Self Talk Academy

14/04/2026

How did I end up teaching children self-talk?

It started with one simple realisation: words change how we feel - instantly.

I saw it in my own life, my hypnotherapy work, and in classrooms. Children weren’t being taught how a few simple words can help them to manage their emotions in the moment.

Now, every week I watch children transform simply by learning to direct their own mind with short, powerful phrases.

Tiny words. Huge impact.

And that’s why I do this.

09/04/2026

Not confidence.

Freedom.

07/04/2026

Even in a hospital setting children can feel safe, playful and in control.

This is the power of simple self talk tools.

05/04/2026

Life isn’t about how many days pass by… it’s about the ones that make you pause, feel, and truly live. ✨

The deep belly laughs.
The proud, pinch-me moments.
The quiet seconds you wish you could bottle forever.

Those are the moments that matter most 🤍

So here’s your reminder today:
Create more moments that take your breath away

04/04/2026

Throwback to the very first time I helped a child truly unlock their voice.

She was in Year 5, so shy she couldn’t bring herself to answer a question in class, let alone share her work with others.

She joined my 10-week Confidence Coaching programme. Just 30 minutes a week.

By the end of the course?
She insisted on going first in her class assembly.

Her teacher was stunned. So were her previous teachers when they heard.

Fast forward to Year 6...
She auditioned to be Head Girl - with a rap she wrote and performed herself.
She got the role. And she nailed it.

Honestly? It was one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had.

02/04/2026

I love learning from young people.
Their honesty. Their insight. The way they understand their bodies and feelings in ways we often overlook.

A while ago I remember chatting with my friend’s 10-year-old daughter who told me something powerful. She was describing a moment of panic at the Billie Eilish concert at the O2 - the steep auditorium, the crowds, all felt overwhelming. Her body went into fight-or-flight. Her mum even noticed the smell of acid reflux on her breath - that’s how strongly she was feeling it.

I’d previously suggested the phrase: “I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m fine” - something to ground her when panic rises. But she told me she tried it… and it didn’t quite work.

What did help was repeating: “I’m safe, I’m safe, I’m safe.”
She said it helped to calm her down and feel more in control.

And that taught me something.

When it comes to self-talk, it doesn’t matter which phrase you choose - as long as it’s positive, present and directive.
Not “I will be safe,” but “I AM safe.”

Thank you, wise 10-year-old. I’m learning from you.

31/03/2026

Children are reading less, fact.

But I recently, I heard the human side of that statistic.

We were talking about activities that get better with practice when one of the children said “reading”… then paused and added:

“I used to love reading when I was younger… but then my brother taught me how to play Roblox and now I prefer to do that.”

My heart sank a little.
Not because gaming is “bad”, but because it’s such a clear snapshot of childhood today, constant digital pull, instant rewards, endless stimulation… and quietly, reading loses its place.

It’s no one’s fault. It’s just reality.

But moments like this remind me why creating space for focus, imagination and confidence offline matters so much. Even 20 minutes of reading a day can transform vocabulary, creativity, emotional regulation, empathy, everything.

I hope that little girl finds her way back to the magic of books one day.
And until then, try reading a little more yourself… and model the joy of it to your children.

Comment below and tell me what you’re reading right now. I’m reading Kathy Burke’s autobiography and I’m absolutely loving it.

29/03/2026

You are clever.
You are capable.
You are learning every single day.

Sometimes your brain just needs a reminder.

Trust yourself.
You know more than you think you do. 🌟

28/03/2026

26/03/2026

When you look at a photo of yourself, what do your eyes go to first?

If you’re like most of us, it’s the bit you like the least. That one thing you wish you could change. And suddenly, that’s all you can see…and the photo makes you cringe.

Try flipping the script.

Next time, pause and ask: What do I like most about myself in this picture?
Your smile? The way you look so happy?

Suddenly you’ll start liking the photo a bit more.

Be kind to yourself. You deserve it. 💛

24/03/2026

So many of the children I work with don’t realise how powerful their words are.

Not the big speeches or the perfect answers - just the tiny phrases they say to themselves in the moments that matter.

Each week I get to watch children go from

“I can’t do it” to “I can do it”

…and the shift in their whole being is wonderful to see.

Their shoulders lift, their faces soften, and there’s a lightness in their demeanour.

If it works in high-pressure environments like the military, it absolutely works for our children too. Their brains are listening. Their words matter. And with the right self-talk, they really can change their inner world.

Here’s to raising kids who know how to back themselves - one phrase at a time.

22/03/2026

Slow progress is still progress.

Little by little.
Step by step.
Day by day.

That’s how momentum is built 🔥