In this episode of Curious Vocalists, RTT Practitioner and Hypnotherapist Laura Paton joins the show to de-mystify the world of hypnotherapy. She clarifies that the process is far from the freaky stereotypes of swinging clocks or losing consciousness; instead, it is a grounded method of relaxing the nervous system where the individual remains fully in control. The conversation explores how subconscious beliefs dictate our confidence and how to handle those moments when you feel like you’re in so much of a negative ‘funk’ that you BECOME the funk! Laura shares specific somatic techniques to shift out of those heavy mental states, offering performers practical ways to move through self-doubt and find their most authentic voice.

Key Topics

• What is Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) and how it works
• The role of subconscious beliefs in self-identity and confidence
• Techniques for overcoming performance anxiety and self-doubt
• The importance of self-acceptance and somatic practices in healing
• How RTT can help creatives and performers find their authentic voice

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Laura Paton

03:47 Exploring Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT)

12:01 The Process of RTT and Client Experience

13:56 How Unpicking Past Experiences Can Help Your Identity as a Performer

18:45 Navigating Identity and Self-Worth in Creativity

26:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on Personal Growth

30:02 Finding Courage and Passion in Creativity

31:40 Turning a Negative Funk into Creative Flow

40:48 Future Projects and the Power of Audio Therapy

Resources/ Mentions

Laura Paton, RTT Hypnotherapist on Instagram - instagram.com/rtthypnotherapist/

Tree of Life Centre in Hove - www.tolcentre.com/

Muswell Health Centre in North London - www.muswellhealth.uk/

Dr Gabor Mate 3-7-8 breathing

Marisa Peer - the founder of the Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) method - https://marisapeer.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.

Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instrument. Emily explains that stage anxiety is a survival response that can bypass your technical training. Instead of traditional poses, we explore somatic yoga as a tool for interoception—learning to understand the signals your body sends to your brain.

Whether you’re a semi-professional or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers a valuable insight into embodiment and nervous system regulation. Try these subtle, practical exercises backstage or in the wings before show to ensure your biology works with you rather than against you.

Key Topics

Nervous system and performance

Somatic experiencing and trauma release

Neuroscience and movement connection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Somatic Practices

02:55 Understanding Somatic Experiencing and Yoga

06:33 The Body-Mind Connection Explained

08:58 The Impact of Past Experiences on Performance

10:33 Stage Nerves on a Biological Level

14:32 Techniques to Manage Performance Anxiety

19:14 Practical Exercises for Nervous System Regulation

27:36 Exploring the Lymphatic System and Circulation

37:28 Breathwork for Singing with Unregulated Nervous System

41:08 How to Be a More Grounded Performer

47:33 Recovery Strategies After Performances

52:18 Get In Touch with Emily

Mentions:

Emily Kennedy-Barnes Instagram - www.instagram.com/somaticyogatherapist/

Emily’s Website: www.somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

Emily’s Email - emily@somaticyogatherapist.co.uk

The Tree of Life Centre, Brighton - https://www.tolcentre.com/

Extra Info on today's Guest:

Emily has a paper currently in press at BJPsych Open -a feasibility randomised controlled trial of somatic yoga therapy for functional neurological disorder, conducted within the NEUROADS Lab at King’s College London. - The first study of its kind!

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G.

After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This, and take a close look into cognitive reframing. Emma explains how songwriting isn’t just about making music; it’s a neuroscientific tool for moving past trauma, silencing self-sabotage, and reclaiming your voice.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your lyrics or paralysed by your past, this conversation will show you how to use your voice as a precision tool for empowerment and self-discovery.

Key Topics

Music as a tool for cognitive reframing

The impact of music on brain development after trauma

Using songwriting to process emotions and trauma

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emma G's Journey

02:53 The Healing Power of Music

05:53 Neuroscience of Music and Emotion

08:23 Transforming Trauma into Growth

10:49 The Five Stages of Songwriting for Healing

13:54 Using Your Voice as a Tool for Empowerment

16:51 Navigating Emotions and Self-Identity

19:19 Understanding Self-Sabotage and Growth

25:38 Exploring Emotions Through Writing

28:20 Creating a Safe Space for Self-Expression

30:48 Redefining Self-Worth Beyond Productivity

33:54 Learning from Indigenous Cultures

35:58 Taking Control of Your Narrative

38:11 Using Music as a Tool for Self-Discovery

41:43 The Importance of Authentic Expression

45:32 Building Your Own Musical Affirmations

Resources and Mentions:

Krav Maga - a form of self defence

Emma G's Website - https://emmagmusic.com

Mental Health Sounds Like This (Book) - https://shorturl.at/BBn4y

https://www.instagram.com/emmagmusic/

My Episode on Meredith Miller’s 5 Archetypes of Self-Sabotage as mentioned: https://admin5.podbean.com/gracehancockmusic/stats/episodes

Meredith Miller’s website: https://www.innerintegration.com/

Kimberly Shires - founder of Hear Me Roar Studios - music production for women and non-binary Artists: https://hearmeroarstudio.com/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

gracehancockmusic@gmail.com

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician