Open Skies Hypnotherapy

31/01/2026

https://emmajaneoldershaw.substack.com/p/the-releasing-guitar

TRIGGER WARNING: This post from my Substack (which is where you will find all my writing) contains some graphic descriptions, but I felt it might help to talk about my own experience of Post-Natal Depression. If you resonate with anything I have mentioned, please reach out for some support and be kind to yourself.

On being guided towards release, hope and recovery - my experience of Post-Natal Depression

29/01/2026

I've been taking time to process my thoughts on the Brooklyn Beckham story before I responded. It stirred up a lot of painful things for me and I have needed to step away from social media and exercise some self-care whilst things turned judgmental without any of us actually knowing the real story.

It did get me thinking about parental estrangement. Two words that look odd in the same sentence. Because we see parents as the guardians of our wellbeing, a safe space to which we can return no matter when, no matter what. But the truth is much more painful, for many families, including mine.

Parental estrangement is not a decision anyone takes lightly. We know we are going to be judged, told off, looked down upon. We know we are going to be tutted about. We know this, and yet we feel so desperate that we still choose to cut off our parents.

And when we have made the decision, and followed it through, waves of guilt crash in. We feel terrible. Even though our parents have made our lives miserable, we still feel such overwhelming guilt for letting go of that relationship.

We feel lonely. We grieve for the parents we deserved but never had.

Every single day, we wish things could have been different. We watch our friends enjoying a relationship with their parents and we wonder what was so wrong with us that we couldn't have that. We are confused, and we are sad.

Under every decision we make, is a whole wave of difficult emotion. Please be kind to others. If you don't understand their experiences, be thankful. We wish we didn't have to be in this situation either.

If you are struggling with parental estrangement or difficult family dynamics, and you feel you might benefit from therapy, please reach out. I've walked this road, and I understand.

27/01/2026

Hi everyone. I'm here to talk about home education today, because I am a home educating parent as well as running my business and I am currently seeing a LOT of misinformation about home education that I think we should clear up.

If you are home educating, it is more than likely because the school system was NOT FIT for your child. It is NOT because your child could not fit in at school. The school system right now is a dark place to be. Here is what I hear from my clients and from my friends who are teachers and are trying desperately to leave the profession:-

Schools are not allowing children to leave class to use the toilet. Even if you have a toilet pass (e.g. because you have heavy periods) they will often ignore these, leaving girls to bleed through their pads. This turns a normal bodily function into a source of derision and embarrassment, leading to issues around loathing and shame.

Schools are still placing kids in isolation. If a child is disrupting a class, it is because they are not doing well in that environment and they are trying to communicate this in the way they know how. Instead of reading the cues, schools are shutting down the attempt to communicate by silencing the child completely. This reinforces a narrative of, "nobody is listening to me, so what I have to say is not important".

Schools are removing fidget toys and anchoring devices for children. One of my clients was told to remove an earring which she had already specifically said she used to fiddle with as it regulated her nervous system. She was sitting in a classroom where the earring would not pose a hazard, but still was told to take it out.

Teachers are no longer able to cope with the state of the system and are being signed off sick in their droves. This leads to inconsistency in the identity of the adults who are around the children. If a child has trust in a particular teacher, this can be catastrophic.

I am hearing so many stories that have genuinely left me feeling despair at the state of the system. But I've been trying to work out how I can do my bit to help. That looks like:-

Writing my children's book, You Are Enough, and designing a complete programme of workshops, confidence building and emotional regulation to accompany it. That programme is now running and available to book either privately with one child at a time, or in small group settings.

Offering a space for children to engage in nervous system regulation techniques where we don't have to discuss their school trauma. This is important. We can regulate emotions through a series of interventions where the trauma is not discussed and we do not need to go back and revisit it.

Running my workshops for parents of children who are struggling at school and do not want to attend. When I started to treat school children, they told me, "Mum says I have to go to school and I just need to get on with it". And I get it. That is Mum's own conditioning around school coming out. We are not about blame or shame here. As a society we have been fed a narrative that school is the way forward. But we now know that there is another way to educate. We also know that it is vital to keep an open, honest, supportive dialogue between parents and children. That is what I am trying to get to - a space where parents and kids are on the same page, standing together as a strong unit. Open to listening, exploring, and understanding. Receptive, on both sides.

So I've been busy beavering away on all these things and I am ready to share it with you. I'm also finishing some further training on polyvagal theory which is about how we run our nervous system and the adverse effects of being stuck in hyperactivated stress responses (something that is clearly happening in our schools a lot of the time).

I'm just a mum, like you, trying to do my best for my child. Sometimes, we get it wrong. And that's OK, because we're human. But we need to keep showing up, every day, determined to be the receptive channel that our kids need. Are you ready to join me?

14/01/2026

I am now authorised to use this logo to demonstrate my Supervisor status within the profession.

This demonstrates my commitment to exceptional standards not only for my own clients, but also for my supervisees and their clients.

I'm pushing myself even further in 2026 to undertake more training - the things on my list include achieving TFT Diagnostic Practitioner status this Spring, completion of some further Human Givens courses throughout the year, plus honing my hypnotherapy skills further with more CPD.

I am always working to improve safety and ethical conduct in my practice and am excited to see where this year leads for the continued growth of Open Skies. A dream my younger self would never even have contemplated.

13/01/2026

Today is the day one of my intentions for 2026 was realised. 13 days into a New Year, this happened...I received my final certificate as a General Hypnotherapy Standards Council Acknowledged Supervisor!

What does this mean?

It means I can make a difference to the lives of other hypnotherapists and their clients.

Why is supervision important?

Because hypnotherapy can be practiced unethically and unsafely by people who have not been properly trained. It is unregulated and as such, a quick online course of a few hours can qualify you - on paper.

I am regulated as a therapist and now as a supervisor by the GHSC and my course covered not only hypnotherapy but also psychotherapeutic modalities to back up my skills. These ranged from Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, person-centred therapy and counselling skills, to a thorough examination of transference and counter-transference, ethics and safe boundaries. I am trained to an extremely high standard and can use this alongside my years in private practice, to really make a difference to other therapists.

When can I start taking on supervisees?

Right now! If you are looking for a supervisor, please contact me to discuss your requirements. I am excited to work in this field and really help as many people as I can to develop.

12/01/2026

So we’re 12 days into the New Year. I didn’t set myself loads of unrealistic targets for 2026 because I knew I’d just get frustrated if I couldn’t achieve it all and we all have to be real about what demands we have on our time and what we can actually do for ourselves.

BUT…that doesn’t mean I just allowed another year to arrive without setting some intentions.

If you’re a woman of a certain age, you may find yourself assessing life and wondering what to do with this next chapter of it. I know it’s a question that’s been on my mind a lot lately as I feel the years creeping away.

And so, I have put in place a few things for myself in 2026. Because we are not just mums, or wives. We are not just organisers, taxi drivers, prescription collectors, pet owners. We are unique, beautiful people in our own right and we need to allow our purpose to be realised. I know I do, anyway.

So for January, I have been putting in place these things:

✅ Working on my hypnotherapy supervisor qualification so I can supervise and support other hypnotherapists

✅ Taking part in a one day online writing retreat yesterday called Moon and Shadow which was immersive and very productive as well as honouring the writer part of me which runs deep through my soul. I’ve made a lot of progress on my next novel during this retreat.

✅ Signing up to Ink & Flame, a 7 week writing programme designed to grow me an audience on Substack who will pay a subscription to access my writing community

✅ Enrolling on a course to qualify as an Advanced TFT Practitioner. I have had diagnostic TFT carried out on me by an advanced practitioner and it was mind blowing. It diagnoses emotions and then releases them without a client having to even mention anything. I can already see so many situations where I’ll be able to use this to make a real difference to my clients who aren’t ready to talk about their trauma.

✅ Getting back to guitar lessons after Christmas and starting to learn how to write a song - I feel pretty confident I’ll have something written in the coming months that will be exciting and reflective of my personality.

Phew! I realised as I typed this how much intention has already been set for the year.

I didn’t say I’d exercise every day or wake at 5am to go running because I know myself well enough to know it wouldn’t happen. But I intend to continue dancing this year and to rise early to write when the mood takes me. And that’s enough.

If you’re going into the year feeling stuck, not really knowing what to change or commit to, maybe we can chat?

I’m running my new UPLIFT programme right now and I’d love to help you move into a new year making changes that feel right, real and sustainable.

Whether that be releasing old traumas, or peeling away the labels of wife, mum, employee to rediscover who is underneath, it could be the most beautiful gift you give yourself.

03/01/2026

Ok ladies, hands up who resonates with my latest poem below? We've all been there. We try to be that perfect parent, the one who never shouts. But when we find ourselves in a negative mindset, we just can't help ourselves. Frustration rears its head and we start to take it out on those around us.

That's why having the right mindset is such a hugely important tool in life. Its something I can help you with - and its something that I understand can be a real challenge, especially when we are juggling a lot, we're single mums, or we're perimenopausal.

Have a read, and know that you're not alone. I'm always here if you need.

This poem is called, "The power of positive".

It's all about the mindset, that's truly what I think
For mindset is the key to whether we shall float or sink.

Two people in the same situation, may both have a different view
On whether things are bad or good, whether they are happy or they're blue.

Let's look at an example, from my life - which I perceive
To be sometimes worse than it is, I beg for a reprieve.

Give me a break, I shout aloud, and then I slam the door
I mutter as I do so, "I just can't take any more".

"There's so much to do on the house, and so much money to be spent
I'll just never afford it, I hate being a single parent!".

I rage against the world, and how I find it so unfair
I go off into victim mode, and I stay entrenched right there.

My family all suffer, when I get into this pattern
"Why can't you just be nice?", they ask, "Why does this always happen?"

And then, you see, I feel much worse, and the cycle starts again
"I'm damaging my child," I wail, "I never meant to cause her pain."

So off I go, away to my desk, and there I begin to write
A list of reasons to be thankful, for a life that's truly bright.

A home that I have painted, in colours vibrant and bold
Shelves of books yet to be read, their stories waiting to be told.

A cat who I can cuddle, his gift is one of love and care
A few close friends who really "get" me, my problems with them I share.

The gift of an optician to correct my wonky sight
The gift of funky glasses, to amaze and to delight!

The gift of dance - the way I feel, when I move my body to the beat
The way dance classes have saved me, when I felt crushing defeat.

The gift of a work ethic, huge ambition, self-respect
The gift of my amazing daughter, who I will always protect.

The gift of watching musicals, that make me laugh and cry
The joy of being creative, a gift that money cannot buy.

My training as a therapist, that opened up my eyes
I grew in self-awareness, and that in itself is a prize.

So there are many ways that we can look upon our life
We can look at what we do not have, but that will only cause us strife.

Or we can set a timer, for five minutes, and we can write
About all the abundance that fills our heart with joy and light.

I know what I would rather do - appreciate my life, and soak it in
And give thanks for a positive mindset - because that means I'll always win.

(c) Emma Oldershaw, 2026

Call now to connect with business.

31/12/2025

https://openskieshypnotherapy.co.uk/grey-skies-seeing-the-beauty-in-your-grey/

Good Morning, followers, and welcome to the last day of 2025.

Here is a poem I have created for all of you, my clients past and present, those who are following quietly, those who are thinking and listening in the shadows. This poem is for you all.

As you read, please make a note of what comes up for you and please do feel free to share that with me privately if you wish.

I wish you a day of gentleness, whatever that may look like for you.

A poem about how we view feeling grey, empty or numb. Is it a protector? Is it a product of our environment? And have you thought about the beauty underneath?

30/12/2025

And so, a New Year is almost upon us. I've been creating the ultimate programme for you for the last several months and I'm super excited to unveil it here first.

Step into 2026 feeling UPLIFTed with my new six-step programme designed to give you a complete wellbeing makeover.

Step 1: UNDO (past narratives and limiting beliefs)
Through therapeutic work using an integrative approach tailored to you (from a range including NLP, Hypnotherapy, Regression, Inner child work, creative therapy and counselling skills), let's examine the origin of your limiting beliefs and past narratives about yourself, making links to aid understanding and then reframing perceptions to allow forward growth.

Step 2: PROMOTE (positive thought patterns and confidence building)
A series of techniques to focus on the things you have achieved and embed positive association in the brain and neural pathways.

Step 3: LEARN (about your triggers back to old patterns of behaviour and how to mange these, and increase self-awareness to prevent relapse).

Step 4: INSTALL (new anchors)
Using proven techniques, lets work together to build confidence, promote grounding and inner calm. A series of exercises and tools will be given which you can easily access in any given situation, wherever you are.

Step 5: FORWARD (to a brighter future)
Bringing together all we have learned and using it to move forwards in a different mindset.

Step 6: TIME(to be your best self)
You are worth it. You have made the journey. A final look at the whole package of self-care from physical nutrition to what we are feeding our mind. Includes sections on gut health, exercise and sleep hygiene.

The investment: £500 (usually £585, save £85 by booking now!).

If you feel called, if you know you can't do another year without making some changes - now is the time to begin.

07904 839416 or emma@openskieshypnotherapy.co.uk

Step into the driving seat and strap yourself in - 2026 is set to be a ride!

30/12/2025

Good Morning, lovely followers and friends

This week, between Christmas and New Year, has traditionally been a time for me to embark on a writing sanctuary, and I'm so pleased to be doing it again this year. Yesterday I wrote this poem, which is about living in the moment and appreciating the beauty of life. If this is something you struggle with, then do reach out to me. I am now taking bookings for the New Year. I hope you enjoy this offering today. Let me know what it brings up for you :)

Take one step, and leave a watermark in the dew,
Until the grass beneath rises up anew.

Each step, each effort, all too fleeting
No lasting impact, our endeavours beaten.

We strive and toil, to make a mark
Upon this earth, before we depart.

We might create, with words and shows
That linger after we take our final bow.

But how long before our works are forgot?
Our memory begins to fade and rot.

Or maybe we try to break the mould
So our future family, can be more bold.

No trauma left, to dull their light
We’ve changed the pattern, the future’s bright.

But that future family, too will die.
All forgotten, as years pass by.

Our homes that we took such care to keep
Demolished in a rubbled heap.

Our possessions boxed up, given away or sold
With no way to access the tales of old.

Each item holds a story, a memory
But when I died, I took the key.

How , then, do we make that mark,
The one that remains, when it’s all gone dark ?

Maybe it’s not about what we leave
But how we live, while we still can breathe.

Connection, love, and tenderness
Living each day as if we’re truly blessed.

Watching waves crash, upon a shore
Lifting our child on our shoulders, so they can see more.

Dancing in streets while music plays
Quiet moments on yoga mats, Namaste.

Feasting our eyes upon words and art
Listening to songs that touch our heart.

Travelling and seeing this beautiful world
Waiting for our next opportunity to unfurl.

Finding friends who truly understand
Who light the darkness with a guiding hand

Remembering to find magic in the everyday
Because it’s always right here, come what may.

If we live this life, right to the full
Find beauty and magic, be more mindful
Then when our time has come to leave
There will be no need to grieve

No need to worry about our legacy
Or if our dewy step will be erased, as the grass springs free.

Because, you see, we got it right after all
We took this gift of life, and by God! We had a BALL!

21/12/2025

It's almost the big day! And I couldn't feel less festive.

It might be a relief to you, to hear someone else say it. After all, we're meant to be happy, right? It's December, we are 4 days away from Christmas Day and it's FUN.

But life doesn't magically mend itself just because of a date on a calendar. I've struggled to get into a festive frame of mind this year as I face my first Christmas without my Nan.

For some of us, Christmas can be really hard. We might not get on with our families. We might feel a need to please everyone else and not ourselves. We might feel pressure to buy lots of gifts or prepare a perfect feast. And at a time of year when the nights are dark and we are meant to be slowing down, we instead find ourselves frazzled as we push ourselves harder to make Christmas perfect for everyone around us.

Sound familiar?

The good news is, it doesn't have to be this way. I haven't spent Christmas Day with my parents for years. I spend it with my daughter and when she goes to see her Dad between Christmas and New Year, I light a candle and write my books and poems and eat party food. It's wonderful.

If you want to work on:

Letting go of expectation and knowing you are already enough
People Pleasing and how to stop doing it
Feelings of grief around missing a loved one
Guilt or shame connected with cutting off a family member
Navigating tricky relationships while asserting your boundaries

then please reach out and let's go into 2026 with a new mindset and some new tools to really free ourselves.

Bookings are open for January 2026 onwards! 07904 839416 or emma@openskieshypnotherapy.co.uk

15/12/2025

The elves have found the therapy books 😂

Open Skies will close this year on 19th December at 3pm and reopen 2nd January 2026 at 9am.

I would like to say a big thank you to every client for your support this year. It means so much that you placed your trust in me and allowed me the privilege of helping you through hard times.

If you are in need of support over the holiday period, please reach out to one of the many text helplines such as SHOUT on 85258.

Have a peaceful Christmas, do what feels right for you and not what you feel obliged to do. Be gentle with yourself, and I’ll see you next year 🙏