ABOUT


No one should feel they can’t do something or go somewhere because of their fears or habits.

We are learning more and more about how the mind works. A good therapist, will be continually updating and honing their skills.

Over the years, I have focused in on the specific issues that people most commonly come to see me about. I also have a lot of experience as a public speaker and performer, was a smoker for many years and no longer am, and like many, have in the past experienced an unwanted level of anxiety.

My name is Catherine Chadwick and I am dedicated to helping people improve their mental and emotional states to live more comfortably and productively in their world.

My expertise has been gained through extensive training, specialised trainings in smoking cessation, many years working with a wide variety of people and specific client groups, such as those living with HIV and cancer – both very relevant to alleviating anxiety.

BECOMING MORE SOCIALLY CONFIDENT

When I work with you on social anxiety, we may find that:

  • You catastrophise about future social events or avoid them altogether

  • Imagine yourself failing in some way when with others

  • Move through a chain of different emotions that lead you to feel anxious or avoidant

  • Think negative thoughts about yourself

  • Have limiting views about yourself and how others see you

The modern tools I use give me a very effective way of comprehensively identifying and addressing all the elements of how social anxiety expresses itself in you and helping you become the kind of person you want to be with others.

“If I hadn’t taken the plunge to make that first appointment, I would probably still be the quiet girl who didn’t participate in meetings and would rather stay at home than go out and meet people.”
- Jo G, Croydon


CONFIDENT SPEAKING IN FRONT OF OTHERS

At the moment, you may be unable to:

  • See yourself as a relatively relaxed speaker

  • Get past, difficult experiences of public speaking out of your mind

  • Prepare your presentation calmly

  • Go out in front of others without having had a drink or taken some kind of medication

  • Sleep well the night before

  • Review your performance objectively afterwards

The reasons for this can be many and varied. Bear in mind that not all of us are natural extroverts and being required to give a presentation may not sit easily with our personalities.

It is my job to listen to you carefully and identify what it is for you so that we can direct the work where it’s needed. Then you can surprise yourself at how much more comfortable you are and even seek out opportunities to speak.

“I've had a really great experience having hypnotherapy with Catherine. Catherine created a relaxing, comfortable space where we worked on my fear of public speaking which I had to do for my PhD. She was insightful and thoughtful with the tools we used and following the sessions I felt so much more at ease and less fearful with the idea of doing my PhD viva presentation. I ended up enjoying doing it and passing! I have found that her sessions have helped me feel a lot more confident in other areas of my life as well. I highly recommend Catherine's hypnotherapy sessions!”
- Claire R.

You may also want to take a look at my “Easy Speaking” programme, a 30-day package to alleviate public speaking fears and identify and embrace your public speaking identity. This is what Sophie had to say about it:

“Within only a few sessions, I felt the positive impacts of the programme and the fear of speaking disappearing which I didn’t think would be possible. I now feel more compelled to put myself forward for speaking opportunities which I would never have done so before. I can’t recommend the programme enough.” - Sophie Taylor


QUITTING THE SMOKING

It doesn’t matter how long you have been smoking. It doesn’t matter if you think of it as an addiction. It doesn’t matter if you think there is one situation in which you can’t imagine yourself not smoking (think socialising here), your desire to stop is what matters.

People usually feel a great sense of achievement when they stop smoking. My approach is to help you feel that no longer smoking is normal and natural.

I have done quite a lot of training specifically in smoking cessation and put together what I think is the best possible way to help people quit based also on the research around stopping smoking. For this, I work pre-dominantly with hypnotherapy which has been identified as the best method by which to stop.

‘'Catherine has enabled me to give up smoking in just 1 session. Catherine is very calm very informative and put me at ease from the moment we met the cost of the session has been returned to me by saving that amount in the first month of not smoking. I am very happy with the experience from start to finish.” - Brian S.


WORKING TOGETHER

When I work with you, it is very much a co-operative and committed undertaking, working together solidly for the shortest period of time needed to get you where you want to be. This means that as well as what we do in the sessions, I will very likely give you things to do at home, probably every day, to bed down the changes and bring them into your everyday world more fully.

MORE ABOUT ME

I have practised hypnotherapy for at least 20 years and have subsequently added Integral Eye Movement Therapy and Metaphors of Movement to my work. I am currently training in Clean Language.

One of the practices I have adopted is to every day hone my skills in some way. I think this is so important. Then your skills seep into your bones, so to speak.

I also attend regular continuing professional development seminars and trainings. One thing you can know about me, is that I am continually investing in bringing the best I know how to working with you.

One of my spare time hobbies is performance storytelling. I have performed in libraries, in person and via zoom, at storytelling clubs and events and curated a storytelling event to raise money for charity.

I belonged to a Toastmasters (public speaking) club for five years and for one of those years, was my club’s President. So I have plenty of experience standing in front of others and delivering.

I also volunteer twice a week helping young children improve their reading.

AND FINALLY..

When working with me, you will find me relaxed and warm and completely focused on helping you achieve the results you want. Making changes can be challenging and it is my job to help you do that in the most comfortable way possible. It is so worth it.