'Paula took the incomprehensible jumble of my life and made sense out of it all. She did this with compassion and professionalism during our very short time together. I will not hesitate to contact Paula in the future if the need should arise but, for now, I feel restored to the best version of Me. Thank you Paula' Alison (Aberdeenshire)
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Welcome to a Discerning Life - Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy Practice, Dundee
I’m Paula Hamilton Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist Dip.C.H.t., G.H.R.Reg., S(Snr).Q.H.P., C.N.H.C.(Hypnotherapy)
At a Discerning Life I believe you want to be a person that lives life to the full. In order to do that, you need a life you feel good about.
The problem is that life can give you more downs than ups which can make you feel anxious, lost and stuck.
I believe that with the right tools and guidance you can learn to handle life's downs skilfully and fully enjoy life’s ups.
I understand how it can feel to struggle in a life you don't like which is why I help people create a life they feel good about and a future to be inspired by in a professional, supportive and empathetic space.
Personal Touch
If you are struggling with an issue I will guide you through the process of how to resolve it so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel good about and create a future you are inspired by.
Client Focus
I can help in the following 4 areas
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Quality of Life Issues
Phobias fear of.......e.g. flying, needles, small spaces, heights etc.
Relationships partners, family, social & work
Life Transitions university, work, separation, divorce, redundancy, becoming a parent, retirement etc.
Workplace Issues
Public Speaking, Giving Presenting & Job Interviews
Sports Performance & Exams / Tests
Professional & Amateur level Sports
Performance including Physical Tests such as the beep test & the helicopter rescue test
Exam Stress & Anxiety including Driving Tests
IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH AN ISSUE NOT ON THIS LIST, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH
Background
Firstly, it is important to know that hundreds of people have resolved the issues that were getting in the way of them living a life they could feel good about with my guidance and support in over 15 years in full time, professional practice as a fully qualified Psychotherapist and Senior Hypnotherapist.
I wholeheartedly dedicate my therapeutic skills and compassion to you so you can master life and live in a meaningful way essentially loving the life you live. Not just coping but thriving.
My philosophy is to partner with you on your journey by providing a plan using well honed therapeutic skills in a safe and confidential environment to facilitate change. My approach is goal and outcome oriented so you come in, get the change you want and need and get back out there living life. I provide highly personalised, flexible support and tailored sessions and am committed to safe practice.
I simply combine an atmosphere of understanding, compassion and empathy with tried and tested Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy tools to assist you in accessing your resources for change as well as learning new skills, tools and being open to new perspectives and ideas.
I am respectful of the trust you show in choosing me to help improve your quality of life and, in some cases, to share your pain at a deep level. It takes courage to face change and I recognise that making the first contact is often the hardest step. I am here to guide you through the process.
'Truly talented therapists are a relative rarity, so it is an especially welcome chance for me to acknowledge Paula’s skill and integrity. She possesses qualities of clarity in her thinking and kindness in her heart, both key characteristics for someone who is dedicated to helping others improve their lives. I give Paula my highest recommendation.' Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist
To get to know me a little more read this blog about Why does a Scottish therapist's blog have an Italian name?
Qualifications
Dip.C.H.t., G.H.R.Reg., S(Snr).Q.H.P., C.N.H.C.(Hypnotherapy)
I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy (2011), a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.) (2009) and have completed the 60 hour Comprehensive Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy Course (June 2025) with world renowned Hypnosis Expert and Clinical Psychologist Dr Michael Yapko Ph.D..
I am a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and hold the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). I am also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. I also have regular peer consultations for my own practice.
I am registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.
I am committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Enhancing and updating my skills by regularly participating in trainings with Dr Michael Yapko, PhD, internationally known psychologist, author and contributor to the field of Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis.
Therapy Approach
One of the key concepts of lasting therapeutic change is working with focus. The phrase 'what you focus on you amplify' is central to this idea and can impact quality of life greatly. It is also true that the direction of that focus can define how you experience life.
The internally focused and absorbed state of hypnosis can assist you in shifting your focus, disconnecting from unhelpful and/or uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and sensations and then connecting to helpful and/or comfortable ones.
Hypnosis is also a space that allows you to get absorbed in new ideas, perspectives and possibilities that can help develop and consolidate change through experiential learning which is when you have an internal experience of the change you want that feels real enough to learn from.
Therapies explained
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation refers to the process of providing education and information to those seeking or receiving mental health services, such as diagnoses, treatment options, and coping strategies for dealing with mental health.
Hypnotherapy
A therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility, helping clients make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Testimonials
Client Feedback
‘Paula Hamilton is an amazing psychotherapist! Her empathetic approach and expertise really helped me work through some tough stuff. Sessions feel safe and supportive, and I have noticed real progress in managing my mental health. Highly recommended!’ Ged (Dundee)
‘Paula has been incredible to work with. She has guided me carefully to find the tools to confidently navigate all sorts challenges, whether in relationships, at work, managing stress and focusing techniques. Thank you Paula’ Tilda (Fife)
‘Paula is the most passionate, committed and goal oriented therapist you’ll meet – she puts this forward in the most empathetic and compelling way. She is a true wonder.’ Jacqui
'I whole heartedly recommend Paula to anyone seeking help to work through any challenging matters in life. Paula's professionalism and expertise will undoubtedly steer you to successful results, as has repeatedly been the case for me.’ Ashley (Dundee)
Paula Hamilton
she/herHypnotherapist
Contact me:
07757112998