A little bit about my journey

From Dreamy Teen to Hypnotherapist: My Journey Into Helping Minds Find Balance

If you had met me as a teenager, you probably wouldn’t have predicted that I would become a hypnotherapist.

I was what you might politely call a dreamy teen. Concentration was difficult unless the subject truly interested me. School rules felt restrictive, and my attention was usually drawn to far more exciting things — socialising, boys, mischief, and the one subject that genuinely captivated me: history.

To put it bluntly, I was a bit of a tearaway with ADHD

My mum despaired at times. She knew I had potential but struggled to channel my restless energy. So she did something quite unusual — she sent away to Los Angeles for cassette tapes from hypnotists who specialised in self-hypnosis.

At the time, I thought they were completely wacky.

What I didn’t realise then was that many of these hypnotists were highly respected pioneers in their field, and the ideas they shared would quietly shape my life in ways I could never have imagined.

Discovering the Power of Self-Hypnosis

Those tapes introduced me to techniques that were simple but incredibly powerful.

They taught me how to:

• Enter a state of self-hypnosis

• Focus and reset my mind

• Improve confidence and self-esteem

• Strengthen memory and concentration

• Rest deeply and manage stress

Slowly, something began to change.

I didn’t suddenly become a model student overnight — but I did become more focused, more engaged, and a little less wild.

Those early lessons planted a seed that stayed with me.

A Lifelong Tool

As I moved through adulthood, self-hypnosis remained a quiet but constant tool in my life.

Whenever I experienced stress, overwhelm, or physical pain, I would return to the techniques I had learned as a teenager. They helped me pause, reset and regain perspective.

I continued learning too, particularly through the work of Paul McKenna, whose books and talks deepened my understanding of how the mind works and how hypnosis can create meaningful change.

Over time, I realised something important:

These weren’t just tools for coping.

They were tools for transformation.

Life Experience Deepens the Practice

Life, of course, has a way of testing the tools we rely on.

I became a mum to three daughters, one of whom has severe disabilities and is non-verbal. Parenting brings incredible joy, but it can also bring profound challenges — and my hypnosis techniques became invaluable for staying calm, grounded and emotionally resilient.

Then in 2020, during the COVID lockdown, I received a cancer diagnosis.

For someone who has always had a strong fear of needles, this was particularly daunting. Yet once again, I turned to the skills I had practiced for years.

Self-hypnosis helped me manage fear, reduce anxiety, and cope with the uncertainty of treatment.

During that time, I began to notice something else too.

The techniques I used for myself were helping others around me who were facing their own difficult moments.

A Champion Appears

At that point in my life, someone very important stepped in.

My Uncle J — a sensible Scouser, an avid Liverpool supporter, and someone with over 40 years of experience in mental health — suggested that I formally train as a hypnotherapist.

He believed in me long before I fully believed in myself.

In fact, he supported me so much that he did the course alongside me… at the age of 80.

Training during that period gave me something incredibly valuable. It distracted my mind from cancer treatment and gave me a new voice, a new focus, and a new sense of purpose.

For much of my life I had carried low self-esteem because of my rebellious younger years. Having someone champion me in such a genuine way helped me finally recognise my strengths.

It felt like turning my face towards the sun and leaving the shadows behind.

Building My Practice

Since 2021, I have been practicing professionally through Hypnotherapy with Vicky, helping clients work through specific challenges such as:

• Needle phobia

• Anxiety

• Pain management

• Fear of flying

• Stress and emotional blocks

Hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective when a client wants rapid results for a specific issue, particularly when the root cause sits deep within the subconscious mind.

But over time I realised that many people also wanted something more ongoing — a place to talk, reflect, plan and grow.

That led me to create Balanced Mind, where I offer mentoring, coaching and emotional support, drawing on both my professional training and my personal life experiences.

Supporting Young People and Families

One area that has grown naturally within my work is mentoring young people, particularly those navigating the education system and the complex world of SEND support.

Having lived experience within this space myself, I understand how overwhelming it can feel for both children and parents.

My work in this area focuses on:

• Providing emotional support for young people

• Helping families navigate the SEND system

• Supporting confidence and resilience

• Encouraging young people to see a future full of possibilities

The results are incredibly encouraging.

Many of the young people I work with grow into confident, resilient individuals with clear plans for engaging with the world around them.

A Safe and Professional Space

For peace of mind, I am:

• Fully DBS checked

• Insured

• First Aid trained

• Safeguarding trained

• Domestic Abuse (#CUTITOUT) training

My aim is always to provide a safe, supportive and compassionate environment where people can explore what they need and find practical tools to move forward.

Finding Balance

Looking back, it’s remarkable to think that a handful of cassette tapes sent across the world to help a restless teenager would eventually lead to a career helping others find clarity, calm and confidence.

Sometimes the things that once felt like our weaknesses turn out to be the very experiences that shape our purpose.

If you’re curious about hypnotherapy, mentoring, or simply want to explore ways to support your own wellbeing or that of someone you care about, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

A simple conversation is often the first step.

You can learn more at:https://www.balancedmind.biz/