Description

Welcome back to Unlocking the Parenting Code: All About Boys! I’m your host, Kathy, and today we’re diving into the fascinating world of neuroscience, hypnotherapy, and parenting with Claire Noyelle.

Claire began her career as a pharmacist but transitioned into solution-focused hypnotherapy nearly a decade ago, blending science and brain-informed strategies to help young people—especially those with neurodivergent diagnoses—build confidence, resilience, and a future they’re excited about.

As a single mom of three, including a son with ADHD and autism, Claire brings both personal and professional expertise to understanding how our brains work and how we can harness that knowledge to support our children. In this episode, we discuss the role of hormones in boys' development, how neuroscience can inform parenting, and the biggest misconceptions about boys' emotional and cognitive growth.Claire also shares her journey from pharmacist to hypnotherapist, her experiences raising a neurodivergent child, and the power of mindset in parenting.

 Guest Bio

Claire Noyelle is a pharmacist and a solution-focused clinical hypnotherapist based in the UK. She specializes in working with teenagers and young people, often those with neurodivergent diagnoses, helping them build resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of self. With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare field, Claire combines her knowledge of neuroscience and mental health to empower both parents and young people. She is also a lecturer at the prestigious Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training (CPHT) and offers training in mental resilience and well-being to various organizations.

As a mother of three—two boys and a girl—Claire has firsthand experience navigating the challenges of parenting, particularly raising a son with ADHD and autism. Her work is deeply rooted in understanding how the brain functions and using that knowledge to support individuals in unlocking their full potential. 

Key Topics & Links

 Understanding Testosterone & the Male Brain

• Testosterone acts as a magnifier—intensifying emotions and traits like strength, assertiveness, and risk-taking.
• The male brain undergoes drastic changes between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, with executive function developing later than in girls.
• There’s a widespread lack of understanding about how hormones impact boys' emotional and cognitive development.

From Pharmacist to Hypnotherapist: Claire’s Journey

• How Claire’s interest in hypnotherapy began as an add-on to her pharmaceutical career.
• Why solution-focused hypnotherapy proved to be more effective for many of her clients than traditional medication alone.
• The key differences between meditation and hypnosis.

Raising Boys as a Single Mom

• The unique challenges of raising three children, including a neurodivergent son.
• How the education system often fails to accommodate boys’ needs.
• The impact of teenage sleep cycles and how it affects learning and behavior.

Supporting a Neurodivergent Child

• Claire’s biggest “aha” moment: Understanding that her son’s brain works differently from hers.
• How learning about neurodiversity helped her adjust her expectations and parenting approach.
• The greatest gifts of raising a neurodivergent child—developing empathy, respect, and deeper understanding.

The Teenage Brain & Risk-Taking Behavior

• Why teenage boys are more impulsive and driven toward risk-taking.
• The role of dopamine and testosterone in decision-making and thrill-seeking behaviors.
• How parents can support boys in making