WITH more people opting for natural remedies and therapies to treat problems in the 21st century, hypnosis has proved a popular choice.

Ryedale hypnotherapist Helen Priestley offers people the chance to make a positive change in their lives, helping them to overcome phobias, stop smoking and even manage their weight and help with issues such as sports performance and fertility.

Working from her own treatment room in Norton, Helen is keen to spread the word on just how powerful and effective hypnotherapy can be.

"Hypnotherapy has a good reputation for helping smokers to quit but there are so many other uses that often people don't realise, such as eliminating phobias, reducing pain, preparation for exams, stress reduction and sleep problems," she said.

"It can, and does, really turn people’s lives around for the better. Hypnotherapy is in itself a very safe and relaxing experience."

Before training as a hypnotherapist, Helen herself had first-hand experience of what it is like to undergo hypnotherapy, using it when she was expecting her first child. She undertook a Hypnobirthing course to help conquer her fear of giving birth and the pain of labour and said that as a result she has had two calm and easy births.

She said: "I used hypnosis originally for the birth of my first son to help me stay calm, relaxed and in control in labour and birth. It really worked for me and the midwife kept commenting on how calm I was throughout and this was what originally got me interested in hypnotherapy."

Helen has trained with Yorkshire Hypnotherapy Training which is accredited with General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and the British Institute for Hypnotherapy and NLP. She is also a qualified Hypnobirthing Teacher and holds a certificate in counselling and is qualified in Reiki II, a Japanese therapy for reducing stress and relaxation.

Working with the client's unconscious mind where negative behaviours, habits and fears are often stored, Helen helps clients to overcome those fears during sessions and says that she particularly enjoys helping children and young people.

She said: "Helping anyone overcome a difficulty or a problem is very rewarding, but helping children and young people is particularly so as we are helping them to get rid of an issue or phobia they might otherwise have had for many years."

For a free 30 minute consultation or to find our more phone 07866 819556, email helen@ryedalehypnotherapy.co.uk or visit www.ryedalehypnotherapy.co.uk.