Forget everything you’ve ever seen on TV and Britain’s Got Talent, this lady’s the real deal when it comes to hypnotherapy, training her students and helping clients change their lives. Please allow us to introduce Lorraine McReight, founder of the London Hypnotherapy Academy, Fellow of the Association for Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy and Development Director of the National Council for Hypnotherapy. 3,2,1, you’re intrigued…
#1. So, what’s your favourite word?
Nefarious.
#2. What gets you up in the morning?
My dog, although I am a morning person anyway. I like to get up and get out with my pooch. It’s great to start the day with a stroll around the park, getting fresh air and meeting other dog walkers.
#3. Walkies! What do you truly, honestly think of social media?
A necessary evil. Do I need to see what someone had for lunch?
#4. Depends on how good it looks, we suppose. Kindles or books?
Definitely books without question. I keep books, I re-read them. I like owning them and I like to browse through my shelves for a book as if I were in a bookshop… remember them?
#5. Yes indeedy. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your profession right now?
A lack of regulation. Hypnotherapy in common with other talking therapies has voluntary regulation. People can call themselves a hypnotherapist after attending a short course or doing an online course they got on a daily discount site! The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) was set up to help members of the public find a suitably qualified therapist and only therapists who meet the National Occupational Standards for their profession are eligible to join.
#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to work in a nursery – plants, gardening. At the age of 10, I was an expert in house plants. I could name all of them! All the Latin names. A real full-on hobby of mine. I’ve actually got a C&G qualification in gardening, but I’m not so green-fingered now!
#7. It’s like riding a bike, we hear. What led you to your current career?
Over 20 years ago when I was a holistic therapist, I rented my clinic out to a hypnotherapist one day a week. When I talked to her and saw some of the results her clients had, I became convinced that hypnotherapy was the best way to help people change their mindset, thoughts and behaviour and was inspired to train.
#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?
He’d lived a nefarious life.
#9. Now can you make it rhyme?
He’d lived a nefarious life. On a boat with his lover and wife…
#10. Told you she was good. What advice would you give to your younger self?
“Just because they say, doesn’t make it true… just because you say it to yourself, doesn’t make it true either. No diet, dress, nor qualification is going to make you feel good about yourself…that’s your job. Get help to do that job, then do it well. Living well is the best revenge…”
#11. That’s what we’re talking ’bout. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?
My Australian friend Caroline gave me a copy of ‘The Power Is Within You’ by Louise Hay. Reading it was a turning point in my life and was the catalyst for big changes. I’ve never looked back..
#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?
Taking a lease to my hypnotherapy centre during the recession. I was already practising in the area and believed I could make a go of it. And I did. Seeing my name on the door was a very proud moment and gave me a lump in my throat. Having a shop was part of the life plan I made aged 16!
#13. Hi-5. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?
My oldest and best friends, they’ve been with me every step of the way and have encouraged and supported me. Love you guys. You know who you are!
#14. Love. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?
Keep your head up when you’re walking and don’t text on the hoof. You’ll miss out on what’s going on around you. And get a stiff neck.
#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?
Hopefully more regulated. It’s more important with the advent of online training and YouTube videos – it’s convenient for people to learn things online, but I truly believe face to face training in a classroom is the best way to learn the skills of the profession. Learning to hypnotise someone is easy; the real art is building rapport with the client, knowing what to ask and say during hypnosis.
#16. Where were you 24 months ago?
Working from my practice (The Hypnotherapy Centre) in Wimbledon Park; seeing clients and training small groups of students. Now I’ve expanded, I run more courses, most of which are held in Central Wimbledon.
#17. What’s an interesting fact about you?
I write poetry. I like creative writing, I love conveying emotions through poems and creating characters and stories. That’s why I love writing hypnotherapy scripts. It’s my creative outlet.
#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Milton Erickson, the amazing US doctor, psychiatrist and hypnotist (the American term for hypnotherapist). He believed that everyone has the resources that they need within them and I believe that too. He focused on the desired solution rather than a client’s past experiences and was unconventional in many ways, setting clients tasks and using metaphors, rather than traditional methods. Erickson is now revered and his style of hypnosis, often ‘artfully vague’ and permissive, is taught all over the world.
#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?
Inspiring.
#20. Well, you’ve certainly inspired us. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?
Arrgh! I don’t do selfies, but I’ll send you a pic of me having a good chuckle.
#21. Lolz. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?
Ooh, you’re asking the wrong person. I’m not big into social media really. I like to have real-life communication.
#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?
“If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.”
Jim Henson, It’s Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider
#23. What’s been the best part of your day?
So far, it’s my walk in the park. The river runs through it and it’s a very beautiful and peaceful spot.
#24. Finally, anything to plug?
If you fancy training for a new career or want to make some changes in your life, give me a call or book in for a free training session.
