Hello, I'm Gary.
It's good to meet you.
I'm a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in North Swindon, supporting people with anxiety, phobias and other emotional difficulties. I know that reaching out for support can feel like a big step. My aim is to make that first conversation comfortable and straightforward.
I'll listen to what's been happening, understand what you hope might change, and help you explore a way forward that feels right for you.
I didn't start out planning to become a therapist.
For more than 30 years I worked in senior management in the retail and motor industries. I enjoyed the pace and the responsibility, but what stayed with me most was the people: listening, helping someone see things differently and watching confidence grow.
My decision to train as a therapist, though, came from a much more personal place.
Someone close to me was experiencing fears, anxiety and sensory difficulties that were affecting everyday life. As anyone who has watched a loved one struggle will understand, I wanted to do something useful. We explored the usual routes for help, but finding practical answers wasn't easy.
I began asking questions: why can fear feel so powerful? Why do certain experiences become overwhelming? And what might help someone feel more confident and in control?
That search took me into the study of psychology, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. I went on to train at the Clifton Practice, where I developed my understanding of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and how people can build on their strengths to make meaningful changes.
What began as an effort to support one person gradually became a new direction in my own life — and ultimately, Best Mind Therapy.
I'm also a father of three. That experience has strengthened my belief that fears, worries and emotional difficulties deserve to be taken seriously at any age. Today, whether I'm helping a client, supervising a therapist or teaching students, I still bring that original motivation to my work: listen carefully, treat people with respect and help them see what might be possible.
Professional support that still feels human.
Therapy should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. My work brings together Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and selected NLP or CBT-informed strategies when suitable. We begin with you — where you are now and where you'd like to be.
You'll be listened to
I'll take time to understand your experience without judgement. You're welcome to ask questions, talk through concerns and be involved in decisions about your support.
We'll focus on what helps
My Solution Focused approach explores your strengths, resources and realistic next steps. Where suitable, sessions can include guided relaxation and hypnotherapy.
You'll know where you stand
We'll talk openly about suitability, confidentiality, fees and what therapy can reasonably offer. If another type of support would be more appropriate, I'll explain that too.
Experience matters. So does knowing you're in safe hands.
I take professional development seriously, combining my clinical qualifications with continued training in therapeutic approaches and communication.
Professional qualificationsQualifications, professional registrations and individual training courses are different types of credentials. I'm happy to explain the training relevant to your needs.
What happens when you get in touch?
You don't need to prepare a perfect explanation of what's wrong. A first conversation is simply a chance for us both to see whether working together feels appropriate.
Use the online booking link, telephone or email to make contact.
Tell me as much or as little as feels comfortable. We can discuss your concerns, hopes and practical questions.
I'll explain possible next steps, including when another professional service may be a better option. There's no obligation to continue.
Here when you're ready.
Best Mind Therapy is based at Northbourne Road, Swindon SN25 4YE. People visit from Swindon, Cirencester, Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, Bath, Bristol and across nearby counties. Online sessions are also available across the UK, where suitable.
You are welcome to enquire from Swindon and surrounding communities within approximately 50 miles of the clinic. Online appointments can be discussed throughout the UK where suitable. I do not operate additional clinics in these towns.
Looking for help with something specific?Questions about working with Gary
Useful information about qualifications, appointments and what to expect — without pressure or promises.
What happens during the free initial consultation?
We'll discuss the concerns that have brought you to therapy, what you would like to be different and whether my approach seems suitable. It is a chance to ask questions, and there is no obligation to continue.
What qualifications does Gary Smith hold?
Gary lists a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH), Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD), Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma (AHD) and a clinical hypnotherapy supervision qualification (DCH-Sup). He also lists professional registrations with the NCH, AfSFH and CNHC. You are welcome to ask about the qualifications relevant to your needs.
What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines constructive, goal-oriented conversations with hypnosis or guided relaxation when appropriate. It focuses on your strengths, resources and the changes you would like to make, while recognising that different difficulties may require different forms of care.
Can I see Gary in person or online?
In-person appointments are based in North Swindon, Wiltshire. People can enquire from surrounding areas within approximately 50 miles. Online appointments are available across the UK where suitable for the individual and the concerns involved.
Does Gary work with anxiety, trauma, phobias and OCD?
Gary works with a range of concerns including anxiety and phobias, and can discuss support needs relating to difficult experiences and intrusive thoughts. Suitability is considered individually. For OCD, PTSD or other complex conditions, evidence-based specialist treatments may be recommended or signposted where appropriate.
How can I know whether this therapy is right for me?
We can talk openly about what you are experiencing, what you hope to gain, the evidence and limits of available approaches, and whether specialist care or a different professional service may be more appropriate. The decision to proceed is always yours.
Perhaps we could start with a conversation.
There's no pressure to know exactly what you need. If you'd like to explore whether I can help, I'm happy to talk.
Gary Smith · Best Mind Therapy · North Swindon · Online UK-wide