a Discerning Life
Therapy & Counselling
90 Queen St
, DD51AJ
Dundee
, Dundee
Business profile
Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t. Experience
Firstly, it is important to know that hundreds of people have resolved the issues that were getting in the way of them living a life they could feel good about with my guidance and support in over a decade in full time, professional practice as a fully qualified Psychotherapist and Senior Hypnotherapist. I wholeheartedly dedicate my therapeutic skills and compassion to you so you can master life and live in a meaningful way essentially loving the life you live. Not just coping but thriving. My philosophy is to partner with you on your journey by providing a plan using well honed therapeutic skills in a safe and confidential environment to facilitate change. My approach is goal and outcome oriented so you come in, get the change you want and need and get back out there living life. I provide highly personalised, flexible support and tailored sessions and am committed to safe practice. I simply combine an atmosphere of understanding, compassion and empathy with tried and tested Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy tools to assist you in accessing your resources for change as well as learning new skills, tools and being open to new perspectives and ideas. I am respectful of the trust you show in choosing me to help improve your quality of life and, in some cases, to share your pain at a deep level. It takes courage to face change and I recognise that making the first contact is often the hardest step. I am here to guide you through the process. 'Truly talented therapists are a relative rarity, so it is an especially welcome chance for me to acknowledge Paula’s skill and integrity. She possesses qualities of clarity in her thinking and kindness in her heart, both key characteristics for someone who is dedicated to helping others improve their lives. I give Paula my highest recommendation.' Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist
Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t. Qualifications
Dip.C.H.t., G.H.R.Reg., S(Snr).Q.H.P., C.N.H.C.(Hypnotherapy) I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.) and have completed the 60 hour Comprehensive Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy Course (June 2025) with world renowned Hypnosis Expert and Clinical Psychologist Dr Michael Yapko Ph.D.. I am a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and hold the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). I am also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. I also have a personal supervisor. I am registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy. I am committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Enhancing and updating my skills by regularly participating in trainings with Dr Michael Yapko, PhD, internationally known psychologist, author and contributor to the field of Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis.
Pass It On referral system
Pass It On...many people have shared with others they care about how I’ve helped them If there is someone in your life that is struggling with an issue they need help and guidance to resolve so they can create a life they feel good about, would you be happy to refer them? For every person you refer you receive one complimentary session (in person or online) (to be used within 6 months from the referral’s first appointment)
a Discerning Life - therapy for creating a life you feel good about
Welcome to a Discerning Life - Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy Practice, Dundee I’m Paula Hamilton Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist. At a Discerning Life I believe you want to be a person that lives life to the full. In order to do that, you need a life you feel good about. The problem is that life can give you more downs than ups which can make you feel anxious, lost and stuck. I believe that with the right tools and guidance you can learn to handle life's downs skilfully and fully enjoy life’s ups. I understand how it can feel to struggle in a life you don't like which is why I help people create a life they feel good about and a future to be inspired by in a professional, supportive and empathetic space. The 3 simple steps are Get in touch Let’s arrange your first session We create a plan so you can resolve your issue and move from coping to thriving Sessions are available in person in my office in Broughty Ferry, Dundee or online. Clients come from Dundee, Angus, Tayside, Fife including St Andrews, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Perthshire, and beyond. 'Truly talented therapists are a relative rarity, so it is an especially welcome chance for me to acknowledge Paula’s skill and integrity. She possesses qualities of clarity in her thinking and kindness in her heart, both key characteristics for someone who is dedicated to helping others improve their lives. I give Paula my highest recommendation.' Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., Psychologist
Posts
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Testimonials
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
‘Paula is both warm and emphatic, which allowed me to be open and honest about personal situations during our sessions. The techniques Paula has taught me and discussions had have allowed me to find peace and acceptance going forward and I can’t thank her enough. Highly recommended’. Nat
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
'Thanks for all the help you have given me over our sessions together. Beautiful work! Quite simply, my life is better because of your skills as a therapist. Please take credit for that.' Patrick
Client Success Story
‘Paula is the most passionate, committed and goal oriented therapist you’ll meet – she puts this forward in the most empathetic and compelling way. She is a true wonder.’ Jacqui
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Psychotherapist Hypnotherapist
‘Paula provides a safe, professional haven to her clients in moments of crisis and personal loss. I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, compassionate and empathetic psychotherapist.’ Lesley
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
‘Paula has been absolutely amazing and helped me through some challenges. Paula not only confirmed my thoughts but also helped me take practical steps to a better future. Paula is friendly, understanding, approachable and caring. I cannot recommend her enough!’ Tammie
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
‘Paula has been incredible to work with. She has guided me carefully to find the tools to confidently navigate all sorts challenges, whether in relationships, at work, managing stress and focusing techniques. Thank you Paula’ Tilda
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
'Dear Paula, thanks to your Hypnotherapy sessions, relaxation CD, and self exercises, I was able to control my anxiety related to claustrophobia. This enabled me to have an MRI that was required for assessment of my shoulder pre surgical repair. I am now on a path to repair a long term problem that has impeded my quality of life both physically and mentally. I can not thank you enough. Yours sincerely Christine'
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
‘Paula helped my get through a difficult time....suggested strategies that unquestionably helped. Highly recommended!’ Valerie (Dundee)
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
'Paula took the incomprehensible jumble of my life and made sense out of it all. She did this with compassion and professionalism during our very short time together. I will not hesitate to contact Paula in the future if the need should arise but, for now, I feel restored to the best version of Me. Thank you Paula' Alison (Aberdeenshire)
Client Success
'Words cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for the work done with Paula. When we first met I was not in the best place mentally, and I was really struggling to deal with how I was feeling. We worked together for a number of months and I was blown away with the progress we made together. We continue to have regular check ins which I really appreciate. Paula is so welcoming, warm and she really helped me in so many ways, and continues to do so. She has provided me with tools and strategies that I continue to use on a daily basis. I highly recommend Paula for whatever you feel you need help with. She is wonderful .' Kim (Dundee)
Testimonial of working with Paula Hamilton Dip.C.H.t.
‘I am incredibly grateful to have worked with Paula over the last few months. She is an amazingly skilled and knowledgeable psychotherapist who has helped me understand the frameworks underpinning anxious thought patterns and given me skills to move towards more helpful thought processes. She is a true empath who creates a safe space where curiosity is supported and humour is welcome! I could not recommend Paula highly enough!’ ELM
FAQs
What services do you provide?
I provide Brief Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching - therapy for creating a life you fee good about
What is Brief Therapy?
Brief Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches to short-term, solution-oriented Psychotherapy. It describes an approach that attempts to make Psychotherapy as efficient and practically helpful as possible within a short time frame. Brief Therapy differs from other schools of therapy in that it emphasises (1) a focus on a specific problem and (2) direct, experiential intervention. In Brief Therapy, we work proactively together as a team to create the change you want and need. It also emphasises the use of your resources as well as new ideas, concepts, skills, tools and perspectives. Brief Therapy is often highly strategic, exploratory and solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with why a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change. Focusing on ‘how’ you generate an uncomfortable and unhelpful experience rather than ‘why’. Brief therapists do not adhere to one ‘correct’ approach, but have a flexible personalised way of working with clients.
What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
One of the key concepts of lasting therapeutic change is working with focus. The phrase 'what you focus on you amplify' is central to this idea and can impact quality of life greatly. It is also true that the direction of that focus can define how you experience life. The internally focused and absorbed state of hypnosis can assist you in shifting your focus, disconnecting from unhelpful and uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and sensations and then connecting to helpful and comfortable ones. Hypnosis is also an space that allows you to get absorbed in new ideas, perspectives and possibilities that can help develop and consolidate change through experiential learning which is when you have an internal experience of the change you want that feels real enough to learn from.
What are your Qualifications?
Paula has a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy, a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.) and a Certificate of Hypnosis. She is a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and holds the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). She is also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. She also has a personal supervisor. She is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy. Paula is committed to continuing professional development (CPD). Enhancing and updating her skills by regularly participating in trainings with Dr Michael Yapko, PhD, internationally known psychologist, author and contributor to the field of Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis.
You say you do Continuing Professional Development, what was your most recent?
Yes, I am committed to Continuing Professional Development and recently (June 2025) completed Dr Michael D. Yapko Ph.D.'s 60 hour Comprehensive Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy Training. Dr Yapko is one of the leading figures in my profession and I have studied with him regularly since 2011.
Do you have a newsletter?
Yes I do. You can subscribe to the quarterly a Discerning Life Newsletter through my website (bottom of homepage). It is full of resources and high quality information.