About Catherine
Warm, practical help, rooted in real experience
Catherine Hartle-Driver, BA (Hons), PGCE, DSFH, AfSFH (reg)
I'm Catherine Hartle-Driver, a clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. My work is calm, kind and forward-looking, and it's shaped by many years alongside young people and families.
My background
Twenty years listening to young people
Alongside my hypnotherapy work, I have over twenty years' experience in education as a teacher and department lead. For the last decade I've specialised in trauma-informed practice, supporting young people and their families with social, emotional and mental health needs. I've seen first-hand how worry, low mood and overwhelm can take hold, and how much can shift when someone feels truly heard.
That experience shapes the way I work now: steady, compassionate and clear. I understand the pressures on young people and the very real worry that ripples through a whole family when a child is struggling. I bring that same patience and steadiness to my work with adults, too.
I trained and achieved my Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at The Clifton Practice in Bristol, and I'm proud to practise there today.
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
– Nelson Mandela
My approach
Solution Focused, gently looking forward
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a present-focused, collaborative process. It's very much about taking small steps to make changes that allow us to lead our lives in the way that we choose, without feeling hampered by difficulties of the past. I offer a welcoming, non-judgemental space to support you in creating your preferred future.
How the mind settles
We'll talk a little about the neuroscience of stress, how it builds up, and how rest, calm and small positive steps help your mind reset. Understanding what's happening takes a lot of the fear away.
Gentle relaxation
Each session ends with a calm, guided relaxation. There's nothing to “do” and nothing strange. Most people simply enjoy the rest and leave feeling lighter.
Steady, small steps
Between sessions we keep things manageable. Real change comes from gentle, repeatable steps, not big leaps, and I'll be alongside you the whole way.
The way we work together
Three calm stages
Our work follows a simple, reassuring shape. You always know where we are and where we're heading.
Here we are
We notice what is happening now: patterns, strengths, and small exceptions when things go better. We recognise the point you are at in your life and begin to notice what already helps, even in small ways.
Where do we want to be?
We shape a clear, realistic picture of progress: what you will be doing, feeling and noticing. The first step is to send an enquiry, then we arrange a brief phone call and an initial consultation, followed by as many (or as few) sessions as feel right for you. Sessions work on a pay as you go basis.
How do we get there?
We take practical steps and use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, neuroscience and focused relaxation to help your brain learn new patterns. With your determination and support in session, small changes can build into lasting shifts in how you feel and respond.
Training & memberships
Qualified, registered, accountable
Catherine trained and achieved her Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at The Clifton Practice, Bristol, and holds professional membership with two respected bodies. That means working to recognised standards of practice, ethics and ongoing development, so you can feel confident you're in safe, professional hands.
- Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
- Member of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (AfSFH)
- Trained at The Clifton Practice, Bristol
I feel in a much better place than before seeing Catherine for therapy. Rather than feeling that things are getting worse and out of my control, I now feel that I am making progress in my life and that things are improving and possible.
In the sessions she was very kind and patient. She gave me space to talk about my problems whilst helping me to focus on the positives and plan how I could move forward. I never felt rushed and she always had time to listen.
Shall we have a chat?
If anything here resonates, I'd love to hear from you. A free 15-minute call is the easiest way to start. No commitment, just a friendly conversation.