Often in my pain psychology clinics both online and in-person in Milton Keynes, we discuss how chronic or persistent pain has a way of creeping into every corner of someone’s life. It affects sleep, thoughts, confidence, relationships, work, and identity. Yet one of the most misunderstood aspects of chronic pain is this: the pain someone feels is absolutely real, but it isn’t only coming from their body. For many people, that sentence lands awkwardly. It can feel invalidating, or as though someone is suggesting the pain is “in your head.” But the truth is far more hopeful—and far kinder—than that. Chronic pain is a whole-body, whole-brain experience. And once we understand how the brain becomes involved in long-term pain, we open the door to new…

In the last of our series, Cognitive-Behavioural Principles in Hypnotherapy, we will look at integrating CBT with hypnotic interventions. As hypnotherapy has become more rigorous and grounded in evidence-based practice, it has integrated principles and practices from psychology. Among the most influential developments has been the integration of cognitive behavioural principles—and the rise of cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH). This approach views hypnosis not as an isolated technique, but as a refined psychological tool for changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviours through focused attention and imagination. The foundations of cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. CBT is based on the principle that how we think determines how we feel and act. Distorted or unhelpful patterns…

On 12th April 2026, I will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon, raising money for Pain Concern. It might seem like an odd choice for someone who spends much of her professional life helping people reduce pain. Considering I haven’t run this far since 2013, why voluntarily induce sore calves, tight hips and the particular existential negotiation that occurs around mile eight? Because training for a half marathon is a living laboratory in how the brain interprets sensation. And that is precisely what persistent pain is about. Pain, Prediction and the Protective Brain When we run long distances, discomfort is inevitable. The muscles fatigue. Breathing deepens. The body signals effort. But what determines whether that sensation feels manageable or alarming is not the tissue…

In the second of our series, Cognitive-Behavioural Principles in Hypnotherapy, we will look at behavioural activation techniques in the context of CBT and hypnotherapy. Behavioural activation (BA) is one of the most pragmatic and evidence-based components of contemporary cognitive behavioural therapy. By systematically re-engaging clients in constructive behaviours, BA restores energy, motivation, and confidence. When integrated with hypnotherapy, these behavioural principles can become more vivid and emotionally powerful. Hypnosis can boost motivation, reinforce goal-focused imagery, and help clients imagine—and therefore experience—success before it occurs in real life. We will look mainly at how it can help with treating depression. The rationale behind behavioural activation At its core, BA rests on a behavioural learning principle: our mood is strongly influenced by the contingencies in our environment—specifically,…

In this part of our new series, Unconscious Processes and Dissociation, we are looking at dissociation as it occurs in hypnosis. Dissociation in hypnosis refers to a mental state in which the client’s mind becomes compartmentalised. Thoughts, sensations, actions, or memories can operate outside of normal conscious awareness. In this state, the client may no longer feel as though they are consciously directing their own thoughts or experiences. Psychological theory describes this as involving a kind of central “executive control” system in the mind that can be divided by suggestion, with an amnesic barrier preventing some parts of the system from reporting their activity to conscious awareness. Because of this, hypnotic suggestions can bypass a person’s usual voluntary control and directly influence movement, perception, memory…

When you live with chronic pain, kindness toward yourself is not a soft option, a luxury, or something to get around to “when things settle down.” It is a vital, daily necessity. Yet so many people I work with tell me they feel weak for resting, lazy for needing breaks, or that they’ve somehow failed when pain makes everyday tasks harder. These beliefs don’t come from nowhere — they come from long-held cultural messages about resilience, productivity, and “pushing through.” But they simply don’t match the reality of living with ongoing pain. As I say in my pain psychology clinic (in Milton Keynes and online) the truth is this: you deserve compassion, especially on the difficult days. Chronic pain demands so much from your body…

In the first of our new series Unconscious Processes and Dissociation we are looking at theories about the unconscious mind. I am going to look at three main groups: classical psychoanalysis, Jung’s analytical psychology, and modern cognitive ideas about the “adaptive” unconscious. While they all agree that much of our mental life operates outside awareness, they differ in how they define what the unconscious contains and how it functions. Freud and Psychoanalysis Freud described the unconscious as a system filled with hidden wishes, conflicts, and memories which are kept out of awareness by defence mechanisms such as repression. He introduced two key models: one dividing the mind into conscious, preconscious, and unconscious levels; and another describing internal structures — the id, ego, and superego. In…

Take it easy – you don’t need a “New You” in January — especially when you live with chronic pain. From discussions in my pain psychology clinic (on-line and in Milton Keynes) I have concluded that January can feel like a pressure cooker. Everywhere you turn, someone is telling you to reinvent yourself, start strong, aim higher, push harder. The narrative is loud, insistent, and often unforgiving. But here we are in early February — and if you’re living with chronic pain, this is often when the dust settles and you’re left with a very human response: “I didn’t do any of that.” And I want you to know: That’s not a failure. It’s not a moral shortcoming. It’s not a lack of motivation. It’s…

When it comes to motivation in hypnotherapy, understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation can be key to achieving lasting change. Recognising what drives a client helps therapists tailor their approach and increase the chances of success. Intrinsic Motivation Intrinsic motivation comes from within—it’s the inner drive shaped by a person’s values, goals, and worldview. When someone acts in alignment with these, they experience a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. For example, a client might begin exercising and discover that it gives them more energy and helps them connect better with friends and family. This creates a reinforcing loop—positive change in one area of life supports improvement in others that are personally meaningful. Hypnotherapy can strengthen intrinsic motivation by helping clients reconnect with…

When pain becomes persistent, many people begin to feel disconnected from their own bodies. It can feel as though your body has become an enemy — unpredictable, unreliable, even frightening. In my pain psychology clinics (in  Milton Keynes and on-line)  I often describe self-care, as at its heart, is about rebuilding that relationship. It’s about listening inward with kindness rather than criticism. The Disconnection Trap Chronic pain often teaches people to tune out. When sensations are overwhelming, it’s natural to want to shut them down. Yet avoiding awareness can paradoxically increase distress. The brain continues to interpret sensations as threatening, maintaining the cycle of pain. Self-care interrupts this cycle. It invites you to approach your body with curiosity rather than fear — to ask what…