Give your Self a boost

The word "confidence" comes from the Latin words con- and fidere, which mean "with" and "trust" respectively. So when we speak of having low self-confidence, what we’re trying to communicate often is a lack of trust in ourselves. Knowing that we all start out the same, a view we can take is that somewhere between birth and present day, our experiences led us to see ourselves as less trustworthy. Leaving us feeling disconnected from ourselves and the societies we live within.

This lack of trust can be experienced in many ways, some of the more common being a difficulty making decisions, difficulty asserting our needs and boundaries, discomfort with being centre of attention such as giving a public speech, a low sense of self-value (esteem) - and often a general unease and sense of ‘not being ourselves’ which can feel difficult to put into words.

This low sense of self confidence and esteem is often accompanied by a tendency towards self-criticism, a spiteful inner voice that seems to chip away at our confidence given any opportunity. A key part of therapy works to address this self-critical tendency, for now it may just help to know that, however real these thoughts feel, relief from this is possible.

Therapy can help individuals overcome limiting self-beliefs, including low self-confidence, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, and fear of public performance or speaking, fostering a stronger sense of self and greater personal growth

Please book a consultation to discuss your specific needs and possibilities for treatment.

  • "Tom is absolutely amazing! I contacted him to see if he could help improve my feelings of low self confidence, low self esteem and anxiety. I had an initial consultation followed by five hour long sessions, during which he was calm, friendly and professional. Tom helped me to feel at ease and explore the root causes of me feeling the way I had done for so many years. The results have been truly remarkable and I am so grateful, not just to Tom but also to the friend who recommended him."

    Gavin

Item 1 of 5

Tom Carter - Private Therapist & Coach

Integrative Person-Centered Approach

Online or In-Person (Norwich, UK)

Fully Insured & DBS Checked

GHSC Accredited (GQHP)

Frequently asked questions

  • A trance is a patterned process that becomes embedded in the mind-body system and operates, at least in part, outside of conscious awareness.

    What we are more aware of are the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that arise from the underlying trance state.

    Notably, trances are shaped by our experiences—while we retain the learning, we often forget the lesson itself. 

  • An initial consultation takes 30-minutes at a cost of £40

    Following this, a standard 60-minute session costs £85

    If at any stage in therapy, a longer 90-minute session is required, such as for EMDR Therapy, the cost for this is £120.

    For people under 16yrs of age, 45-minute sessions are offered as an option at a cost of £60.

    A 10% discount is available on the above session prices (excluding consultation) for:

    • State Pension recipients

    • Blue Light Card holders

    • NUS Card holders

  • Each therapy session is unique, oriented around the client and what they need in that session. My aim always is to provide you with the safety and support to explore your problem in a way that allows for natural and manageable change.

    In practical terms, the in-session experience can include a combination of sitting, standing, talking, reflecting, moving, focusing, imagining, body sensing / feeling, visualising, thinking, feeling, meaning-making, observing, relating, remembering, forecasting and more.

    The use of a therapeutic trance state (aka hypnosis) can also be part of the process though in most cases is not necessary for the pre-existing ‘problem’ ‘trance to be resolved.

  • This depends on many factors, primarily the nature of the problem and the outcome being sought.

    It is worth stating that when working therapeutically with subconscious problems, the old adage of ‘less haste more speed’ applies. The more someone tries to force change, the more resistance they typically encounter - and the slower the process takes overall.

    My commitment to all those I work with is the same, that we will work as quickly as possible but as slowly as necessary.

  • Hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness in which the critical, analytical part of your mind can quieten, allowing you to more easily connect with your subconscious experience.

    The term "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word hypnos, meaning "sleep," which can be misleading—being in hypnosis is not the same as being asleep.

    Although hypnosis is often experienced with closed eyes to enhance relaxation, much like resting, this does not mean the person is asleep. From an outside perspective, they may appear to be sleeping, but internally, they are in a heightened state of awareness.

  •  That’s OK, you don’t need to be. If you find yourself doubtful, skeptical or find difficulty with things such as relaxation and meditation, you can view this as a protective resistance, something we welcome and work with as part of the process.

    The truth is, some people have a natural ability for entering hypnotic states and others take a little longer to familiarise with the process. My role is to meet you wherever you are and help you achieve change in a way that works for you.

  • Therapy is a process of gaining greater awareness and self-control. Whilst entertainment hypnosis gives the impression of people losing control, this is the direct opposite of how it can be used in therapy.

  • On the basis that you attend a one-hour weekly therapy session, that leaves an extra ~110 waking hours in which you can be making progress towards your goal. And as you would expect, those people that are prepared to do the work, typically progress further and faster.

    That said, out of session work is always optional and by no means obligatory. If you feel you want to do out of session work, let me know and I will make it available to you.