Helping People with Aphantasia Thrive.
Helping people with aphantasia better understand themselves, overcome anxiety and old patterns, and build the life they want. Together, we'll discover approaches that fit the way your mind naturally works. I combine hypnotherapy, coaching and other evidence-informed approaches to help you create lasting change.
paulinatrevena
I'm Dr Paulina Trevena (PhD - not MD!), a researcher, hypnotherapist and international speaker specialising in aphantasia. I combine research, therapeutic practice and personal experience to help people better understand how their minds work. I also have global aphantasia, SDAM and ADHD.
Certifications:
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
My story
I didn't set out to specialise in aphantasia.
Like many people, I discovered I had it later in life. But it was only a few years later when I started training in hypnosis that my (global) aphantasia came up as a challenge - because so many techniques relied on visualisation and other things I just could not do!
When I eventually realised others with aphantasia shared this experience, I started research into aphantasia and hypnosis. I wanted to discover which techniques worked best for us. This completely changed the way I practice hypnosis today. I now specialise in working with aphantasic clients - and teaching other hypnotherapists on how best to work with us.
I always tailor my approach to the individual because my second revelation was - we with aphantasia are all different!
My philosophy
Aphantasia is not the problem.
I don't believe aphantasia is something that needs fixing. It's simply a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.
The real challenge comes when we try using techniques that were designed for a different type of mind - which is why we need a tailored approach in therapy.
This is why helping you understand how your mind works and discover approaches that truly fit you is my speciality.
How I work
Every person with aphantasia is different.
The common factor is our inability (or weak ability) to visualise in our mind's eye. But thenβ¦
Some of us can tap into other internal senses, others can't.
Some of us have another neurodivergence in the mix (autism, ADHD), others don't.
Some of us have SDAM (Severely Deficient Autobiographical Memory), others don't.
And we have different problems, wants and needs.
Some people come to me because they're struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional wellbeing. Some want to stop feeling like they're somehow "doing life wrong." Others are looking to build confidence to go for the life they truly want.
Together, we'll explore how your mind works, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies that fit you. My sessions never rely on visualisation, and they're always tailored to your individual way of thinking.
Why work with me?
I understand this from the inside.
I have global aphantasia and SDAM myself, so I know what it's like to be living with these differences (and ADHD!).
I combine research with practice.
As a former academic researcher and a hypnotherapist, I translate research into practical strategies that people can actually use.
I specialise in aphantasia.
My work focuses on helping people understand how their minds work and find approaches that fit them - not trying to force everyone into the same techniques.
I tailor my approach to you.
Many of my clients are neurodivergent in more ways than one. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, I help people understand themselves and build on their strengths.
Supporting aphantasics is my mission
Apart from my therapy and personal development practice, I run a:
πFacebook group: Aphantasia World with Dr Paulina Trevena
π₯YouTube channel: @AphantasiaWorld
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Am I right for you?
Let's find out.
I offer a 20-minute free, no-obligation consultation call to understand what you'd like to achieve and explore whether working together would be the right fit.
If I believe I can help, I'll explain how. If not, I'll do my best to point you in the right direction.
Ready to explore whether we're the right fit?
Languages I work in
English & Polish β I'm bilingual π
Location
Find paulinatrevena here
United Kingdom
Specializations
Areas of expertise and focus
- Anxiety Disorders
- Phobias
- Stress Management
- Workplace Stress & Burnout
- Neurodivergent Support
- Aphantasia & Imagery Research Support
- Hypnotherapy
- Life Coaching
- Career Counseling
- Self-Esteem & Confidence
- Personal Development