Vicky McLeod

Integrative Counsellor and Analytical Hypnotherapist


Vicky McLeod

Integrative Counsellor and Analytical Hypnotherapist

NCPS, MBACP, GHR Registered, CPsychol (Occ), TFT DX

Pronouns - She/Her

Occupational Psychologist - British Psychological Society - Health & Care Professions Council (HPCP)

The most powerful idea I have learned as a therapist is that everything we do, think or feel, even the things we don’t like that we do, or that we don’t want to do, are trying to fulfil a positive intention on the subconscious level. In most cases they are trying to keep us safe, or to make things easier for us in some way.

Often these protective strategies of coping or surviving in the world may have helped us at some point, but they are no longer useful in our current lives – they have become outdated or obsolete, causing us to feel stuck in some way.

We then seek help and support to identify what is no longer serving us, to free us from our own barriers, to reframe these beliefs, behaviours or responses and allow us to find a more productive and effective way of being in our lives now, that can truly benefit us and permit us to grow. This is what therapy can help you to achieve.

Vicky’s Background & Training

Vicky has worked in the personal development field since graduating with a BSc in Psychology in 1995. Working within the not-for-profit sector and in private practice, she has worked with individuals to facilitate meaningful changes and positive improvements across their personal and work lives, whether returning to work or learning, adjusting to ill health, disability, learning differences, loss, bereavement, or personal or workplace distress or trauma.

She began her training in counselling with Cruse Bereavement Care in 1996 and she gained Chartership with the British Psychological Society in 2005, alongside attaining qualifications in Learning & Development, Psychometric Assessment, Hypnotherapy, Energy Therapies, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Coaching and NLP. 

Vicky is a specialist in the treatment of:

  • Anxiety (generalised, social, health)

  • Confidence and Self-esteem

  • Fears & Phobias

  • Improved Performance (work, public speaking, sports)

  • Loss, Grief & Bereavement

  • Social Anxiety

  • Stress (workplace and personal)

  • Traumatic experiences, 

  • Weight Loss, Stop Smoking, Habits (e.g. nail biting).

Vicky is highly experienced in the treatment of the following problems:

  • Alcohol Use

  • Anger Management

  • Career Guidance

  • Coping Skills

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Gambling

  • Life Coaching

  • Life Transitions

  • Menopause

  • Relationship Issues

  • Sleep or Insomnia

  • Sports Performance

  • Trauma and PTSD


Therapeutic Models Vicky uses in her practice

  • Integrative Counselling (Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT)

  • Analytical Hypnotherapy

  • Thought Field Therapy

  • Emotional Freedom Techniques


Feedback from Vicky’s Clients

"The sessions have helped me overcome a range of issues that I have lived with for a long time. I feel that a weight has been lifted, and life seems clearer, allowing me to move forward."


"I am very surprised with the outcomes and successes of changing lifetime habits in such a short time. I know this will continue to improve with time, and I could not be happier with my choice to do this and the therapist I chose."


“Sessions were very relaxing and productive. I felt at ease discussing my issues and felt all of my comments were taken on board. “


"Therapy has been a great experience. Every week things have improved and getting better with my own mindset. I feel a great sense of achievement in my progress this far and looking forward to the coming weeks as things continue to improve. I would recommend to anyone thinking of lifestyle changes and not just a quick fix." 


Affiliations, Memberships & Qualifications

  •  

    • MNCPS(Acc.) NCS19-10006 & MBACP 00985482

    • Associate Fellow/Chartered Psychologist (Occ.) of the BPS 164082

    • General Hypnotherapy Register - Senior Practitioner & Recognised Supervisor 5762

    • BACP no:407918

     

    Qualifications

    • Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice

    • Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Practice

    • Diploma in Analytical Hypnotherapy Dip AH

    • PG Cert Occupational Psychology

    • BSc Hons Psychology

     

    Certification and Training

    • Thought Field Therapy Algorithm & Diagnostic Practitioner (TFT)

    • Advanced Cert. in Clinical Supervision (incl. Online & Telephone Working)

    • Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice SQHP

    • Dream Analysis & Therapy Diploma

    • Cruse Bereavement Counsellor & Children's Counsellor Certificates


What is Integrative Counselling

Integrative counselling is a flexible and personalised approach that combines elements from different therapeutic traditions to best meet the unique needs of each client. When incorporating Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches, the therapist tailors their methods to provide a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan.

Person-Centred Therapy: Focuses on creating a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive environment. The therapist offers unconditional positive regard, helping clients to explore their feelings and reach their full potential.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Aims to uncover deep-seated feelings and unconscious processes that influence current behaviour. It involves exploring past experiences and their impact on present issues, helping clients gain insight and resolve internal conflicts.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It provides practical strategies and tools to manage symptoms and improve emotional well-being.

Integrative Counselling tailors therapy to the individual's specific needs and circumstances, addresses both the conscious and unconscious aspects of the client's experience, and combines the strengths of different therapies to provide a well-rounded treatment plan.

It can be particularly effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. It offers a versatile and adaptive framework to support clients on their journey to mental health and well-being.

 

 

What is Analytical Hypnotherapy

Analytical Hypnotherapy, also known as hypnoanalysis, is a form of hypnotherapy that aims to uncover and address the root causes of a client's issues or concerns. It combines techniques from analytical psychotherapy with hypnotherapy to facilitate deep, subconscious change1.

The primary goal is to identify and resolve the underlying causes of problems, rather than just managing symptoms. Clients are guided into a relaxed state, which allows access to the subconscious mind. By addressing the root causes, changes are often more lasting and profound where clients gain deeper insights into their behaviours and emotions, leading to personal growth and healing. Uncovering and processing buried emotions can lead to emotional relief and improved mental health.

Analytical Hypnotherapy is particularly useful for issues with deep-seated origins, such as long-standing phobias, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. It's a collaborative process that requires the expertise of a trained professional to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

 

 

What is Thought Field Therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques?

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are both energy-based psychological treatments that involve tapping on specific points of the body to relieve emotional distress and physical pain.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT)

Developed by Dr. Roger Callahan in the 1980s, TFT is based on the idea that negative emotions are caused by imbalances in the body's energy system. By tapping on specific meridian points, similar to those used in acupuncture, TFT aims to restore balance and eliminate negative emotions1.


Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

EFT, often referred to as "tapping," was popularised by Gary Craig in the 1990s. It combines elements of TFT with cognitive restructuring, where individuals tap on acupressure points while focusing on their emotional issues3. The goal is to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories and promote overall well-being.

Both TFT and EFT are considered forms of energy psychology and are used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias