Ian Waller talks to hypnotherapist Jo Hampson-Gilbert about her work with children and families
For Jo Hampson-Gilbert, the decision to become a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist came from a passion to help others.
“Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for addressing various issues, such as anxiety, phobias, and behavioural issues, in a gentle and effective way,” she explained. “I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those who I work with and my diverse professional background and personal experiences makes me uniquely equipped me for this role. As a central part of this, my experience of working closely with children has given me valuable insights into their needs and challenges.”
Jo trained as a professional musician, playing violin and viola, which gave her first hand experience with the intense performance nerves that come with auditions and live performances. “This personal challenge sparked my interest in mental wellbeing and the psychological aspects of performance. Additionally, my training as a teacher has deepened my understanding of how to effectively communicate and support others in their learning and personal development.
Today, a significant portion of Jo’s work is with children and families, both together and individually. “Much of my work focuses on children, leveraging my teaching experience to foster a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes their well-being and development,” she explains.
“I work with children from the age of eight upwards and have helped children right through to the age of 18. I have supported pupils taking GCSEs, A-Levels and those involved in music, drama and performing arts. This experience allows me to address the specific academic and performance-related challenges faced by children and teenagers, providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in their educational and extracurricular pursuits. I work with adults too.
“As a therapist, I work on various areas with children and families, including building confidence, reducing anxiety and stress, improving overall wellbeing, enhancing sleep quality, managing anger and significantly boosting confidence in performing. Leveraging my background in music and the performing arts, I specialise in helping young performers overcome stage fright and performance anxiety, ensuring they can fully express their talents.
“Adjusting my therapy approach for children involves several key strategies to ensure it’s not just helpful, but also engaging and fun. I naturally bring a friendly and approachable attitude to our sessions, showing genuine interest in their world, what they love and what they’re curious about. For the younger ones, I get creative! Puppets, diagrams and visuals are like our special tools, making big ideas easy to understand and turning learning into an adventure.”
Case Study: GCSE Exam Anxiety
“Sarah, a 15-year-old student, was struggling with overwhelming anxiety and poor sleep as her GCSE exams approached. During our sessions, we focused on a solution-focused approach, aiming to identify her strengths and resources to overcome these challenges.
“Using hypnotherapy and other techniques, we worked on reframing her anxious thoughts and creating a more positive mindset. Through guided imagery and relaxation exercises, Sarah learned to cultivate a sense of calm and confidence, allowing her to manage her anxiety more effectively. Additionally, we explored practical strategies for improving her sleep and overall wellbeing.
“As a result, Sarah reported feeling more relaxed and well-rested, enabling her to approach her exams with greater clarity and composure. She successfully completed her GCSEs with confidence, achieving grades that reflected her true potential.”
Case Study: A-Level’s & Music College Auditions
“Helen, an 18-year-old aspiring musician, sought assistance in preparing for auditions at prestigious music colleges. Despite her talent, Helen struggled with confidence issues and lacked some expressiveness in her performances due to nerves.
“Adopting a solution-focused approach, we focused on identifying Helen’s goals and strengths as a musician. Integrating hypnotherapy and other techniques, we worked on enhancing her confidence and stage presence, visualising successful audition performances and overcoming self-doubt.
“Through collaborative goal-setting and targeted practice sessions, Helen developed a deeper connection with the music and honed her performance skills. With each session, Helen exhibited noticeable improvement, demonstrating greater emotional expression and musicality in her playing.
“As auditions approached, Helen felt increasingly prepared and self-assured, showcasing her talent with poise and confidence and enjoying her music more. She received offers from several prestigious music colleges and ultimately gained acceptance into a renowned conservatoire, realizing her dream of pursuing a career in music.”
Jo offers in-person sessions at The Practice Rooms in Bath and her clinic in Hilperton, Wiltshire. Online sessions are also available. For more details, go to www.johgilberthypnotherapy.com