Gary Smith — Clinical Hypnotherapist & Trainer
From a personal search for answers to supporting others — real-world experience in every lesson.
Gary Smith • Principal Trainer
The Journey That Brought Me Here
Hello — I’m Gary.
I didn’t start out in therapy. For over 30 years, I worked in high-level management in the retail sector — building teams, developing businesses, and helping people grow. I learned how to listen, how to lead, and how to keep going when things get tough.
My path to hypnotherapy began not as a career plan, but as a personal mission. I wanted to help a family member who was struggling — and despite trying every traditional route, the help just wasn’t there. So I decided to find it myself.
I immersed myself in learning — and what I discovered changed everything. I saw how Solution-Focused approaches, combined with hypnosis, NLP, and an understanding of neuroscience, could create real, lasting change. Not just for others — but for me too.
That personal journey grew into a calling. Today, I’m a practising Clinical Hypnotherapist, the founder of Best Mind Therapy, and now — through Hypnotherapy Training UK — I’m training the next generation of therapists to do this important work.
I don’t just teach theory — I live this work every day. Every lesson is rooted in what actually works in the room, with real people, facing real challenges.
🎓 My Approach
I don’t believe in digging endlessly into the past to find a future. My teaching — and my practice — is Solution-Focused:
- ✅ Focus on what you want, not just what’s wrong
- ✅ Build small, meaningful changes that grow into big differences
- ✅ Combine hypnosis, NLP, CBT & neuroscience
- ✅ Practical skills from Day One
- ✅ Warmth, honesty, and no jargon
📋 Credentials & Practice
- ✅ Practising Clinical Hypnotherapist
- ✅ Solution-Focused Brief Therapy trained
- ✅ NLP Informed Practitioner
- ✅ CBT-informed & Neuroscience-informed
- ✅ Level 5 Supervisor and Mentor
- ✅ NCFE Level 5 AHD qualified
- ✅ Member — National Board for Modern Psychotherapy (NBFMP)
- ✅ Member — National Board for Hypnotherapy (NBH)
- ✅ Member — National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
- ✅ Member — Complimenty and National Healthcare Council (NCH)
- ✅ Founder — Best Mind Therapy and Gary Smith Psychotherapy Swindon
- ✅ Graduates practising across the UK
Why I Teach
More than sharing skills — it’s about building a profession I believe in.
When I started Best Mind Therapy, I saw how powerful this work can be — but I also saw something else: too many people still waiting for help, and too few well-trained therapists available to step forward.
That’s why I started Hypnotherapy Training in the UK. I want to pass on what I’ve learned — not just the techniques, but the heart of good therapy: how to listen deeply, how to be present, and how to help people find their own strength.
I teach the way I practise — with warmth, clarity, and integrity. I don’t believe in making things sound complicated to sound impressive. I believe in giving you the tools, the confidence, and the business skills to build a practice that matters — to you, and to your future clients.
My promise to you: I will be honest about what works and what doesn’t. I will answer your questions — even the ones you think are “silly”. And I will stay with you as you grow — long after you qualify.
Experience First
I work with clients every week — what I teach is what actually works in practice.
Small Groups
You won’t get lost in a crowd. Personal attention, real connection.
Grow With You
From curious beginner to confident professional — I’m here through every stage.
What Our Students Say
Real stories from real people — changing careers, changing lives.
"I came into this feeling completely out of my depth — I’d never done anything like this before. Gary has this incredible way of making you feel safe, capable, and seen. He meets you exactly where you are and gently guides you forward. I’m now seeing my own clients and I still pinch myself. If you’re thinking about it — do it. You won’t regret it."
— Emma, Swindon Graduate
"What I love most is that Gary doesn’t just teach theory — he lives this work. When he speaks, he speaks from experience. Every technique is explained with real-life examples, and he shares both what works and what doesn’t. It’s rare to find a teacher who is so generous with his knowledge and so genuine in his care for his students."
— David, South Wales Graduate
"I was nervous about the commitment — keeping my job, studying, travelling. But the weekend format works perfectly, and Gary is so understanding about life getting in the way. He’s flexible, encouraging, and always there when you need him. This training has been the most transformative experience of my life — professionally and personally."
— Louise, Current Student
"There’s no ego, no jargon, no showing off — just honest, kind, expert teaching. Gary breaks things down so simply that even the most complex ideas make sense. I’ve learned more in a few months than I thought possible. And the business support? That’s what sets this apart — he actually teaches you how to build a practice, not just be a therapist."
— Mark, Birmingham Graduate
"I came because I wanted to help people — I stayed because I realised I could actually help myself too. This work heals the therapist as much as the client. Gary holds space for that beautifully. He models the very kindness and compassion he teaches us to offer others. I’m so proud of the therapist I’m becoming."
— Sian, South Wales Graduate
"The practical experience from Day One makes all the difference. Instead of just reading about it, we were doing it — supervised, supported, and safe. Gary gives gentle feedback that builds you up, never tears you down. By the time I qualified, I felt ready — not just trained, but confident."
— James, Swindon Graduate
"I researched training for months. So many courses felt expensive, rushed, or vague. From my very first conversation with Gary, I knew this was different. Transparent, honest, warm — and thorough. No shortcuts, no cutting corners. You leave with a real qualification and a real future. Worth every penny."
— Claire, Graduate 2025
"What surprises me most is how much I’ve grown as a person. Yes, I’ve learned hypnotherapy — but I’ve also learned how to trust myself, how to listen, and how to be present. Gary leads by example — he’s calm, consistent, and completely authentic. He’s the kind of tutor you want to make proud."
— Raj, Current Student
"Small groups make such a difference. We know each other, we support each other, and Gary has time for everyone. You’re never just a number. I’ve made friends for life here — and a professional family I can turn to. That sense of community doesn’t end when you graduate — it grows."
— Helen, Graduate 2025
"If you’re on the fence — get off it. This is the best decision you’ll make. Gary doesn't just teach you a skill — he helps you find your calling. He saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. I’m now building a practice I love, doing work that matters. Thank you doesn't feel like enough — but thank you."
— Michael, Graduate 2025
Let’s Talk
Come and meet me — no obligation, just an honest conversation about your future.
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