Why does my mind go blank the moment I have to speak?
Freezing in front of others isn't a capability problem. Your nervous system has misread the moment as a threat, and diverted everything toward simply getting through it.
The nerves were never the enemy. Harnessed rather than fought, they're what makes you compelling.
You can probably speak easily one-to-one, or hold a room when you're among friends, and yet the presentation, the interview, the wedding speech undoes you. Rehearsing harder rarely touches it, because the problem was never the words. It's what your body starts doing the moment attention turns your way.
We won't hand you more techniques to try, you've likely tried plenty. We get curious about what being watched has come to mean to you, and what your mind expects will happen, because once that shifts, the nerves finally have somewhere useful to go.
What happens over our four sessions?
I work within a structured programme of four sessions (usually weekly, where possible) because meaningful change rarely happens in a single appointment. Each session builds on the last, giving your mind and body time to settle, learn and change.
Your first session starts with a conversation. We'll take time to understand what's been happening, what you'd like to be different, and answer any questions you have about the process. I'll then guide you into hypnosis, a calm, inward-focused state, rather like daydreaming, but with a purpose. You remain aware and in control throughout. Many people tell me it's one of the most relaxing experiences they've had in a long time.
Each session is tailored to you and builds on your progress, combining conversation, hypnosis and practical tools where appropriate. You'll also receive personalised audio recordings to listen to between sessions, helping to reinforce the work we're doing together.
What people often notice
People often come because of one looming talk or interview. What follows tends to go further: harnessing the nerves instead of being run by them, and showing up as the version of yourself you know is in there.
“I had a lot of anxiety around interview situations and I can honestly say the sessions with Mel transformed these experiences for me. After a couple of sessions and practising the 'homework' of self-hypnosis, I managed to harness my nerves so I was in control of them. Best of all, I was able to show up as a present, confident, best version of myself. The results have been transformative and long-lasting.”
Is this the right approach for you?
You may have a particular upcoming event you're worried about, or you might just be fed up with the impact this issue is having on you.
Your free consultation is an opportunity for us to understand what's been happening and decide together whether hypnotherapy is the right approach for you.
Ready to find your voice?
Start with a free, friendly chatMelissa is an HPD Level 4 Clinical Hypnotherapist, registered with the NCH, BSCH and CNHC, working with adults, children and teens in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and online.