From rock bottom to World Champion: How hypnotherapy helped Kyren Wilson reclaim his game
In a powerful interview published by The Sun and The Mirror this week, reigning World Snooker Champion Kyren Wilson opened up about a deeply personal chapter of his journey—one that took him from the brink of burnout to the top of his sport.
Wilson, who famously defeated Jak Jones 18–14 at the Crucible almost a year ago, has gone on to win four additional ranking titles since that career-defining moment. But behind his success lies a story of struggle, reflection, and, ultimately, transformation—thanks in no small part to solution-focused hypnotherapy.
“I had a breakdown…”
In the article, Wilson candidly described a moment of crisis where he found himself physically and emotionally drained, questioning everything despite putting in the hours and effort.
“My wife had to pick me up off the floor in my games room because I was just staring at the wall thinking, ‘What is going on with my career? I don’t understand. I’m putting the hours in… it’s just not happening.'”
It was at this critical point that Wilson sought help from Chris O’Connor, a solution-focused hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. With the professional guidance of Chris—and the support and supervision of experienced therapist and supervisor Catherine Eland—Kyren began to rebuild his mindset, strengthen his resilience, and refocus on his goals.
The Power of a focused mind
Hypnotherapy, especially when practiced using solution-focused techniques, can be a powerful tool for high-performance individuals. It helps to quiet inner doubts, build confidence, and shift mental patterns that might be holding someone back—whether in sport, business, or day-to-day life.
In Kyren’s case, this mental reset helped reignite his passion and restore his competitive edge. As he prepares to defend his world title once again, his story is a reminder that mental health is just as crucial as physical ability—and that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
Supporting the next generation of practitioners
At SFTA, we are proud to train and support hypnotherapists who go on to make a real difference in people’s lives—whether they’re working with athletes, professionals, or anyone looking to overcome mental blocks and thrive.
This article is not only a testament to Kyren Wilson’s courage in seeking help, but also to the life-changing impact skilled hypnotherapists like Chris O’Connor (SFTA graduate) and Catherine Eland (SFTA tutor and supervisor) can have on others.
If Kyren’s story has inspired you and you’re considering training in hypnotherapy—either to enhance your existing practice or start a new professional path—we’d love to talk to you. https://sfta.co.uk/contact
Link to article: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/34486033/kyren-wilson-hypnotherapy-snooker-world-championship/