A LOCAL couple specialising in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy have been nominated for a business award.

Gareth Strangemore-Jones and Enfys Karen Jones, of The Penarth Practice, could be set to collect their second award in consecutive years at the Zokit Business Awards 2018, after taking home the Outstanding Contribution to Community Award in 2017.

The couple’s latest nomination is for The Legacy Award.

They have been nominated for their ongoing work helping people in Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan with stress, anxiety, depression and a wide range of mental health issues and life challenges.

The Zokit Legacy Award nomination also noted the pair’s latest qualification, The Clifton Practice diploma in medical hypnotherapy, which enables them to work in a hospital or medical environment.

The couple have also gained further valuable experience working once a week as volunteers at the Marie Curie Cancer Care hospice in Penarth, working with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care patients and their carers.

The Penarth Practice’s ‘Lightbulb Training Solutions’ project works with local and national companies offering workplace wellbeing programmes designed to reduce stress at work.

As ex-teachers, the couple’s project involves working with school staff, children and teenagers with a range of mental health issues, while their ‘Lightbulb Performance Solutions’ project offers sportspeople and stage performers bespoke ‘brain training’ classes.

“Basically, we are neuro geeks,” said Mr Strangemore-Jones.

“We love neuroscience (the study of the mind), neuroplasticity (how to change the physical structures of the mind) and psychoneuroimmunology (how the brain affects the rest of your health through your immune system).”

Mrs Jones added: “We are passionate about our work and how this can help people.

“Our clinic has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. We are proud of our achievements and both The Zokit Award for Contribution to Community and the nomination for The Legacy Award this year are wonderful accolades indeed.”

For more information about the practice and a free telephone consultation, call 02921 409218.