Alison Ball

Alison Ball is an integrative therapist at Harbor who specialises in clinical hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

Clinical hypnotherapy uses a relaxed, focused state of mind to help people change unhelpful patterns, while EMDR uses guided eye movements to help the brain process distressing memories. Alison uses the two together to help people change habits and behaviour, from substance use and smoking to phobias and limiting beliefs.

She works with trauma, anxiety and depression, and with difficulties that stem from painful relationships or childhood experiences. 

Professional Background & Qualifications

Alison holds a BA in Acting and a PGCE in Drama.

She later trained in clinical hypnotherapy and integrative psychotherapy, and has also completed EMDR training.

She is a full member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis and an approved therapist with Anxiety UK and Wellbeing in the Arts.

Healthcare Leadership & Experience

Alison came to therapy from education and the arts, and her teaching career gave her years of experience with young people.

That work included young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as autistic young people and those with ADHD.

Her therapy practice now includes adults as well as young people.

Approach to Care

Alison’s approach is client-centred and empathetic, and she works out with each client whether hypnotherapy, EMDR or a combination of the two will help most.

Her integrative psychotherapy training lets her explore the experiences underneath a problem, while hypnotherapy and EMDR give her practical tools to change the patterns that keep it going.

At Harbor, she works with clients dealing with trauma and anxiety, and with those trying to break long-standing habits.