About me

I’m Gillian Wingard. For 25 years I worked in the fast-paced, continually-changing corporate world of sales and recruitment as a senior manager. I witnessed first-hand how stress and anxiety in such a pressure-cooker environment affects people at all levels. That’s why I started Behavioural Freedom.

That notwithstanding, I have also struggled personally with workplace stress and anxiety, how it feels and how to effectively treat it and my life experiences make me the perfect person to work with you to relieve whatever issues are stopping you from living a full, happy and worry-free life.

I studied Hypnotherapy and specifically Hypno-CBT, the combined use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Hypnosis at the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy and the course is centred fundamentally on modern psychological approaches.

It is one of the leading courses of its kind in the UK and was developed by Donald Robertson, a highly-acclaimed and respected writer, therapist and trainer and author of The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (2010), The Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (2012) and Build Your Resilience (2012).

By using such an effective and proven combination of therapies, Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) is widely believed to be the treatment of choice for a growing number of conditions treated on the NHS over the next five years.

Evidence-based medicine is considered the way forward in selecting treatments for clients in the NHS and there is no reason why therapists shouldn’t do the same. There are many studies on the most effective types of psychotherapy and also on the most effective therapeutic methods and techniques. Cognitive therapies, CBT and hypnotherapy consistently score as the most effective therapies in meta-analysis of psychotherapies.

I am honest, easy to talk to and approachable. I have suffered with panic attacks, stress and anxiety myself and I sought hypnotherapy which I found both amazingly effective and profoundly life changing. Hypnotherapy opened up my mind and the way I thought and approached the aspects of my life that were causing me concern. I understand how the thought processes that go on inside your head can be adapted and amended to take a different journey, one of freedom of thought and behaviour.

I decided to change careers as I have the transferable skills to work with different types of people, the life experience to understand what individuals may be feeling from the effects of stress and anxiety and an overwhelming desire to help people become free from unwanted behaviours.

I have been married for over 25 years and have a son and a dog called Chewy. With spare time at a premium, I’m a passionate and vocal Arsenal season ticket holder and I love eating out and spending time with my family.

Gillian Wingard, Behavioural Freedom

Professional Memberships

Accredited and Registered Hypnotherapist with the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and General Hypnotherapy Register

Registered Hypnotherapist with CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council)

Licentiate Clinical Hypnotherapist with the Register for Evidence-Based Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy

“I was initially sceptical but after a few sessions with Gillian I'm now well and truly won over... it works! I faced my operation in a rational, calm way.”*

J.L., Hertfordshire

“I was initially sceptical but after a few sessions with Gillian I'm now well and truly won over... it works! I faced my operation in a rational, calm way.”*

J.L., Hertfordshire

“My anxiety (about birds) was exceptionally deep seated but as soon as I met Gillian I knew that we would together successfully conquer it and we did.”*

S.B., Hertfordshire

“Gillian's aim is to help you quickly and get you back to a regular routine whilst giving you the confidence to help yourself in the future. I would recommend her services to anyone suffering with anxiety of any kind.”*

S.J., Hertfordshire

“Gillian made me feel very relaxed and helped me build self confidence and reduce my anxiety. I have even managed to stop biting my nails after 25 years!”*

M.W., Hertfordshire

“Gillian has helped me through a very hard time in my life with stress and anxiety. She always made me feel so comfortable and relaxed and I would always come away feeling so much better. If you are struggling in any way with stress or anxiety do not hesitate to contact Gillian, she is a wonderful lady!”*

L.S., Hertfordshire

“I would recommend Gillian to anyone that suffers with any sort of anxiety! I had my doubts about trying this out to begin with, but all I literally needed was 5 sessions with Gillian, and now my anxiety has just gone? Definitely one of the best things I have ever done. It feels like a weight off my shoulders! ”*

G.M., Hertfordshire

“I would like to thank you immensely for the help you have given me, I am very grateful. Throughout the sessions, I could see how determined you were to reach our goal and overcome all the panic attacks and anxieties that you even offered to give me a session at no cost. Wow! I felt so comfortable with you, it seemed as if I had known you for years.”*

C.O., NW London

“Just to say a huge thank you for today. Ed is feeling very optimistic. He felt extremely comfortable with you and feels he can work with you to crack this.”*

B.T., Hertfordshire

“Thank you so much for everything. Words will never describe how grateful I am.”*

B.P., Hertfordshire

“Thank you so much for your help. From our first consultation I felt comfortable and at ease with you and knew that you were the right person to help me. My issues around social anxiety reduced following our first hypnotherapy session - I wasn't expecting to notice any difference so early and was very happy.”*

J.Y., Hertfordshire

“I touch the feet of this lady, Gillian, for giving my life back. Agoraphobia, anxiety, scared of even doing small things (you can name anything) had made my life miserable. Gillian just wants people to go back to the life that they had before they had the fear and anxiety and be happy.”*

M.K., Hertfordshire

''My son's dental fear was so intense and deep rooted even the dentist hadn't seen it in a child before. He totally trusted Gillian and after only a few sessions he had an injection and a filling. We can't thank Gillian enough''*

B.T., Hertfordshire

''Gillian’s methods and personality made me feel at ease from the first minute, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me to get back on track. I feel like I have a new lease of life''*

N.A., Hertfordshire

''Gillian is very personable and made me feel at ease from the first session. I felt calmer in myself each time I attended a session and my anxiety is greatly reduced. Thanks again for everything!''*

E.B., Hertfordshire

''I'd highly recommend Gillian. She made me feel relaxed from our very first conversation and I really enjoyed our sessions. Most importantly, it works!''*

R.M., Hertfordshire

''Gillian helped me to manage and improve my health, reducing the anxiety of irritable bowel and Parkinson’s Disease. Thank you.''*

J.P., Hertfordshire

''I was in a very dark place when I met Gillian. This experience has been truly life changing for me. Thank you so much.''*

K.G., Hertfordshire

''From our first consultation, I knew Gillian would be able to help me. She was patient about helping me to relax and very passionate about what she does. It's amazing how much you can change in a matter of weeks. Thank you for helping me through my difficult time.''*

P.W., Hertfordshire

''I would highly recommend Gillian Wingard for her therapy work on my teenage son. She was exceptionally thorough going to lengths to find out the possible root causes of his anxiety. She expertly made my son feel relaxed, comfortable & happy. Her approach was friendly and reassuring during the weeks it took. Always with a progress update. She was easy to confide in and her work has totally transformed my son's life at a very challenging time for him. I cannot speak highly enough and am so grateful. We are in huge admiration of her.''*

A.S., Hertfordshire

''I decided to try hypnotherapy as an alternative to medication for the panic and anxiety I had experienced for over a year of severe blushing and as a result a lack of confidence which was not me. I found Gillian and not only did I learn to relax and learn how to experience deep calmness but also gained more of my self confidence back and felt strong enough to consciously lessen the panic and rationalise my thoughts. Through the sessions Gillian was not only extremely supportive, but fun, kind and helped me completely change my outlook. Thank you Gillian''*

S.B., Hertfordshire

''Gillian has worked nothing short of miracles in helping me overcome my anxiety. She understands how anxiety 'feels' and as such has a deep understanding of the problems it causes. She is able to help resolve this quickly and effectively.''*

C.G., Hertfordshire

''Thank you Gillian for all your support with my anxiety, since having treatment I feel so much more confident, relaxed and at ease in the workplace. All the issues I was having before are no longer a problem. I would definitely recommend this course of treatment to anyone experiencing anxiety it really does work!''*

H.E., Hertfordshire

''Gillian was highly recommended to me, hence I made a decision to
tackle my anxiety issues with her. I found Gillian very easy going and very professional. She helped me
enormously to the point that I am now starting a new job as I am able to face the challenges it may bring without anxiety!''*

R.B., Hertfordshire

''I found working with Gillian a really positive experience. She understood my issues right from the beginning and helped me work towards resolving them. I am really grateful and glad that I went to see her and would highly recommend her to anybody''*

S.R., Hertfordshire

''As a parent I saw my bright, chatty, confident daughter dissolve into a nervous distraught girl caused by school bullying. A friend recommended Gillian who transformed my daughter back to her former self. Sometimes as a parent you need a little help to resolve some of life's family issues and would recommend Gillian who helped all the family get back to normal after my daughters terrible experiences.''*

E.R., Hertfordshire

''My work with Gillian transformed me from someone feeling very low and desperate to a happy person enjoying life again without debilitating anxiety''*

S.M., Hertfordshire

''I went to see Gillian for my year long problem with insomnia, she was extremely understanding and very easy to talk to. I had about 5-6 sessions and I’ve hardly had any trouble sleeping since! I would like to say a huge thank you and I would definitely recommend her to anyone with similar problem''*

O.R., Hertfordshire

''Having never had any form of anxiety in the past, it was a shock to find myself turning down work and being difficult with my family. Gillian helped me become me again... and for that I am immensely grateful!''*

D.P., Hertfordshire

''The difference that Gillian and CBH has made in my life has been mind blowing. I could never have imagined the results I have experienced. Anxiety is no longer ruling my life, and for the first time in years I am happy and comfortable with who I am. Thank you so much!''*

G.V., Hertfordshire

"I had social anxiety which affected my health, work performance and home life. Gillian has turned my life around, I am very optimistic about my life as I’m now more confident and relaxed with a positive mindset."*

S.R., Hertfordshire

"I would like to thank you for everything you helped me with last year and to let you know that I have been accepted by The Liverpool Institute For Performing Arts to study acting! I would not be where I am now without your help. I will take everything I learnt with you to drama school with me and continue to feel confident and in control within myself!"*

P.M, Hertfordshire

"I went to see Gillian at my wits end, suffering terribly with anxiety. I didn’t think I would ever feel safe in my own home. I would drive myself mad with many a sleepless night but now I sit in my house with the windows open and I am so thankful to Gillian for helping me as I’ve had no episodes of fear or anxiety at all since our sessions."*

L.S., Hertfordshire

"In just a few weeks hypnotherapy helped me reset. It helped me to see the importance of relaxing an that anxiety was just a habit that I could unlearn. I feel so much calmer and rational in my day to day life now!"*

L.D, Hertfordshire

"Having struggled with predominantly health anxiety but progressing also into general anxiety for years and with other therapies being unsuccessful, I was looking for something different. Im so glad I found Gillian. I immediately felt comfortable with her and this allowed me to open up and relax much more and therefore get the best from the treatment. I really enjoyed the sessions and left the clinic feeling lighter and lighter each week. I now feel “me” again and cant thank her enough"*

H.L., Hertfordshire

More testimonials

*Disclaimer: individual results may vary and cannot be guaranteed.