Hypnosis in South Africa is still viewed with suspicion and most people have many misconceptions about how it works. Despite this, there are a large number of Hypnotherapists who use it every day to help people to successfully overcome their many problems and issues. These hypnosis practitioners are not always recognised for their work and the contributions that they make. This has recently been rectified with a new award that recognises those who are taking the lead in positioning hypnotherapy in its rightful place, as an effective option for healing in this country.
The South African Modern Hypnosis Academy (SAMHA) introduced the Angela Thorp Award in 2020. Angela Thorp, who is 85 years old, has been a keen supporter of SAMHA since its inception in 1993. She was one of the motivators who kept this training institution going during the good years as well as during more challenging times.
Heather Fountain, the winner for 2021. She is a hypnotherapist from Durban, now living and working in Howick. This award recognises her efforts in promoting hypnosis, which includes a website she created and administers, called Find A Hypnotist. This is a free online platform where hypnotists can list their services so that members of the public can easily locate a hypnotist in their area. The site also boasts an active blog with regular articles about many aspects of hypnosis, highlighting the services that hypnotherapists provide to their clients.
Heather has been very enthusiastic about helping people through hypnosis. When she was completing her studies through SAMHA, she became ill and was hospitalised during the time that she had to do her final exam. This did not stop her and she wrote the exam from her hospital bed, passing with flying colours!
John Dutton, the director of SAMHA, gave the following reasons why Heather was awarded the trophy: “Her professionalism, comradely behaviour, and determination make Heather a shining example to hypnosis practitioners worldwide. She has put in a great effort in offering free therapy to South African health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as to create unity between all hypnotherapists in the country.”
My Practice
I opened my part time practice in general Hypnotherapy in March 2014 with my mantra being:
“My goal is to guide you towards self-reliance so that you have full control of the life you wish to live”
Clients come to me from all walks of life, with their unique journey and as they put their faith and trust in me, I give them my complete attention with nothing but an open mind and many years’ experience dealing with people. I provide a professional, safe, confidential environment in rooms at the Whitehouse Centre in Howick, as well as online, locally and internationally.
I am an advanced level hypnosis practitioner and member of the South African Modern Hypnosis Academy (SAMHA) as well as being affiliated to the Guided Meditation Therapy Institute of South Africa (GMTI).
I fully participate in continuous professional development courses and educate and promote the therapeutic practice of hypnosis to others by taking part in the Body & Mind festivals and engaging with all who wish to learn more. I am undergoing further studies and currently studying for a Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis and applied Psychotherapy with the Hypnosis Training College – Australia.
My practice is listed on Find a Hypnotist South Africa, a database of hypnosis practitioners, both Local and International. Do you want to be listed? Its free! Click on the logo above and visit the site or contact us to be listed.
For emergencies call 10111 or visit your nearest hospital
to ask a question or book an appointment with me.