A Scottish hypnotherapist, Sharon Irving, has garnered attention for her work with celebrities, including television personality Vogue Williams. Based in Edinburgh, Irving transitioned into hypnotherapy during the Covid-19 lockdown, eventually expanding her small business to a global clientele. Her approach focuses on practical solutions for common issues such as anxiety and unhelpful habits, moving away from the theatrical elements often associated with traditional hypnotism.
Irving describes herself as a clinical hypnotherapist, a title she is keen to clarify. She explains that her work differs significantly from stage hypnotism, which often aims to entertain. “My role is to help people overcome difficult issues and break habits,” she stated. Despite the stigma surrounding hypnotherapy, she believes in its effectiveness, particularly for individuals struggling with emotional challenges.
“The mind already has the answers, but the emotional brain can overpower the rational side,” Irving elaborates. During sessions, she guides clients into a relaxed trance state, akin to daydreaming, allowing the unconscious mind to absorb her suggestions. This process involves visualizing desired outcomes, helping clients to anchor positive images of themselves, such as feeling stronger, healthier, and more sociable.
The journey into hypnotherapy began for Irving when she sought to manage her fears surrounding the impending birth of her third son. Initially, she practiced self-hypnosis to alleviate her anxiety. “I read about visualizing myself in a bubble filled with resilience and power,” she recalled. This method transformed her birthing experience, leading her to pursue formal training in hypnotherapy to assist others in similar situations.
Since becoming qualified, Irving has worked with a diverse array of clients, including individuals coping with anxiety and emotional eating. Her online presence has allowed her to reach clients as far away as New Zealand, Canada, and Dubai. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her practice to include children who may benefit from hypnotherapy.
Irving’s connection with celebrities took a significant turn when she reached out to Vogue Williams after hearing her discuss her desire to quit vaping on the podcast, My Therapist Ghosted Me. “I was surprised when she replied quickly, saying she loved Scottish people and my accent,” Irving shared. After coordinating their schedules, they managed to have a session that led to Williams successfully quitting vaping.
Following her session with Irving, Williams mentioned her on the podcast, resulting in a surge of new followers for the hypnotherapist, particularly from Ireland. “It was a brilliant moment that opened doors to work with other celebrities, including comedian Lou Sanders,” Irving noted.
In a subsequent session with Williams, Irving was tasked with addressing a “fear of insects.” She sensed that there was more to the issue than a typical phobia. “It was only when I saw her on I’m a Celebrity that everything clicked into place,” Irving recalled, joking that if Williams had come to her prior to the show, their session could have been even more impactful.
Irving’s experiences highlight the potential of hypnotherapy to address a wide range of issues, and she aims to continue spreading awareness about its benefits. She encourages those interested to consider hypnotherapy as a relaxing and transformative experience, emphasizing its ability to create profound change in individuals’ lives.
