A Bucks teacher has abandoned her full-time role to start a new career in hypnotherapy.

Rachel Bernard, a teacher of 25 years and former school leader at Cadmore End Primary School, decided to venture into the realm of hypnosis and alternative mental health.

Ms Bernard from Freith, Buckinghamshire, said she "just woke up one morning and thought she needed to do something else'.

The hypnotherapist opened her clinic The Nest Hypnotherapy in January.

he said: "I didn't know what, but it had to be something where I was still helping others and could transfer my skills and experiences from teaching."

She was drawn to the alluring, yet often misunderstood, field of hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy does appear enshrouded in tales of pseudo-science, with visions of mind control and entrancement prominent.

Ms Bernard, however, stresses that these are nothing but fallacies.

After obtaining her Diploma in evidence-based hypnotherapy at the UK College of Hypnotherapy, she's determined to expose these misconceptions.

She stated: "Hypnosis is definitely not a state of mind control!

"You cannot make someone do things against their will during hypnosis, this is just something that stage performers want us to believe!"

Ms Bernard likens hypnotherapy more to guided meditation or mindfulness techniques.

Part of the process is allowing the patient to achieve a level of concentration capable of allowing greater perception and receptiveness.

Ms Bernard, devoted to her objective, is ardent about the practical uses of hypnotherapy.

In her experience, the technique can assist in alleviating stress and anxiety, and addressing behavioural issues such as undesired habits or sleep disorders.

She made clear the potency of hypnosis in therapy: "Hypnosis in some ways, is much like a guided meditation or mindfulness.

"Instead of being semi-unconscious as 'trance' suggests, the idea is to put aside your thoughts and sensory reactions so that a deeper state of concentration and receptiveness can be obtained."

Moreover, Ms Bernard feels strongly about the role hypnotherapy can play in educating the young.

She believes it to be efficacious to help children regulate their emotions and behaviours, aiming to equip them with the skills needed to manage stress and hurdles in life successfully.

Ms Bernard boldly announced her new venture, The Nest Hypnotherapy, and her readiness to bring new potential to life: "I really want to help everyone that needs support to manage stress, cope with life's challenges, and also improve their physical and emotional health so they are more able to fulfil their potentials."

For those interested in embarking on this venture with her, Ms Bernard awaits at thenesthypnotherapy@gmail.com.