Fiona Laing Therapies

22/10/2025

A strategy I’ve been recommending and adopting myself is working for the “wee wins.” This isn’t a compromise or a downgrade to your overall goal, it is a method to achieve it consistently. It also reduces pressure on you.

Pressure isn’t just an emotional response it is also physical. Why? Because when we react emotionally to a situation that demands our attention, we need to be able to respond physically as well to deal with it. This is the response of the mind and body connection working together.

If we think of a piece of machinery that overheats when used too much, it stops working. I know I have burnt out several shredders in the past by not giving it time to cool down and pushed far too much through it at once. It stops working as it has been damaged.

As human beings, we also can overload ourselves to the point of not being able to function in the way we want. So, what can we do to prevent possible burnout and other conditions developing?
1. Stop and recognise. Working flat out with no breaks from staring at a computer to magic up the answers isn’t going to give us the solution- I’ve got the t shirt for both of those!

2. Relaxation is the counter- balance to anxiety, stress and pressure. I’m not talking about a 3 week sunshine holiday, which will have benefits, but the regular healthy focused down time to recharge everyday.

3. Identify what you need to get your daily reset? Is it your 30 mins walk in fresh air, your gym session or exercise class, or meeting a friend to have a good blether with?

New healthy habits bring new healthy changes.
A key purpose of Hypnotherapy is to enable you to achieve healthier and realistic goals.
You will learn information, techniques, and experience therapeutic shifts to enable you to do this. By working with your unconscious mind, you experience changes at a deeper level. Therefore the process of change is more consistent without previous barriers you may have experienced.

I also teach self hypnosis to my clients so they are able to continue the therapeutic shifts and use it as a daily reset tool.

So why the Wee Wins? - they are achievable and allow for pressure to be discharged consistently and so put us in a better position to deal with more and get to our overall goals.

If you would like to find out more about how these evidence-based therapies could help you, please drop me a wee DM or email (address in comments) as I always offer a free mini-introductory zoom first.

Best wishes, Fiona

Photo by Susan Heaton

23/09/2025

Hi if you are feeling in need of a wee bit of inspiration on something you are working on or just a distraction to look at things from a different angle- hope you enjoy this short video I’ve made.

The energy of the place brought clarity and focus to me so I wanted to share it.

I would love to know if it helped you too.

Best wishes….Fiona

18/09/2025

Do you ever get those thoughts that just go round your head and won’t shift? I know I have many times. Maybe it’s something you are trying to find a solution to –in your job, your business or personal life.

It seems the more you focus on it the harder it is to come up with the way forward. When this continues, anxiety can start to take up residence. With it brings less focus as you start to get frustrated or upset if you can’t find the answers.

If anxiety/ panic feelings started to develop, you may be aware of physical symptoms such as difference in your breathing or aware of your heartbeat. This is your mind and body putting you in survival mode – Flight or Fight. However, most things we are trying to solve are not life or death situations - it’s you trying to find an answer to something you have probably solved at a different time previously or something similar.

When different emotions start to dominate like anxiety, anger, guilt, your self talk becomes more negative and less likely to help you succeed.

What has helped me so many times over the years is using the therapies I practice – Clinical Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). With CBT, the language you use to yourself has a profound impact on the outcome. Hypnotherapy enables you to work directly with your Unconscious mind which is the resource of all your knowledge and experiences therefore your solutions. It’s why I often combine both.

If you would like to find out more how these evidence-based therapies could help you- please drop me a wee DM or email(address in comments) as I always offer a free mini-introductory Zoom first.

Here’s one of my wee nuggets for you:
If you are struggling to shift these anxious, frustrating, distracting thoughts- think of a place where you have felt calm, peace and clarity and bring your focus to that. Maybe then the solution you are looking for will come to you.
Here’s a photo I took of one of my places – I love to know how you get on trying this.
Best wishes. Fiona.

09/09/2025

What a hot Summer this has been!
I can honestly say I don’t handle the heat well and can’t sit in the sun for hours, however I have enjoyed being in the brightness and feeling the warmth but out of the searing rays. The long daylight hours have felt such a boost.

No doubt about it the sunny weather lifts our mood. We get a natural intake of Vitamin D which in Scotland can be in short supply some years. Vitamin D is vital, not only for supporting bone health but it also has an impact on our mood. Prolonged deficiency can cause low mood.

Well one of the big personal achievements so far this year has been having work done in our garden which has made it much more manageable. It’s also made it much more attractive and interesting to look at and be in. It has relieved years of frustration and yes stress with the change.

One of the lovely additions is an arbour which has enabled me to sit outdoors out of the glaring sun and enjoy the fresh air and warmth. I have taken my coffee and a book out there and giving myself time out away from work and created a space for me. As a psychotherapist I know the benefits of stress reduction. I also know having experienced stress periods of finding something that helps you manage and change the impact of it.

Now being in Autumn, the days of sitting in the arbour in short sleeves is now past but I’m going to work on using it during the seasons. Wrapped up but still getting the benefit of the morning sun to be in brightness and feel the energy from it. I know just getting out in the garden and having a walk around now has helped me get up from my desk and importantly computer.

I would like to invite you to think of something you have done over the Summer that’s helped with any stress you have or are experiencing. Can you keep it going over the Autumn and into Winter to introduce a new beneficial habit?- I would love to hear them.

If you would like to find out more about stress management and working with therapy and techniques to help, please drop me a wee message. I’m always happy to chat.

I’ve included a wee photo of me in the arbour with my book and coffee- yes I’m a black coffee full caffeine gal. I’m joined with my daughter’s dog, Ellie who I call my MHPT- Mental Health Personal Trainer who always makes sure she is comfy.

29/08/2025

Over the past few months, I’ve been a guest speaker at various networking events online and in person. An aspect of my business I really enjoy as training has been a part of both my careers firstly corporate and then therapy as I was a lead tutor in the massage school where I trained. I run my own workshops too.

The key element of my talks was the Mind and Body connection which is integral to all my therapy work and the ethos of my business.
Why? - because it is fundamental to your health and wellbeing . What’s so empowering is that you can make choices to improve and enhance your life and of course your business. Combine this with the therapies I practice of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and you are in a position, to:
1. Gain insights
2. Work through blocks
3. Make changes
4. Build your own Self-help Therapy Toolbox
I love sharing my knowledge of my 25 years in the therapy world. I’m passionate about helping people being able to help themselves.

If you would like to find out more about my 1:1 sessions, please drop me a DM as I always offer a free introductory chat to see if we are a good fit to work together.

Also, if you’re looking for a speaker for your event, do let me know, as I will tailor it to your event. To me having conversations with people is one of life’s basic needs.

My Gran used to say “Our Fiona was vaccinated by the gramophone needle” ( yes I’m showing my age! ) I’m always one to have a chat or a wee blether. Combine it in a sharing and open setting you have the potential for great communication- Win Win.

Photo by Sarah Laing

30/06/2025

I’ve always valued my role as a therapist - I see it as a privilege. Why, because clients are opening up to their fears and worries that have perhaps been there for a very long time. It’s up to me to create that safe and professional space for communication.

Establishing rapport and trust quickly is fundamental to enable me to use my skills. I never follow a one size fits all because we are all individuals with different needs and aims.

When I receive a testimonial, it’s humbling and delightful to know my bespoke therapy makes a difference. It’s why I’m still passionate about doing what I do.

My heartfelt thanks to this lovely client who took the time to describe the incredible emotional shift they made and for taking it forward.

If this resonates with you, please do drop me a wee DM - I would love to chat to you. I always offer a free consultation as it’s important we find out if we are a good fit to work together.

21/05/2025

Have you ever found yourself talking to the TV or Radio when something said hits you? Well, that’s what happened to me when I was watching BBC Countryfile this week.

It was a section about the issues of mental health of farmers. A new charity has been set up by 2 farmers who have experienced their own struggles with mental health. In their county their aim is to provide a 24 hr support help network and access to counselling within a week. What a vital support in a very stressful industry.

Their patron is HRH The Prince of Wales who’s very open in his support for the nation’s mental health.
Well, here’s when my revelation came in as he talked about everyone having access to their own Self-help toolbox with various tools for various situations.

Wow I’ve been an advocate of this for about 20 years when I first started designing and running stress management workshops (no webinars then!). I run them with many varied groups.

One of my “WHYs” is the importance of and how to take “Emotional responsibility” for yourself. This can take many forms but the first is recognising you need help and support. This a strength not a weakness. If we continue to ignore symptoms and worries, it’s unlikely they will disappear, more likely they will get worse and may erupt. I know from personal experience how important it is to reach out for help.

What can you put in your “Self-help Therapy Toolbox?” Here’s some examples to get you started.
1. Contacts of people you know and trust you can rely on to help you, e.g. who you can have a chat with when you need it.
2. Self-help techniques such as breathing control when anxiety strikes
3. Your training shoes to get outside when the indoor walls and technology are dominating. Fresh air is a vital rebalance and reviver for mind and body.

Building this is a key resource I teach people I’m working with, as it gives you back direction and choice in your life. Through my therapy sessions, old habits, beliefs, fears, anxiety and stress no longer have a front row seat in your life. You are in the director’s chair of your life. This is empowerment.
If you would like to find out more, please drop me a wee DM. I’m always happy for a chat and to help.

Here’s a photo of one of my wee escapes. Even 15mins can make a difference especially with my wee MHPT (Mental Health Personal Trainer)

08/05/2025

Ah the sequel- same or different? I like to think same theme but different useful information.
I’m referring to my video I’m sharing today. Yes, it’s another from my wee break in Cairngorms but instead of just me doing the filming and voice over which I find the easiest, I embraced the camera this time. When I first watched it back, I thought I’m not using that because it really is a bad hair day😂 Watched it again and saw the reason for making in first place, where I was at that moment moved me. Why?
1. I’m back at water and I find water scenery uplifting, calming, inspiring, and rejuvenating to name a few.
2. When I make videos like this, I don’t have a “script” in my head. I just let my emotional state of being there find the words and I trust in the flow.
This is what I call “Relaxed Focus.” It describes a key feature of Clinical Hypnotherapy. It allows you to distance yourself from what is bothering you at the time and then be able to view it differently and allow you to make positive changes. You are able to change the emotion that is driving the thoughts and behaviours. It’s why I teach self hypnosis to most people I work with.
I’ve included one of my wee messages and techniques about releasing stress in it. Hope you can spot it? Clue, it refers to the waves🤔. I would love to know whether it resonates with you. Thank you.
Enjoy the video (it’s only 57 seconds!) 🎬

02/05/2025

Beginning of this week I had a wee break to a favourite place of mine in the Cairngorms. A chance to recharge the batteries and get out in the fresh air which was much needed.
When there, I’m always inspired to make wee videos. Surprisingly, I do them in 1 take unlike when I’m doing them at home. Why? Well probably due to:
 Change of scene, feeling more relaxed with clearer focus so less pressure
 Mind -body connection working in positive balance.

Hope you enjoy this one. It’s the “Green Lochan” aka “An Lochan Uaine” which to me has a tranquil and mystical feel to it. Clue, listen for the wee bit folklore.
I felt peace while there so I know I can watch my video anytime I want to experience it again.
I would love to know if you enjoy it too. What places do you have that gives you that feeling? Give yourself a moment to recall and enjoy. Your nervous system will thank you.

01/05/2025

Well done to Sarah Laing Sings for your time and dedication in bringing these events together. Both in your role on the committee and being the performer spreading your talent and joy of your singing and chat.

First one was so uplifting and enjoyed by all who were there.

Well done. 👏

I'm so excited to be performing at the next Pentland Tea Dance at Pentland Community Centre next month. These events are free to attend thanks to the charity receiving funding from the The City of Edinburgh Council Community Grant and are held with the aim of reducing social isolation within the community.
Visit Pentland Community Centre page for all event information and to reserve your place today.
Hope to see you there!

22/04/2025

Hi I’m delighted to share that I’m going to be a speaker at networking event tomorrow Wed 23rd April. It is with Marti Jeremiah-Shelley at her event called Coffee& Chat.

It’s a privilege to be asked to speak at another business owner’s event. My chat will be about -
“ Does your self talk harmonise with your Mind-Body Connection” If you have seen any of my posts you will recognise that the mind-body connection is a key part of my therapy business.

Marti hosts a very friendly event through her own enthusiastic, upbeat and supportive personality. To be able to have sell out gigs is quite something. It definitely links to my belief of “Good chat is always good therapy.” The coffee is fab too which is a big tick for me as I’m a full strength caffeine black coffee gal!

If you have managed to get a ticket to Marti’s event I’m really looking forward to seeing you there. Thank you Marti for asking me.

10/04/2025

Do you regularly put others needs in front of yours? This could be from:
• Family
• Friends
• Work colleagues
• Clients

How do you feel when that happens?
• Annoyed?
• Upset?
• Frustrated?
• Sad?
• Put upon?
• Don’t know how to change it?

Do you find it hard saying “No” and end up saying “Yes” almost by default or out of habit? Then the cycle starts again.

Here’s the cruncher – how you feel and what you desire is important and healthy. I’m not saying we don’t have to make compromises or negotiate, it’s great to be able to help and support. That helps us benefit psychologically and physically and it’s part of human nature. However when the balance is constantly being skewed in an unhealthy way towards us, then it’s time to navigate this.

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Clinical Hypnotherapy, I can teach you self care therapy techniques and provide tailored therapy, so that you start prioritising your needs and choices and still be able to help and support others.

If this is something you want to explore more, please drop me a wee DM for a free initial chat.