About Maria Hancock

After I attained an Hons Degree in Psychology and Sociology in 1992, and an MSc in Health Psychology, I embarked on a career in research and analysis within the NHS and civil service.

After suffering work-related stress, I discovered the wonders of hypnotherapy and this positive experience led me to train as a Hypnotherapist in 2010, leaving the NHS to work as a full time hypnotherapist. 

A highly traumatic time in my life, when I suffered anxiety and insomnia, helped me to discover how immensely beneficial mindfulness is, and so it was only natural that I trained as a Mindfulness Practitioner shortly after.

With nearly half a century (eek!) of life experience behind me, I have weathered my fair share of ups and downs (childhood shyness, a traumatic birth, postnatal depression, anxiety, insomnia, the breakdown of a close family relationship, the loss of my dear mum to Alzheimer's) and I also have ongoing chronic pain issues that I'm still working on overcoming. I have always been determined to face my fears, overcome life's challenges, and to keep seeking health, happiness and well-being and I aim to help my clients to do the same. 

I have enjoyed a successful practice since 2010; and I am also one of the team of Hypnotherapy and NLP assessors for the Academy of Advanced Changework.

​If you still need convincing that I'm the one to help you, please take a look at my testimonials to hear what others say.

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My approach

You are individual, and so is the way I treat you. I can use a mixture of hypnotherapy,  NLP, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and mindfulness meditation within my sessions according to your wants and needs.

My main tool is hypnotherapy, though I am happy to be led by your preference. My aim is to help you by increasing your resources and to empower you to help yourself. The success of any form of therapy involves both the therapist and the client working together, therefore I will often give you homework in order to help to achieve success and improve progress between sessions.

Hypnosis is an extremely effective tool. However, just like fixing a car, the right tools will enable you to fix the car as long as you have the addition of the right expertise to go with it. I spent time listening to you, to help me to use my expertise to help you towards your goals.

My approach is very much led by the client and what you bring to the therapy. I take time to listen to you, to understand you, your problem, your favoured approach, your resources and goals. I then work towards helping you to focus on your goals and maximise your personal resources.

Solution focused hypnotherapy is my favourite approach. It is very successful, even with problems that are triggered by events in our past. It gives long-lasting results and is quicker than regression hypnotherapy, which focusses on the past. 

I have trained in regression hypnotherapy and so I can use this approach if it is appropriate and necessary, or you have a preference for this approach.

My qualifications

DipH - Diploma in Hypnotherapy, (Academy of Advanced Changework - AAC). This course involved over 450 hours of training to the highest level of competence and meeting National Occupational Standards. I was assessed on my theoretical knowledge and understanding, and through practicals to demonstrate my ability to practice hypnosis. This course also included training in CBT and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).

MSc Health Psychology – a Masters level degree at Surrey University.

BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sociology - degree at the University of Surrey.

Mindfulness Level II Training (Clear Mind Institute)
Currently studying towards a Level II training in Teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Programmes.

​Mindfulness Teacher Training - (The UK College of Mindfulness Meditation)

Diploma in Advanced Weight Control - an advanced qualification in Hypnotherapy for weight control.

Diploma in NLP, (AAC). This qualification involved over 120 hours of training. Neuro-Linguistic Programming encompasses a range of very powerful techniques. It can be used on even the most entrenched and long-term problems, such as phobias, fears, stress and anxiety and also to help people to stop smoking, lose weight, or to gain confidence and self-esteem.

HPD, (AAC)- Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma. This new qualification for hypnotherapists is externally validated and accredited by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).

CertDE - Certificate in Discursive Empowerment. Discursive Empowerment is an effective psychological tool for change and to create choice.

Professional bodies

I belong to the following hypnotherapy professional body and register and abide by their code of ethics, which can be viewed by clicking the links to their websites below:

The General Hypnotherapy Register
The General Hypnotherapy Standards Council