top of page

This practice and ... your mental health

This website is designed to help you make a thoughtful and informed decision about your health and well-being — whether for yourself, someone you care about, or your organisation. Choosing therapeutic support is an important and often personal step, and this site has been written with care, respect, and that responsibility in mind.

Walk on the Beach

ABOUT

I understand that challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, insomnia, and low self-esteem — along with many other mental health concerns — can feel difficult, and at times overwhelming. I also recognise how important it is to choose a help professional who is appropriately qualified, experienced, and someone you feel comfortable working with.

​

Sometimes, the impacts of a mental health challenge can give rise to hesitation and uncertainty in decision making. This website is designed to help you decide whether I am the right person to support you. Here, you will find clear information about:

​

  • my background, qualifications, and experience as a mental health professional

  • the services I offer to individuals, couples, and families

  • the services I provide to organisations and corporate clients

  • articles and reflections on a range of psychological and life challenges

  • selected free resources to support your wellbeing

  • occasional paid programmes or materials I may develop from time to time in response to client requests

 

I hope this information assists you in making a thoughtful and informed decision about seeking support for the mental health, relationship, or life challenges you may be facing. My work is strongly grounded in the internationally recognised and respected principles of evidence based practice delivered in a collaborative, respectful and client-centred context.

​

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange an appointment, please feel free to get in touch via the contact page. I am also very happy to speak with you by phone to help clarify any concerns you may have about starting therapy.

 

Warm regards,

Alan Patching, PhD

QUALIFICATIONS

My Qualifications relating to clinical practice
 
When you visit my clinic you can be confident of a level of skill and professional service that is underwritten by the following educational qualifications and institutional/societal recognition:
 
Educational (from highest to lowest level of qualification)

  • A PhD relating to workplace mental stress (and specifically looking at major causes) and comparing that in the construction industry with that of business at large);

  • A Masters Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice (UK) which included a major thesis (and subsequent published academic paper) addressing repeated IVF failures in women with no diagnosed physical reasons;

  • Advanced Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy (1900 hours – UK);

  • Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapeutic Arts and Sciences (UK);

  • Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapy (UK);

  • Diploma in Hypnosis and Counselling (Aust);

  • Certificate in Hypnosis and Counselling (Aust);

  • UKCP-recognised Certificate in Clinical Supervision (UK);

  • Certified Practitioner in Social Functioning, accredited by the British Association of Social Functioning in the use of the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning – HSSF - (the only accredited HSSF practitioner in Australia);

  • Master Practitioner and Licenced Trainer in NLP (from Dr. Richard Bandler, NLP co-founder), and…

  • Several continuing professional development certifications including paediatric hypnotherapy, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, sports psychology, anxiety management, smoking cessation, among others.

 
Institutional

  • Registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP);

  • A Diplomate of the International Academy of Behavioral Medicine, Counseling and Psychotherapy of the USA (invited to membership);

  • Holder of the European Certificate of Clinical Hypnosis, which requires an audited minimum of 1,400 hours accredited study in the art and science of hypno-psychotherapy;

  • Certified in Hypnotism and Board Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy by the National Guild of Hypnotists of the USA;

  • Honorary Fellow of the National Society of Hypnosis Psychotherapy and Mindfulness of the UK;

  • Recognised by Worldwide Who's Who in 2013 for services to hypnotherapy and psychotherapy professions;

  • Chair of the Ethics Committee for the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy of the UK

  • Accredited trainer in hypnotherapy in the UK, the USA and Australia, and accredited trainer in psychotherapy in the UK.

Reach out for support. Contact us today.

bottom of page