A modern Solution Focused Therapy to help teens (15+) feel better! We focus on solutions to tackle anxiety, stress, anger, and low confidence, bringing about positive changes.
Have you observed your teenager feeling overwhelmed or having excessive worries? Do they find it challenging to control their emotions or handle day-to-day activities confidently? Exam stress, driving test worries or just difficulty making that transition into adulthood or even worrying about the future?
If your child is dealing with anxiety, stress, or low confidence, it could be impacting their true potential. Despite being capable, they might struggle to tap into that confidence and self-belief needed to shine in crucial moments.
Maybe they get nervous under pressure, feel frustrated when faced with challenges, lose their temper, get angry/upset or possess talent that needs an extra push to elevate their mindset.
Andy Selway-Woolley - BSc (Hons), DSFH, HPD, NCH (Reg), AfSFH (Reg), CNHC (Reg)
Hi, I’m Andy…
I’m a fully qualified, caring, upbeat and inclusive Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.
I’m committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers/ young people (15 years +), helping them to feel better and cope better.
I offer a lifeline to parents navigating the complexities of supporting their teen’s mental health, especially in today's digital age.
Amidst the smartphone era and heightened academic demands, pandemics, young people grapple with unprecedented challenges, leading to a concerning surge in anxiety and depression
The constant connectivity and social media exposure can foster an environment where comparison flourishes, self-esteem falters and the pressures to conform escalate.
My approach is based on the latest evidence-based research from neuroscience and incorporates the very best elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with Hypnotherapy.
I only see 15-17 year olds in-person and have worked with teenagers from local Oxfordshire Schools, such as Bloxham School, The Marlborough, Heyford Park School, to name a few.
I am fully insured, enhanced DBS checked and a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy, Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council and Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists.
My therapy service aims to address these struggles and support young people / teens (15+) in navigating their mental well-being with confidence, empowering them to take control of their thoughts and feelings, focus on the more positive aspects of their life, understand and embrace their unique strengths and differences, improve their sleep and engage in more positive actions and interactions with others, with increased confidence and self-worth.
What are the next steps for parents?
Book a Free 15 Minute Call with me
During this brief session (just you ‘the parent(s)’ and me, we will explore the inner world of your child, identifying areas where they may seek support.
We will discuss sensitive details in a private setting, allowing you to gain insights into your child's needs. I will guide you through my approach and hypnotherapy, ensuring your comfort and confidence in your child's safety.
Together, we will explore the active role you can play in supporting the process, emphasising the significance of your involvement.
Additionally, we will cover feedback procedures and the consultative process, providing you with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Once you are comfortable, the next step would be to arrange a FREE Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (45 minutes) with you and your child.
We then arrange a Free 45 Minute Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (parent and child/teen)
During this session, I discuss with your child /teen their unique situation and explore how I can support them to regain emotional control, foster a sense of happiness, calmness, and confidence.
I will outline the structure of sessions, talk to them about hypnotherapy and the process.
A core aspect of my approach involves educating both you and your child about mental health. We delve into the neuroscience and how the brain contributes to specific challenges, including associated and often unhelpful feelings, behaviours, and/or symptoms. This knowledge serves as a powerful motivator for young people, instilling hope and clarity about the solutions available.
It also provides parents with a common language to facilitate open discussions about well-being and offers practical insights on how to best support the process and ongoing development of mentally healthy behaviours for your child.
This session can be done in-person at my comfortable therapy room in Upper Heyford (nr Bicester) Oxfordshire OX25. Conveniently located for individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire. Or we could do this session and/or future sessions online.
What happens in a Solution Focused Hypnotherapy session?
Psychotherapy / ’Talking’ Therapy
Our sessions will start with non-invasive talking therapy.
I’ll assist your child in envisioning their desired future, exploring potential solutions, and setting attainable goals.
These goals are framed to reinforce positive changes and encourage progress.
Through visualising these solutions, the mind begins to create new neurological pathways, reshaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviours toward achieving the desired outcome (related to want they want to achieve through therapy).
Depending on their goals, their sessions could involve elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), as appropriate.
This part typically lasts around 30 minutes.
Hypnosis / Trance
The second half involves me gently guiding them into a state of deep relaxation, commonly known as trance/hypnosis.
They can sit up or recline back – whatever feels most comfortable for them.
In this relaxed state, their mind becomes highly receptive to positive suggestions and imagery, enabling them to tap into their subconscious mind with ease. Think of it as a state of highly focused attention.
Their conscious mind is quietened, as they are detached from external attention and critical thinking, allowing their subconscious mind to deeply focus on thoughts and suggestions (the solutions we discussed) that might be useful to them.
Making those solutions a reality, that their critical mind will often reject.
Supporting your child and working together
I will work with your child/teen together to explore their needs. This is a collaborative process and I work jointly with them to put in place the right personalised treatment plan, and I will also let you know the expected/approx number of sessions. Parents/Legal Guardian’s as a rule are not normally in future sessions.
My hypnotherapy sessions with your child will be structured, positive and forward looking. We put actions in place and they are given the tools to make the necessary changes they want to make in their life.
Remember, hypnotherapy is not a quick fix, they have to fully be willing to make the necessary lasting change. But as their hypnotherapist I will support and guide them every step of the way.
Creating positive and lasting change
Our sessions will find strengths your child already possess. I will support and help them consider and refine their solutions, that can move them forward towards a more positive life. How they would like to feel, behave and react to things.
I review their progress regularly (and also do mini updates for the parents) and as they begin to reach their goals, we may mutually decide to leave more times between sessions.
Taking things forward
Your child’s treatment comes to an end when they feel confident and in control and we mutually agree that they have the tools to maintain this positive new way of being.
Most people need between 6-12 sessions (but everyone is different).
Some teens choose to boost their results by coming for top-ups as part of a regular wellbeing routine. Like having a PT, but for mental health. Especially during exams and test times, or big life changes.