Testimonials and Client Feedback for Stephen Chan
Hypnotherapist and licensed Thrive Programme™ consultant at Ulster Hypnotherapy: covering Belfast, Portadown, Ulster, Lisburn, Newry, Armagh, Antrim, Lurgan, Dungannon and Dundalk, Northern Ireland
Not sure of what to expect I contacted Stephen, who returned my email promptly and after I had answered his call, I was surprised to find how easy it was to talk to him. I immediately felt at ease and he seemed relaxed and confident that he could help. Even though I believed in the power of counselling, I was unaware of what exactly Hypnotherapy involved and was sceptical about just how successful it could be. However, on my first meeting with Stephen I found him to be very warm and approachable and was put very much at ease as he discussed what the therapy would involve. I left our introduction feeling positive that I had taken the first step to dealing with my problem. In the next few weeks I discovered aspects about myself that I had been unaware of and was leaving each session on a high. The feeling of relief when unburdening myself of all my bottled up feelings really allowed me to gain insight into how they had been affecting my behaviour and felt the benefits of this not just emotionally, but physically too. However, it was not always easy as I was coming to terms with painful feelings that were causing me distress and confusion. I was encouraged by the trusting, non-judgemental environment, Stephen had helped create and the close bond between us gave me the courage to face those thoughts and memories that were causing me pain. Stephen, thank-you for helping me through my therapy, I appreciate your patience and understanding. Your empathy and humour encouraged me to feel safe and accepted. I would encourage anyone suffering problems to seek help in hypnotherapy as it has given me new confidence to recognise my potential, deal with challenges and pursue those opportunities that in the past would have frightened me. Amanda” “When i first came to Stevie I felt pretty hopeless at getting rid of my social anxiety…I was also feeling semi-depressed and suffering stress related symptoms (unbeknownst to me at the time). Anyways I had just graduated from Uni…. and lived a pretty normal life but i relied on Alcohol waaay to much to socialize. Anytime i bumped into anyone randomly I would go bright red, stammer and feel really shit about it. It prevented me from doing what i wanted which was to play in my band, play sports, and basically live a normal life without being anxious. I tried many things; two crap self-help books come to mind and was prescribed beta blockers….and prob anti-depressants if i waited any longer. but when i tried the books it just didn’t stick and felt like too much effort. I tried willpower where i just willed myself not to guess what others thought of me, which worked, for like a day. Anyways i never told anyone about this, including my family, they just thought i was semi-shy. I also could put on quite a brave front to the point where my mates probably believed i was indeed semi confident… but each time felt like a battle, I wasn’t learning to be confident. Last but not least i started having a couple of “black moods” and even had this weird thing where i kept waking up as soon as i drifted over to sleep (you know that feeling you get when you wake up cause u think you are falling, try having that every time you drift over!). I’ll not lie i felt hopeless, alone, scared basically like shit! Then i went to meet Stevie, stumbled upon his website as i thought hypnotherapy may be a last resort…. turns out he didn’t give me any hypnotherapy…. he put me on the THRIVE programme. I believe it gives you the tools to deal with any situation and do what you want. To top it off Stephen was a great guy, very dead on, easy going and put me at ease. It took me a little longer to grasp it but when i did I felt fantastic. I can honestly say I haven’t felt depressed at all, with the exception of one time.. but i knew why and was able to get rid of it immediately! Socially I’m a lot better, i can talk to people, be confident, play music, play sports and live my life… I’m still learning but i know with time I will have lowered it significantly. I also feel like I’ve covered all bases, I couldn’t relapse into the way I was before because i would know why i did so. I really think they should teach this shit in schools because I know there will be so many people out there unable to deal with things because they don’t know how….this gives you the tools on how to! ….oh aye I’m getting a Tattoo! (Before I would have died of guilt) Anon. I can’t thank Stephen enough. When i came to see him i was at my wits end. I got diagnosed with post-natal depression and got put on anti-depressants after having my daughter, I was so low and very angry, i hated myself and was convinced i was the worst mummy ever! My biggest problem though was that i was very anxious and had the biggest fear of being sick! The thought of being sick or even feeling sick terrified me! I spent 6wks completing the Thrive programme with Stephen and it was the best thing I’ve ever done! Stephen put me right at ease and explained why i was feeling the way i was feeling which was very reassuring! We worked together changing my thinking patterns and now i feel like a whole new person. I’m now making plans for me and my daughter’s future as a family as i now feel strong enough to take things on. I’m planning a career and looking at places for us to live. The biggest change I’ve noticed is my fear of being sick has literally vanished. That was the main thing holding me back and if my daughter was sick or i even felt sick i freaked out, now I’m super mummy 🙂 I honestly can’t thank Stephen enough as he has changed my life and i am now looking forward to the future. C. “Listen Ruthie, believe me right, you’re gonna be ok……” Stevie Chan April 2008 This is what I heard over the phone just a few days after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now I’m sure that those of you reading this that have either been diagnosed with cancer or that have loved ones delivered the same terrifying news might be wondering what is extraordinary about the above quote. I’m guessing that you will have either received or delivered the same or similar well meaning sentiment and I did many times both before surgery and throughout the course of my subsequent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. But what Stevie said was totally different and had the most profound effect on me; whereas my dear friends and family desperately wanted it to be true, Stevie knew it to be true he knew that my mind could and would aid my return to full health – and guess what!!? ……..I am ok!! In fact I feel fitter and healthier now than I did before the diagnosis. The anaesthetist claimed that I was calmer and more relaxed than even he was, what’s more the speed of my post op recovery astounded the consultant and the whole nursing team let alone my friends and family! Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were a breeze – I’m NOT kidding! ….. during the course of these therapies I met some lovely people, I excercised more than I had done and enjoyed it too!, I paid more attention to my diet, I indulged myself whenever and with whatever took my fancy, I stopped worrying about things over which I had no contol and I feel so please and proud of what I’ve achieved. None of this was hard, not after I’d listened to Stevie. Two things….. If you are struggling in your life, give yourself the biggest gift, do this and once you’ve started don’t give up and get all “this is bollocks” …. Actually, think what you like, just keep going back to Stevie no matter how it all feels; it doesn’t take long, a blink in a lifetime. It’s truly liberating and life changingly wonderful.Amanda after undergoing Hypnoanalysis
“When I first decided to address my problem, I was unsure of where exactly to find help. After searching the internet I found Stephen Chan’s Hypnotherapy site, promising to help with many different anxieties and phobias.
I am now living the benefits of the therapy and see myself and the rest of the world in a completely different way
Thank-youSocial Phobia/Anxiety successfully helped with The Thrive Programme™
He presented me with a book and over 6 sessions we went over the book which teaches you how to manage your thinking, explains why you feel these things and how to get rid of them YOURSELF! In writing this probably sounds like any other self-help book but it’s really not.
The way i look at the programme is quite simple. It’s like keeping fit for your mind. Stevie was my personal trainer until I could do it all by myself!
I’m a religious guy too and it did indeed challenge my faith (as you learn that you are in control and not anyone else) but i came out with an equally strong faith….but I’m still in control!
THRIVE!
Cheers Stevie lad, was a pleasure!”C, Fear of sick, Emetophobia and other problems successfully helped with The Thrive Programme™
Ruth, Cancer Help Programme
Lena Headey, from The Game of Thrones – testimonial.