About me
I'm Tom Cairns. I'm a father-of-five, a web developer, a poet, a spreadsheet wizard, and a clinical hypnotherapist since 2024.
I've spent a lifetime learning how people work
Raised in an unusual foster family, I shared my home with 14 siblings, many of whom came from some of the most challenging childhood experiences imaginable.
My parents were pioneers in learning about childhood trauma, with many of the lessons learned the hard way, in our home. But the outcomes for most of my brothers and sisters have been remarkably positive compared to their peers in the care system, and acted as an early, vivid demonstration of what can be achieved through care, understanding and holding people safe.
With my parents and sister, I went on to found Knowledge Change Action (KCA), an employee-owned company that shares the neuroscience of attachment, trauma and resilience with teachers, foster carers, social workers and other professionals.
… and now I'd like to help you
KCA has been a force for good in working with thousands of practitioners across the UK and beyond, but my role in the company was largely focused on finance and systems. I knew for years that I wanted to develop more direct therapeutic work with people once my family situation allowed (I have five children born between 2004 and 2010, who I have been raising on my own since my wife died of cancer in 2018) .
When I looked for modes of therapy that matched with everything I learned at KCA about neuroscience and human wellbeing, I quickly recognised that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offered something very special, bringing together lessons from positive psychology, an understanding of brain structure and functions, and the power of therapeutic trance.
It has been no surprise to see some amazing results in the clients I have worked with. And if you're willing to commit to an open, honest exploration of the life you'd like to live, and find that my relational style suits you, then I'd love to see what we can achieve.
Training and qualifications
I'm currently close to completing my dual qualifications:
- the Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, awarded by Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training (CPHT), the UK's largest school for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. CPHT was founded by David Newton, the father of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, who first synthesised Ericksonian trance techniques with Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- the Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma, awarded by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), the UK's professional association for hypnotherapists.
At present, I'm hard at work completing my case study portfolio, and am hoping to qualify before August 2025.