17/11/2025
I’m still buzzing after an incredible weekend at the UK Hypnosis Convention. As one of the organisers (alongside the amazing Adam Eason School of Therapeutic Hypnosis and Steve Baxter), I absolutely love being part of this event - and this year was truly special.
We had 68 fantastic speakers, an outstanding team of room monitors who kept everything running smoothly, and an atmosphere filled with connection, kindness, and community. I spoke about exactly that in my welcome speech (creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming space where connection can genuinely thrive), and I’m so grateful for the lovely feedback I received. My biggest crowd yet, a few little stumbles, but it didn’t faze me. I think I’m finally getting the hang of this! 😄
Even though I’m always rushing around, I did manage to catch a few sessions:
- James Coates on the somatic hug process - I’ve used aspects of it before, but never in this combination. It fits beautifully with the compassion- and acceptance-based approach I take with clients.
- A brilliant talk on perimenopause from Jo Jones - such an important life transition and one so many experience.
- Dr Peter Naish on consciousness - absolutely fascinating. His accessible style is exactly what you’d expect from an Open University emeritus professor. He’s actually one of my heroes; meeting him three years ago at UKHC inspired me to sign up for my OU Psychology degree (final year now!).
- Dr Michael Yapko on choosing interventions - genuinely the best keynote we’ve ever had. Thought-provoking, inspiring, and gave me so much to reflect on. I immediately bought the books of his I didn’t already own!
- Graham Webber on working with armed services personnel - such useful insight into communication and connection.
- The interview where Adam interviewed Paul McKenna - fantastic. Paul talks fast enough to fit three hours into one, but he’s such a great storyteller.
- And the closing keynote by Scott Sandland - honestly the best closing keynote I’ve ever seen. So moving, funny, validating, and beautifully woven around imposter syndrome, learning, and the special moments of the weekend. I may have had a little tear in my eye at the kind things he said about us organisers.
I also had one of those “is this real life?” moments having lunch with Dr Michael Yapko and Dr Peter Naish (as well as other special people). Sitting there discussing false memories and many other fascinating topics with people who have shaped the field was surreal, inspiring, and such a privilege.
I also finally got to meet Paul McKenna, whose TV show back in the 90s first sparked my interest in hypnosis - long before I trained in 2010. Life has a funny way of coming full circle.
What made this year so enjoyable, though, were the connections - deepening friendships, reconnecting with people I’ve known over the years, and meeting so many new wonderful humans. This community is something I feel genuinely proud to be part of.
I’m coming away feeling happy, proud, grateful, inspired, tired… and somehow energised all at once. The vibe was incredible this year, and the quality of learning was outstanding.
Now to try to come back down to earth (that might take a few days!)… and then it’s straight into planning next year’s convention!
