Eoin’s Testimonial

  • “I attended the Carrigaline Hypnotherapy centre back in April as I was completely bewildered and overwhelmed by college. I am currently an engineering student at the University of Limerick.

I found myself suffering from group work phoebias and consistently failing to attend lectures, tutorials, etc. I became a recluse for weeks and the isolation I was consistently creating for myself was damaging not only my mental well-being but also have a huge impact on my performance at college. I was always very driven in school and was even awarded an All- Ireland scholarship for my results in the Leaving Certificate. I guess it all went back to before Christmas when I was overwhelmed with my lack of understanding of certain topics in various modules. It was petty and really nothing to be losing sleep over but I guess my way of thinking didn’t allow me to switch off to these thoughts. I became obsessed, didn’t mix socially at college, refused to communicate with housemates as I thought it would be a distraction. Fortunately I succeeded to pass all my exams at Christmas but going back I knew things were not well at camp.
I felt isolated and lonely despite having loads of friends at my every beck and call. It seemed everywhere I went problems were creating themselves and making me paranoid as they did so. I was very wound up, sleeping absurd hours and not at all well. I visited my local GP who told me counselling and tablets would sort everything. I knew in my heart and my soul no tablets would ever fix me but I would give counselling a go. I suddenly stopped taking the tablets which were having no effect whatsoever on me anyway. I was confronted by my mother as to why I had stopped. I lied and told her I had got a new type from the pharmacist. After that I continued to take the tablets or rather pretend to take them, whereby I would bin them everyday. I felt it was the right thing to do at the time and am I glad I did. I couldn’t bear to be dealing with doctors and parents forcing these toxic aids on me.
The counsellor and I had a complete clash of personality and I did not feel he was interested in listening to my problems and issue. They may have seemed petty and trivial to him but they were impacting on every aspect of my life- work,home and college. I was a changed person. Everything was either black or white in my head. I could see no way out or no way forward. I was stuck in a rut. I resorted to desperate measures whereby I tried to take my own life on one occasion, yet I was still trying to carry on so that no- one would suspect a thing. I recall one night being up a tree with a noose tied and around my neck, I was ready to jump. Then suddenly the lights of a nearby car came flooding around the corner. I knew I couldn’t draw that kind of shame on myself or my family. It was from this night on that I slowly began to see light at the end of the tunnel.
My mother fortunately made contact with this so- called hypnotherapist/ cognitive behavioural therapist in Carrigaline. At first I was sceptical and after my unsuccessful visits to the previous few counsellors I was very hesitant indeed. In the end my mother persuaded me to go. Even as late as that morning I wanted to stay in bed all day, I could sleep through all the problems in my life. Any how I arrived at Susan’s home where this cognitive behavioural therapy was going to take place. I found it very relaxing and she was a very friendly woman. The fact that she extended my presence into her formidable home was very reassuring. I felt at ease, secure and knew from that point on I was on safe hands, hands that would lead me in the right direction out the rut I had got myself into. We spoke for almost an hour even after the session had ceased. There didn’t seem to be any constraints time-wise. I even forgot my wallet that day but she reassured me that she trusted my honesty and integrity. The session was priced at €100 but I can tell you it was worth every cent. I am a changed individual. I am currently training for a marathon for the 3TS charity. (Turn the Tide Against Suicide) There is a very personal reason why I chose this charity as I’m sure you can understand. I have just received the results for my summer exams which I passed with flying colours. I am also catching up with peers and friends I lost touch with during my rough patch. I have even planned a trip around America to friends I know over on J1s. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank Susan for her guidance, reassurance and therapy. I am sure you can do wonders for people out there.”
Regards,
Eoin, Cork
July 2010
Claire’s Testimonial

  • On February 2011, I had an appointment with Susan McElligott at Carrigaline Hypnotherapy. At the time I was suffering from slight anxiety and an annoying habit of scratching my ears which evidently caused an ear infection. Whilst this may not sound like a massive life changing problem, as my line of work is in a call center, it was affecting me at work and day to day things such as using an Ipod which I usually enjoy. I had tried nearly everything to relief the actual itch, but it was more the behavioural “habit” of having to scratch that was irritating me the most. This had to be curbed before causing any further damage.  ??At first I was a little anxious of going for Hypnotherapy as my perception was the “stage” hypnotherapy or having a clock dangling on a string and that I would soon be fast asleep. After being in the room for less than 5 minutes, Susan hadn’t begun the session when I felt completely relaxed as she explained how the session will work and asked just a few questions about the actual issue. I noticed the number of credentials around the room and was comforted in the “homely” surroundings. ??I found to be completely at ease within minutes so much so that I hadn’t realized that the session had begun. Susan was so professional throughout the therapy and I found the sound of her voice was therapeutic in itself. Susan incorporated a lot of humour in her techniques which was such a relief. At a few points I had that feeling that I needed to vent some sort of noise, to be able to form laughter was my fondest memory of the session. This session didn’t just concentrate on the one thing the whole time which was a relief to other forms of clinical help. ??I am a strong believer in alternative therapy and its difficult to put into words the benefits I gained during this one session that are lasting, not only for the issue I went there with but my outlook on things generally. I never felt that Susan was waiting for the next patient as I have felt in other practices. Susan was very accommodating in her own home continuing to speak and listen beyond the session.  I would have no hesitation in recommending her to friends, colleagues and relatives alike regardless of how minor the “problem” might be. I would also recommend Susan for those who want the state of total relaxation. I believe Susan McElligott’s professionalism and life experience to be a credit to her therapies.

Claire Cork