Maria Hancock, MH Wellbeing

Maria Hancock, MH Wellbeing Specialist in anxiety, stress and chronic symptoms. SIRPA Practitioner, Somatic therapist, Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness, Health Psy MSc

I am passionate about empowering others to acheive the health and life they want; and have been practicing as a therapist since 2011. I started out initially using my Psychology MSc in statistics within the public sector, before switching to a more rewarding career, helping to make a difference to people's lives as a Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness practitioner. In 2023 I overcame over 25 years of

chronic pain after realising my pain conditions (diagnosed as due to physical abnormalities) were in fact due to neuropathic pathways in the brain. Cutting edge science has proven this neuropathic pain is the most common cause of chronic pain. It is caused by a combination of stress, Adverse Chilhood Events (ACEs), fear and preocupation with symptoms. I have since trained (with SIRPA) to support and advise others with chronic pain and other stress induced symptoms. I believe that overcoming my own challenges such as anxiety, trauma, insomnia, chronic pain and bereavement, helps me in supporting others. I have read widely regarding adverse childhood experiences, stress, trauma and how these all effect the health of the mind-body. I am working towards becoming a fully trained SIRPA practitioner to therapeutically help others with chronic pain and other symptoms. I combine the power of hypnotherapy, mindfulness techniques, and psychology principles to guide you towards long-lasting relief and improved well-being. My approach goes beyond simply treating the symptoms. I delve deep to ask not just what your symptoms are, but to ask "what happened to you?" I believe in finding the root causes of your discomfort, which may involve the past, perhaps childhood experiences, to allow deep healing, not just superficial short term alleviation. Whether it's managing stress, anxiety, overcoming a fear or phobia, healing trauma, alleviating chronic pain, or promoting overall mind-body wellness, I offer a personalised and evidence-based techniques offer a path towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Don't let your past difficulties limit you - you have so much more potential within you. Life if too short to be wasted. Decide that today is the day to make a new start. Start dreaming about what you want to get out of life, make that first step and seek out what you desire because life does not come to you! I offer free initial consultations (bookable through my website). Please get in touch today to see how I can help.

It is okay to rest, to listen to what your body needs. This is intelligent, important and compassionate.💭 What would cha...
02/06/2026

It is okay to rest, to listen to what your body needs.
This is intelligent, important and compassionate.

💭 What would change if you listened to your body today?

Comment “SLOW” if this resonates, or share what your body has been asking for lately 💛

I just wanted to share this lovely testimonial that recently absolutely made my day.The reason I do what I do is to help...
29/05/2026

I just wanted to share this lovely testimonial that recently absolutely made my day.

The reason I do what I do is to help those that are like I once was - those that have feel abandoned by 'modern' medicine, where physical treatments haven't helped, who feel they are doomed to a life of chronic symptoms and nobody to help or understand them.

I understand it's not about just knowing the tools and having this or that qualification. It's about deep listening, understanding, helping you to feel safe and supported. If we can connect in this way, then something magical can happen.

If you're curious to find out if I could help you, it's easy.

Book a free 30 minute discovery call via my website. See link in my bio.

6 Proven Benefits of Spending Time in NatureIn our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common. Fortunately, one of ...
28/04/2026

6 Proven Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common. Fortunately, one of the best ways to reset your mind and body is simple and free: spending time in nature.

1. **Lower Stress Levels**: Nature reduces cortisol, helping you shift from stress to calm. Even a short walk can feel like a reset.

2. **Emotional Balance**: The quiet of natural settings aids emotional processing, leading to greater grounding and resilience.

3. **Improved Mood**: Time outdoors is linked to lower anxiety and depression, enhancing overall mood. It's not a replacement for professional help but a great complement.

4. **Clear Mental Clutter**: Getting away from screens allows clearer thinking and creativity—solutions often come during a walk.

5. **Physical Health Boost**: Time outside improves immune function, sleep, and lowers blood pressure, especially combined with light movement.

6. **Gentle Movement**: Activities like walking and cycling release endorphins, enhancing mood and physical well-being.

You don’t need hours to benefit; even a 10-minute park stroll works. Consistency is key!

The healing power of nature!Nature exposure can reduce pain (even if it's just a picture)A large 2026 meta-analysis (loo...
24/04/2026

The healing power of nature!
Nature exposure can reduce pain (even if it's just a picture)

A large 2026 meta-analysis (looking at 62 studies across 4,000+ people) found that:

Nature exposure led to a small-to-moderate reduction in pain. In practical terms, that translated to about a 1-point drop on a 0–10 pain scale on average

This included real nature, images, videos, and soundscapes, so you don't even need to be outside!

So yes, something as simple as looking at a calming natural scene can have a measurable effect.

It’s not just distraction—it changes the brain.

More recent neuroscience research goes a step further. In a 2025 brain imaging study:

People experienced less pain while viewing nature scenes

Brain scans showed reduced activity in pain-processing regions

The effect was linked to changes in actual nociception (pain processing), not just mood or placebo

In other words, nature doesn’t just distract you from pain—it can dial down how strongly the brain processes it.

So go get outside and enjoy nature's free healing benefits.
My favourite place is by the sea. Where is yours?

Happy Earth day people! And it's my birthday - how awesome to share it with earth day.I celebrated by going to Brighton ...
22/04/2026

Happy Earth day people! And it's my birthday - how awesome to share it with earth day.

I celebrated by going to Brighton to shop, and I had to sit on the beach for bit to get my toes in the sand and listen to the waves.
Bliss.
By myself, so I could go at my own pace (ie very slow, as I um and ah over which one to buy).

Now home, and dinner out with my family (that part is definitely better shared, as long as they don't share my pudding).

What is your perfect way to enjoy your birthday?

21/04/2026

Ever feel like your healing is going nowhere?

You’ve journaled. You’ve talked it out. You’ve faced the anger, the fear, the tears… even had those breakthrough moments.

And then suddenly—bam. Another wave hits.

It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. But it doesn’t mean you’re back at square one.

Healing isn’t linear.

You might fall—but you also rise. Again and again.

Don’t quit now.

The light you’re looking for could be closer than you think.

Your mind and body do know how to heal. 🤍

20/04/2026

Move it to prove it!
You cannot teach your brain you're save to move, from the sofa! By getting on with activities, we SHOW our brain we are safe and that any sensations or symptoms are irrelevant.

15/04/2026

How to respond to your chronic symptoms vs how not to react!

All pain is real, however the real cause of chronic pain is often not tissue damage.

Pain that continues past 3 months is usually due to an over-sensitive nervous system and your brain perceiving danger.

Until I understood this, I would react in exactly this way to my knee pain.
With fear and avoidance.
This increased my symptoms.

Once I understood I was in fact not damaged and what was really causing the pain (and other symptoms), I dealt with the underlying issues and started to learn how to respond to help calm my brain and (after 25 years of symptoms), find freedom.

Now I'm devoted to helping others claim back their peace of mind and body.

Want to learn more? Take a look in my bio.

As a recovering do-aholic, I've learned the vital importance of carving out moments to unwind. For me, there's no better...
21/09/2025

As a recovering do-aholic, I've learned the vital importance of carving out moments to unwind. For me, there's no better escape than immersing myself in nature. It helps to regulate my nervous system and calms my racing thoughts, allowing me to fully embrace the present and remind myself that I control my workflow—and that it's okay to say no.

The advantages of spending time in nature are truly remarkable. Did you know that even gazing at a stunning natural scene can alleviate pain? It communicates a sense of safety to your brain—and pain is simply your brain's perception of danger.

Just 10 minutes a day can restore your balance, so step outside and reap the rewards. It's free and available 24/7—what are you waiting for?

This week, I'm enjoying a late summer break in Wales. That's me pointing to the top of Mount Eryri after we'd walked up ...
10/09/2025

This week, I'm enjoying a late summer break in Wales. That's me pointing to the top of Mount Eryri after we'd walked up and down yesterday. The second photo is from the top.

It was my biggest challenge since overcoming my chronic pain. It was tough, and my husband said he was proud of me for only swearing twice on the way up! 🤣

I found setting off back down the hardest, as my leg muscles felt fatigued and achy and the wind and rain started up. Plus I was aware of what a long way we had to go 😢. I would have happily taken the train had they got space, but I'm proud i did it!

I'm not surprised to have achy muscles today and there was some discomfort in my knees yesterday, but that doesn't mean there is anything to worry about. I still use the same techniques that I learnt on my recovery from chronic pain to send myself messages of safety. Life has it's challenges and the skills you learn are skills for life, to keep you living the life you want, and not ruled by fear.

Address

7 Victoria Road
Horley
RH69BN

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
7pm - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
7pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
7pm - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
7pm - 9pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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