meet Louisa
I’ve always been curious about people.
Not simply about what brings us to difficult moments in life, but about what helps us recover, adapt, learn and flourish. Throughout my career I’ve found myself drawn to work that begins with listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and helping people make sense of experiences that may at first feel confusing or overwhelming.
Whether someone comes to me for therapy, professional supervision or training, they usually arrive with questions rather than answers. My role isn’t to tell people who they are or what they should do. It’s to understand their perspective, help them make sense of what’s happening, and work alongside them as they discover a way forward that feels right for them.
I’ve worked in healthcare, education, professional regulation, and professional training before establishing The Coleby Practice. Although those roles were very different, they were connected by a common thread. Each involved people placing their trust in me, often at important moments in their lives or careers, and I’ve never taken that responsibility lightly.
Earlier in my career I found myself having to choose between doing what was easy and doing what I believed was right. That experience shaped me profoundly. It didn’t change my values, but it changed how I wanted to express them every day through my work.
Looking back, I can see that The Coleby Practice grew from that decision.
I wanted to create a place where people would be listened to with care, treated with honesty and kindness, and supported by someone who would always place their welfare above every other consideration.
Today my work brings together several strands that I care deeply about.
As a solution-focused psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, I help people navigate anxiety, trauma, obsessive thinking, unwanted habits, performance challenges, and many of life’s inevitable transitions. As a clinical supervisor, I support fellow therapists as they continue to develop their confidence, judgement, and professional practice. As a lecturer and trainer, I have the privilege of helping others build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy fulfilling careers of their own.
Although those roles are different, the purpose behind them is the same. Whether I’m working with an individual, a therapist, a school or an organisation, I want people to leave with greater understanding, renewed confidence, and the sense that they are better equipped to face whatever comes next
One of the greatest privileges of my work is watching people gradually rediscover themselves.
When we first meet, many people have lost confidence in their own judgement. Anxiety, trauma, difficult relationships or life’s challenges can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves and uncertain about the future.
There comes a moment—sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once—when I realise I’m no longer doing quite so much of the thinking. My clients begin trusting their own instincts again. They make decisions with greater confidence, speak more kindly to themselves, and start living in a way that reflects who they are, rather than what fear, self-doubt or past experiences have persuaded them to believe.
It’s always a bittersweet moment, because it usually means our work together is coming to an end. By then, I’ve often come to know and genuinely like the person sitting opposite me. But that’s exactly as it should be. My role was never to become indispensable. It’s to help people leave with the confidence that they can continue without me.
Outside my professional life you’ll usually find me singing with Arcadian Opera, sewing, baking, reading or making something with my hands. I’ve always found satisfaction in creating, learning and discovering how things work. It seems that that same curiosity has quietly shaped my professional life too.
If you’ve found your way here, perhaps you’re looking for someone to help you make sense of something that has become difficult to carry alone. Whether you’re seeking therapy, professional supervision or training, I hope you’ll find a warm welcome, thoughtful conversation and a commitment to understanding before judging.
It would be a privilege to work alongside you.
my professional background
I am a qualified Solution Focused Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, an accredited Clinical Supervisor and a lecturer in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. I regularly teach and supervise fellow therapists alongside my clinical practice, and I remain committed to ongoing professional development throughout my career.
I am registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) as both a practitioner and accredited supervisor and am also a member of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP).
professional qualifications and memberships
Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD)
Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH)
MNCH (AccHYPSUP) - Accredited Member and Supervisor, National Council for Hypnotherapy
Licentiate Member, Association for Professional Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy (APHP)
