Therapist Biography - Diane Muller
Diane Muller - practicing in Herne Bay in Kent
We've asked some of our therapists to tell you a little bit about themselves, their background before they trained with the IAPH, and their experience of the IAPH and its training.
Originally, I trained as an official court reporter and worked at the Old Bailey, Central Criminal Court, for many years. Subsequently, I owned a court reporting company and provided verbatim reporting services to the Crown Courts (including the Old Bailey), Army and Metropolitan Police.
After I sold my company I decided to take a totally different career path. I wasn’t ready to retire by a long stretch. I was interested in hypnotherapy and so initially trained in suggestion therapy only; I studied that because it seemed a follow-on from frequently calming down reporters who were affected by the disturbing evidence they had been hearing, or whose private lives were giving them grief. I didn’t feel that counselling or other types of therapy were a route I wanted to follow, so I trawled through the Internet to find another course which would give me something more useful than suggestion therapy (which I never practiced).
When I eventually found the IAPH I knew I had found what I was looking for. I felt confident that that was something I could pursue and to become a therapist who would help clients deal with their unresolved emotional conflicts, their bottled-up emotions; ridding them of their deep rooted problems.
I was at a stage in my life where my family had all grown up; by now I had four grandchildren and had sold my company. I wanted to start out on something totally different from what I’d done before.
As mentioned earlier, I had studied hypnotherapy previously and obtained a diploma through the Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association. I had not studied psychology or counselling. The training I had with the IAPH was far superior to my previous training. The training and support were (and still are) second to none. There was always someone to talk to when I found the manuals a bit heavy going. I was put back on the right track, with lots of re-assurance and it then all made sense to me.
I chose the IAPH because I believed that that particular therapy was the best there was; I did a lot of investigating before I made my choice and I now know, without doubt, it was the best choice.
I found the combination of home-study and the residential courses the best way for me to learn, personally. It reminded me of when I first learned to use a computer, read the manuals, try it out and then go for a hands-on course. This definitely worked for me; not only the courses, but the fact that there was always someone on the end of the phone to help with any questions I might have had and there were plenty; I was never ever made to feel like a nuisance. What I liked about that was that everyone was so friendly and helpful and they never made me feel that I was asking stupid questions.
I could not have asked for more in the way of mentoring and support during my training. As I said previously, there was always someone ready to answer any questions I had.
Apart from the above, everything was made available on line in respect of free video and audio lectures, which made life so much easier; I was able to listen to them whenever I needed, rather just one lecture and that’s it. In fact I still listen to them now from time to time.
It was and, indeed, still is all at my fingertips whenever required.
Additionally there are the support forums, both for students and practitioners; again, this is extremely valuable to me to have that resource where I am able to ask for other therapist’s opinion on various topics.
As regards setting up in practice, there was really practical advice in the course notes as well as several different ‘live’ courses in relation to marketing and getting the best possible response to advertising. That support doesn’t stop there; it’s ongoing and, again, there’s always someone on the end of a phone (or the forum) to gain more assistance. I couldn’t have started my business without that help and support.
It was a bit nerve-wracking to start with when setting up the business initially, because there are so many things to take into account. I had run a business before, but I had partners and we made joint decisions. This was a totally different ball game. However, as I listened to all the advice, I was then able to act on the parts that best suited my needs. The first client was the hardest but once the session started, because of the in-depth training I had received, I felt quite at home and comfortable with the way it progressed.
I try to leave a gap between clients so that they don’t pass each other in the waiting room; this also gives me a bit of breather. Some days are longer than others. I used to work Monday to Friday, not working any later than 8pm and never worked on Saturdays. This has never lost me a client because they have worked round it for themselves. I now tend to work Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with pretty full days. This then gives me a nice long weekend. When things get a bit busier I tend to add another day rather than run a ‘waiting list’.
I don’t believe that there is any other organisation which gives the fantastic support and encouragement that the IAPH does. They really feel passionate about pure hypnoanalysis and it shows in their attitude towards the therapists and clients.
I would just to add that, as therapists, we are required to continue with our professional development and it’s a pleasure to attend these residential courses because of the camaraderie between the therapists, students and trainers, particularly Rob Kelly, who truly puts his heart and soul in the organisation.
I would heartily recommend this course to anyone wishing to become a hypnoanalyst, particularly if they live near me as the nearest therapist is at least 50 minutes away!
