Lacking motivation to study? Writer's block? Nerves over your exams or viva?
Studying should be challenging, exciting and fulfilling, not exasperating and frustrating. If you are finding it a less than positive experience, I can help.
How this helps
Ups and downs are a normal part of studying at any level. Fear of failing, exam nerves, worry about writing, imposter syndrome, self-doubt and procrastination can stop your learning and progress in its tracks. These are habits of mind, not facts about you, and hypnotherapy can help you loosen their grip and move forward with more confidence.
I spent ten years lecturing in pharmacy at Keele University, where I tutored postgraduate students and led the professional doctorate programme, and I still teach there as an honorary lecturer. I have worked with hundreds of students.
Study and exam support, in more detail
What gets in the way
It is rarely ability. It is the mind going blank in the exam hall, the essay that cannot be started, the revision that becomes cleaning the kitchen, the feeling that everyone else understood the lecture. For postgraduates it is often the long middle of a project, when no one is checking and the doubt has room to grow.
Parents usually notice the mood before the grades.
How the sessions run
Typically three to five one-hour sessions, timed around your deadlines. We work on the physical side first, because a calm body makes a clearer head; then on the mental blocks, using hypnotherapy to loosen the habits of mind that have set in; then on the day itself, walking into the room with a plan.
Students leave each session with something to practise: a two-minute routine at the desk, a way into a blank page, a way back from a blank mind.
Why the examiner''s view matters
I examined at university level for many years, including vivas. I know what examiners are actually looking for, and it is usually not what candidates fear. That perspective is part of what I offer, alongside the therapy.
For younger students I keep parents in the loop as appropriate, and I will tell you honestly if I think the pressure is coming from somewhere we should look at.
What the sessions involve
I now help people undertake their studies and exams with more ease, whatever the level, using hypnotherapy alongside practical strategies I have developed over time.
Sessions are timed around your deadlines rather than a fixed course. We work on the body first, then on the mind going blank, then on walking into the room, and you leave with techniques you can use at the desk.
Common reasons people come
- Exam nerves and going blank
- Procrastination and lack of motivation
- Writer''s block and fear of sharing work
- Imposter syndrome and self-doubt
- Preparing to defend research in a viva
Whatever level you are at
GCSEs and A-levels
Help with the process of revision, motivation to study, focus, and overcoming exam nerves. I work with students from age {{minimum age}}, with a parent involved as appropriate. {{one sentence on your parent and consent policy}}
Degree level
Motivation to study with less supervision than at school, homesickness, exam nerves, procrastination, focus and clarity.
Postgraduate level
Procrastination, fear of writing, nerves about sharing your work, and preparing to defend your research in a viva with confidence. I have a PhD, I led a professional doctorate programme for several years, and I know what examiners are actually looking for, which is usually not what candidates fear.
Professional and other exams
Professional exams in the workplace, study for self-development or enjoyment, driving tests: anything where a lot rides on one day. I can help you perform to your best.
Sooner is better than the night before.
Most people get in touch a few weeks ahead. If it is closer than that, contact me anyway; there is usually something useful we can do.