17/03/2023
The Plumstead Road Library Friends have another fascinating talk lined up for us this month. On Wednesday, 22nd March, at 2.30pm, local man Neil Saunders will be giving a talk at Plumstead Road Library about his journey to becoming a psychotherapist and starting a Norwich-based therapy business called Focused Attention. His practice is available to help people with behavioural change, boosting confidence, increasing performance, reducing anxiety and managing stress. Neil is passionate about helping people to overcome barriers and to achieve their true potential. As a former teacher and current Samaritans volunteer, Neil’s skill-set is well-suited to a career in helping others. Before the talk, the Plumstead Road Press sat down with Neil to find out a little bit more about him and what we can expect at the talk.
Thorpe Saint Andrew resident Neil previously spent eighteen years as a teacher, but he has always been deeply curious about human life and psychology. The desire to explore a new career path as a psychotherapist was just too strong.
On completing his training and achieving his qualifications, Neil set up his Norwich-based therapy business called Focused Attention. The name refers to the nature of focusing our attention on a single idea whilst allowing ourselves to be open to suggestions – a modern, evidence-based approach to hypnosis called Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy (CBH). This modern approach is non-trance based – basically rejecting the notion of a hypnotic ‘trance’ and is powered by psychological factors such as suggestion, expectation, and imagination.
Neil will be explaining this new approach at the talk on Wednesday and giving us a history of what hypnosis is, and isn’t! Ever since a German physician called Franz Mesmer theorised about natural energy transference, and ended up giving his name to the ability to ‘mesmerise’ people, the modern perception of hypnosis was shaped. Neil will be exploring these misconceptions and demonstrating the effectiveness of the new CBH approach through a series of interactive demonstrations. This will be furthered by advice on how these exercises can be developed to help with pain management, anxiety and stress management.
We are very fortunate that Neil has found the time in his busy schedule to talk to us at Plumstead Road Library. When he is not helping his clients through Focused Attention, Neil spends his time being a Samaritans listening volunteer. “Alongside my training to become a psychotherapist, I became a Samaritans volunteer as they share my values of empathy and compassion.” He’s passionate about helping people, and his calm and attentive nature offers a trusting hand of support to those who need it.
This is a talk that you really don’t want to miss. So on Wednesday afternoon, 2.30pm, Plumstead Road Library, we can’t wait to spend an hour with Neil exploring Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapy live. We will see you there!
If you would like to learn more about how Focused Attention can help you, please visit Neil’s website at: www.focusedattention.co.uk for more details.
