A Scottish hypnotherapist is gaining recognition for her work with high-profile clients, including television presenter Vogue Williams. Based in Edinburgh, Sharon Irving has built a successful practice that has reached a global audience since she began her journey during the Covid-19 lockdown. Through her unique approach, Irving offers practical solutions to issues such as anxiety, mental blocks, and unhelpful habits, distancing herself from the common misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy.
Irving emphasizes that her role as a clinical hypnotherapist is vastly different from the stage hypnotists often associated with entertainment. “My title is clinical hypnotherapist, and though I’m not very keen on the word ‘clinical’, it does help to differentiate between a hypnotist, which is a person on stage who makes people do silly things for entertainment, and what I do, which is help people get over difficult issues and break habits,” she explained.
She highlights the barriers that potential clients may face due to the stigma surrounding hypnotherapy. Many people harbor fears about losing control or revealing personal secrets during sessions. “I want to get the message out there that it can be a brilliant way to deal with problems in their lives,” she stated.
Irving elaborated on the process, describing how a relaxed trance state allows the emotional brain to quiet down. This, she says, enables clients to absorb positive suggestions and visualize their goals. “It’s about getting people to visualize how their lives can be when they achieve their desired outcomes, anchoring those powerful images into their minds,” she noted.
From Personal Experience to Professional Practice
Sharon’s journey into hypnotherapy began with her own struggles. Facing fears related to the pain of childbirth, she sought self-hypnosis techniques to prepare for the arrival of her third son. “I thought I could do some self-hypnosis, but I kept it really quiet as I know my friends know I’m terrible with pain,” she recalled.
Through visualization techniques, she managed to transform her birthing experience, feeling empowered rather than overwhelmed. “I had the most unbelievable experience and I was so blown away by how much I enjoyed the birthing process,” she said. This transformative experience inspired her to train as a hypnotherapist to help others achieve similar results.
Since qualifying, Irving has worked with a diverse range of clients, dealing with various anxieties and emotional eating patterns. The online nature of her practice has allowed her to connect with individuals from across the globe, including clients in New Zealand, Canada, and Dubai. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her training to assist children in need of hypnotherapy as well.
Connecting with Celebrities
Irving’s profile began to rise significantly after she reached out to Vogue Williams through social media. After hearing Williams discuss her struggles with vaping on the podcast, “My Therapist Ghosted Me,” Irving took a chance and sent a direct message. To her surprise, Williams responded quickly, expressing her fondness for Scottish people and their accents.
Following a session with Irving, Williams publicly credited hypnotherapy with helping her quit vaping. This exposure led to a significant increase in Irving’s followers, particularly from Ireland. She noted, “I couldn’t wait to get home and listen to the Pod, sure enough, she mentioned me to Joanne and tagged me. It was brilliant and led to me working with other celebs like comedian Lou Sanders.”
Irving shared an amusing anecdote about her subsequent sessions with Williams. The Irish star reached out again to address a fear of insects, but Irving sensed something more beneath the surface. “I could tell it wasn’t a normal phobia,” she said. It wasn’t until watching an episode of “I’m a Celebrity” that Irving made the connection between Williams’ fear and her experience on the show.
Reflecting on the impact of her work, Irving hopes to dispel misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy. She describes it as a “gorgeous, relaxing experience” that can have profound effects on individuals seeking to improve their lives. Through her dedication and innovative approach, Sharon Irving continues to transform the lives of her clients, from everyday individuals to well-known celebrities.
