Grief and loss support, at your pace.
Some losses change the shape of everyday life. You may be finding your way through a bereavement, an ending or a future you didn't expect. We can talk about what support might help, without asking you to move on or feel differently before you're ready.
Gary Smith · Swindon, Wiltshire · Online across the UK · No obligation
There isn't a correct way to grieve.
Grief can be loud, quiet, unpredictable or difficult to put into words. It doesn't always look the way we imagine it should.
There may be sadness, anger, disbelief, relief, guilt or even moments of laughter. You might be managing well at work and struggling when the house goes quiet. You may feel the loss in your sleep, concentration, relationships or confidence.
None of this means you are doing grief incorrectly. Bereavement is not, by itself, a disorder requiring treatment. But when the effects on your wellbeing are becoming difficult to manage, it's reasonable to explore support.
What you're mourning matters.
Loss isn't limited to one kind of relationship or one kind of goodbye.
When someone dies
The death of a partner, parent, child, family member or friend can affect identity, routines and your sense of what comes next.
When life together ends
Divorce, separation and estrangement can involve the loss of companionship, shared plans and a familiar way of living.
When something changes
Pet bereavement, changes in health, fertility-related loss, retirement or losing a home or role may also bring real grief.
You can carry the meaning of a loss while still making room for the life happening around you.
Where Solution Focused Hypnotherapy may fit.
My work isn't about erasing memories or persuading you to stop grieving. The conversation starts with what you're experiencing now, what feels difficult and what would be helpful in everyday life.
A place to speak openly
We can talk about the effects of loss, what you're coping with and the support available to you. You decide how much of the story to share.
Support for day-to-day difficulties
Solution Focused conversations may help identify manageable steps around routines, sleep, stress, confidence and the relationships that still matter.
Hypnosis, when appropriate
Guided relaxation and clinical hypnosis can be considered as optional approaches to help with tension or anxiety. You remain involved and in control throughout.
I also draw selectively on NLP techniques and CBT-informed ideas where appropriate. Evidence for hypnosis and NLP as treatments for grief itself is limited; I won't describe either as a cure or a substitute for specialist grief therapy.
The things grief can affect.
There may be practical pressures alongside the emotional impact of losing someone or something important. In a consultation we can explore which aspects are most relevant to you.
- Sleep that has become unsettled or exhausting
- Anxiety about the future, change or being alone
- Difficulty concentrating or returning to routines
- Guilt, self-criticism or persistent worry
- Feeling disconnected from people or activities
A conversation first. Decisions together.
There is no standard programme for grief, and no obligation to book ongoing appointments.
Free consultation
Tell me a little about what has brought you here and ask anything you'd like about my approach. We can talk without pressure.
Explore the right support
We'll discuss suitability, the role of hypnotherapy and NLP, and whether counselling, specialist grief therapy or NHS support may better fit your needs.
Choose your next steps
If you decide to proceed, we'll agree realistic aims and review how useful the work is. You can stop or change direction at any point.
Hello, I'm Gary.
I'm Gary Smith, a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon. I use a collaborative, Solution Focused approach and aim to make conversations straightforward, respectful and personal.
Grief is not a problem to be talked out of. I can help you explore difficulties that may be accompanying a loss, while recognising when a bereavement specialist, GP or another therapist is better placed to help.
You don't need to prepare the right words for a first conversation. We can begin with what matters to you today.
A considered starting pointBased in Swindon. Here for enquiries across the UK.
In person · North Swindon
Northbourne Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 4YE. Enquiries are welcome from Royal Wootton Bassett, Cirencester, Marlborough, Chippenham, Devizes, Stroud and other nearby communities within roughly 50 miles.
Online · throughout the UK
Online sessions can be a convenient option when travelling feels difficult or you live further away. Whether online work is appropriate depends on your circumstances, privacy and support needs.
A little more clarity.
Can hypnotherapy help with grief and bereavement?
Hypnotherapy may offer some people a supportive way to work with associated stress, sleep difficulties or anxiety. It does not remove grief, replace memories, or have the same evidence base as specialist grief-focused psychological therapies. We can discuss whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Will you ask me to relive the loss or describe everything?
No. You choose what you share. Some people want to talk about the person or the loss; others prefer to begin with how everyday life is being affected. We can agree a pace and approach together.
Is it normal to feel angry, guilty, numb or unexpectedly okay?
Grief can involve many different feelings, sometimes changing from one day to the next. There is no single correct reaction. If your distress is persistent or seriously affecting daily life, speak with your GP about additional support.
Can I seek support for a relationship breakdown or the death of a pet?
Yes. Loss can include bereavement, the end of a relationship, the death of a companion animal, a change in health, or another important life transition. We can discuss the kind of support you are looking for without ranking one loss against another.
What if the death was sudden or traumatic?
A sudden or traumatic death can bring additional difficulties, including intrusive memories or intense distress. A GP or appropriately qualified trauma or bereavement specialist may be the best first step. We will discuss suitability and any signposting openly.
Do you offer online grief and loss appointments?
Yes. Online consultations and appointments are available across the UK where suitable. You can also meet Gary in person in Swindon. We will consider privacy, your needs and whether specialist services are a better fit.
How much is the first consultation, and how many sessions will I need?
The first consultation is free and carries no obligation. There is no fixed number of sessions or promised outcome. We will discuss options, likely arrangements and current fees before any further bookings.
Other places to turn.
If bereavement is affecting you or someone close to you, these sources offer information and specialist support. You can use them whether or not you enquire about hypnotherapy.
- NHS: grief after bereavement or loss — guidance on grief and when to see a GP.
- Cruse Bereavement Support — bereavement information and support services.
- NHS: urgent help for mental health — what to do if you need urgent support.
If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 999. This page is not an emergency or crisis service.
You can begin with a conversation.
Tell me what's been happening and what you're hoping for. We'll explore whether my approach is suitable, with honesty about its limits and no pressure to continue.
Call 07359 071210 · Email Gary@bestmindtherapy.co.uk
Appointments Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–8:30 pm, by arrangement. Please avoid including detailed sensitive health information in an initial email.