a Discerning Life

Welcome to a Discerning Life - therapy for creating a life you feel good about

I’m Paula Hamilton Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist.

At a Discerning Life I believe you want to be a person that lives life to the full. In order to do that, you need a life you feel good about.

The problem is that life can give you more downs than ups which can make you feel anxious, lost and stuck.

I believe that with the right tools and guidance you can learn to handle life's downs skilfully and fully enjoy life’s ups.

I understand how it can feel to struggle in a life you don't like which is why I help people create a life they feel good about and a future to be inspired by in a professional, supportive and empathetic space. Sessions are available in person in my office in Broughty Ferry, Dundee or online.

I often get asked what Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy are. In a nutshell they are ways to help you work through issues that you feel are holding you back from living life the way you want to, provided in a professional, supportive, empathetic and confidential space.

It may be dealing with mental health and wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, self esteem or depression. It might be wanting to improve quality of life issues like insomnia or managing pain. Therapy can also help with professional challenges for example public speaking, interviews or workplace stress. Whatever the issue, my job is to help and support you make the change you want and need.

We work together on your issue creating a personalised approach using a variety of tools including Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Counselling and Life Coaching. All the tools come under the umbrella of Brief Therapy which means the goal is short term, solution focused therapy. My goal is always to help you develop the new ideas, perspectives and skills you need in a short time frame so you can get out there and live the life you want free of the issue that brought you into my office.

In sessions I will guide you through the process of how to resolve your issue so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel good about and create a future you are inspired by.

It starts with a brief phone chat so you can assess if I am the right person to help so reach out today by giving me a call and taking that first step.

'Truly talented therapists are a relative rarity, so it is an especially welcome chance for me to acknowledge Paula’s skill and integrity. She possesses qualities of clarity in her thinking and kindness in her heart, both key characteristics for someone who is dedicated to helping others improve their lives. I give Paula my highest recommendation.' Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist

Pass It On...many people have shared with others they care about how I’ve helped them. If there is someone in your life that is struggling with an issue they need help and guidance to resolve so they can create a life they feel good about, would you be happy to refer them?

For every person you refer you receive one complimentary session (in person or online) (to be used within 6 months from the referral’s first appointment)

I work together with you to help you resolve whatever issue is getting in the way of you living a life you feel good about, moving from coping to thriving. Issues such as

1. Mental Health & Wellbeing
Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Low Mood & Depression
Stress
Self Esteem & Confidence
Emotional Health & Wellbeing

2. Quality of Life Issues
Insomnia
Managing Pain
Phobias - fear of.......e.g. flying, needles, small spaces, heights etc.
Relationships - partners, family, social & work
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions - university, work, separation, divorce, redundancy, becoming a parent, retirement etc.

3. Workplace Issues
Public Speaking, Giving Presenting & Job Interviews
Workplace Stress & Anxiety

4. Sports Performance & Exams / Tests
Professional & Amateur level Sports Performance including Physical Tests such as the beep test & the helicopter rescue test
Exam Stress & Anxiety - including Driving Tests

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH AN ISSUE NOT ON THIS LIST, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUCH USING THE BUTTON BELOW

Firstly, it is important to know that hundreds of people have resolved the issues that were getting in the way of them living a life they could feel good about with my guidance and support in over a decade in full time, professional practice as a fully qualified Psychotherapist and Senior Hypnotherapist.

I wholeheartedly dedicate my therapeutic skills and compassion to you so you can master life and live in a meaningful way essentially loving the life you live. Not just coping but thriving.

My philosophy is to partner with you on your journey by providing a plan using well honed therapeutic skills in a safe and confidential environment to facilitate change. My approach is goal and outcome oriented so you come in, get the change you want and need and get back out there living life. I provide highly personalised, flexible support and tailored sessions and am committed to safe practice.

I simply combine an atmosphere of understanding, compassion and empathy with tried and tested Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy tools to assist you in accessing your resources for change as well as learning new skills, tools and being open to new perspectives and ideas.

I am respectful of the trust you show in choosing me to help improve your quality of life and, in some cases, to share your pain at a deep level. It takes courage to face change and I recognise that making the first contact is often the hardest step. I am here to guide you through the process.

Why a Discerning Life? What does it mean to live a Discerning Life?
It means to be insightful and perceptive about yourself, others and the world around you. To have perspective.
It means to be flexible and adaptable to change.
It means to be able to discriminate what is good for you and what's not as well as what works for your life and what gets in the way.
It means to have master life skills and tools to create and shape a meaningful life you can feel good about.
If these are qualities you want to develop in your life then Paula can help.

Qualifications - Dip.C.H.t., G.H.R.Reg., S(Snr).Q.H.P., C.N.H.C.(Hypnotherapy)

I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.) and a Certificate of Hypnosis.

I am a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and hold the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). I am also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. I also have a personal supervisor.

I am registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.

I am committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Enhancing and updating my skills by regularly participating in trainings with Dr Michael Yapko, PhD, internationally known psychologist, author and contributor to the field of Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis.


Products Carried:

Atmosphere: Professional, friendly, empathetic and confidential space.

Amenities: The office is up 2 flights of stairs. If other options are needed, please contact Paula to discuss. Online sessions available. Toilets available. No client parking but street parking is generally easy to find.

Professional Affiliations: I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.) and a Certificate of Hypnosis. I am a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and hold the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). I am registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.

Languages Spoken: British English, Italian