Most people blame themselves when they can’t stick to a diet, cut out late-night snacks, or calm their racing thoughts at night. They assume they’re weak. They tell themselves they just need more willpower.

The reality is that willpower is one of the least reliab…

We all know the feeling.

The day’s been tough, your nerves are shot, and all you want to do is collapse on the sofa with a glass of wine, a packet of biscuits, or the TV remote.

That little voice that says:
“Go on, you’ve earned it.”
“Just one won’t hurt.”
“You’ll f…

We all live with an endless stream of thoughts. 

Some are practical and helpful: “I need to pick up the shopping.” 

Others are fleeting and random. And some feel so heavy that they start to shape how you see yourself and the world around you.

But here’s the logic…

Boundaries are important. They give us structure, space, and a sense of control. They help protect our time, our energy, and our wellbeing.

But not all boundaries are the same. Some support us. Others can quietly hold us back.

Think of it this way: a boundary ca…

In today’s fast-paced work culture, it’s easy to delay or even skip annual leave. You might feel you’ll fall behind, worry about the backlog, or believe things won’t run smoothly without you. 

But research shows that neglecting your holiday allowance doesn’t just …

We often wait until the "right time" to make changes in life.
“I’ll do it when I’m ready.”
“When things settle down.”
“When I feel stronger.”

But consider this: most people never feel completely ready.

Change doesn’t usually happen when everything lines up perfectl…

It happens in a split second.
You’re about to start something new — a healthier routine, a big meeting, a long-awaited trip — and suddenly… there it is:

That one thought that knocks your confidence.

"I’ll never stick to this."
"What if I panic?"
"I can’t do this."

How Hypnotherapy Works (Without Rehashing the Past)

If you've ever wondered how hypnotherapy actually works, you're not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions I get in clinic here at Phoenix Hypnotherapy in Cheltenham.

People often assume hypnoth…

Change Isn’t Always Loud: Why Subtle Progress Matters

When people think of healing, they often imagine big shifts.
The breakthrough moment.
The sudden release.
The emotional floodgate finally opening.

But in clinical hypnotherapy, real transformation is rarely so dr…

By Lesley Ford – Award-Winning Hypnotherapist in Cheltenham & Gloucester

Anxiety doesn’t always announce itself with drama.
More often, it creeps in quietly — and your body feels it before your mind can name it.

You might be brushing your teeth, preparing for a m…

Are you tired of feeling anxious—and ready to finally do something that actually works?

If you’re based in Gloucester or the surrounding areas and are struggling with anxiety, stress, overthinking, or sleepless nights… you’re not alone.
But you are in the right pla…

We’ve all been there.

You tell yourself:

• “I’ll start that diet on Monday.”
• “I’ll ring the dentist tomorrow.”
• “I’ll finally tackle that pile of paperwork this weekend.”

Yet Monday comes, and the diet doesn’t start.
Tomorrow arrives, and the call still hasn’t been made.…

I want to share something with you.

Because for a long time, I believed anxiety was just part of who I was.

I thought that lying awake at 3am with my mind racing was normal. 

That feeling of my chest tighten before every conversation was just “me.” 

That the rel…

Have you ever found yourself thinking:

“I know exactly what I should do… but I just can’t seem to do it.”

Whether it’s:

• Breaking the smoking habit
• Changing eating patterns
• Building confidence
• Letting go of old fears

…it’s easy to believe the problem is willpower.

Peo…

Have you ever tried to make a change in your life — only to find yourself thinking:

“Why am I struggling again? I thought I’d sorted this out!”

Maybe it’s anxiety that suddenly reappears.
Maybe old habits creep back in.
Or maybe you just feel stuck after a run of …

Coping vs. Healing: Why Just "Getting By" Isn't Enough

Have you ever felt like you’re simply surviving, holding things together without truly healing? 

It's a trap that many of us fall into without even realising it. We become experts in coping, but coping isn’t…

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emotional trauma, and anxiety can often feel like invisible burdens that weigh us down. While they manifest in the mind, their effects reach far deeper, influencing how we experience the world, our relationships, and even how…

Discover how hypnotherapy can help relieve anxiety and panic. Explore expert insights, client experiences, and the science behind anxiety hypnosis. Book a free consultation in Cheltenham or online.

Introduction: The Anxiety Epidemic and the Search for Relief

Anx…

Discover how hypnotherapy can help relieve anxiety and panic. Explore expert insights, client experiences, and the science behind anxiety hypnosis. Book a free consultation in Cheltenham or online.

5 Hidden Causes of Anxiety You Didn't Know Your Subconscious or U…

Does Positive Thinking Actually Build Confidence?

(Here’s What Works Instead)

By Lesley Ford | Award-Winning Clinical Hypnotherapist

Positive thinking feels good.

But does it actually build confidence?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror repeating affir…

Hypnotherapy for anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional burnout in Cheltenham

You’re not lazy.
You’re not broken.
You’re not lacking willpower or discipline.

You’re just tired.

Tired of constantly holding things together.
Tired of being the reliable one.
Tired of carrying …

Most Trusted Clinical Hypnotherapist in Gloucestershire 2025: What This Award Means for You

I'm honoured to share some exciting news — I’ve been awarded Most Trusted Clinical Hypnotherapist in Gloucestershire 2025!

While it’s lovely to receive recognition, this aw…

The Anxiety Epidemic and the Search for Relief

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates that over 300 million people are affected globally. For many, anxiety becomes more than just a fleetin…

Discover the benefits of online hypnotherapy with Phoenix Hypnotherapy in Cheltenham. Learn how virtual hypnosis sessions for anxiety, weight loss, and stress are just as effective as in-person therapy.

Virtual Hypnotherapy: Is Online Hypnosis as Effective as In-…

Discover why real change comes from the unconscious mind. Learn how hypnotherapy helps release self-sabotage, build confidence, and create success in life and business.

The Root of Lasting Change Lies Beneath the Surface

In today’s world, it’s easy to believe tha…

It’s a frustrating cycle. You start to feel more in control, maybe even confident… then something shifts. You avoid the gym, binge-watch TV instead of going for a walk, or eat the very things you’d promised yourself you wouldn’t.

This isn’t about lack of motivatio…

Spring is Here:

A Time for Renewal and Calm

Spring is the season of fresh starts, blooming flowers, and longer days. It’s a time when nature reminds us that growth and renewal are possible. But for many, anxiety can make it difficult to fully embrace this sense o…

As we enter the countdown to Easter by entering Lent lots of people look at things they want to stop doing during this period.

Lent is the perfect time to let go of the things that no longer serve you .

Whether you’ve tried giving up chocolate and sugar before , p…

In our fast-paced world, feeling anxious is almost a rite of passage. Yet, for those living with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anxiety isn't just an occasional visitor—it's a constant, unwelcome guest.

Understanding GAD and finding effective ways to manage it ca…

As we approach Valentine's Day 2025, let's have a heart-to-heart about something that matters deeply - your relationship with yourself.

As a hypnotherapist working with wonderful people over 40, I've noticed how this day can stir up all sorts of emotions. 

But her…

The Confidence Dip After 40: Understanding and Reconnecting

As we journey through life, certain milestones bring undeniable shifts—not just in the way we live, but in how we feel about ourselves. For many, turning 40 marks a subtle yet significant change in confid…

Did you promise yourself that this would be the year you got back in shape? 

Maybe you set New Year’s resolutions, but they’re already starting to slip. If sugar and chocolate cravings are standing in your way, it’s time to take a different approach.

Excessive sug…

Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail: The Psychology Behind It

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people promise themselves that this year, 2025, will be different. New Year’s resolutions have become a ritual of hope—a chance to turn over a ne…

Building Inner Confidence for Christmas Social Events

The Christmas season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. For many, it’s a time to enjoy parties, family gatherings, and festive outings. But for those who struggle with anxiety or low confidence, th…

A 4-Week Hypnotherapy Journey to Overcome Stress, Anger, and Holiday Anxiety

Are you dreading the Christmas period due to family tensions, overwhelming emotions, or a lack of confidence in saying "no"? This 4-week course, Festive Freedom, is designed to help you c…

With Stoptober right around the corner, there’s no better time to reflect on your smoking or vaping habits. Whether you're a smoker or vaper, it’s important to know the hidden dangers of these habits—especially for your family and pets. 

And the good news? Hypnoth…

Stress has become an all-too-common part of modern life, affecting our mental and physical well-being. Whether it's work pressures, family responsibilities, or personal challenges, stress can feel overwhelming. 

However, hypnotherapy offers a powerful, natural way…

Emotional trauma is a psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and isolated, long after the event has passed. 

Unlike physical trauma, which is often visible and easy to diagnose, …

Anxiety can be an overwhelming experience, often feeling like an endless loop of worry, fear, and physical discomfort. Many people describe it as a vicious cycle that’s difficult to escape. But what if there was a way to interrupt that cycle, address the deep-seat…

Living with chronic fatigue can feel like an endless uphill battle, where even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming. The constant exhaustion, both physical and mental, can strip away the joy and enthusiasm from your daily life, leaving you yearning for just a bit …

Confidence is the foundation of so much in life. It influences how we approach challenges, interact with others, and even how we see ourselves. But what happens when that confidence seems to vanish, replaced by self-doubt and limiting beliefs? For many, this isn't…

Hypnotherapy has gained recognition as a powerful tool for weight loss, offering a unique approach that addresses the psychological factors behind eating habits and weight management. 

By using techniques that target the unconscious mind, hypnotherapy helps indivi…

Posted 27th May, 2024.

As it has been Mental Health Awareness month in the UK, it serves as a great reminder of the importance of prioritising our mental well-being. In a world where the pace of life seems to accelerate with each passing day, taking proactive st…

Posted 8th May 2024

Special Offer- In support of Mental Health Awareness Month- May 2024

In the heart of every community, there are heroes who work tirelessly to keep us safe, heal our wounds, and provide comfort in times of crisis. 

These heroes are our Blue Lig…

Posted on April 10th, 2024

Insomnia, is a sleep disorder, and can plague countless individuals across the globe, manifesting as persistent difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restorative sleep. 

The consequences of poor sleep extend far …

Posted 10/04/2024

As a clinical hypnotherapist based in Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, I would like to raise awareness about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) during this significant month of April 2024. 

Through this article, I aim to shed light on the symptoms, pr…

Posted 18/03/2024

Emotional trauma, a complex and deeply personal experience, it often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed, stuck, and disconnected from their inner peace. As a professional hypnotherapist based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, I've witnessed fi…

Published 7th March 2024

Anxiety is a pervasive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its impact can range from mild unease to debilitating panic attacks, disrupting daily life and hindering personal growth. 

There are various strategies, including …

Posted on February 28th, 2024

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that affects countless individuals worldwide, stemming from experiences of traumatic events either emotional or physical. 

It manifests in a variety of symptoms, including, but…

Posted 15th February 2024

In my new article written for the Hypnotherapy Directory, I write on your questions to help you stop vaping.

If you would like a FREE consultation to see if hypnotherapy can help you stop vaping, click here. 

Posted 5th February 2024

In our modern life, anxiety has become an all-too-common companion for many individuals. As a clinical hypnotherapist based in Cheltenham, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact anxiety can have on one's life. In this blog, I will di…

Posted on 1st February 2024

In the ongoing quest for the perfect body, many individuals find themselves caught in the exhausting cycle of yo-yo dieting. Despite countless efforts, they struggle to maintain long-term weight loss and often find themselves bouncing b…

Posted on January 26th, 2024

Insomnia is a common affliction that affects millions of people worldwide. 

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being, yet many individuals find themselves tossing and turning in bed, unable to get the rest they need. 

Posted on January 26th, 2024

Are you tired of the relentless grip of anxiety and panic attacks, constantly weighing you down? 

In today's fast-paced world, panic attacks have become an all-too-common experience for many. They strike without warning, leaving indi…

Posted on December 28th, 2023

Smoking and vaping are habits that often start as a choice but quickly evolve into a necessity. 

As a hypnotherapist, I’ve witnessed countless individuals struggle with the daunting task of quitting. It's not just about the physical…

Posted on December 28th, 2023

The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led many to explore various methods, one of which is increasingly gaining attention: hypnotherapy. 

This unique approach, often misunderstood, is not about simply relaxing or enterin…

Can you get stuck in Hypnosis?

The idea of getting stuck in hypnosis is a myth, and there is no scientific evidence to support it. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that people enter into willingly, with the guidance of a trained hypnotherapist. It's similar to …

Posted 7th September 2023

One Session To Freedom:

How Hypnotherapy Can Help YOU Quit Vaping.

In an age where technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected, we've seen a parallel rise in the popularity of vaping. 

While initially marketed as a safer…

Did you know there are over 7,000 chemical compounds found in cigarettes and over 2,000 in vapes?

The time to quit has never been greater and it not only will enhance your wallet with savings of over £4000 or more per year, if you smoke 20 per day, but also don't…

Posted 28th August 2023

In the realm of alternative therapies, hypnotherapy has emerged as a compelling and effective tool for harnessing the power of the mind to promote personal transformation and well-being.

Derived from the Greek word "hypnos," meaning sleep…

Posted on 24 August 2023

The control you crave: Regaining mastery

The exhilarating prospect of traveling to new destinations often comes with a downside for some individuals – the dreaded fear of flying. The racing heartbeats, sweaty palms, and overwhelming anxie…

Posted 22 August 2023

I am delighted to announce my new therapy rooms at The Isbourne Wellbeing Centre in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

I am looking forward to seeing local clients there and also running more courses to help others.

My contact details are: lesley…

Posted 4th August 2023

Does this sound like you? You have a good few days/ weeks on your dieting(ladders) and then there’s a temptation, a food, a drink or a snack and you slide down that slippery slope (snake) and you feel all your efforts are lost on that one…

Posted on 20th July, 2023

Welcome to Phoenix Hypnotherapy. I'm excited to have you here, ready to delve into the intriguing world of hypnotherapy and its remarkable impact on weight loss. As your guide on this journey, I'll be shedding light on the science behind…

Posted on 12th July, 2023

Hello, and welcome to Phoenix Hypnotherapy. I'm thrilled to have you here, ready to delve into the fascinating world of hypnotherapy. As your guide on this journey, I'll be exploring the incredible benefits of hypnotherapy, a powerful t…

Posted on 29th June, 2023

Are you satisfied with the way things are going in your life? Continuing to achieve the life goals you’ve set is hopefully bringing you considerable happiness and contentment. But, perhaps you’ve taken a different path and you think it w…