The Dental Sanctuary

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a powerful therapeutic practice which allows you to access a focused state of concentration, which assists you to make the behavioural changes you want, resulting in increased feelings of profound calmness , confidence and positive attitude to achieve success, during and after the sessions.
Hypnotherapy is an investment in your potential – the life improvements, personal growth and success that you will be able to achieve will exponentially outweigh your initial outlay of time and money.
Through hypnosis, I can offer you the best therapeutic tools to achieve improved health and well-being. I am a consultant cognitive behavioural clinical hypnotherapist and well qualified in this area of extremely effective therapy. There is a great deal of very good robust scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of hypnosis particularly when it is used with CBT, in the treatment of anxiety fears and phobias, pain relief and IBS. 
I am especially involved in all areas of dental anxiety and phobia. As I also work in a dental practice, you would be able to access a more stress free dental experience, gradually- leading you to be able to comfortably manage any dental visit or treatment that you may need. I have worked in the dental profession for more than 40 years
Dental professional working on a patient in a modern dental clinic.

Let me introduce myself

I am a dental hygienist and psychotherapist/hypnotherapist of many years’ experience and training. My areas of research and expertise are dental anxiety in patients and stress in dental professionals

I have a BSc in Clinical Hypnosis, diplomas in Advanced Evidence Based Clinical Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnosis, Psychotherapy diploma, Psychology from The Open University, have won academic awards from the Royal Society of Medicine for Hypnosis, presented at the UK Hypnosis Convention in London (International), taught 'hypnosis for dentistry' at University College London and I present CPD courses in 'hypnosis for dentistry'.

If you're looking for expert guidance and practical skills to manage your dental anxiety, I’m here to support you. With years of experience and a proven track record of successfully treating anxious patients, I am recognised as an authority in the field of dental anxiety, with referrals from dentists from far and wide.

You can feel confident knowing you're in the best possible hands. As a highly qualified therapist who works directly with patients in my own dental practice, I have a deep understanding of the fears and challenges you're facing. I know why these feelings arise and, more importantly, how to help you overcome them.

 

 

Why I set up the Dental Sanctuary

This website is my way of extending the same care, empathy, and expertise that I’ve provided to my patients over the years. 
Here, you’ll find a wealth of resources tailored to help you manage your dental anxiety, including offering practical relaxation techniques, personalised advice, and expert insights on how to prepare for your dental visits. I offer hypnotherapy and mindfulness sessions on a one to one basis.

So, whether you’re seeking tips on how to ease your nerves before a dental visit, looking for trustworthy information, wanting to book in with me, or simply need to know you’re not alone, I’m here for you every step of the way. Together, we can make your journey to a healthier smile a comfortable and positive experience.

Let’s take the first step together, towards a healthier, anxiety-free smile, one visit at a time.

This website is also for the dental professional.

From my many years and experience gained in working in a clinical dental setting, I am acutely aware of the demands of everyday life in a dental clinic for the staff. The Dental Sanctuary offers you one to one hypnotherapy,advice, ideas, downloadable free relaxation meditations and in the future, will be offering online courses in dental anxiety management

Dentist man smiling while standing in dental clinic. Portrait of confident a young dentist working in his consulting room

About the Dental Sanctuary

Welcome to the Dental Sanctuary

At the Dental Sanctuary, we are dedicated to helping you overcome dental anxiety. My mission is to ensure your dental experience is comfortable, stress-free, and tailored to your needs through supportive services like CBT, mindfulness and evidence-based medical hypnosis. Here's how I can assist you:

1. Clear Explanations of Dental Procedures and Equipment

Understanding is the first step toward easing fear. I simplify complex dental procedures and explain the equipment used, helping to remove the fear of the unknown. My goal is to provide you with a clear picture of what to expect during your visit.

2. Tips for Staying in Control and Comfortable

Feeling in control helps reduce anxiety. I offer practical advice, such as breathing techniques and body positioning tips, to keep you calm and comfortable. With tools like hypnosis, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, I will guide you in managing stress effectively.

3. Confidence in Asking Questions

I encourage you to take an active role in your dental care. By empowering you to confidently ask questions and express concerns, I ensure you are fully informed and comfortable at every step. Your voice matters, and I’m here to support you in making it heard.

4. Reassurance and Emotional Support

I understand that feeling supported is key. Throughout your dental journey, I provide reassurance and validation for your concerns, offering emotional support every step of the way.

5. Relaxation and Coping Strategies

To make your dental visits more manageable, I offer a range of relaxation techniques—such as guided meditation, mental imagery, and hypnosis—to find what works best for you. These strategies can help you stay relaxed and in control during your visit.

6. Contact me: In my practice, I draw from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral hypnotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and psychology, all grounded in continued training, research, and experience. I incorporate insights from modern neuroscience into my sessions, and when it’s helpful, I educate clients about the brain regions we’re working to influence and how they relate to the changes we aim to achieve.

Whether in-person or online, my sessions are designed to be accessible no matter where you are in the world, allowing us to work together effectively, regardless of location.

 

Satisfied senior woman at dentist's office looking at camera.

Understanding where your fear comes from

When you understand it a bit more, you can realise that you are not alone, that you are not silly or irrational- it is the most common anxiety shared by many. 

There is the anticipatory fear of possible pain, of sharp instruments, there is the fear of choking, or loss of control and some people feel shame and embarrassment.

All of these you can learn to overcome and manage with skills and exercises that I shall teach you, so that your dental appointment need not be one of dread.

How your dental fear controls you.

With dental fear and anxiety, the result of avoiding dental treatment is reward- because every time you escape, you avoid the uncomfortable feelings and sensations and so feel better. Your brain has created a maladaptive strategy which helps you to preserve yourself and feel safe. It is recycling the problem because every time you avoid, every time you escape from the uncomfortable feelings, it makes you more certain that you need to avoid it and escape from it. 

If you are able to go to the dentist but suffer with the anxiety and catastrophising thoughts and bad experience memory recall but can manage to ‘grit your teeth (not really applicable!) and just ‘get through it’- then you are not facing it, and this is called experiential avoidance. 

In this situation you are not really facing the fears and so never managing to overcome the thoughts of horror and disaster in your head or the anticipation of pain

By being gradually exposed to the imagined stimulus of the dental fear, a sort of mindful exposure where you experience the evocative imagery but from a very relaxed and safe state of mind, (hypnosis) you are able to dismantle the old automatic fear processes of your brain to desensitise your anxiety response in that situation. 

This is my area of expertise and I have worked with so many patients this way. They all have been set free from their grip of fear when in a dental environment, comfortably and calmly able to manage booking appointments and experiencing dental procedures without any stress or anxiety.

Reach out and contact me and lets work together to regain your healthy smile.

 

 

Scared black woman looking at dental tools in doctor hands

How you will benefit from the support of the Dental Sanctuary

Learn how to avoid anticipating the unexpected or pain, by managing your negative thought pattern.

Be able to make and keep those dental appointments comfortably and without anxiety

Know and believe that you are in control - free from catastrophising thoughts and negative beliefs

Learn how to confidently have full control within the dental setting by negotiating with the dentist when you need a break or when you feel that the anaesthetic has not worked. 

Have the confidence to be able to use the mindful and self hypnosis skills that I shall teach you to be able to master your apprehension, your pre appointment nerves, your dread of the unknown, or the feelings of loss of control or embarrassment.

I have helped so many patients like you overcome their dental fears and achieve healthier smiles, throughout my years in dentistry, and I can help you too. Recently, I was featured in The Telegraph for successfully treating a patient with dental anxiety, showcasing my skills to ensure that dental care is a positive experience and can be for everyone. Contact me, and let’s work together to ensure your next visit is comfortable and stress-free!

I offer one to one therapy sessions, in my clinic, at a dental surgery or online

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Understanding Hypnosis and Its Role in Therapy

Hypnotism, first introduced by James Braid in 1841, offered a straightforward psychological explanation for the effects seen in Mesmerism, an earlier form of therapy. Braid defined hypnotism as "focused attention on an expected dominant idea or image," highlighting the power of concentrated thought. Later, Hippolyte Bernheim expanded this understanding by describing hypnosis as heightened suggestibility, which he called "suggestive therapeutics."

Today, hypnosis is viewed not as a trance or altered state of consciousness but as the art and science of suggestion. This aligns with the non-state, cognitive-behavioral approach to hypnosis, developed further by Robert White in his 1941 paper, "A Preface to the Theory of Hypnotism." White argued that hypnosis results from an individual's conscious attitudes and voluntary efforts, redefining it as a purposeful, goal-oriented process.

White suggested that hypnosis is an active process—something individuals do, not a passive state they enter. Essentially, all hypnosis is a form of self-hypnosis, involving self-directed actions. This idea is supported by non-state theorists, who view hypnosis through a rational, common-sense lens, aligning with Braid's original approach.

Current research describes hypnosis as a "hypnotic mindset" involving ordinary mental processes like beliefs, imagination, expectations, and motivation. Hypnosis is about adopting attitudes and behaviors that facilitate a hypnotic response, rather than entering an altered state of consciousness.

To experience hypnosis, whether with a therapist or through self-hypnosis, one needs to cultivate a "hypnotic mindset." This involves being motivated, confident in responding to suggestions, and optimistic about the process. With this mindset, individuals become more receptive to the benefits of hypnosis and more responsive to therapeutic suggestions.

Although this approach to hypnosis is more practical and less "magical" than popular portrayals, it has significant benefits. It makes hypnosis more accessible, empowering individuals to use evidence-based techniques and adopt a therapeutic mindset effectively.

My successful treatment of dental anxiety utilising hypnosis and mindfulness was recently featured in the Telegraph. If this is something that interests you, please contact me.

 

How Hypnosis is Effective in Dental Care

The evidenced approach to hypnosis means understanding it as an active, skillful process that involves adopting a specific mindset—offers several benefits for dental care, not a trance state that another 'puts you in':

Demystification and Accessibility -By explaining hypnosis as a series of focused attitudes and behaviours rather than a mysterious trance as all scientific evidence shows, makes it more understandable and acceptable to dental patients. You are not losing control. This approach aligns hypnosis with familiar techniques like relaxation exercises or cognitive-behavioral strategies, making it easier to integrate into dental practice.

Patient Empowerment -This method encourages patients to actively participate in their own care by using their beliefs, expectations, and motivations to enhance their comfort and responsiveness during dental procedures. Empowered patients often feel more in control, reducing anxiety and improving their overall experience.

Integration with Dental Treatments -Seeing hypnosis as a mindset allows it to complement other dental practices, such as pain management, sedation techniques, and relaxation methods. It enhances a patient's ability to remain calm, focused, and engaged, leading to more comfortable and efficient dental visits.

Evidence-Based Approach -This perspective fits with evidence-based dental practices by focusing on psychological processes that are backed by research rather than relying on mystical states. This scientific grounding makes hypnosis a more credible option for managing dental anxiety and pain.

Effective for Managing Dental Anxiety and Pain -Hypnosis is particularly useful in helping patients achieve a calm, focused state of mind, which can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. This makes it a valuable tool for routine care and more complex treatments, enhancing patient comfort.

Encourages Self-Hypnosis for Ongoing Care-Teaching patients self-hypnosis techniques can help them manage dental anxiety and discomfort outside the clinic, promoting relaxation and reducing stress before future visits. This ongoing practice can improve their overall dental health experience.

Enhances Communication and Trust- By framing hypnosis as a skill that involves attitudes and engagement, we foster better communication between dental professionals and patients. This approach encourages patients to express their concerns and expectations, leading to a more personalised, patient-centered dental experience.

 

Satisfied woman breathing at home in the night

My services

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Individual Therapy Sessions

Personalised One-on-One Sessions to Conquer Dental Fear and Anxiety

I provide tailored, one-on-one sessions specifically designed to help you overcome the dental anxiety challenges you face. Whether you're dealing with a specific phobia, general anxiety about dental care, or discomfort in a clinical setting, my therapy is customised to meet your needs and provide lasting relief.

These sessions can take place in the environment that works best for you:

In my Clinic: Experience face-to-face, personalised therapy in a calming and supportive setting, where I’ll guide you through effective techniques to manage and reduce your anxiety.

Online: Enjoy the convenience of therapy from the comfort of your own home, with virtual sessions that are equally effective in helping you achieve the same transformative results.

In a Dental Setting: For those who prefer direct support during their dental visits, I can offer sessions right in the dental clinic. This unique option allows you to confront your fears with immediate support, providing a calm and controlled approach while in the dental chair.

Regardless of the format you choose, my goal is to provide a safe space where you can explore your concerns, learn proven strategies to manage your anxiety, and build confidence in your ability to navigate dental care without fear. Together, we will work toward giving you the tools and mindset needed for a stress-free, positive experience with dental health.

With years of experience and a deep understanding of how dental anxiety affects individuals, I am dedicated to guiding you through this journey at your own pace, ensuring that every session brings you closer to comfort, confidence, and a healthy smile.

 

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Audios for managing dental anxiety

My therapy provides you with a range of carefully designed audio recordings, including hypnosis and mindfulness sessions, tailored to help you overcome your dental anxiety and manage any related phobias. These recordings are crafted to help you feel more comfortable and confident in the dental setting, transforming your experience from one of fear to one of calm control.

Through these audio sessions, you will:

·      Reduce Anxiety: Calm your nerves and let go of the anticipatory anxiety that often accompanies dental appointments.

·      Manage Phobias: Address and manage specific dental-related fears, whether it's needles, drills, or a general fear of the dentist.

·      Build Confidence: Feel empowered and confident during your visits to the dentist, allowing you to take charge of your dental health without the usual apprehension.

·      Stay Motivated: Stay motivated to maintain your oral health routine and achieve the best dental care possible for a healthy, beautiful smile.

The hypnosis and mindfulness recordings are easy to incorporate into your daily life, enabling you to practice these techniques at your convenience and build the mental resilience needed for a positive dental experience.

These sessions are based on proven techniques that I have successfully used with many patients, helping them transform their relationship with dental care. With this therapy, you can expect to feel more in control, relaxed, and ready to achieve the best dental health and smile possible

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For the Dental Team

I offer comprehensive support for the entire dental team, focusing on stress and anxiety management to create a healthier, more harmonious work environment. My approach is rooted in years of experience working alongside colleagues in the stressful world of dentistry, treating patients with dental anxiety and my ongoing research into the most effective techniques for reducing stress in high-pressure settings.

For the dental team, I provide practical tools and strategies to manage workplace stress, helping team members remain calm, focused, and confident even during challenging situations. This includes techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and effective communication strategies, ensuring that each team member is equipped to handle their own stress and provide a more positive experience for their patients.

In addition, I offer specialised advice on managing anxious patients, based on my extensive experience treating those who struggle with dental fear. This includes understanding the psychological aspects of anxiety, building trust and rapport with nervous patients, and utilising calming techniques such as gentle communication and relaxation methods. I help dental professionals develop a compassionate, patient-centred approach that not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces stress for the entire team.

My support ensures that both the dental team and their patients experience a more positive and less stressful environment, enhancing overall job satisfaction, patient care, and practice success.

 

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Online courses for dental phobia and managing dental fear and anxiety

Upcoming Online Courses in Dental Anxiety Management, Hypnosis, and Mindfulness for the Dental Team

I am excited to announce that I will soon be offering a range of online courses designed specifically for dental professionals. These courses will focus on practical and effective techniques to manage dental anxiety, harness the power of hypnosis, and incorporate mindfulness practices into both personal and professional settings.

Here’s what you can expect from these upcoming courses:

Dental Anxiety Management: Learn comprehensive strategies to help you or your patients manage and overcome dental anxiety. This course will guide you through proven methods to create a more comfortable and anxiety-free environment, empowering dental professionals to provide care with greater ease and empathy.
Dental Hypnosis: Gain a deep understanding of how to use hypnosis in the dental setting to help patients relax, overcome fears, and experience more comfortable dental treatments. Whether you’re a dental professional seeking to enhance patient care or an individual looking to explore the therapeutic benefits of hypnosis, this course will offer valuable insights and techniques.
Mindfulness for the Stressed Dental Team: Designed for dental professionals, this course will teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques tailored to the high-stress environment of dental practices. Learn how to manage your own stress, prevent burnout, and cultivate a more positive, balanced approach to your work. By incorporating mindfulness into your routine, you’ll foster better focus, reduce anxiety, and create a more harmonious atmosphere in your practice.
Each course will be delivered online, making it accessible to participants no matter where you are. You’ll benefit from practical, interactive sessions, and receive valuable tools that can be immediately applied to both your professional and personal life.

Whether you are a dentist, therapist, hygienist, or any other member of the dental team, these courses are designed to support you in mastering these essential skills, ultimately improving both patient care and your own well-being.

 
 

More info
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All the advice, tips and downloads for the dental team

Empowering You with Tools to Thrive in the Dental Environment

I am committed to providing you with practical tips, innovative ideas, and effective skills that will enable you to manage the unique stressors of the dental environment. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by daily challenges or looking to rekindle your passion for dentistry, my guidance is tailored to help you navigate and overcome these obstacles.

Through our sessions, you will learn how to:

Effectively Manage Stress: Gain practical strategies to handle the pressure of a fast-paced dental practice. From managing time constraints to staying calm under pressure, I’ll share techniques such as self-hypnosis, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and organisational skills to help you reduce stress and maintain a positive mindset.

Prevent Overwhelm: Learn how to recognise the signs of overwhelm early and implement tactics to regain control before it escalates. With these tools, you'll be able to maintain balance, focus, and composure, even during the busiest of days.

Reconnect with Your Passion for Dentistry: Dentistry is a rewarding profession, but it can sometimes feel draining. I’ll guide you through exercises to help you rediscover the joy and fulfilment that led you to this career, reigniting your enthusiasm for patient care and the artistry of dentistry.

Master the Art of Managing Anxious Patients: One of the most challenging aspects of dental care is treating patients who suffer from anxiety. I will provide you with specific skills and approaches to build trust and ease their fears, from creating a more calming environment to using communication techniques that reassure and empower your patients. By gaining confidence in handling these situations, you'll improve patient outcomes while reducing your own stress.

By integrating these tools into your daily routine, you’ll not only feel more in control of your professional environment but also enhance your connections with patients and colleagues. Ultimately, you'll build a more fulfilling, balanced, and successful career in dentistry.

 

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Your dental issues explained

Clear and Simple Explanations of Dental Procedures for Patients

I understand that dental procedures and terminology can often feel overwhelming, especially if you're already anxious about your appointment. That’s why I take the time to explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand and relatable. My approach ensures that you are fully informed and feel more in control of your dental care, removing the mystery and fear around treatments.

For patients, I provide:

Clear, Simple Explanations: Whether it's a routine cleaning, a filling, or a more complex procedure, I break down each step of the process, so you know exactly what to expect, in language that’s free from confusing dental jargon. I shall explain to you what the charting means that the dentist calls out at the beginning of your exam

Personalised Discussions: Every patient is unique, and I tailor my explanations to address your specific concerns and level of understanding. I make sure you feel comfortable asking questions and clarify any doubts you may have about your treatment options.

Visual Aids and Demonstrations: For those who benefit from visual learning, I use diagrams, models, and demonstrations to help you better grasp what’s happening with your dental health and how the procedure will help.

Building Trust and Comfort: By ensuring you understand what’s happening every step of the way, I help alleviate any fears you may have. Knowledge empowers you to feel more comfortable and confident in the care you receive, making the dental experience smoother and more reassuring.

My goal is to ensure that dental care is approachable, understandable, and transparent for every patient. By demystifying dental procedures and clearly communicating what you can expect, I help you feel more informed, reducing any anxiety you may have about your treatment.

 

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Fees:

Following your free exploratory appointment, when you choose to go ahead with treatment, we will decide together the best course of action for you. 

I see people either in my clinic in Chichester or online via Zoom. 

 For appointments that require me to be with you for your dental treatment I can travel to your surgery. This entails a fee dependent upon the travel and the hours required

Most clients require 4-6 sessions and I do ask most clients to commit and invest in 4 sessions at the start of treatment.  

A 4-week session programme - including any personalised recordings is £280

A 6-week session programme - including any personalised recordings is £420

Ongoing appointments after initial programme £70

15% discount for dental colleagues

 

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Reach out for any inquiries or to schedule a session. We are here to help you on your therapy journey.

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