Cowbridge Therapy has been open for approximately one year, yet the business is already experiencing a flurry of new and returning clients to its Pant Wilkin Stables clinic in Aberthin. 

Sarah-Jane Marshall, a solution-focused hypnotherapist and therapeutic counsellor, is the owner and used to practice in Cowbridge town centre at Beauty Within. She told Cowbridge Nub News: "I've always had an interest in mental health and know about depression first-hand.  

"I've had lots of time on my own, lots of time overthinking and lots of diagnoses and seeing lots of other people go through it.  

"That's when I decided to go back to college and learn about psychology. I went on to do a degree and it's all gone from there really. I've had lots of great feedback and I must be doing something right because I'm quite laid back." 

Hypnotherapy is one of Sarah-Jane's areas of expertise and she explains that it's not about making a client completely switch off. "Gone are the days where you get a clock and you go 'tick-tock, tick-tock' and you're under," she said.  

"Now, hypnotherapy is about deep breathing relaxation, very much like mindfulness. I get people in a very relaxed state and get the neurotransmitters [body's chemical messengers] working. 

"It makes people feel happier and more relaxed, and it calms anxiety and stress – it's brilliant and I've had some great results." 

Right now, a majority of Sarah-Jane's clients come to her with anxiety problems. Usually, after four to six weeks of sessions, she can start to see a difference in how a client is feeling about themselves. 

A majority of Sarah-Jane's clients come to her with anxiety problems. (Image credit: Sarah-Jane Marshall)

Sarah-Jane doesn't just specialise in one target demographic, either. She can treat patients from eight years and up and her clients include families, as well as businesses who send their employees for therapy. "A lot of clients visit from the Cowbridge area and others make the trip from as far as Caerphilly," she said. 

"With any new business, it's hard work. But it's nice that I now have the trust of people that are bringing their whole families to come and see me. 

"The key thing for anyone to give you mental health advice is a connection of trust." 

Although the business is still in its infancy, demand is strong. Most days, Sarah-Jane is treating clients from 09:00 until 18:30 every day and now is the ideal time for another solution-focused therapist to join the business. "The company is ready to expand, but we just need to find the right people," she said.  

"I'd love to employ someone to work alongside me. I'd train the person to learn the solution-focused side, but I would need a qualified hypnotherapist. 

"But it's more than just professional skills; it's life skills as well." 

So, what would Sarah-Jane say to someone who is sceptical about therapy and hypnotherapy? 

"I think everyone can be a bit worried about the unknown. But in my clients, I can see results within six weeks and it speaks for itself really. I can't make things happen, but I can help you be who you want to be if you're willing to put the time in." 

Find out more about Cowbridge Therapy here.