The Hypnotherapy Edge: Mind–Body Mastery for Runners and Their Dogs, with Zoe Gow (Episode 171)

In this episode, Michelle and Louise welcome Zoe Gow from Mindspace Journey to delve into how clinical hypnotherapy can strengthen the mind–body bond for runners, with a special nod to the unique connection between runners and their dogs.

Zoe shares her personal journey from discovering hypnotherapy in the pandemic to training as a clinical hypnotherapist and supporting endurance athletes with performance, recovery and mental wellbeing. She explains how hypnotherapy works, the power of trance and subconscious suggestion, and how it complements sports psychology.

The episode explores topics like calming pre‑race nerves, overcoming phobias (including goats on the Pennine Way!), stress relief, improving sleep, breath‑work and EFT tapping—even for the trail‑running duo of human and dog. Zoe outlines her typical six‑week programme, how it adapts for ultra‑runners, and shares practical tips and resources—including guided recordings and grounding techniques—for listeners to start applying immediately. This episode is a holistic guide to mental resilience, focus and relaxation, crafted to support both runners and their dogs.

Topics

• Introduction to hypnotherapy for runners
• Differentiating stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy
• How hypnotherapy can help with race anxiety, fuelling issues, breathing & confidence
• Defining hypnotherapy & explaining trance
• Supporting injury recovery and pain management
• Evidence and acceptance in sports psychology
• Phobias: e.g. goats on the Pennine Way
• Managing runner–and‑dog anxiety
• Sleep support for endurance events
• Introduction to EFT tapping for calm

Links
Mindspace Journey Instagram: @MindspaceJourney
Zoe’s website
Guided downloads: breath‑work, sleep‑audio, EFT sequence