A new career helping people to conquer their fears through hypnotherapy is beckoning for a former local newspaper editor.

Peter Aengenheister stood down as editor of the Rugby Advertiser after 13 years in April, bringing to an end 36 years in local papers.

Now the 55-year-old has set up a new business in Rugby after qualifying as a clinical hypnotherapist to treat phobias, stress and anxiety as well as help people struggling to give up smoking, lose weight or tackle irritable bowel syndrome.

Peter says he’s relishing the career change although he doesn’t plan to completely walk away from journalism.

“I decided on making a change of direction and am going to pursue this as much as I can,” he told HTFP.

“I would never say I have turned my back on journalism and might do a bit of PR work. But in many respects I feel I went as far as I could have gone in journalism and just needed a change.”

“I have written a series of articles about hypnotherapy which I’ve sold to the Rugby Advertiser which will help with my business in Rugby.

“I think ‘once a journalist, always a journalist’ but I am not looking to work in journalism at the moment.

Earlier this year the Advertiser’s parent company Johnston Press announced several changes to its operations in the Midlands and Anglia, including the creation the three centralised subbing hubs and the merger of certain operations.

As a result the paid-for Advertiser, sister freesheet the Rugby Review and the monthly RA Magazine came under Daventry Express editor Chris Lillington.

Peter started studying for his qualifications last November and used his free time and annual leave to attend courses on hypnotherapy and neuro-linguistic programming – the study of how speech affects human behaviour.

He says it was always in his mind to do something with post-studies so when the opportunity for voluntary redundancy at the Advertiser arose, it was too good to turn down.

Looking ahead, he added: “I am achieving ‘boss-lessness’ and am relying only on myself for my living which is a bit different to having a job.

“So there’s an element of trepidation but I am quite excited about it and it’s something that will see me well into retirement. I must admit I am very happy to have that situation.”

Comments

Redundant JP Editor (03/08/2009 22:18:18)
Well done, Peter. I am still looking to reinvent myself. You have given me an idea. We met several times in Northampton trying to help our successors on NCE workshops/training courses and thoroughly enjoyed your company, kbBAywisdom and sense of fun. Let’s hope they have as much fun as we did (but can leave when THEY like!)