About Me

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist in Cheshire

About me

Hello, I'm Gaynor!

Welcome. Taking the step to find a therapist takes immense courage, and I am truly glad you are here. Thank you for considering working with me. I’m Gaynor Almond, a trauma-informed, solution-focused Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist based in Warrington, Cheshire. Having overcome social anxiety myself, I deeply appreciate the power of compassionate support—and I know firsthand that change is possible.

I live in Cheshire with my husband, our two daughters, and our dog, Coco. My approach to therapy is gentle, non-judgemental, and collaborative. I believe in creating a space where you feel truly seen, understood, and supported. Together, we will focus on your strengths, clarify your goals, and build practical solutions to help you move forward into the future you want.

My Background

Like many practitioners, my own healing journey led me to the trauma healing space, and it’s been a path of learning, self-discovery, and ongoing growth. I initially trained as a Clinical Reflexologist in 2014, specialising in women’s health and fertility. Over the past 12 years, I’ve supported individuals and couples through challenges such as infertility, IVF, and miscarriage, as well as a wide range of emotional and mental health concerns.

Why Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy?

After attending an online workshop with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The Body Keeps the Score,” I was inspired by the evidence showing how trauma can rewire the brain. According to Dr. van der Kolk, “To really overcome trauma, you need to take care of the limbic system.”

The limbic system is the emotional centre of our brain, driving our fight, flight, or freeze responses. It consists of several structures—the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, and Anterior Cingulate Cortex—which govern everything from emotional processing and empathy to reward anticipation and impulse control. Learning this inspired me to look for a therapy that could help safely rewire the brain.

That is why I chose to practice Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy. It recognises that repeatedly revisiting painful memories can actually be re-traumatising. Instead of dwelling on the past, I help clients build safety, foster positive experiences, and develop new, helpful thought patterns.

This approach calms the limbic system through positive, forward-focused techniques. It gently “rewires” the brain for lasting change, offering a gentle alternative to traditional, memory-intensive therapies.

My Approach

I use a modern, evidence-based approach that focuses on your strengths, resources, and what’s going right—rather than dwelling on the past. I support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, phobias, stress, and addictive behaviours, helping to regulate the nervous system and release old patterns. Alongside my hypnotherapy training, I am also trained in Root-Cause Therapy, EMDR, Integrative Somatic Parts Work, and the Freedom Fertility Formula. This allows me to create a tailored, integrative experience that meets your unique needs.

You're The Expert

I view you as the expert on your life. Rather than believing change comes from analysing the past or gaining deep insight, I believe people change by focusing on the specific details of what they want to be doing instead of their problems. Together, we focus on where you want to go next.

What Changes People

I believe change occurs when we stop dissecting what is "wrong" and instead build upon what is already working. You possess the innate resources and courage to overcome your current hurdles; my job is simply to ask targeted questions that help you uncover, recognise, and amplify these existing strengths.

Knowing When You're Ready to Leave

You will know you are ready to leave therapy when you consistently achieve your "best hopes" or when your responses to our scaling questions indicate you have reached a satisfactory level of stability. The ultimate decision to end our sessions rests with you. Because the focus is inherently short-term, termination isn't an abrupt event, but a mutual celebration of the goals you’ve reached.

Skills You Will Master

Rather than mastering traditional "coping mechanisms," the goal is for you to leave therapy with the ability to independently apply these solution-focused skills:

The art of noticing exceptions: You will independently spot moments when your problem could have happened, but didn't, and you will know how to repeat those positive exceptions.
Future-oriented visualisation: You will be able to clearly describe what you want your day to look like, allowing you to take concrete, actionable steps toward your preferred future.
Self-scaling and self-complimenting: You will know how to measure your own progress on a daily basis and actively validate your own resilience without needing an outside expert.

Taking the First Step

You don’t need to wait for a crisis before you ask for help. If you’re ready to practice that first step today, I am here to help.

Safe Space: Explore your goals in a completely non-judgmental environment.
Risk-Free: I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
Your Goals: What are your "best hopes" for what you want to begin changing in your life?

If you would like to talk it through, I would love to help you find the next step.

Book a Free 15-minute Consultation

Professional Memberships & Training

• Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH) - combines psychotherapy & clinical hypnotherapy

• Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD) - NCH & NCFE Accredited, Level 4

• Root-Cause Therapy (RCT)

• EMDR & Psychological Trauma (LSCCA)

• Integrative Somatic Parts Work (Embody Lab)

• Freedom Fertility Formula™

• Clinical Reflexology (CRM5), CNHC

• Registered member of the National Council of Hypnotherapists (NCH)

• Registered member of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AFSFH)

• Registered member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)

• Fully insured & DBS checked

• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) registration reference: ZB935825

• BA (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration, Surrey Institute of Art & Design

Issues I Work With

• Stress & Anxiety

• Trauma & PTSD

• Addictive Behaviours

• Breaking Unwanted Habits

• Fertility

• Confidence & Self Esteem

• Emotional Issues

• Relationship Issues & Couples Support

• Panic Attacks

• Phobias & Compulsions

• PTSD

• Depression

• Anger Issues

• Sleep Issues

• Life Transitions

• Grief and Loss

• Smoking Cessation

• Weight Issues

• Sports Performance

If you’re interested in working together or have any questions, I invite you to arrange a free 15-minute initial chat. My aim is for you to feel completely supported, validated, and encouraged throughout your journey.