About Me
Dr. Ruth Dyson BM, MRCGP, Dip. IBLM/BSLM, MDCH, Prac. Dip. PCMH
I qualified from Southampton Medical School in 2002 and completed GP training in 2007. Through training I developed an interest in complementary and alternative therapies and the psychological aspects of medicine. I have an ongoing interest in the complex interaction between the mind and the body and a belief in the power of the mind to help support and heal the body. Working as an NHS GP for over 15 years has given me direct experience of the complexities of chronic disease and I have sought out other tools to support my patients where conventional medicine may not always have all the answers.
I take a holistic approach to integrated body and mind health, using my experience as an NHS GP combined with training in functional and integrated medicine, mental health, lifestyle medicine, health-coaching, hypnotherapy, nutrition and the gut microbiome to provide truly personalised and holistic care. I take a trauma informed approach (recognising the important impact this can have on both physical and mental health) and support patients to think really well about their health, working together with them to find their unique path towards improving their physical and mental health.
Qualifications
I am a fully qualified NHS GP registered with the GMC (6051369) and undergo regular appraisal and revalidation. I have undertaken extensive aditional training to enable me to support my patienties in a holistic way, including:
-
Medical Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and certification in Hypnobirthing and Hypnofertility support.
-
IBLM/BSLM Lifestyle Medicine Diploma
-
Practical Diploma in Primary Care Mental Health
-
Personalised Care Institute accredited Health-coach Level 3 and courses in Motivational Interviewing
-
Courses in Functional Nutrition and Culinary Medicine
-
Functional Medicine training (AFMCP, ongoing)
_edited.jpg)
My training journey
After qualifying as a GP, in 2007, I undertook the Medical Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis (MDCH). My training taught me how to use hypnotherapy to support patients with a wide range of problems, both psychological and physical. My experience as a hypnotherapist gives me a fascinating insight into the mind-body connection and a great toolbox of skills to support people with reducing their stress, improving their sleep, reducing harmful substances and making positive health behaviour changes stick.
Through hypnotherapy I developed an interest in IBS and other gut related disorders as there is good evidence that using hypnotherapy in these conditions can be helpful. I became interested in the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis and have developed my practice in caring for patients using an integrated medicine approach. This approach can be applied to many chronic conditions and involves focusing on nutrition, stress management, physical activity and other approaches to improve overall health and well-being.
I have come to understand that the root cause of many chronic medical conditions can be traced back to lifestyle factors and psychological stress, perhaps from past trauma or other life experiences. I understand the inter-connectedness of physical and mental health and undertook the Diploma in Primary Care Mental Health to deepen my understanding and skills in the area of methal health and wellbeing. I used this knowledge to set up an NHS Primary Care Mental Health service in the Andover area.
I qualified as a Lifestyle Medicine Physician in 2020 and as an accredited Health and Well-being Coach in 2022/23. I am now undertaking training in Functional Medicine with the IFM. I combine up-to-date knowledge with coaching skills and my clinical experience, supporting you to improve your health naturally.