I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect working with Claire, if I’m honest. I’d tried hypnotherapy before and didn’t really feel like I got much from it, so while I was open to it, I was definitely a bit sceptical going in.
I booked six sessions with Claire specifically to help with nerves around competing in dressage, which had started to affect both my confidence and my performance. At home I was absolutely fine, but as soon as it came to competition day, everything felt heightened; overthinking, tension, and that horrible anxious feeling that just wouldn’t settle.
From the first session, Claire put me at ease straight away. She has a very calm, reassuring way about her which made it easy to open up, even about things I hadn’t really connected to my riding before. I felt a genuine connection with Claire, and her pitch, tempo and timbre of voice were just right during the relaxation and visualisation sessions, which made it much easier to properly switch off and engage with the process. What I appreciated most was that it didn’t feel like a one size fits all approach, she really took the time to understand my specific situation, rather than just applying a generic technique.
Over the course of the six sessions, we worked through a mix of relaxation, mindset, and visualisation, but in a way that felt practical rather than “out there.” I started to notice small changes quite early on, feeling a little less anxious in the run-up to competitions, and being able to catch myself before those negative thought patterns spiralled.
By the later sessions, the difference was much more noticeable. I wouldn’t say the nerves completely disappeared (and I don’t think I’d want them to), but they became much more manageable. I felt more in control, more focused, and actually able to enjoy the experience rather than just getting through it. Having regular lessons with Alex Hellings, she also noticed a marked improvement in my confidence and how that projected into my riding, which was really encouraging and helped reinforce that things were genuinely changing.
The biggest thing for me has been how transferable the tools Claire gave me are, I still use them now, whether I’m competing or just riding at home. It’s been a gradual shift rather than an overnight change, but a very positive one.
Overall, I’m really glad I went ahead with the sessions despite my initial doubts. Claire is professional, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping you get the best outcome. I’d definitely recommend her, especially to anyone dealing with performance nerves or confidence in sport.
