Meet the Professionals: Your Best Mind

North Somerset is home to many wonderful and unique businesses and organisations. This month, we’re delighted to introduce Sarah Coward from Your Best Mind.

How did Your Best Mind start and how has it developed?

 My business journey started after one of my sons was sadly hospitalised due to a sudden mental health crisis in 2020. I struggled as I came to terms with his diagnosis. When I sought support from a hypnotherapist to reduce my own high anxiety, it helped me maintain hope and become more resilient – and I realised just how transformative this type of therapy can be for better mental health.

So, after 25 years’ experience in marketing communications, I changed the direction of my career and started training for CPHT’s highly regarded Hypnotherapy Diploma – the only nationally recognised and externally accredited award in hypnotherapy in the UK. In 2023, I graduated with a Diploma in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH), and this has given me the skills to help others in a more meaningful and transformative way.

Since then, I’ve grown and evolved my offer and client base, increasing the number of clients per week and expanding from holding one-to-one online sessions at home to practising face-to-face from a beautiful calming clinic space in my home village, Yatton.

Your Best Mind has gone from a standing start to a busy thriving practice, and I’ve managed everything, from marketing, accounts to admin and booking systems, including single-handedly growing my social media following and Facebook group. 

I now provide vital mental health and therapeutic support to my local community at a time when demand for services has never been higher. From managing school refusal and anxiety in children to helping adults to overcome severe stress, anxiety, phobias or increase their confidence, I help clients from all walks of life and give them the tools for them to take back control of their lives.

Why did you decide to base yourself in North Somerset?

I’ve based myself in Yatton which I’ve called home since 2006. My three sons have all attended the local schools and I’ve been involved in the school and wider village community ever since. As a working mum I love the flexibility this kind of work affords.  I love being in Yatton with its beautiful Strawberry Line nearby – as I love cycling and walking and exploring the woodlands around this part of the world.

How do you attract talented staff?

I’m just looking for support for the business now and I’m about to get help with my admin and social media, although I’m very grateful for the support of my husband who helps with my accounts (and childcare when needed!).

What have been your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenges have been keeping the business going despite the fluctuating health of my son – but I’m proud that I’ve managed to find the resilience to be flexible as and when I’ve needed to over the past year to both keep seeing clients and supporting my son.  I also had to find new premises to practice in after my original therapy room in Wrington was closed, but I’m pleased to say my new therapy room based out of ‘Your Body Business’, 57 High Street, is perfect as it’s an easy walking commute for me.

What are your plans for the future?

To keep delivering my group online courses (helping people with weight loss) and to deliver weekly group hypnotherapy relaxation sessions classes locally.

I’m also about to train to offer ‘walking therapy’ to combine both my love of the outdoors and therapeutic support.

Within the next two years I plan to open my own dedicated hypnotherapy and general wellbeing practice space in Clevedon and take on other therapists to support clients.

I’m determined that Your Best Mind will make a difference to the Mental Health and wellbeing of the local community. 

What have been your proudest moments?

The glowing testimonials I’ve received from my clients are a huge source of pleasure and sense of achievement. Just witnessing the transformation of many of my clients is truly humbling and rewarding. Receiving 5-star Google client reviews for my business stands out as a huge source of pleasure and reward.

To find out more about Your Best Mind, please visit www.yourbestmind.co.uk and pop in see Sarah in person at ‘Your Body Business’, 57 High Street, Yatton, BS49 4EQ.