katrina berry
hypnobirthing, doula &
clinical aromatherapist

Welcome...

... and thank you for taking the time to have a look around my website.

I am a complementary therapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, HypnoBirthing®, doula work, aromatherapy and massage based in Stoke Newington, North London. I've been on my own healing journey for over sixteen years studying various disciplines and experiencing a wide range of therapies.

I left behind a 13 year exhilarating yet all consuming career in the music industry managing record producers and working with some of the most successful artists in the world back in 2008. As with all demanding lifestyles something had to give and I became intrigued and fascinated by the body-mind connection and how we can help ourselves on life's occasionally challenging journey.

I trained in Clinical Holistic Aromatherapy, Anatomy & Physiology and Therapeutic Massage in 2004 and amongst my most satisfying experiences was being able to use this training to help a friend through a much longed for pregnancy and birth. After attending the birth of her second son in 2008 and leaving behind the world of music management, I became very passionate about empowering women to achieve a satisfying birthing experience and trained with Middlesex University on the only University accredited Doula course in the UK. I have since attended many births in hospitals, birthing centres, at home, in a hotel (!), in water and on dry land births and VBACs. Each is a unique, humbling, wonderful experience.

I now work full time as a doula, hypnobirthing practitioner and aromatherapist whilst undergoing intensive training for a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy accredited by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). CBH views problems and symptoms as stemming from unhealthy beliefs, dysfunctional thoughts, maladaptive learning and behaviour. Such unhealthy beliefs are at the heart of disturbed feelings, behaviours, thoughts and symptoms. Hypnosis is used as a tool that positively influences the effectiveness of emotional, behavioural, cognitive and symptomatic change. This training continues to enhance my skills as a HypnoBirthing practitioner and allows me to work with a broad client base.

This is an exciting time for us in the HypnoBirthing community with the NHS currently trialing the HypnoBirthing techniques in the North of England with a view to rolling out across the country. Having been at a number of births where the mums have utilised the techniques learnt in HypnoBirthing I've been struck by how calm and relaxed both the mum and baby are. I've now taught close to two hundred couples in N16 and the surrounding areas and am continually receiving the most wonderful birthing stories and photos which show this isn't a coincidence, HypnoBirthing works! I regularly run group classes in Stoke Newington, London N16 and am happy to arrange private classes at your home if you prefer, please take a look at the HypnoBirthing page for more info.

I have a blog which documents births and photo shoots and all things that inspire me. Please take a look here for a glimpse into my life and hear from those people who've attended HypnoBirthing courses or had a doula at their birth.

I am a member of the International Federation for Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) and also hold an advanced certificate in aromatherapy and massage for pregnancy. I regularly treat pregnant women and love making bespoke aromatherapy blends to help combat the myriad of physical and emotional twists and maintain a happy harmony during pregnancy. Take a look here for more information.

I am also a recognised member of FEDANT (Federation of Antenatal Educators) the HypnoBirthing Institute and the UK Hypnobirthing Association so you can be sure I am qualified, certified and insured for all my work as Doula, HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Clinical Aromatherapist. I hold an advanced CRB check and adhere to the regulations laid down by the Data Protection Act, strictly maintaining confidentiality.