Linda Witchell – Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
Hi, I’m Linda.
I’m a wife, mother, and pet lover. I invite you to take a moment to explore more about me and the journey my life has taken. It’s a story filled with experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Everyone has times in their lives when they feel stressed or anxious and need help. My life has certainly had its pressures, so I know what stress and anxiety can be like. I have worked hard and studied to master’s degree level. I have dealt with sickness in the family, financial difficulties, exam stress, working shifts, bringing up children, moving abroad and setting up my own business, but I wouldn’t change a thing as I have learnt to cope well and build that resilience that I can share with you today.
I have found that the first step is identifying and admitting that there is a problem and then getting help.
Choosing the right person to speak to might seem difficult at first, but sharing the problem is the only way to move forward and change.
Awaken the Change:
My Journey in Hypnotherapy, Counselling, and Coaching
Finding My Path: From Nurse to Therapist
Life is a journey of learning, and if there’s one thing I’ve discovered along the way, it’s that change is possible at any stage. I wasn’t always a hypnotherapist, counsellor, and coach. In fact, I started my career in the fast-paced world of nursing, working in hospitals, managing wards, and supporting patients through their health challenges. For over 30 years, I dedicated myself to the medical field, specialising in ophthalmology, education, and patient care. But deep down, I knew I wanted to help people in a different way—beyond just their physical health.
My interest in therapy began during my own personal challenges. Like many professionals, I faced periods of stress and anxiety, balancing my career with personal responsibilities. I experienced firsthand what it felt like to be micromanaged in a demanding role, and, at one point, I even had a panic attack. That was a wake-up call. I sought help, learned new coping strategies, and realised how powerful therapy can be. This experience planted the seed for what would eventually become my second career: helping others navigate their struggles and awaken their own potential for change.
My values in life are built around
- Trust and honesty to do the right things
- Working to be the best you can be
- Learning and developing
- Respect no matter who we are
The Birth of Awaken the Change
My passion for learning has always driven me forward. I didn’t stop at nursing—I went on to earn multiple qualifications, including a BSc (Hons) in nursing and three master’s degrees in hypnosis, psychology, and interprofessional health. I became fascinated by the mind-body connection and how hypnotherapy, counselling, and coaching could work together to create lasting change.
That’s why I founded Awaken the Change. My mission? To help people overcome emotional and psychological barriers, whether they’re anxiety, stress, self-doubt, or unwanted habits. I provide a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their challenges and find real solutions. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach—every session is tailored to the individual, using evidence-based techniques that work.
What Makes Me Different?
I often tell my clients that transformation isn’t about waving a magic wand—it’s about working together to create meaningful change. My approach is unique because I bring a wealth of experience from multiple disciplines.
A Medical Perspective – My background in nursing means I understand health-related conditions like IBS, anxiety, and stress from a clinical perspective. I can integrate this knowledge into my therapeutic work.
A Balanced Approach – I combine hypnotherapy, counselling, and coaching to provide holistic support. Whether you need emotional healing, practical strategies, or mindset shifts, I can help.
A Passion for Learning – I’m a lifelong learner, always updating my knowledge to provide the best possible service. I also supervise and train other hypnotherapists and counsellors to ensure high professional standards.
Professional & Approachable – Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating! My clients describe me as professional yet down-to-earth, with a touch of humour to make the process feel comfortable and natural.
A Glimpse into My Life
I was born and raised in the UK, and I’ve always loved travel. I spent several years living and working as a nurse in Australia, and I still visit my family there when I can. I love meeting new people, trying different foods, and immersing myself in different cultures—it’s all part of my belief in lifelong learning.
Family is incredibly important to me. I’m happily married and have two grown-up children. I also deeply love animals and have always had a dog. Nature is my go-to for relaxation, whether it’s a walk by the sea or a quiet moment in the countryside.
One of the biggest achievements in my life (aside from mastering statistics—something I never thought I’d do!) was buying and renovating my own therapy offices. It wasn’t just about creating a workspace; it was about making therapy accessible and visible to those who need it. While I now work mostly online, I take pride in building a place where change begins.
Helping You Awaken the Change
So why do I do what I do? Because I believe that everyone has the power to change. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling stuck in life, or simply want to break free from old habits, I can help. I don’t fix people—I work alongside them, providing the tools and strategies to help them move forward.
If you’re ready to take the first step, let’s talk. I offer a free initial consultation so we can explore what’s possible together.
Book a Consultation: www.awakenthechange.com/online-bookings/
Because change isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you.
My Clients
People may self-refer or get recommended by their doctor to get help. They are often professionals who, like me, have worked very hard in their jobs while also juggling family life. Sometimes concerns build up with them, including anxieties about teenagers, low confidence and self-esteem, worrying unnecessarily, feeling overwhelmed or struggling with irrational fears and phobias. I help them to feel better, take control and enjoy life again. Three sessions are often enough.
They choose my service as I can help them to get the results that they want. My background demonstrates that I’m professional, experienced, and I care.
Clients often visit my Bournemouth practice for their counselling or hypnotherapy sessions, but with the aid of modern technology, I can open the door to my services across the world.
Online Help
Through my experiences, I have learnt that it’s not always easy to do things the way people expect you to do things. For example, if you need help because you have mobility problems or anxiety that makes you feel nervous about meeting new people, online help is an avenue you can follow that can be much easier for you.
I have also found that British Expatriates find online help invaluable as they get a standard of help that they know and can trust. As a native English speaker, I’m able to provide the service that you expect. Often it is more about helping you to stop those feelings of isolation and of being stuck.
I have travelled widely and lived abroad in Australia, so I know that it’s sometimes comforting to hear a British person speaking in your own, colloquial, language and accent because you know that they are more likely to understand what you are saying and meaning. I offer this online help so you can be the person that you want to be and get some control back in your life. Your first free initial consultation is available to book today.
Book Your Free 30 Minute Consultation
My Qualifications
- MSc Hypnosis in Research, Medicine and Clinical Practice
- MSc Psychology
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy
- Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy Counselling (Chrysalis)
- Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory (CPCAB level 5)
- Certificate in Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) (Marisa Peer Method Hypnotherapy)
- Certificate in Counselling (CPCAB level 2)
- Certificate in Pet Bereavement (ABC Award)
- Diploma in Wellbeing and Stress Management (CPCAB level 5)
- Certificate in Online Therapy
- Retired Registered General Nurse
- Cruse Bereavement Care course
- Supervisors Course (Ascentis)
- Diploma in Supervision (level 7)
- Hypnotherapy Supervisors Course (GHR accredited)
- Masters degree in Interprofessional and Community Care
- BSc(Hons) Nursing
- Teaching experience/qualifications – Certificate VI in Training and Assessing (Trainwell, Australia), City & Guilds 730, TEFL, Teaching Business Language
- EFT Practitioner
- Numerous study days attended
