Adult Therapy

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Depending on your goals, sessions may draw from:

• clinical hypnotherapy
• CBT-informed strategies
• nervous system regulation techniques
• performance psychology approaches used in sport and high-pressure environments

The focus is always on clear goals, steady progress and practical strategies that support real-life change.

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It is a well-established psychological approach that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

CBT helps people notice unhelpful thinking patterns and develop more balanced ways of responding to challenges. It often includes practical strategies that can be used in everyday life.

At A Gentle Pace, elements of CBT-informed thinking strategies may be used alongside hypnotherapy, nervous system regulation and other integrative approaches where appropriate.

No. Many people begin with a single session to explore whether the approach feels helpful. If further work would be beneficial, this can be discussed together. 

We treat a range of issues - see our adult integrative therapy page for more information. 

Get in touch to schedule a free initial appointment by telephone here,

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and deep relaxation, where your mind is more open to positive suggestions. It's similar to losing yourself in a film or a good book, you're fully engaged and absorbed, but still aware of your surroundings. During hypnosis, you can access your subconscious mind, which allows you to make positive changes, explore emotions, and shift limiting beliefs in a safe and controlled way. It's not about being “controlled” by the therapist, but about working together to achieve your goals

Hypnotherapy typically follows three key phases: induction, the hypnotic state, and return. 

First, during the induction phase, you will follow a guided relaxation to help you achieve a calm, comfortable state of mind. If you have a ‘happy place’ this can be incorporated; your relaxation can take you to a sandy beach for example. Once you're relaxed, you enter the hypnotic state, a deeply focused yet relaxed condition where your mind is open to positive suggestions, this is where the ‘treatment’ takes place. While in this state, you remain fully aware and in control. You can stop the session whenever you wish. Finally, in the return phase, the therapist gently guides you back to full awareness, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Throughout the entire process, you are always in control of your experience.

Hypnotherapy doesn’t work for everyone because each person’s ability to enter a focused, relaxed state varies. Some individuals may find it harder to let go of distractions or may not be as receptive to the suggestions made during the session. Additionally, a person’s willingness and openness to the process play a key role—if someone is sceptical or not ready to engage, they may not experience the full benefits. However, for those who are open to it, hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for personal growth and change. 

Hypnosis is suitable for children and can be very beneficial for them.  At present we don't treat children but can provide relaxation methods that can aid restful sleep and general wellbeing. 

Health services are provided by Joe Winn, Health Technician at A Gentle Pace. Joe has a background working within local hospital and pharmacy settings and provides ear care, health testing and mole-scanning services from our Newcastle clinic.

Not always. Ear care and mole scanning are appointment-based services. Most laboratory test kits can be posted directly to your home and returned using the supplied packaging, so no clinic visit is required.

Health services and test kits can be booked or ordered online. Each listing contains information about what is included and any preparation required. 

 Joe will first examine your ears using otoscopy. This allows him to assess the ear canal and determine whether wax removal is required and whether it is appropriate to proceed.

Depending on what is appropriate, wax may be removed using microsuction or manual removal techniques.

An ear health check is £25. If wax removal is required, treatment is an additional £40, making the total appointment cost £65.

Sometimes wax needs further softening before it can be safely removed. Where treatment has already been started but cannot be completed, you may be advised to use ear drops and return for a follow-up appointment. 

A treatment follow-up for the same presenting problem within 8 weeks costs £20. 

After 8 weeks, a new £25 ear health assessment is required.

No. Wax removal will only be undertaken where assessment indicates that it is required and appropriate. If treatment isn't suitable, Joe will explain the appropriate next steps.     

Most tests use a simple home sample collection method, such as a finger-prick blood sample. Your individual test instructions will explain exactly what is required.The Annual Health Test requires a venous blood sample and phlebotomy can be arranged at your home or workplace.

Samples are sent to our UK laboratory partners for analysis using the return packaging provided with your test.

Turnaround varies depending on the test. You'll be given an expected timeframe when ordering and results are provided following laboratory analysis.

No. Our laboratory testing services provide health information and should not be used as a substitute for medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.

 We may explain the information provided within your laboratory report, but medical concerns, abnormal results and persistent or worsening symptoms should be discussed with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Joe takes high-resolution dermoscopic images and a short video of the mole or pigmented lesion. These are securely submitted through Map My Mole for specialist assessment and reporting.

Images submitted through the service are reviewed by a UK  dermatologist.

The first mole or pigmented lesion is £50, with additional lesions scanned during the same consultation at £25 each. 

No. Mole scanning is a screening service and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by your GP or specialist. The report will provide guidance about whether further medical assessment is recommended. 

Not every mole or lesion will be suitable for this service. Joe will assess suitability before imaging. If something is unsuitable for scanning or requires medical assessment instead, you will be advised accordingly. 

If you have a mole or lesion that is changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning, you should seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on a screening service. 

 A Gentle Pace generally works with children and young people aged 5–17. The approach is adapted to the child's age, developmental stage, communication style and individual need 

No. I work with both neurotypical and neurodivergent children and young people, with or without a formal diagnosis. 

You don't need to choose a therapy before contacting us. We begin by discussing what is happening for your child, what you would like support with and how they tend to communicate and engage. An appropriate approach can then be suggested.

For therapeutic sessions, no. To help children feel safe and open, sessions are 1:1. Parents are welcome to wait nearby. For relaxation sessions with younger children, a parent may sit in if this feels helpful.

Child and teen work begins with a parent/carer consultation to discuss your concerns, goals for support, relevant background information, safeguarding and whether A Gentle Pace is an appropriate service for your child. 

Not necessarily. Some children communicate well through conversation; others find drawing, play, sand, LEGO®, Minecraft or other creative approaches much easier. Therapy can provide ways of expressing and exploring experiences without putting pressure on a child to talk directly.  

Usually, sessions are held directly with the child or young person. For younger children, or where additional support is needed initially, we can agree an arrangement that helps the child feel safe and comfortable.

Children and young people need an appropriate degree of privacy for therapy to be useful. I won't routinely provide a detailed account of everything your child says or does in a session. I will, however, discuss relevant progress with you and will share information where necessary if I have concerns about your child's safety or wellbeing.

This depends on the type of work and the child's individual needs. Some interventions have a defined structure — Drawing & Talking®, for example, is offered as a structured 12-session programme — while other work may be agreed as a shorter block and reviewed as it progresses. 

Most sessions can take place in our private therapy room in Benton. For some children, we may suggest our therapeutic yurt at The Lighthouse Project in Newcastle, particularly where a more creative, nature-based or outdoor approach would be helpful.

Where it is helpful and appropriate, and with the necessary consent, I can liaise with schools and other professionals involved in your child's support.

A Gentle Pace is a private therapeutic service and is not an emergency or crisis mental health service. Where a child's presentation indicates that specialist, statutory or urgent mental health support is required, I will discuss this with the parent/carer and signpost appropriately. 

Yes. Parents or legal guardians must complete a consent form before any therapeutic work or testing begins.