and he was happy to do some sessions with me. In fact, it

turned out to be only one session, but the effect it had was

incredible to me at the time. I found I could relax quite easily,

but I had no real appreciation of how much work was being

done. I was talked through every aspect of the exam and it

was noted whenever I tensed up. These were the areas that

we worked on most. It was really interesting because it

wasn't all about relaxation - it was about focus, and I found I

could concentrate much more effectively in this state without

allowing self-doubt and nerves to butt in! The next test was

not only successful but also enjoyable! That was a side

effect I really hadn't expected!

Fast-forward a few years and the aviation company was sold

and I was made redundant. I had always retained my

interest in hypnotherapy from this experience, and had

referred other nervous exam candidates (and passengers!)

for treatment. I saw an advert for the LCCH Certificate in

Glasgow and applied to join the course. What happened

over the next 18 months was repeated experiences of the

awesome effects of this incredible therapy.

I am now working in a medical centre in Edinburgh, a private

clinic in Kinross and The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.

My name is Connie Weir and I have been in full-time

My two main areas of interest are directly related to my early

practice as a Clinical Hypnotherapist since finishing the

experience - flying phobias and sports performance. I use

LCCH Diploma in Dec 2002.

my background in aviation to offer an empathetic approach

to flying issues, and I can draw on my 'stress makes you

I completed a psychology degree in 1992 and immediately

doubt everything' incident to help athletes in events.

started working in management for a small aviation

company. This company grew rapidly and part of my 'deal'

I specifically work with professional and amateur golfers

for working there was that I would be trained to fly. Well,

(hence the base in St Andrews!) and this work is often about

despite thorough training and several hundred hours'

increasing focus and minimising the inner critic. I have

experience in an aircraft, when it came to sitting the flight

created a session structure that uses a variety of hypnotic

test for the Commercial Pilot Licence I completely froze.

techniques (dissociation, hallucination and eyes-open self-

Nerves consumed me, I couldn't remember a thing I'd

hypnosis are some examples). This is combined with

learned and, just to help matters, the examiner sitting next to

practical exercises on the course to work on focus. The

me had the reputation of being a real tyrant. Not only did I

recent LCCH Masterclass with John Edgette was a real treat

perform like an idiot, I performed like a dangerous idiot!

as I draw a great deal from his work in my sessions.

Quite rightly I failed every part of the test. The best bit was

returning home afterwards, to find my friends with chocolate

This work is immensely enjoyable, always interesting and

all over their faces as they had to hurriedly consume my

often rewarding. A recent client, who came to me with a fear

'congratulations' cake!

of flying, has now started training for his Private Pilot's

Licence! His only complaint was the cost of his new found

I had to re-sit, but re-training wasn't really the issue. I had to

get in control of my nerves. I knew of a dentist who used

hypnotherapy with nervous patients, so I approached him