The Artful Application of Science

Lessons learnt through working with complex clients

Ever lost a client to suicide?

This presentation may evoke various emotions, resulting in tears, laughter, and shock, and will provide valuable insights into improving practice. I will share insights into working with challenging clients, including those with PTSD, eating disorders, gender issues, suicidal depressives, psychosis, and more, all while adhering to professional boundaries.

I will discuss lessons learned from both successful outcomes and catastrophic failures, along with moments of realisation and how to navigate the complex landscape of medical and behavioural change communities. Drawing on my academic background as a medical sociologist, I will explore the dynamics between clients and therapists, considering their broader sociological contexts within both their lives and the healthcare system.

Furthermore, I will emphasize the importance of balancing scientific knowledge with creative application in therapy. A competent therapist must skillfully integrate both aspects. My aim is to demonstrate that science and art are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other, working together effectively.

Known for my dynamic and engaging presentation style, I will inject a healthy dose of humour, but please be aware that the topics addressed at times may be emotionally intense. Consider this a potential trigger warning.

I’m not here to tell therapists how to work. I’m here to present learnings to help others.

I’m a hypnotherapist, PhD student (thesis submitted) with Medical Sociology as my principal discipline and am a former professional sportsman with career highlights of being a 13x World Champion across three different combat sports and competed at elite level at another 5. I'm outspoken and known to talk the talk, but also walk the walk, and only speak from an evidence base with appropriate rationale. I am also the curator of many bad jokes.