Meet the Therapist: Madeleine Hardus

Madeleine Hardus is a hypnotherapist and nutritionist in Warwick

What attracted you to become a therapist?

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my academic and professional background in health, behaviour and wellbeing. I worked for many years as a nutritionist and over time I realised that mindset was the missing piece for many of my clients trying to make lasting changes. This led me to CBT hypnotherapy — a structured yet compassionate approach that allows clients to shift patterns of thought and behaviour.

I love the combination of science and practical application. My practice now sits at the intersection where cognition, behaviour and emotion meet nutrition — a place where clients can work with both mind and body to create meaningful change.

Where did you train? 

For my CBT hypnotherapy training, I studied at the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. I really appreciated their rigorous, evidence-based approach and the depth of learning they offer.

I also have a background in Functional Nutrition and hold postgraduate degrees in behavioural biology.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?

I practise cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, which combines CBT principles with clinical hypnosis and may include relaxation, mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), breathing techniques and assertiveness coaching. It’s a collaborative, empowering approach that works well for a wide range of issues — from anxiety and stress to sleep, motivation, and habits like emotional eating.

I also integrate elements of functional nutrition, especially when supporting women navigating perimenopause and related symptoms. The result is a holistic approach where thought patterns, emotions, behaviours and nutrition all align. I believe that every symptom is a message — our body’s way of communicating a need — and when we listen with curiosity rather than frustration, we gain powerful insight into what supports real balance and wellbeing.

How does cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy help with symptoms of perimenopause?

CBT hypnotherapy can be especially powerful during perimenopause, a time when physical symptoms like sleep disturbances, hot flushes and weight gain often go hand-in-hand with emotional challenges such as anxiety, overwhelm or a loss of confidence.

By combining evidence-based cognitive and behavioural techniques with the deep relaxation and mindset shifts that hypnosis allows, we can address unhelpful thought patterns, build new habits and calm the nervous system. I also bring in nutrition and lifestyle support and one tool I often share is mental snacking: short, simple exercises drawn from CBT and hypnotherapy that help shift your mindset throughout the day. Like a nourishing snack for your brain, they make change feel achievable, even in a busy life.

What sort of people do you usually see?

Most of my clients are women in midlife who are juggling work, health and family responsibilities. Many are experiencing hormonal shifts or feeling stuck in unhelpful habits. I also see clients who are generally functioning well but want to improve aspects of their health, sleep or wellbeing, and are open to exploring how mindset work can support that.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

Yes — there’s definitely more openness to talking about menopause, women’s health, and emotional wellbeing. Clients are increasingly looking for integrated approaches that combine psychological support with physical wellbeing, which is where CBT hypnotherapy combined with nutrition can be really effective. I’ve also noticed more people interested in bite-sized tools or techniques — something I call “mental snacking” — short, practical mindset resets that you can weave into daily life. These small exercises can be surprisingly powerful, especially during times of hormonal change or stress.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I love working one-to-one with clients, exploring with them what their next steps might be. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness breakthrough moments — big or small — and to celebrate shifts in thinking or behaviour that help someone feel more empowered in their day-to-day life.

What is less pleasant?

Marketing! It can feel far removed from the core of therapeutic work, but I’m learning to see it as a way to connect with the people who truly need this support. It's an ongoing process though!

How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I’m new to Welldoing but have been impressed with the platform’s clarity, ease of use and professionalism. I'm looking forward to joining the peer support group and CPD sessions.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?

I've quite a few books that have been important to me. Some key books include:

• Cognitive Hypnotherapy by Assen Alladin
• The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
• The Practice of Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy by Donald Robertson
• A Mind of Your Own by Dr Kelly Brogan

I do recommend books occasionally, especially when I feel a client has the time and headspace to take something in without becoming overwhelmed.

What you do for your own mental health? 

Spending time in nature with my dog, meditating and regularly meeting up with fellow therapists and wellbeing professionals helps keep me grounded and supported. I also find that being present with my family — whether we’re cooking, walking or just chatting — is a wonderful reminder to slow down and connect with what really matters.

You are a therapist in Warwick and surroundings and online. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

Warwick and the surrounding areas are not only beautiful and community-oriented, but also packed with businesses and professionals — from global automotive companies to smaller local enterprises.

Many of my local clients are perimenopausal women navigating changes in energy, sleep, weight or emotional wellbeing while juggling busy personal and professional lives. They’re often looking for a holistic approach that supports both mind and body. 

This reflects a wider picture I see nationally too: women across the UK are increasingly seeking support that integrates evidence-based therapy with practical lifestyle tools. Working online means I can offer this kind of flexible, personalised support wherever clients are based — whether in Warwick, London or beyond.

What’s your consultation room like?

It’s a natural, calming space — warm and welcoming. It's a space where more therapists work and we aim to create a feeling of safety where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgement.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That you don’t need to receive a health diagnosis to benefit from therapy. You can use therapy to explore and shift everyday patterns, enhance your wellbeing or simply create space for yourself. Therapy is about developing insight, resilience and most importantly self-understanding — it’s a proactive step, not just a reactive one.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

So many things! One powerful insight is learning to separate thoughts from actions — recognising that just because a thought shows up doesn’t mean you need to follow it. Therapy has taught me that once you start to name a challenge and bring it into the light, it often shrinks in size. That creates the clarity needed to take meaningful steps forward.