Valentine’s Day has been dubbed a waste of money with novelty mugs and cheap underwear amongst the worst presents.
More than half of the 2,015 adults polled, said their partner should make more effort, rather than splurge on presents they don’t even want.
Respondents reported the rubbish gifts they had received included ‘wrong’ perfume, socks, candles and even, a car mat.
But while most said the day of lovers is a waste of time, one in three said they’d be gutted if their better half did nothing to celebrate.
Travel together
The research by Railcard.co.uk, found that one in five said a trip away would be the best romantic gesture with the Lake District top destination in the UK.
Relationship expert and coach, Sarah Louise Ryan, said: “Couples who travel together often end up more fulfilled and happier in their relationship.
“There are many reasons for this; inclusive of the fact it encourages communication and can deepen feelings of commitment as they plan their trips ahead of time, looking towards the future.
“Travel allows more opportunities for romance and time outside of the day-to-day routine, meaning romantic sparks can be reignited.
“Where flowers and chocolates can play a part, this Valentine’s Day I’d encourage all couples to carve out some time to book and experience a romantic getaway, whether for a day trip or a long weekend.”
The study also found 36% had considered a trip together as a way to rekindle a floundering relationship.
This is one of the most comprehensive independent assessments of sustainability in the UK and European furniture sector, spanning more than 170k furniture businesses. Rhubarb Seating were one of only four Circularity Champion Manufacturer Leaders in the UK recognised for their carbon efficiency and circular design leadership. Out of the 39 UK Manufacturers assessed and over 170k companies across Europe, just 0.1% merited the Leader classification.
Designing with Sustainablity at the Forefront
Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report is one of the most comprehensive independent assessments of sustainability in the UK and European furniture sector. The accolade follows the independent verification of Rhubarb’s Cantay and Banquette ranges through Design Conformity’s Carbon Efficiency platform, which assesses products across their full lifecycle, including first and second life potential. Both products received C3 Carbon Efficiency Ratings, meaning their performance in planned reuse scenarios makes them among the most efficient soft seating solutions available to commercial specifiers. The Cantay upgrades to C2 for the second life for which it is designed.
The Cantay 2-Seater Sofa recorded a verified carbon footprint of 60.99 kg CO₂e, with a Carbon Efficiency Rating that compares favourably against significantly larger competitors operating at far greater scale. The Banq Medium Back Straight unit achieved 69.48 kg CO₂e with C3 ratings across both life stages.
David Matthews, Director at Rhubarb Seating, said: “Rhubarb has always got one eye on refurbishment and future-proofing when developing a product, focusing on making it easy to reupholster, repair and re-use. Being recognised above most of the sector’s biggest names validates what we’ve always believed: good design and sustainable design are the same thing.”
Focus on the Details
An example of the extent that Rhubarb go to, is illustrated by the precise nature every piece of board is utilised. Their skill in nesting both timber and fabric patterns make sure that every square millimetre possible is used to minimise waste from all their raw materials, where components even outside the scope of the actual project are considered and included. Knowing that there are certain pieces used on a frequent, on-going basis, these are integrated to fill spaces that would potentially go to waste. The objective is always to completely maximise the cutting layout.
David Matthews added: “There is definitely something inherently beautiful about a board of timber, utilised to its maximum, to create the component elements of a piece of furniture. Sometimes it even elevates the results to an artform and a thing of beauty.”
The Design Conformity Circularity Champions report, supported by academic input from Nottingham Trent University and contributions from more than 50 industry organisations, identifies manufacturers that are proactively implementing circular design, take-back schemes and lifecycle thinking. Participants are profiled across four categories: Responders, Explorers, Strategists and Leaders. Rhubarb achieved recognition in the top accolade of Leaders and as one of only four companies to achieve this.
Certified Rhubarb products are now displayed via Rhubarb’s listing on the Design Conformity product directory at www.dccircularity.com, providing specifiers with independently verified carbon and circularity data to support procurement decisions aligned with BREEAM, SKArating, and emerging UK and EU sustainability regulations.
Rhubarb’s recognition comes as specifiers face increasing pressure to demonstrate embodied carbon reductions in commercial fit-outs, with FF&E now recognised as accounting for up to 30% of a Cat B fit-out’s carbon impact.
SOUTHAMPTON, UK. June 16th, 2026 – Responding to the needs of modern drivers, Bluedrop Services has launched a short-term taxi insurance product designed specifically for individuals seeking a more flexible approach to cover. The new policy offers an alternative to long-term commitments while helping drivers manage costs more effectively.
The introduction of the product follows the success of the company’s Fleet Insurance services, which currently cater to fleets of between two and more than 1,000 vehicles. The latest offering extends that support to single-vehicle operators.
Drivers can purchase 28-day cover and extend it whenever required. The policy also allows users to combine taxi driving, food delivery work, and personal driving under one convenient insurance package.
Bluedrop Services says the product reflects a growing shift toward flexible employment models across both the transport and delivery sectors.
On average, drivers may save more than 54% when compared with traditional annual taxi insurance policies. The cover is particularly suited to part-time drivers, seasonal workers, temporary vehicle users, and those testing new earning opportunities through ride-hailing and delivery platforms.
The company is a trusted insurance partner for major transport providers including Uber, FREENOW, Bolt, Ola Cabs, and Autocab. It also works with leading delivery services such as Uber Eats, Bolt Food, Just Eat, and Deliveroo.
Doug Kelley, Managing Director of Bluedrop Services, said: “Today’s drivers need insurance that works around their lives, not the other way around. Whether someone is driving full-time, part-time, switching platforms, or combining taxi work with food delivery, our new short-term insurance product offers the flexibility and affordability they’ve been asking for. We’re proud to help drivers get on the road quickly, with cover they can trust and savings that make a real difference.
“Our team understands the fast-moving transport industry and the pressures drivers face. We encourage anyone looking for flexible temporary taxi insurance to contact us today for a quick and competitive quote.”
Drivers interested in flexible cover options can speak with the Bluedrop Services team to arrange insurance that aligns with their working patterns and operational needs.
Hizero is preparing to present a significant shift in its long-term direction at IFA 2026 in Berlin this September, signalling what it describes as its most important development to date in the home hygiene sector. Hizero
The company says the upcoming showcase will represent more than a typical product launch, instead introducing a wider strategic vision aimed at reshaping how hard surface cleanliness is approached in both residential and professional settings. Hizero indicates that this next phase will combine new product introductions with a broader rethink of hygiene, efficiency and everyday home care.
The announcement arrives amid growing consumer interest in reducing the time and effort spent on household maintenance, alongside increasing demand from businesses for more efficient and intelligent cleaning solutions across varied environments.
For many years, the cleaning industry has largely advanced through gradual refinements of existing tools. Hizero argues that the next stage of development requires a more fundamental shift in mindset.
“We believe people are ready for a new conversation,” said Sam Li, CEO and founder at Hizero.
“For generations, cleaning has been treated as an unavoidable household chore. We believe there is an opportunity to rethink that assumption and explore how technology can help people spend less time maintaining their environments and more time enjoying them.”
At IFA 2026 in Berlin in early September, Hizero will present a new range of solutions designed to expand access to its technology while supporting its broader vision for the future of hard surface hygiene.
The company also plans to outline a strategic roadmap intended to challenge traditional ideas around cleaning, productivity, convenience and modern living.
Industry observers attending IFA can expect:
New product introductions across multiple market segments
A broader hard surface hygiene vision extending beyond traditional floorcare
New insights into how consumers think about cleaning, time and wellbeing
A refreshed perspective on the evolving relationship between people, technology and home maintenance
Hizero believes the coming decade will bring a major transformation in how homes and workplaces are maintained and says it intends to play a leading role in shaping that change.
Further details will be announced at IFA 2026 in Berlin.
LONDON, UK. June 16th, 2026 – Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors is celebrating its 41st anniversary on 15 June 2026, marking more than four decades of representing clients in some of the most complex areas of UK immigration and human rights law.
Founded in 1985 by Paul Gulbenkian and Dr Bernard Andonian, both former Immigration Law Judges, the firm was among the first dedicated immigration law practices in London at a time when most firms treated immigration as a secondary area of legal work.
Paul Gulbenkian said: “When Bernard and I established the firm in 1985, some thought we were brave and others thought we were crazy. We believed that people facing complex immigration problems deserved specialist representation, and that belief has guided us ever since.”
Over the past 41 years, the firm has developed a reputation for taking on difficult immigration matters, including cases involving previous refusals, human rights claims, asylum applications, and complex appeals. Its work has included landmark legal successes, including the House of Lords case of Shah and Islam in 1999, which remains influential immigration case law today.
The firm has been recognised by The Legal 500 as a leading immigration practice and continues to represent individuals, families, business clients, and vulnerable people facing significant personal risk.
Dr Bernard Andonian said: “Forty-one years in immigration law teaches you that every case is a person’s life. We built this firm on the principle that those facing the most difficult immigration situations deserve the strongest legal representation possible. The families we have kept together and the rights we have protected over four decades remain our greatest achievement.”
Now led by Senior Partner Dave Vasoodaven, with both founders continuing as consultants, Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors remains committed to the values established in 1985: expertise, integrity, compassion, and a willingness to take on cases that others may turn away.
LONDON, UK. June 16th, 2026 – New global benchmark data from People Insight shows that only 53% of employees feel confident their feedback will be acted on, highlighting a growing divide between organisations that collect opinions and those that respond to them.
The report warns that many organisations are “listening loudly but acting quietly”, putting employee trust, engagement and future participation at risk.
The findings come from People Insight’s new report, The senior leader’s role in employee surveys, which argues that employee feedback must be treated as a core leadership responsibility rather than a one-off HR initiative.
The report highlights a recurring pattern in organisations: senior leaders approve surveys but disengage from the results, HR teams are left accountable for actions they cannot fully control, and managers are expected to deliver change without enough authority or support.
Over time, this disconnect can weaken trust, reduce participation in future surveys, and limit the effectiveness of employee listening programmes.
The report also cautions against overpromising. Organisations instead build credibility by being clear about what will change, what will not, and where improvements may take longer.
According to People Insight, effective employee listening relies on sustained and visible leadership involvement well beyond survey launch.
This includes setting priorities based on results, owning decisions and trade-offs, and communicating progress consistently to employees.
Without this, organisations risk a “belief-in-action gap”, where employees continue to provide feedback but lose confidence that it will drive meaningful change.
“Employees are not expecting everything to change overnight, but they do expect honesty and visible progress,” said Tom Debenham, Managing Director at People Insight.
“When only 53% of employees believe action will follow a survey, it is a clear signal that something is breaking down. If people repeatedly give feedback and see little change, they will question the value of speaking up.
“Leadership buy-in has to go beyond approval. It means making decisions, focusing on the right priorities and showing progress over time. The organisations that get this right treat employee feedback as a leadership responsibility, not an HR exercise.”
The senior leader’s role in employee surveys explores what leadership buy-in really means, why it often fails and how organisations can build the ownership needed to turn employee feedback into meaningful action.
The report also examines visible sponsorship, decision pathways, accountability structures, communication approaches, and measurement and action planning.
LONDON, UK, June 16, 2026 – Tracklio, a technology company focused on improving communication between parking enforcement systems and drivers, presented its platform at Parkex 2026 in Coventry after being chosen for the prestigious Traffex Launchpad programme. The initiative recognises emerging businesses bringing new ideas and innovation to the transport, traffic and parking industries.
The selection underlines increasing industry awareness of a persistent issue within parking management. Although enforcement technologies have advanced considerably in recent years, communication with motorists often remains delayed and heavily reliant on manual processes. As a result, drivers commonly become aware of parking charges or penalties long after an incident occurs, leading to confusion, missed opportunities to act and avoidable disputes.
Tracklio tackles this challenge with real-time communication tools that help motorists stay informed before and after important parking and compliance events. Geofenced Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) alerts notify drivers when approaching restricted areas, while instant digital notifications provide updates when enforcement action is taken, ensuring information reaches motorists when it matters most.
Commenting on the company’s inclusion in the Traffex Launchpad programme, Tracklio Founder Elizabeth Adegunwa said: “Being selected for the Traffex Launchpad programme is significant validation at an important stage of our journey. Drivers have consistently told us that delayed communication around parking enforcement creates frustration, confusion and uncertainty. What Parkex confirmed is that the industry recognises the same challenge and is actively looking for ways to improve the experience for motorists.”
While the parking industry has embraced innovations such as ANPR technology, digital payment solutions and operational automation, communication with drivers has not evolved at the same pace. Tracklio provides a communication layer that works alongside existing parking infrastructure, allowing motorists to receive timely updates about parking fines, compliance events and road-user charges without requiring operators to replace current systems.
Parkex attracted local authorities, parking operators, enforcement specialists and transport technology providers from across Europe, giving Tracklio a valuable platform to demonstrate how real-time communication can benefit motorists, operators and councils.
Building on the interest generated at the event, Tracklio is progressing conversations around integrating its technology into live enforcement environments. These deployments would help create measurable evidence showing how real-time communication can improve driver awareness and reduce disputes.
Looking ahead, Tracklio aims to become the communication layer connecting motorists with increasingly complex parking, transport and compliance systems, supporting greater transparency and efficiency across the mobility landscape.
Father’s Day (June 21) is the perfect time to celebrate the people who make everyday moments feel special.
Whether he enjoys slow mornings with coffee, weekends outdoors, cooking for the family, or discovering something new, a thoughtful gift can say a lot.
And because no two dads are the same, this year’s guide brings together meaningful finds that feel personal and practical… the right gift is one that shows appreciation on Father’s Day.
For dads who chase the sun
If your dad loves a beach trip or a water fight, he’ll love these bold botanical-inspired print Kai swim shorts. Made from 100% recycled polyester, dad will look the part whether he’s in the pool or propping up the bar.
The elasticated waistband with drawcords means a proper fit, and there are two hip pockets plus a back pocket for keys, coins and obligatory snack. Good for the planet, good for his legs.
Sustainable Scandinavian company SproutWorld has just launched a Four Seasons pack of pencils that each grow into plants in the different seasons!
When the pencil becomes too short to use, dad can simply plant it, as there are seeds in the tip. Expect strawberry and green onion for Spring, Basil and Parsley in Summer and some veggie surprises for Autumn through to Winter.
SproutWorld creates 175,000 pencils from each replanted tree and then each of those pencils goes on to create a new plant.
Get your dad tickets to the inaugural Brighton Whisky Weekend and their main expo where over 30 brands will be pouring more than 100 drams.
Expect to find legendary Scotch distilleries to indie bottlers, American bourbon to world whisky from Japan, India and Australia and more, all hosted under one roof at The Old Market in the heart of Brighton on Saturday June 27th.
Every dram is included in the ticket price, no tokens, no faff, and he even gets to keep the tasting glass as a memento of the day.
Carolina Herrera 212 Men is a great clean and classic scent for dad. It’s a woody fragrance with a fresh, aromatic opening of grapefruit, bergamot, lavender, and spices.
There’s also a nice hit of ginger in there for a warm finish, The perfect versatile fragrance for work or relaxing.
Portofino Dry Gin is perfect for dads who appreciate a well-made drink and a touch of luxury. Inspired by the Italian Riviera, it’s distilled with 21 botanicals grown in Liguria, including lemon, juniper, rosemary and lavender for a fresh, aromatic flavour.
Whether served in a classic G&T or a negroni, it’s a gin that feels made for summer evenings. The beautifully designed bottle, inspired by vintage travel posters, also makes it a standout gift.
Designed to elevate everyday cooking, treat dad to GOOD PHATS. This Extra Virgin Olive Oils Set brings together three awesome extra virgin olive oils – Spanish, Italian, and Organic – in one must-have collection.
This trio is perfect for any kitchen or the ideal gift for the food lover in your life, covering every culinary need with a unique PHAT for every dish.
Whether it’s roasting, frying, or drizzling, this collection brings flavour, quality and confidence to the kitchen.
Fast Friends is a speed jinx guessing game where you race to say the same word at the same time. It sounds easy. It isn’t. Dad will be on it when the timer kicks in, Life Tokens disappear, and suddenly everyone is leaning in trying to land one perfect match.
Quick to learn, easy to start, and made for those moments when you want something that brings everyone in. A great chance to step away from screens. Perfect for age 7+.
Treat Dad to the thrill of racehorse ownership with this Father’s Day Package, including shares in two flat racing horses – Love Always and Redbud Sixteen – plus a printed welcome pack.
With no extra costs during the syndicate term, it’s a unique gift that keeps the excitement going long after Father’s Day.
Brewed with summer drinking and the 2026 Football World Cup in mind, this match day gift set features three cans of Extra Time Extra Pale Ale and a Vocation pint glass.
Perfect for match days, gifting, and raising a glass to every last-minute winner, this crisp and refreshing hop-forward pale ale offers tropical fruit, soft apricot and zesty citrus flavours with a clean, easy-drinking finish.
A little reminder to slow down, switch off and take a moment for himself. Packed with practical treats designed to help him recharge, this self-care Father’s Day gift box is a perfect dose of TLC.
Inside, he’ll find a refreshing Mancave shower gel, a Barber Pro Hydrating Face Mask, nourishing Nursem hand cream (for even the grizzliest of hands), indulgent dark chocolate giant buttons and a zingy ginger & turmeric shot to help him feel his best.
If dad’s ready for a BBQ at any opportunity, he’ll love this Feuerhand Baby Special 276, which is available in an array of colours.
With its extremely temperature-resistant and shatterproof glass, the is an utterly reliable light for emergency and orientation. Its calm flame pattern will guide him at all times, wherever he wants to enjoy his evenings outside.
For design and Disney loving dads, the new Manufacture Rock Mickey Mouse collection by Villeroy & Boch is the perfect gift for Father’s Day.
This cute collab features timeless kitchenware with delicate chalk drawings on the distinctive slate-like surface. There’s something for every dad. Take your pick from platters, plates, bowls, coffee mugs and cups.
LONDON, UK, June 11, 2026 – Alpha Capital Group has announced the launch of Alpha Trader, a proprietary trading platform developed entirely in-house for its customers. The new platform marks a significant milestone for the company, giving traders access to a purpose-built environment designed to enhance performance while reducing reliance on external software providers.
The introduction of Alpha Trader represents the latest phase of Alpha Capital Group’s ongoing expansion and commitment to innovation. The platform will be available exclusively to customers across AlphaCap, AlphaFutures, Alpha Prime and ACG Markets. Unlike most proprietary trading firms that operate through third-party software, Alpha Capital Group has developed its own platform tailored specifically to the needs of its trading community.
Designed with direct trader feedback in mind, Alpha Trader delivers a streamlined user experience featuring integrated TradingView charts, custom-built functionality and plans for a dedicated mobile application on both iOS and Android devices.
Key features include:
Multi Chart functionality enabling traders to monitor multiple markets simultaneously
The ability to view a single asset across four different timeframes at once with chart synchronization
One-click trading execution
Advanced order management supporting all major order types, including bracket orders
Fully integrated advanced DOM and ladder trading functionality
Daily performance summaries and trading calendar tools for reviewing results
Comprehensive trading statistics and analytics
Cross-account copy trading capabilities
Personal risk management and account lockout tools
Alpha Capital Group was founded in 2021 by experienced finance professionals George Kohler, Managing Director, and Andrew Blaylock, Director. Since its launch, the company has grown rapidly and established itself as a notable player within the trading and education sector.
George Kohler, Managing Director of Alpha Capital Group, said:
“The launch of Alpha Trader is a major achievement for our team and an important step in the continued growth of the Group. We have invested more than a year into building this platform and believe it offers traders an experience that stands out within the industry.
“By developing our own platform, we are no longer dependent on third-party providers. More importantly, it gives us complete control over future development, allowing us to continually improve the experience for our customers and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
Alpha Capital Group has earned recognition for its innovative approach to trading education and simulated trading. The company received both Disruptor of the Year and Best Innovator honours at the 2024 UK Best Business Awards. Supported by a growing customer base and a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 from nearly 20,000 reviews, the business continues to strengthen its position within the sector.
In 2025, the Group also launched Alpha Prime, a London-based proprietary trading company aimed at experienced traders who have demonstrated consistent performance, strong risk management and a proven trading edge, enabling them to transition into a professional live trading environment.
WARWICKSHIRE, UK, June 11, 2026 – Rising employment tribunal volumes and ongoing legislative changes are creating new challenges for small businesses across Britain. HR specialists are warning that many employers may be unprepared for the risks associated with managing an increasingly regulated workforce.
According to Louise Lithgow-Dicker, founder of GO HR, a lack of employment law knowledge is leaving many organisations vulnerable to claims that could potentially be avoided with the right support.
“There is currently a tribunal time bomb ticking under many small businesses,” she said.
“Business owners aren’t trying to get it wrong. They’re making mistakes because they simply don’t understand employment law.”
The UK currently has approximately 523,000 active employment tribunal cases, and the backlog continues to grow. Smaller organisations account for around 71% of those cases, demonstrating the disproportionate impact on businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Changes to employment legislation, including broader rights for workers from day one of employment, have increased compliance demands on employers. Those without access to specialist HR guidance may find it particularly challenging to stay up to date.
For many growing companies, HR responsibilities are handled internally without dedicated expertise. This can create exposure to risk when dealing with issues such as employment contracts, payroll concerns, and holiday entitlement.
Over the last 12 years, GO HR has supported businesses through outsourced HR services designed to strengthen compliance and employee management. The consultancy regularly works with employers to identify procedural weaknesses before disputes develop further.
“The fear of a tribunal makes people focus on the end result instead of what they can fix right now,” Louise said.
While tribunals often receive attention once disputes have escalated, many workplace issues can be resolved before reaching that stage. Early intervention and effective communication are often key to preventing unnecessary claims.
Louise notes that many company founders become responsible for employment matters without receiving formal HR training. As regulations become more detailed, this challenge has become increasingly common.
The recently introduced Fair Work Agency is expected to increase accountability for employers by examining workplace practices and pursuing employee claims where appropriate.
GO HR works with organisations to establish compliant frameworks and practical HR processes that reduce risk and improve confidence when managing workplace issues.
“Employment law isn’t there to scare businesses, it’s there to make sure people are treated properly,” Louise said.
With employment legislation continuing to change, many SMEs are expected to seek additional HR support to maintain compliance and minimise tribunal exposure.
GO HR maintains that businesses which prioritise policy development, process consistency, and professional advice are likely to be better prepared for future regulatory requirements.
BRISTOL, UK. June 11th, 2026 – A new clinical hypnotherapy service has opened its doors in Bristol and Axminster, aiming to improve access to supportive, evidence-informed hypnosis-based therapy.
The Keyworth Practice was founded by clinical hypnotherapist Lisa Marchant-Keyworth, who is qualified in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. Her work combines neuroscience-informed understanding with practical therapeutic techniques designed to support positive change.
Lisa’s path into hypnotherapy began in her teenage years through a personal introduction to the field. “Hypnotherapy has rippled in and out of my life ever since I was about 15 or 16, when Paul McKenna moved in next door to my first boyfriend,” she said.
“He used to come over and hypnotise us at dinner parties, but he also used to do a more serious side of hypnotism, it was at a time when my parents were splitting up – it was a very acrimonious divorce – and he saw me one day and he said: ‘You look really down, Lisa. What’s going on?’ I told him about my parents and he said, ‘Let me try some hypnosis on you.’”
At the time, Lisa was receiving outpatient care but found it unhelpful. Hypnotherapy, she recalls, made a profound difference. “It was incredible – it was life-changing and I never went back to the psychiatrist after that,” she said.
Later, while working as a teacher and adjusting to life as a new mother, she again turned to hypnotherapy. “My boy was a couple of months old and I was struggling with being back at work,” she said.
“I stood up to do an assembly, and I forgot what I was going to say. More to the point, I didn’t care. I was so tired with juggling being a parent and going back to full-time work.
“I went back to hypnotherapy and that sorted me out. I got my work/life balance back, got my anxieties down, everything. Then I started using hypnotherapy as a vehicle for promotion when I wanted to do well at work, when I wanted to be clear-thinking and do well at interviews. That is when hypnotherapy really started to take off.”
Her decision to retrain came from a desire to help others long term. “I wanted to achieve two things: help people and have something with longevity, and it just hit me like an epiphany – I need to do hypnotherapy.
“So, I retrained – I graduated just over a year ago now and I have been practising whilst training and ever since.”
The Keyworth Practice focuses on client-led outcomes using solution-focused methods. “The Keyworth Practice is primarily solution-focused clinical hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, branching in towards Neuro Linguistic Programming,” she said.
“What I do is to help people through the power of trance to unlock clarity and elevate their performance, essentially to help them wake up and feel their best every single day.
“They come to me because they have an issue – it could be a fear or phobia of something like flying or spiders, or it could be obsessive compulsive disorder with intrusive thoughts. Sleep is also a common issue. Many people accept poor sleep as normal, but it should not be. You can be successful and still sleep well. Everyone deserves that, and solution-focused hypnotherapy can support it.”
Her sessions focus on forward movement rather than dwelling on the past. “We talk about their preferred future, it is always about looking forward,” she said.
“Of course, if a patient wants to talk about what has gone on in the past, that is absolutely their prerogative, but the focus is on looking at where you are now, where you want to be and then working out the incremental steps that will get you there.”
Appointments begin with open conversation around lifestyle and challenges. “I talk about why they are feeling the way they are and about how the brain works in relation to whatever issue they have come to me with.
“It is not me putting words in their mouths. Therapy is about patients talking about where they are and what they want. The talking therapy helps move the issue from the primitive brain into the prefrontal cortex, which is the problem-solving area.
“At the end of each session, relaxation techniques are used to reset neural pathways. It creates a sense of mental reset so limiting beliefs are reduced and clients leave feeling more motivated, positive and ready to move forward.”
