begins. Do you consider a temporary relocation with all the associated costs and upheaval? Maybe even stop trading and restart once its all quietened down? Or is there a better solution?
Well, a few years ago I was at a Mind Body Soul fayre and I saw a hypnotherapist with an audio system. He could provide short 15min sessions there and then in a busy hall without disruption. He spoke into a headset whilst his client would sit back in a chair. They had a pair of headphones on and were oblivious to the general noise. At the time I thought that was a really good idea, and that was that.
So fast forward to DIY central.. as with anything I do I always like to do a little research before taking the plunge. Clearly the product I saw should be available, and indeed a quick search on google finds the Hypnocom 5 unit. Alongside a couple of others if you do a little more digging. Considering it was retailing at over £300 I wanted to understand the mechanics behind it. I looked into seeing just how much a basic system would end up costing me.
The basic constituents I thought were as follows:
An audio mixer
2 x pairs of headphones (with mic)
mp3 player for background music (usually found at the back of an old drawer)
Associated leads / cables to connect it all together.
Considering that after costing it up, I could get that for under £100 I decided to try it out. I plumped for a basic audio mixer being the Behringer Xenyx 502 mixer. It’s small enough but offered plenty of connections to do the job.
So, what exactly does this setup have to achieve?
Take input from a vocal microphone.
Receive input from an external music source (mp3 player)
Balance adjustment for both voice and music separately.
Produce good quality output to headphones not just for your client, but to yourself too.
Allows for output to a separate recording device to provide clients with a recording.
Hypno-Com 5 Professional.
At this point, I discovered a second hand Hypnocom 5 was being offered at a knock-down price. My basic system I had put together looked somewhat untidy compared to the bespoke Hypnocom 5. It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss so I purchased it. Just one word of warning if you are going to go down the route of putting a system together yourself make sure you do your homework. And that means specifically the cables / microphones / headphones you choose. Some will require adaptors to be able to plug into the audio mixer. You really need to get that right or you have a non-functioning system.
If you review it and compare the two, I would plump for the Hypnocom 5 every time. It just works and the sound quality is just right. You won’t have all the adjustments of an audio mixer but it’s ready to go and has only the controls you really need, straight out of the box.
If you can find a second hand unit, they’re usually well looked after but they rarely appear. Personally, I would ask around your local therapists.
Its important to remember that background music, a microphone and headphones are not a necessity for carrying out hypnotherapy. But, they do add an element of professionalism to your sessions. Let’s not forget about the disturbance of DIY too!
Why choose the Hypnocom 5?
Your clients will love it. Results speak for themselves and if you compare a standard delivery compared to through headphones, you will find most clients opt for the headphones. Find a decent pair of comfortable headphones, they’ll want to know they didn’t notice they had them on at the end.
Although I haven’t made use of the option to record sessions, you can do this quite easily with the right equipment. All the connections are ready to use on the Hypnocom so it should be simply a case of plugging a recording device into it. And let’s not forget because you already have some background music feeding in, you won’t have to worry about adding some to the recording later.
My client found it much easier to begin the relaxation process using this system. It was an interesting observation as this client had previously experienced sessions using conventional techniques without a microphone.
There will be a short time spent doing a sound check to allow the client to find the correct volume levels. But just imagine those with slight hearing loss, no longer an issue with these headphones.
It’s important to consider that this setup is meant to sit in your treatment room. There are cables, and they’re long. Yes, they are unsightly but they’re no good if they’re too short.
Why not go wireless?
You may be tempted to use a wireless or a Bluetooth microphone, headset, or headphones, especially because being free from all those wires seems really sensible. I admit, I love to not have to deal with headphone wires. The fact is there isn’t a bluetooth feature on the Hypnocom 5. But, broadcasting your sessions without protection from potential other Bluetooth units picking it up is a potential confidentiality issue. One for the future that will no doubt be delivered in one way or another.
There is one over-riding issue I have to make and that’s that since a recent relocation to a business centre I have noticed that I pickup some elements of interference. I suspect some mobile phone signals and also WIFI possibly. Now, being the ever resourceful chap I am, I decided to grab some kitchen foil and wrapped it over the audio unit. It’s not ideal but would you believe it, it works. Crystal clear audio again! I suspect it simply needs a bit of shielding from modern electronic devices.
It’s not designed to look modern, it’s just meant to get the job done. That said, I’m very pleased with it. In my opinion, the system sounds just as good as anything you can put together with more expensive equipment.
Of course, none of this equipment is really necessary, but then again neither is a dedicated therapy room. As you know, I’ve done effective hypnotherapy sessions in the middle of DIY central. But like having a comfy reclining armchair and a quiet area helps your practice, so does having an audio setup that lets your client know something more immersive is happening. And it’s always reassuring you have that option when it’s needed.
Just one more thing.
Were you wondering about customer support after you’ve purchased one? Mine developed a buzzing noise whenever it was switched on. A quick call to Kev at Hypno-Quip and he immediately recommended a new power supply unit. Item arrives surprisingly quickly and it works fine again. Apparently the audio units themselves are pretty much bomb proof.
As a therapist you also need to be looking at automating your booking process…Here’s your invite to Square appointments
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.
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.
People have always been fascinated by their ‘secret’ night-time journeys. Over the years there have been many theories as to why we dream and the functions they serve.
Countless ‘encyclopaedias’ of dream symbols and meanings now exist. But these are published on the narrow premise that ‘one symbol fits all’. A new understanding of them shows that this is wrong. In reality, individual minds tailor symbols and dreams to meet individual needs.
They Get Rid of Emotional Arousal
It has been agreed for some time that dreams deal with emotion. However, not all emotion causes dreaming. Only emotional arousal unexpressed while awake causes us to dream. So, for example, if you have a screaming row with your partner you are unlikely to dream about it as the emotional arousal was allowed full expression. (In effect the problem that went into your mind whilst awake was removed whilst awake. Therefore it was not in your mind as you went to sleep.)
However if you become angry with someone at work but cannot express it then this frustration will probably be played out during dreaming. (This disagreement has remained in your mind.)
How Do Dreams Work?
The brain will ‘flush out’ emotional arousal by creating a dream of a scenario that parallels the real-life experience – a metaphor. So, the work colleague from above might be symbolised by a monster and your anger would be allowed expression as you attacked the creature.
If you ruminate angrily over the same issues the next day then you may well have a repetitive dream as the brain solves the same problem in the same way. The problem has not been totally removed from your mind at the first attempt.
Rumination
One of the most common ways to create unexpressed emotional arousal is to ruminate. Because we do this in our mind, there is rarely a situation where the emotion can be expressed.
Depressed people dream much more than non-depressed people because typically, they do much more ruminating. This can result in physical and mental exhaustion.
Hypnosis, Dreaming and REM.
The deepest trance state you ever experience is when you are dreaming. During dreaming, you are completely immersed in a self-created imaginary reality with little or no awareness that it is not ‘for real’ (similar to the hypnotised stage subject).
Dreaming is an amazing demonstration of your brain’s ability to ‘simulate reality’ and a clear indicator of why hypnosis works. It is fairly common for a hypnotised subject to vividly experience an imagined reality. Less so than in dreaming perhaps, but absorbing nonetheless.
The rapid eye movement (REM) of dreaming is also often observed during hypnosis. And indeed, a traditional way to induce hypnosis was by swinging a watch in front of the subject’s eyes.
Since dreaming is largely concerned with ‘clearing’ the brain of emotional arousal, it is not hard to see one reason why hypnosis is so good for helping people with emotional problems. That surely is unveiling the power of dreams!
Hypnosis, Catalepsy and Dreaming
A famous stage trick is to lie a hypnotised subject between two chairs and stand on their stomach. This is the sort of demonstration that has led to the idea that hypnosis is something strange. (Don’t try this at home by the way; it’s really bad for your back!)
However, when we consider the link to the dream state, the reason this is possible becomes much clearer. When you are dreaming, your ability to move is inhibited for obvious reasons – acting out your dreams would be highly dangerous for you and your sleeping partner.
This phenomenon also occurs during hypnosis and allows us to create ‘catalepsy’ where parts of the body can become immobile or self supported for long periods without discomfort.
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.
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.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with many clients who’ve shared their experiences of positive change through hypnotherapy.
For a long time, my reviews were collected on Fresha, the booking system I used. Fresha only allowed genuine clients to leave reviews after attending a session, so it became a trusted way to keep everything transparent.
During that time, I built up lots of reviews there — and I’m incredibly grateful for every one of them.
Now that I’ve moved to Square Appointments October 2025, Fresha reviews are no longer going to be visible. Going forward, my feedback will be hosted on Google Reviews, where you can both read and leave your own comments.
Last night I had the best sleep I’ve had in a long time and I’ve only had the initial consultation! Can’t wait for more sessions
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MJ – 16 Jan 2021 ★★★★★
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MJ – 23 Jan 2021 ★★★★★
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JJ – 29 Jan 2021 ★★★★★
Well what can I say — I’m 2 sessions in. The first free session was amazing; he gave me so much time to help understand me. Considering it was a free session he doesn’t scrimp and save with time — he gave me 2 hours and didn’t just cut off when time was up. After my first paid session I had a massive impact already. He is always professional and I highly recommend him as the person to go to. Definitely worth the time and money. Looking forward to the future outcome. Thank you!
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MJ – 31 Jan 2021 ★★★★★
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MJ – 08 Feb 2021 ★★★★★
Brilliant, life changing, well worth it. Everyone should have a few sessions with Neil — he’s great
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AD – 29 Mar 2021 ★★★★★
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RH – 12 Apr 2021 ★★★★★
Welcoming, excellent service, first class.
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RH – 06 May 2021 ★★★★★
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GR – 07 Aug 2022 ★★★★★
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DH – 09 Dec 2022 ★★★★★
Clear, professional, patient and a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble.
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GR – 22 Jan 2023 ★★★★★
Great experience as always.
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DR – 24 Mar 2023 ★★★★★
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DR – 03 Apr 2023 ★★★★★
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SMT – 16 Apr 2023 ★★★★★
Neil is so very kind and patient and easy to talk to. He helped me in the past back in 2016 with wonderful results.
I am hoping he will help me through my current issues with his empathy, professionalism and therapy techniques.
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GR – 22 Apr 2023 ★★★★★
Excellent as always.
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SMT – 29 Apr 2023 ★★★★★
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MHT – 30 May 2023 ★★★★★
Neil has been fantastic throughout every appointment I’ve had with him. I have felt comfortable and safe at all times.
He is patient and caring with a good sense of humour. He has helped me enormously with my sleep issues and I will not hesitate to go back again in the future if I need.
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FB – 07 Aug 2023 ★★★★★
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PD – 12 Sep 2023 ★★★★★
Excellent.
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AG – 19 Sep 2023 ★★★★★
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RS – 20 Sep 2023 ★★★★☆
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KB – 13 Oct 2023 ★★★★★
Had a first session with Neil today after an excellent consultation the week before.
Neil is diligent, caring, good-humoured and inquisitive. He’s easy to get along with and clearly thinks on his feet regarding his approach.
I was a little apprehensive about taking a session online, but it worked really well being around my own home comforts.
I already feel like a bit of a load has been lifted and I’m looking forward to next week.
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AG – 01 Nov 2023 ★★★★★
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TF – 08 Nov 2023 ★★★★★
I was warmly greeted by Neil and made to feel very comfortable.
After discussing my expectations and outcomes, Neil explained the workings of the brain in a user-friendly way and what the way forward would be should I continue.
Left feeling very positive.
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TF – 17 Nov 2023 ★★★★★
Welcoming as ever on my second visit to Neil’s home. Easy relaxed chat, followed by clear explanation of today’s therapy.
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TF – 30 Nov 2023 ★★★★★
Neil was professional and welcoming as ever for my third appointment.
He adapts each session depending on how you feel and how things have been since the last appointment.
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TF – 06 Dec 2023 ★★★★★
Neil takes the time to get to know you as a person, which enhances your therapy. He genuinely cares about you as an individual.
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KP – 13 Feb 2024 ★★★★★
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RB – 16 Feb 2024 ★★★★★
An enlightening and enervating experience, thanks.
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NO – 29 Feb 2024 ★★★★★
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NO – 12 Mar 2024 ★★★★★
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NO – 26 Mar 2024 ★★★★★
Really transformational sessions with Neil; helped hugely with my anxiety. Can’t recommend enough.
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LN – 04 Apr 2024 ★★★★★
Very good experience; put at ease straight away.
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JN – 16 Apr 2024 ★★★★★
My experience with Neil was very positive.
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LN – 18 Apr 2024 ★★★★★
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ZP – 23 Apr 2024 ★★★★☆
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JN – 24 Apr 2024 ★★★★★
Very pleased with my experience with Neil today.
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SB – 05 May 2024 ★★★★★
Very nice man.
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LD – 08 May 2024 ★★★★★
I really felt comfortable and at ease despite the nervous anticipation I’d felt before.
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ZP – 09 May 2024 ★★★★★
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SB – 31 May 2024 ★★★★★
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MU – 06 Jul 2024 ★★★★★
Really great, Neil made me feel at ease and fully explained what would be happening. Very insightful first session; looking forward to my new journey.
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NS – 09 Jul 2024 ★★★★★
Neil has helped me enormously. I would highly recommend him as both a therapist and a very lovely man.
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MU – 27 Jul 2024 ★★★★★
What an amazing guy, certainly put me on the right road. Thank you.
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VA – 14 Aug 2024 ★★★★★
Great chap and fantastic environment. I feel safe and look forward to my next session!
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DM – 04 Sep 2024 ★★★★★
Neil is both very professional and easy to talk to. In our initial consultation, he was attentive, really listened, and responded to what I was saying. I’m very much looking forward to continuing with further sessions!
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RC – 01 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
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TF – 09 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
Welcoming and professional. Makes you feel at ease, enabling you to share in an open and safe space. Continual evaluation of individual needs going forward. Thank you.
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RC – 10 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
Very brilliant session. Life is definitely changing for the better.
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TF – 15 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
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RC – 17 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
A brilliant, insightful afternoon and session. Always feel better for it.
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RC – 23 Oct 2024 ★★★★★
Neil is excellent. This experience has been profound and life changing. I cannot recommend Neil highly enough.
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NS – 17 Dec 2024 ★★★★★
Neil is super professional, warm and supportive – highly recommend.
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KJ – 07 Jan 2025 ★★★★★
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KJ – 11 Jan 2025 ★★★★★
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JH – 22 Jan 2025 ★★★★★
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ZC – 10 Feb 2025 ★★★★★
I recently underwent hypnotherapy with Neil to stop vaping. This has worked so well and I have had no withdrawal symptoms or cravings! Neil is very welcoming and I felt at ease throughout the process. A knowledgeable and excellent hypnotherapist who genuinely cares about his patients. The stop vaping fee was very reasonable and a lot cheaper than the others I looked at. Also, the appointment length is not set in stone, so I didn’t feel rushed.
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EG – 19 Feb 2025 ★★★★★
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JH – 21 Feb 2025 ★★★★★
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DL – 12 Mar 2025 ★★★★★
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KP – 04 Jun 2025 ★★★★★
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EG – 09 Jun 2025 ★★★★★
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ID – 18 Jun 2025 ★★★★★
An initial consultation but we had a wide-ranging conversation and I came away hopeful for some solutions. I look forward to a full treatment session next week. The low cost of this session was encouragement to take the first step.
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JW – 08 Jul 2025 ★★★★★
First session with Neil. Man is brilliant and would highly recommend. Doesn’t push you into anything and I will be returning.
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CC – 18 Jul 2025 ★★★★★
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HM – 22 Jul 2025 ★★★★★
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SB – 31 Jul 2025 ★★★★☆
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AG – 09 Sep 2025 ★★★★★
Only an informal meeting to discuss what I need and what he can help with. 1st session next week and I am looking forward to moving on with my life. Neil seems the perfect person to help with that.
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