Dr. Wall qualified as a dental surgeon in 1973 at University College Hospital London and ran an award-winning holistic dental practice, where hypnosis played a central role in patient care. His innovative approach led to accolades such as ‘Dental Practice of the Year’ and a BBC documentary on treating dental phobia with hypnosis. Following his retirement from practice in 2010, he became an Honorary Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry until 2020. He has served as President of both the European Society of Hypnosis and at the Royal Society of Medicine Section Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine. Now, as Chair of BSCAH’s Board of Trustees, he continues to advance the field of hypnosis in healthcare.
Maureen worked as a GP in Norwich for 35 years. She became interested in the role of the mind in physical illness and the burden of emotional pain in the everyday life of many patients. She trained in clinical hypnosis with the BSCAH and applied hypnosis to her practice for many years covering a wide range of problems as they presented, including, managing anxiety, chronic pain, skin disorders and chemotherapy side effects. Maureen joined Primary Care Mental Health Education (PRIMHE) and through them completed a Diploma entitled ‘Practitioner with a Special Interest in Mental Health’ at the University of Staffordshire. She was also involved in the training of final year UEA medical students in mental health in Primary Care.
Maureen serves on the council of the Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Section at the Royal Society of Medicine and is secretary of the Philosophy and Ethics Special Interest Group at the British Pain Society. As a BSCAH trustee and education committee member, she is passionate about teaching hypnosis to healthcare professionals.
Formerly HM Inspector of Taxes, Allan Hargreaves specialised in the taxation of exempt bodies in the Inland Revenue and was Director of Charity Taxation at KPMG before he ran his own consultancy until retirement.
He joined the Board of BSCAH in 2023 and chairs the Governance Committee.
Dr. Shamsh Suleman
Dr. Shamsh Suleman is a retired GP with a long-standing interest in mental health and holistic therapies. He trained in clinical hypnosis with BSCAH and has been an active member since 2012, previously chairing the Midlands Branch and supporting the development of the University accredited course in clinical hypnosis. Now serving as BSCAH Treasurer and a trustee, he contributes to governance and finance initiatives to support the society’s growth. Outside of BSCAH, he volunteers with the Emily Jordan Foundation and enjoys cycling and running. Though no longer practicing clinical hypnosis, he remains committed to promoting its value.
Dr Paulina Trevena
Dr Paulina Trevena is a hypnotherapist and researcher with a background in social sciences (MA, PhD). Before training in hypnosis, Paulina spent nearly two decades in academic research and has published widely in the field of international migration and public health.
Paulina now runs her own hypnotherapy and personal development practice, focused on supporting people with neurodivergences (ADHD, aphantasia). Paulina leads pioneering research on hypnosis and aphantasia (lack of mental imagery). She is on a mission to raise awareness of the condition and has presented her findings at international hypnosis conferences, such as the UK Hypnosis Convention and HypnoThoughts Live.
A great believer in hypnosis, with experience of serving as board member of other charities, Paulina is excited to bring her academic and business expertise to support the further growth of BSCAH.
Andy Newton; QAM, FCPara, BSc (Hons), PGCE, PGC, Dip IMC, MSc, MSc, PhD – Speciality Advisor
Andy Newton is an internationally recognised leader in paramedic practice, emergency healthcare education, and healthcare modernisation. With extensive experience in pre-hospital emergency medical services, he has held numerous prestigious roles, including Chairman of the College of Paramedics, NHS Executive Director, and consultant to multiple international healthcare systems.
Andy’s distinguished career spans over four decades, during which he has pioneered key developments in paramedic practice. Notably contributing to the design and regulation of pre-hospital care systems in the UK, as one of a small team that authored the original Standards of Proficiency for Paramedics and later assisting in other regulatory activities. He was appointed as the first full-time Paramedic academic in 2000 and the first NHS consultant Paramedic to be appointed in a role that was coupled with an executive position in 2005. His work was influential in the transition from training to education and the development of specialist practice for Paramedics.
Among his many accolades, Andy was awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Medal (QAM) and Fellowship from the College of Paramedics for his outstanding service to emergency healthcare. As a tireless advocate for the paramedic profession, his expertise continues to drive innovation and excellence within the field.
Andy holds multiple academic qualifications, including two MSc degrees and a PhD, and is actively involved in clinical practice, education, consultancy and medico-legal work, regularly acting as an expert witness. After undertaking post-graduate training with BSCAH he came to appreciate the enormous potential that knowledge and skills in the area of hypnosis could have in paramedic practice.
Andy joins BSCAH as a Speciality Advisor, bringing his vast knowledge in paramedic practice and a keen interest in developing clinical hypnosis, and healthcare education to support our ongoing mission to advance hypnosis in clinical care.