Stress

We all face challenges and obstacles in our daily lives, and sometimes the pressure can be hard to handle. We can become overwhelmed or unsure how to meet the demands placed upon us. We may then need some help to cope with the side effects of stress.

Hypnotherapy is very effective in helping to reduce stress reactions. Sessions usually will be weekly for the first 2 weeks. Following this there will be occasional reviews as necessary. Self-hypnosis will be taught in session 2 so that you can help yourself in times of high stress.

Lack of Confidence

We are often told that confidence breeds success, however, it is also important to our fundamental wellbeing. Low self esteem and lack of confidence has many causes, some may stem from childhood. The good news is that confidence and self esteem are things we can develop in ourselves. Hypnotherapy has proved to be a very powerful tool in boosting self esteem and confidence.

Ideally this should be given twice in the first week and then weekly for 4 weeks. Self-hypnosis will be taught in session 2 and this will further assist you in boosting your self esteem.

Stammer

You may have heard the terms stammer or stutter; generally these mean the same thing. Stammer is a very complex problem and most people will have tried several different techniques to help resolve it. Hypnotherapy has been found to help many people to manage their stammer and speak more fluently when conventional speech & language therapy alone has failed. It is also invaluable in helping to boost your confidence when talking.

Hypnotherapy will be part of an overall package of therapy. Up to 6 weekly sessions will be offered initially, however it will depend on your needs. If you are currently receiving speech & language therapy I will ask for your consent to consult with your therapist.

Voice Problems

Voice changes are not uncommon when people are under stress either at work or at home. The voice may be lost suddenly, or may remain hoarse following a cold. People who work with their voices, e.g. teachers, singers and actors, may also experience some problems. It is important to identify the cause. Hypnotherapy can help in reducing the underlying stress. Prior to any hypnotherapy you will be required to have been seen previously by an ENT specialist to rule out any physiological causes for your voice change.

Hypnotherapy will be undertaken in consultation with your Speech & Language Therapist and/or your doctor as appropriate. Sessions will be tailored to your needs.

Stop smoking

Smoking and the behaviours surrounding it and keeping it going are buried in your subconscious mind. This is also why it is so difficult to quit even with nicotine patches. You conscious mind has decided to give up, but your subconscious mind works to sabotage this decision. You don't need the cigarette, but your subconscious tells you that something is missing.

Hypnotherapy works with your subconscious mind. This will be a package of therapy given in up to 2 sessions, and will also require will-power. A post-hypnotic suggestion to help with cravings may be given. One follow up session is offered free at any time up to 6 months after stopping if needed.

Overeating/weight loss

Many people are victims of comfort eating. They are more likely to crave foods and overeat at times of stress than when relaxed and happy. Losing weight is made easier when you are able to control your eating habits and food cravings. Hypnotherapy works with your subconscious mind to help you cope better with stress, overcome cravings and achieve a higher degree of self control and self esteem.

Hypnotherapy will be given in up to 6 weekly sessions. This will be tailored to your needs and will usually be in liaison with dietary advice from your dietitian or your doctor. A post-hypnotic suggestion to help with cravings may be given.

Insomnia

Insomnia lasting for long periods may lead to other problems such as depression, irritability or even drug abuse. Symptoms may include not being able to get to sleep, waking in the night, waking very early in the morning or waking feeling unrefreshed. Chronic insomnia may even lead to an increased susceptibility to physical illness.

Hypnosis can help reduce anxiety and mental agitation thus allowing more restful sleep. Therapy is tailored to your needs and may be given in up to 6 sessions if appropriate with the first 2 sessions preferably within the same week. Self-hypnosis to help induce sleep may be taught in session 2.

Performance anxiety

Among other symptoms you may experience sweating, pounding heart, rapid breathing and possibly bowel irritation. These are some of the feelings triggered by anxiety that may be experienced before an exam, delivering a presentation or giving a public performance. They are also experienced in panic attacks. This is the body's primal response to believing it is about to be attacked and are perfectly normal. In some people however, these feelings may be so strong they affect the performance or even may become debilitating.

Hypnotherapy works to help you change your emotional response to stress. It is best if given in the 2-3 weeks immediately prior to the particular performance, exam or event and may require more than one session.

Other conditions

These may include but are not limited to:

Nail biting

Tinnitus

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Anger management

Excessive blushing

Please contact me to discuss your individual needs.