About Me
About Me
ISOBEL JACKSON
While studying my master’s I explored the history of modern psychology, the development of social identity, and the workings of the human brain, affording me the opportunity to develop a critical understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods and achieve Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, the first step to becoming a chartered psychologist.
​
My personal experience as a voluntary, consistent recipient of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy gives me a healthy rounded approach to my progression as a practitioner within this field.
​
Following my successful master’s studies, I undertook a diploma in Analytical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (DAHP) with Charlotte Chalkley. Assessed and validated by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC) and endorsed by Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH) as a level 5 diploma course (Foundation degree level), and UK Hypnotherapy Council (UKHC). The holistic diploma included studies and case study integration surrounding Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Stress Management, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Analytical Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy and Gold Psycho-therapeutic Counselling. The culmination of these disciplines would marry smoothly with this PHD research.
​
Analytical Hypnotherapy refers to an eclectic composite of insight orientated psychotherapy which encompasses in depth investigative and root cause resolution methodology. Also known as hypno-psychoanalysis, analytical hypnotherapy utilises a combination of influences from psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive methodologies. It embraces regression techniques, free association of thoughts, and transference utilisation to effect root cause analysis. The primary aim of analytical hypnotherapy is to identify and resolve the underlying originating cause of your client’s distress.
​
The therapeutic process involves investigating the distressful past and the client’s transference expressions both of which will give rise to their emotive responses.
​
The result of the client’s therapeutic journey will lead to fewer symptoms being exhibited and a lessening of the need for their accompanying defensive strategies. The client will also exhibit more self-congruent reactions and more empowering motivations when their stressful-traumatic life experience does not exact such a heavy toll on their psyche.
​
Throughout the diploma, I explored theories behind Freudian psychoanalysis such as Freuds theory of talking therapy, Freuds theory of the psyche and dream analysis and Freuds theory of defence mechanisms. Freud's theory suggests that human behaviour is influenced by unconscious memories, thoughts, and urges. This theory also proposes that the psyche comprises three aspects: the id, ego, and superego. The id is entirely unconscious, while the ego operates in the conscious mind. The superego operates both unconsciously and consciously.
​
Freud's theories have shaped the field of psychology, both in theory and treatment applications. It has also inspired others in the field to better understand the mind and how it develops, developing their own theories in turn. Without Freud, we might not have talk therapy, which research supports for helping people manage and treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. I feel that I understand and resonate with many of Freud’s findings especially his use of the metaphor of an iceberg to describe how what is initially observed and understood of the mind is so small like the tip of an iceberg emerging out of the water, and the depth of the water hides a greater portion of our psyche. I also appreciate Freud’s understanding of our dreams being a portal to our unconscious. It seems apparent to me that to only rely on speaking therapy, to healing stressful traumatic wounds is not holistic enough to ensure sustained benefit and recovery; speaking therapy is more so a portal and facilitator to work with the unconscious mind. Notwithstanding, I do feel cautious around the work of any individual who has attracted so much attention and interest; Freud’s work is revolutionary and incredibly insightful, however his word, like any individuals, is not gospel.
​
Further to this, I also explored Personality Theory, Humanistic Practice, Cognitive Behavioural Practice and Therapeutic Resolution.​​
Work Experience
​The effects of psychological trauma can be diverse, difficult to treat, with wide ranging complex causes and differing symptoms presenting. I have observed in close relatives the consequences of mental trauma and how that can manifest in every aspect of their life. As a child I was always aware of what I perceived to be in others, difficult personality traits and was frustrated at my lack of ability to help. I still have the same deep desire to support people with mental health issues, but now with a depth of knowledge and 10 + years’ worth of working experience, I maintain a total appreciation and keenness to study in depth this complex and challenging subject. I was very excited to read about some of your ongoing and soon to be launched projects within the lab. All sound fascinating and your facilities forward thinking recognition of techniques such as interventional colour theorem and eye tracking for example make your course prospectus extremely attractive to me. I have attended workshops in the field of dementia and the arts and how using stimuli like music/art can positively influence individuals with dementia. The labs ‘colour and emotion project’ no doubt explores questions in this field which is very interesting to me.
​
I have extensive experience working privately with individuals who have complex care needs, including advanced muscular dystrophy and severe brain injuries. I have working experience of caring for people with dementia, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I have also worked in supported living facilities caring for people with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida.
​
I have interacted with families and observed the effects of dealing with loved ones who are restricted either physically or mentally. I have cared for children and young adults diagnosed with autism, ADHD and many other mental health issues. I have done voluntary work in a hospice and undertaken all aspects of end of life, palliative care. I have also worked as a nursing auxiliary within a hospital, supporting clinicians on psychiatric units and the A and E department.
​
I have worked for the Samaritans, speaking directly to callers in desperate need of help. This experience taught me the importance of compassion and open-mindedness when dealing with people in psychological distress. I undertake voluntary work for the Children’s Society, speaking to large groups of people about a wide variety of challenges and safety issues facing many children and about the work undertaken by the charity. I have gained invaluable, hands-on experience dealing with people who fundamentally need the professional care and support of others. Many of the tumultuous environments I have worked in have, as an absolute basic requirement, demanded that my conduct is not only caring but is also much more intellectually aware of the conditions presenting in the people I am supporting.
I have observed how crucial it is to communicate and access difficult situations, speedily, without judgement and with an objective appropriate to their clinical diagnosis. I have developed immense patience, resilience and emotional intelligence which allows me to conduct my duties professionally. This ability to appropriately react to mentally challenged people has been a gradual realisation, not only aided by maturity and my hands on experience but also informed by my own personal pursuit of knowledge within this field.​
My Private Practice
Through hypnosis, I help people connect with the unconscious mind to conquer what is hindering their evolution. This allows a release of emotions attached to past traumas and limiting beliefs.
​
Hypnotherapy aligns three powerful aspects of our being to achieve permanent and natural change. Firstly, there is the psychological element, which is usually a memory or an experience, or a visual of something. Secondly, there is the emotion, which might be anger, sadness, fear or joy, or a combination of those emotions. Thirdly, there is the physiological symptom of that, in that moment something was felt in the body, something that was not expressed, it was in fact suppressed, something became trapped, for example shaking, tapping, laughing, crying, vomiting, a rush of heat, the desire to move/run away.
​
We align those three together with some conscious awareness and allow a holistic release that then dissipates those beliefs, on a neurological level eliminating them. Hypnosis gives the body the opportunity to express itself where it was not initially able to, causing natural and permanent change.
​
This process creates brand new neurons within the brain, once those neurons are created it is just a case of using them, strengthening them, and making other neurons connect to them. The individual will then have new experiences from that new perspective that will strengthen that belief system.
​
My private practice is incredibly enriching and exposes me to a wide variety of psychological agitations which is invaluable for my personal and professional development.
My Academic Interests
I have gained insight and inspiration from studying the work of psychologists ie. Doctor Gabor Mate and Doctor Amishi Jha. I am an avid reader, consuming literature on a wide range of topics from psychotherapy and neuroscience to brain/heart coherence and childhood development. I am fascinated to explore topics relating to how powerful our consciousness really is and how much control it has over our body’s health. Doctor Gabor Mate’s publications inspire me to learn more in particular his theories relating to healthy and unhealthy attachments; tech addiction and its hold over our consciousness and behaviour; the importance of becoming disillusioned; and how crises can become a moment of opportunity, and the many forms addiction can take.
​
I am very interested in the work presented by Victor E. Frankl. Prior to reading Man’s Search for Meaning, I would frequently experience feelings of disillusionment and a lack of self-worth. The publication has greatly influenced me to lead a more ‘meaningful life’ following the basic principles of structure and purpose- a not dissimilar format to the twelve-step program used to help with addiction.
​
The essays by Carl Jung’s in Modern Man In Search Of A Soul, pour light onto the role of the therapist when interacting with patients and makes the correlation between the therapist’s mindset and the dissociation of personality when formulating a structure to best support the person in need. I have considered this principle in depth and am keen not only to learn so much more about the effectiveness of mental health intervention but also on my own behavioural patterns going forward into this field.
​
Further to this, my initial degree studies surrounding Architecture to this day still inspire my work. I have been greatly inspired by the Biophilia Design Concept and the Wabi Sabi philosophy which means treading lightly on the planet and with one another. The correlation between wellbeing and nature is indisputable. Furthermore, I studied the concept of how the use of colour within architecture can be manipulated to create and enhance mood and emotion.