I am Hetty Baynes-Russell, actress, writer, artist and I have been seeing Ailsa Frank for Hypnotherapy treatment in regard to my depression and eating disorders.

I first went to see Ailsa in December 2011, after my ex-husband, Ken Russell (film director) passed away.

I have suffered from Depression and Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia since my teens. I went to The Royal Ballet School at 10, began acting professionally at 16 and therefore was under immense pressure to have the face and body beautiful. My childhood was unconventional, upper middle class bohemian and had left me with a lot of personal confusion not to mention the ‘Ballet Career childhood’ that had a great deal of pressure attached. Therefore when I reached 15 the cracks began to appear, I suffered a slow burn breakdown, with clinical depression and severe Anorexia. Once I reached my 20’s I already had a successful acting career, but again I suffered from depression, although the non-eating was more under control. I have had various forms of therapy over the years, however was still struggling with the symptoms, hence my seeing Ailsa, particularly as I was then going through a grieving process over Ken’s death.

Ailsa’s hypnotherapy methods I have found amazing, in fact, life-changing. I have also had the help of her weight loss CD - which covers all the aspects of body image without diets, more self-care as opposed to self-destruct, which is what works so well. Her methods, within the hypnotherapy sessions, have helped me with self-esteem, confidence, body/face Dysmorphia and avoiding self-destructive behaviour and relationships. My life has seriously turned around since my treatment with her. I am flourishing again, especially in my new ventures of Art and Writing, as well as my long-standing acting career.

My recent Art exhibition “ Betsy and Blapsy-Life and Times” at the Strand Gallery, London, last November(2012) revolved around my issues of Depression and body/face image. I am an Ambassador for both the Charity Depression Alliance and BEAT(eating disorder charity).