Releasing emotions through ART – Meditative Painting Workshop

by | Health

It was time for our mastermind group to meet up again. The highlight of this mastermind weekend was the “Releasing Emotions through Art” workshop that I facilitated in my practice in Oerlikon.

We (the painting workshop participants aka my mastermind group) started off with a guided meditation to the 5 Chinese elements.
Exploring these helped us understand how each of the elements related to our daily experiences, emotions and relationships.

The participants were taken on a journey through a relaxing meditation and visualisation techniques to activate awareness of their thoughts, emotions and any other physical sensations.

After the meditation they were then free to express whatever came up first using a dominant colour for a while to stay in the relaxed, meditative state. This was then followed by whatever colours called them.

Being in this meditative state allowed them to go with the flow. To not be in their heads and just allow what needed to come out. They described it as a peaceful, rewarding and satisfying time.

Some went deeper and deeper not being able to stop, others were done quickly. Some tweaked their paintings more and more not wanting the experience to end.

For some the dominant colour was important and symbolic, for others it was the colours that followed. Some started with white, went through all the whole palette and later came back white to start all over but with a rich underground. Others started with bolder colours and kept tweaking until they felt a sense of satisfaction.

Some just used paint brushes, from the biggest to smallest. Others experimented with sponges, their fingers and even the back of the paint tubes for more depth and structure.

This workshop was a journey designed to help clear out obstacles and bring balance. Their inner dialogue became obvious and they had the opportunity to allow themselves to change it. It empowered some of them to shift emotional trauma, feelings of insecurity and process emotions for insightful value rather than avoid them as uncomfortable. Everyone felt a sense of release and also commented on how painting a wonderful medium is to get things flowing.

 

We spend most of our time thinking about events in the past or planning for the future. True peace, however, is right here, right now, in this present moment.

5 ways to use essential oils in every day

5 ways to use essential oils in every day

by | Health

Following up from my last post I thought I would give you a few insights on how to use essential oils in your everyday. 

 

When using essential oils it’s important to use therapeutic-grade oils. It is also key to dilute the oils because if administered improperly, side effects like rashes or an allergic reaction can occur.

Inhaling

The oldest and easiest method. Drip a drop or two of your chosen oil onto the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and breathe in deeply – be careful not to cover your eyes.

You could even inhale directly from the bottle, or add a few drops to a handkerchief and inhale whenever you want or need to.

Diffusing

Place as few as 2-3 and as many as 6-10 total drops in your diffuser and let it spread throughout the room.

Essential oil diffusers are a much safer and healthier alternative to scented candles, and are a fraction of the cost of scented candles.

My favourite is an ultrasonic diffuser because it does not use heat in the production of vapor.
These are the ones I use:

Young Living Dew Drop Diffuser
Stadler Form Jasmine Diffuser

You can buy many diffusers on Amazon or from any of the essential oil distributors. A review of the best diffusers.

Topical

Blend your favourite oil with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, almond oil or jojoba. As mentioned before, essential oils are pretty potent, always dilute them one way or another. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the carrier oil and apply to the part of your body you want to “treat”. You can also make your own 

Best locations to apply are on the nape of your neck, wrists, temple, abdomen, chest and the soles of your feet. e.g. Applying Lavender on the soles of the feet is great for a restful sleep.

Never apply near your eyes or ear canals. If you accidentally get an oil in your eye or another area where it feels as if it is burning, flush with olive oil, NOT water!

More great info on topical use here.

Massage

Aroma massages (or Aromatherapy) are a wonderful way to treat yourself. They can also be used for various reasons e.g. correcting health issues, deep relaxation, pain management or as a complementary treatment with other therapies.

Make your own massage oil by adding 10 – 15 drops to a carrier oil or find an aroma massage therapist to treat you.

Is aromatherapy massage safe during pregnancy? Maybe not…

Bath

To assist the absorption of the oils to your skin, add a few drops to a carrier oil or epsom salts and add to the warm (not hot) bath water.

Foot bath –  Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to a large bowl of warm water (Lavender is great for this).

 

5 ways to use essential oils in every day

5 ways to use essential oils in every day

 

More tips on Essential Oils.

 

Essential oils NOT to put in your bath

Ingesting essential oils is not recommended unless you are working with a certified health practitioner or under medical supervision. It has become quite a controversial subject.

More on essential oil safety here

Many more ways to enjoy the benefits of essential oils here.

A great article on where to buy and what to consider when buying essential oils.

Best Essential Oils for Autism and ADHD – The Ultimate Guide

Essential oil mistakes

Is Tea Tree Oil safe during pregnancy? A great insight from Mom Loves Best

When misused, essential oils can be poisonous.

If I hope you enjoyed some insights on the uses of essential oils. Have a happy sweet smelling day!

10 Signs of a mild depression and why you should NOT ignore them

10 Signs of a mild depression and why you should NOT ignore them

by | Health

Symptoms, causes and alternative solutions

 

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life and the human experience.

 

Reaction to specific events in our lives — like losing a promotion at work, a relationship breakup or even worse, a death in the family. These events can cause us to feel blue, extremely sad and maybe even helpless.

The emotions experienced may not be something to be too worried about initially. HOWEVER, if the symptoms are persistent for longer than a couple of weeks and you have been feeling miserable and down most of the time, have had anxiety or have lost pleasure (or interest) in your usual activities then you could be suffering from a mild depression.

Having depression makes it difficult to function and enjoy life like you once did. Trying to get through each day can be totally overwhelming.

Mild depression can hit you when doing nothing in particular or you are just living your life. Almost suddenly you can’t seem to function anymore. Everything seems to be a struggle and you feel like you’re in a black hole that just gets deeper and deeper and you can’t get out of it.

Below are only a few sign and symptoms:

  • feeling hopeless – you ask yourself questions like “where the hell am I going, what is important?”
  • having difficulty focusing, remembering things or making decisions
  • feeling unmotivated – things that took you once 30 minutes now take forever
  • changes in appetite or weight – most often decreased, but sometimes increased
  • lack of energy, feeling unusually tired – do you have the feeling you could sleep 14 hours a day?
  • disturbed sleep – e.g. having difficulty falling asleep at night, not sleeping through the night or waking up early in the morning
  • wanting to be left alone – and not
  • avoiding contact with friends and family or taking part in fewer social activities
  • irritability – everything and everyone just gets on your nerves
  • negative thoughts
  • self-loathing
  • having unexplained, minor aches and pains
  • suicidal thoughts

Causes of depression are varied and include:

  • Stress or stressful life events
  • Lack of sunlight
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Side effects of medication
  • Genetics

To mention just a few.

Four solutions or treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Often simple lifestyle changes can help treat mild depression.

Enough sleep, light exercise and a healthy diet and supplements can help a lot. These are probably the most important changes to be made! Simple, not necessarily easy. It requires information, dedication, perseverance, inspiration and motivation.

Alternative methods of treatment can significantly help improve symptoms.

Don’t try to treat depression on your own and do not replace conventional care for these alternatives.

Herbs and Supplements a short overview

St. John’s Wort is probably the best known herb used to treat both anxiety and depression. It works as a natural remedy for that can be compared to the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRI’s are a common type of antidepressant that’s prescribed today. Research shows that St. John’s wort has fewer side effects than standard antidepressants. Dr Axe has an in depth article on the herb here.

Vitamin D acts like a hormone in the body and affects brain function.  Deficiency is linked to an increased risk for mood disorders, including depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or winter depression. Research has not yet shown clearly whether low vitamin D levels cause depression, or whether low vitamin D levels develop because someone is depressed. It might be a good idea to get levels checked before embarking on taking high doses of vitamin D3. It is also recommended here and here to take vitamin K2 in conjunction with D3.

B vitamins are involved in neurotransmitter function and research shows that low levels of both folate and vitamin B12 levels, in particular, are linked to depressive symptoms. Vitamin B12 supports the nervous system and boosts energy levels. Folate supports nutrient absorption and helps to reduce irritability and fights fatigue. Taking a B-complex vitamin will help to produce serotonin naturally and relieve depressant symptoms.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in the Indian Ayurveda. It is also an adaptogenic herb which means it is a substance that helps the body adapt to stressors. It is an excellent choice if you have depression with anxiety, insomnia and stress.  Another great thing about ashwagandha is its ability to reduce cortisol levels.

Rhodiola rosea (Arctic Root) is a top-rated adaptogen, a natural substance that increases your resilience to physical and emotional stress. It works by increasing the activity of brain chemicals that impact mood like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.These neurotransmitters help to increase focus and memory, and improve mood. It has been shown to reduce depression symptoms faster than antidepressant medications. It’s particularly useful for depression accompanied by anxiety and fatigue, depression caused by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or when you need results quickly.

There are many more adaptogens that can support during depression – more information here.

But the best part about these natural remedies for depression is that there are no adverse side effects, as opposed to most antidepressant medications.

It’s best to do some research before starting any dietary supplement. Because some herbal and dietary supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions, talk to your doctor about potential risks or possible complications with pre-existing conditions.

Also remember, natural remedies are similar to prescription medications in that not everything works the same way for everyone. It can be a lot of trial and error.

supplements depression

Supplements for depression

Essential oils

Although essential oils aren’t a cure for depression, they’re a drug-free option that may help relieve some symptoms and help manage the condition. Essential oils, in most cases, are safe and free of side effects.
When purchasing essential oils make sure you purchase a 100 percent pure essential oil and not a synthetic “fragrance.”

Lavender is known as one of the most versatile and popular essential oils. Its floral yet earthy scent is often valued for its calming effects. It is an excellent treatment for anxiety and does not make you tired. Lavender is a calming oil which can help to treat headaches, insomnia, aches and pains.

Wild Orange helps to reduce anxiety, lowers the heart rate, improves mood, calms the mind and body and last but not least helps increase serotonin (a neurotransmitter that is often low in people suffering from depression.) It is an uplifting and stimulating essential oil.

Bergamot can help to relieve anxiety, depression, stress and other mood disorders. Benefits include communicating signals to the olfactory system (sense of smell), stimulating the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine) to regulate mood.

Ylang Ylang has a sweet and spicy aroma which has both calming and uplifting effects. It can also help release anger, improve self-esteem and bring positivity. Inhaling ylang ylang straight from the bottle can help in a moment when you’re feeling tired or low.

Sandalwood essential oil has a woody, warm, calming aroma. It is great to diffuse as it helps increase mental clarity and focus. Most often it is found in incense. Sandalwood scent has a powerful therapeutic effect on the brain’s limbic system (where emotional behaviour is controlled) which is why it is an excellent emotional balancer. It has soothing properties which allows it to increase sleep quality and reduce depression.

More interesting herbal remedies here

Essentialoils-collage

Essential Oils

 

Alternative therapies

Hypnotherapy is a technique that is used to reprogram the subconscious mind. In hypnosis the mind and body are in a heightened state of awareness where we are relaxed, perceptive and focused. It is a completely natural state and we usually experience it several times a day without really realizing it e.g. zoning out on our daily commute, being immersed in the book or movie we are reading or watching. In hypnosis we are susceptible to suggestions for self-improvement or behavior modification.

Meditation The difference between meditation and hypnosis is that hypnosis has a goal. Meditation is great for noticing thoughts and feelings while understanding that we don’t have to act on them. Meditation is as easy as closing your eyes, breathing intentionally (or counting breathes) and repeating a single phrase or word. The thing about meditation is not to stop negative thoughts, but to pause and notice them, then return focus to your breathing.

Integrative Kinesiology combines methods from Chinese acupuncture theory with Western medicine, pedagogy and psychology. It is a client-centered approach that uses a muscle test to find stressors and blockages to then compensate for these energy imbalances. It combines strengthening techniques from western and eastern healing arts to activate self-healing and to support personal development. By balancing the body in the energy system, we learn to access our physical, emotional, intellectual and energetic sources and to utilise all our potential.
Compensation techniques such as adjustment exercises, colors, essences, sounds or acupressure are used to achieve and maintain the balance between the body, the soul and the mind.

Acupuncture is a technique that aims to restore the balance in the body using acupoints located on each individual’s body. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats depression as a disorder that stems from imbalances of energy. In TCM, “qi” is the flow of energy through the body. Qi flows through the body on energy channels known as meridians. It is believed to stimulate the nervous systems resulting in biochemical changes influencing the bodies internal stability promoting emotional and physical wellbeing, helping remove blockages and restore energy flow. A licensed acupuncture practitioner works with very fine, sterilized needles and gently places them atop specific points on the skin to stimulate particular points within the body.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that treats the whole person, taking into account mental and bodily types as well as the symptoms of the disease. One of its main principles is that ‘like cures like’, in other words the symptoms of an illness caused by a substance will be cured by the same substance given in homoeopathic form. The medicines are not prescribed based on a person’s diagnosed disease but on the unique way a person experiences his or her disease. In other words, homeopathic medicines are prescribed based on the SYNDROME of various physical and psychological symptoms, not just a single symptom or disease label.

Final Thoughts

These tips are not all encompassing. There are many many other treatments and solutions e.g. Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Group therapies to mention just a few.

While medical treatment may often not be needed, mild depression won’t necessarily go away on its own. In fact, if left alone, mild depression can progress to more severe forms e.g.  moderate or severe depression.

Something else to consider is, that all these natural solutions could very well be combined with conventional treatment.

Get professional help if needed.

Disclaimer: All information provided on this website does not replace a doctor’s visit! Under no circumstances should the information be regarded as an invitation to self-diagnosis. All texts are created for informal purposes only.

In case of emergency or specific suicidal thoughts, please contact your nearest psychiatric clinic or the emergency number at 112.

Hypnosis myths and misconceptions

Hypnosis myths and misconceptions

by | Health

5 most common myths and misconceptions about hypnosis

What seems to cause the greatest fear among people is the assumption that in hypnosis you have no control over your actions or your mind. Other concerns are that in hypnosis one is asleep, can get stuck in that state or do things against one’s will. None of this is true, they are all myths.

 

 

 

 

Am I asleep in hypnosis?

On the contrary. You are very attentive and focused, just on a different level compared to sleep. You can hear everything that happens around you whether it’s voices, sounds – no matter what.

In self-hypnosis, you might fall asleep while listening to a CD or mp3. This is not so bad as the brain continues to receive and process the messages. This should not be the case in practice for the therapist, because then the efficiency of the therapy is greatly reduced or even impossible.

What if I get stuck in hypnosis?

It is impossible to get stuck in hypnosis, even if the hypnotist should leave the room or even worse, drop dead. You either simply come out – back to the “awake state”. Or go into a light sleep and wake up normally, as you would wake in the morning. There is no danger of not waking, and after all we slip into a state of hypnosis several times a day without realising it. And we come out naturally again.

Everyone has the ability to be hypnotized, because it’s a natural, normal state that each of us enters at least twice each day. Upon waking and falling asleep. More examples are: when daydreaming, meditating, driving routes that we travel often (such as to and from work) and arriving at our destination barely remembering the journey at all.

Since it is not sleep, you cannot “wake up” from hypnosis, but you “come out” again from this pleasant, relaxing state.

Do I do things against my will in hypnosis?

Definitely not. This is the biggest misunderstanding that prevails in general.

The hypnotherapist or practitioner is merely a guide or facilitator. They  cannot “make” you do anything against your will. During a hypnosis session, you are completely aware of everything happening around you. If you do not like a suggestion given, you have the power to reject it.

There are 4 approaches or attitudes for a given suggestion (mental attitude)
Whether a suggestion is effective or not depends on how it is received by the recipient and there is only one attitude that works:

“I like this suggestion, I know it will work for me.”

The other possible attitudes that cause the suggestion to be rejected where no change is brought about are:

“I do not know, it does not sound right and I’m not comfortable with it, it just does not suit me.”
“I’m relatively neutral about this suggestion, I really do not care if I understand it or not.”
“I like this suggestion, I hope it will work.”

Will I reveal my deepest secrets?

You would not reveal any secrets that you would not tell under normal circumstances. The brain does not stop functioning in hypnosis and you can always choose one or the other (truth or lie).

In reality, in hypnosis, one can discover truths about oneself that have long been hidden in the subconscious. Sometimes unpleasant things can come to the surface. In therapy, this is exactly the intention, which can in turn ultimately solve many problems.

Am I “weak-willed” when hypnotised or will I become so?

Unfortunately, this prejudice is repeatedly brought up. No, on the contrary, it even demonstrates a certain willpower to allow yourself to be “controlled” and relax immensely. People who are able to concentrate and have a strong sense of creativity and/or a vivid imaginations are most likely to be successful candidates of hypnotherapy. Even after a many many sessions of hypnosis, one does not suddenly become weak-willed.

Motivation and cooperation are also necessary for success, none of which are easily achieved by the weak-willed or weak-minded.

hypnosis myths and misconceptions

Hypnosis myths and misconceptions

 

So there you have it. Five most common myths or misconceptions.

Wanting to learn modern hypnosis from an ISO accredited institution OMNI is the best place to go for hands on training.

And if you want to learn hypnosis 24/7 virtually, INLP Centre is the way to go.

To read more about what hypnosis is, how it works and feels and if it is dangerous, go on over to this blog post.

What is hypnosis, how does it work and feel like and is it dangerous? FAQ – Part 1

What is hypnosis, how does it work and feel like and is it dangerous? FAQ – Part 1

by | Health

If you ask 10 hypnotists or hypnotherapists to define what hypnosis is, you will probably get 11 different answers.

 

In general I think most hypnotists will agree on the following quote from Igor Ledochowski: “Hypnosis is a highly focused state of mind – also known as an altered state of consciousness – whereby the unconscious mind is free to act without interference from regular consciousness.”

In this article I will give a short overview on the four most often asked questions.

What is Hypnosis?

It is not always easy to explain what hypnosis is, even if you have experienced it yourself.

Hypnosis is a natural state that we find ourselves in at various times throughout the day.  At minimum twice a day; just before waking up and just before going to sleep.

Have you ever driven home from work or the store, pulled up into the driveway and realized that you don’t remember the last few miles of your trip? You have done it so many times and you know the route like the back of your hand. Your concentration wanders during the journey given the familiarity of the route.

Ever felt like you’ve “lost yourself” in a movie or a book?  Being in an imaginary world that seems real to you in a sense your emotions are fully engaged and you experience fear, sadness or happiness. Totally engrossed that you lose track of time?

It’s not like sleep, because you are alert the whole time. You are fully conscious but tune out to most of the activity around you.

Or just generally day-dreaming and zoning out from whatever’s going on around you. Getting totally absorbed in your own thoughts.

Well, there you might have an answer.

How does hypnosis work?

When it comes to hypnosis, the human brain is often explained in two parts: a conscious mind and an unconscious mind.

The conscious mind is what you are using now to read this text. It’s your intellectual mind. It is where logic, rational and analytical thinking, short-term memory, and willpower “live”.

You might think that your conscious mind takes in all the information from your environment. This partly true. In reality we use our conscious mind only about 5 % (according to Bruce Lipton here and here). This means that 95 % must be subconscious. Quite a scary thought.

This is just the tip of the iceberg (the part above the water).

Conscious Mind

Conscious and Subconscious Mind

The larger mass of the iceberg beneath the water represents the subconscious. And as mentioned, makes up about 95% of our brain activity.

In hypnosis, we are relaxed, focused and perceptive. The subconscious mind, where long-term memory, emotions, self-protection, and habits reside, comes to the forefront.​

A very simplified explanation is that the subconsciousness comes to the forefront and consciousness is “pushed back”. During hypnosis a very complex process occurs in the brain. This can be made visible by positron emission tomography (PET).​

McGeown2009_brainscan

Result of McGeown et al (2009) neuroimaging study.

The conscious mind builds up a protection that accepts only suggestions that make “sense”, so for us human’s means that it can be very difficult to make changes.

Hypnosis bypasses the critical factor that blocks our consciousness. It is like giving the critical factor a few dollars and sending it to Mcdonalds so that he is occupied until we allow it to come back again.This then brings about the desired changes. It is as if the computer is reprogramming the hard disk.​

What does hypnosis feel like?

The truth is, it’s not an easy questions to answer, for 2 good reasons:

  1. Hypnosis is experienced differently by everyone
  2. It may feel different every time for many people

Most people will describe it as a state where they feel very calm and relaxed. Some will, however, describe it as a state of focused attention, increased suggestibility or detailed images.

Like any other state of consciousness e.g. normal waking consciousness, sleeping, dreaming or intoxication from drugs, the experience of hypnosis is unique to each person experiencing it. So, although there are features of hypnosis that are common among people who are hypnotised, it is never exactly the same from one person to another. It is also never the same each time a person is hypnotised.

Hypnosis is really, therefore, just a practical way of enjoying profound relaxation. The key thing to point out is that you will be conscious the whole time. Which means:

  1. Hypnosis is not sleep – you will be aware of everything happening around you
  2. Your senses are heightened – so even if you have your eyes closed you will still be  able to hear what’s going on
  3. Sense of time might be distorted so that a session might seem to have flown by
  4. Your muscles will most probably relax and your breathing might slow down

Is hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis in itself is not dangerous. When used for the wrong reasons or practiced by someone with no qualifications it could be. Just about everything and anything can be dangerous if misused.

There are concerns that if not used properly it can lead to negative reactions.

In hypnosis, one is anything but helpless; and even if you are in a deep relaxation phase, if danger is present, you would notice it immediately, get up, and leave the room. The same is true if the hypnotist gave an order contrary to one’s own beliefs, religion, or morals.

In very rare cases after a session, slight dizziness and headache can occur, but these disappear quickly. Balancing techniques can bring the energy into movement.

Remember: you cannot be hypnotized against your will. Hypnosis only works if you agree to let it happen.

To find out more about how to find the right hypnotherapist, go here

I will follow-up in another blog article with more answers to other questions.

How to find the right hypnotherapist for YOU!

How to find the right hypnotherapist for YOU!

by | Health

You realise that something just doesn’t feel right in your life. You are feeling challenged – more so than normal – almost overbearingly. Maybe you’re feeling stressed or anxious to the point that you might be having panic attacks or are feeling depressed.

 

The awareness that you might need a therapist can come in several ways. You might have been thinking about it for a while, or are going through a difficult phase in your life such as a divorce, change of a job, kids moving out or a loss of a close person. Therapy is an effective way to address emotional and mental issues.

Maybe it’s time to get help and not wait until it is worse. So where do you start?

Psychologist, psychiatrist, naturopath, hypnotherapist, kinesiologist, Chinese medicine practitioner – the choices of therapists is endless, as are the modalities.

In this article I will be going over the steps to finding a compatible Hypnotherapist.

“Hypnotherapy is a form of treatment that helps you heal yourself by changing your responses to the experiences and memories hidden deep inside you. These impressions can, unknown to you, have a lasting effect on your present life, health, and wellness. Hypnotherapy can help you get over them.” Resource

As a therapist myself who has also been in therapy, I know the challenges of finding the right help.
“Shockingly”, therapists are also human and no therapist is immune from life’s issues and painful events.

This does not mean that the therapist must have experienced every issue their client has.. Must a heart surgeon have had to have a heart attack to understand the heart?

Apart from that everyone can benefit from a “little” emotional care now and then.

Therefore, I thought it might be helpful to give you a short checklist to help in deciding what you need. These were some of the criteria I used in finding the right therapist for my situation.

Determine the type of professional

When looking for a hypnotherapist there are a few things to consider.
There are many types of hypnotherapy so deciding on which fits you best is also a difficult.

A few types of hypnotherapy include: clinical, medical, and modern and analytical hypnotherapy (which includes modern hypnotherapy).

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a form of treatment given by a certified therapist. They typically have a medical background but use hypnotherapy to complement other treatments they offer. Usually psychologists, psychotherapists or psychiatrists

Medical Hypnotherapy is used for example for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), pain management or dental procedures. Many dentists have furthered their education to assist patients during treatments.

Modern Hypnotherapy is goal and result oriented. Focus is on the client and the solution to their problems. The advantage of modern hypnotherapy is that it incorporates most forms of hypnotherapy to the benefit of the client. It aims at revealing and removing the cause of a symptom and thus relieving them.

“Hypnoanalysis enables the therapist to locate the sources of inner conflicts, and this is the best technique I know for getting to the root of causes quickly.” –Dave Elman

In reality, as a client, it is not necessary to know which type of hypnotherapy your therapist will use, but feel assured that they aim at using the best method to suit you as an individual.

Not always do we as patients, or future patients, know what we need, more often it is what we think we think we want. Even better is, if we know exactly what we don’t want. The process of elimination will help in making a decision.

There are thousands of different explanations to the different forms of hypnosis. Don’t get hung up on the terminology or descriptions. Trust your instinct.

Once you have determined how you to work on your situation, look for a therapist that specialises in that area. Mental, emotional, psychological or physical. Whatever it is you feel you need.

Talk to friends and family

Even if you feel you’re putting yourself out there and making yourself vulnerable, it’s always good to get referrals. You might be surprised at how many people you know have been in therapy or are considering it.

It is no longer taboo (tabu) to take advantage of treatment – kind of look at it as mind health management for mental wellbeing and self-care.

Referrals might not always be the best match, but it is a good starting point.
If none of the people you know are in therapy or can’t give you a referral for whatever reason, it’s time to do some research.

Search online and in databases

It’s almost like going on a first date. When starting out, keep an open mind. Not all therapies need decades of experience. Credentials are also not everything says Robert Baker PhD a psychologist and program director of the behavioral medicine unit at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. “Even people with great credentials aren’t necessarily great therapists. They may be smart, but that doesn’t mean they have good common sense.”

Check online: websites, facebook, forums and therapy databases. There are many databases on the internet where therapists are registered. This can be quite daunting at first, but doing your own research is key to finding the “right” fit.

Below are a few of the organisations I am a member of and can recommend.

https://omnifinder.net/
https://www.sbvh.org
https://www.ngh.net/

Call them

Once you have found a hypnotherapist that you consider fits your needs, give them a call. Most hypnotherapists offer a free 20 or 30 minute consultation either by phone or online with Zoom or Skype. It is key to notice how you feel on the call.

Often one can feel a little awkward or weird in the beginning. Most often you will have a gut feeling whether you want to work with someone or if it’s a definite “no go”. Not always are their credentials that matter most, but how comfortable you feel when talking to them.

Frequently asked questions:

How many session will I need for my issue?
How long should the intervals be between two sessions?
Am I helpless or powerless during hypnosis?
How should I behave before and after the hypnosis?
What if I don’t wake up?

Do you have the same or similar questions? Trust yourself to ask the therapist. I don’t know which questions you should or need to ask, but you should be able ask any question that concerns you.

And … it’s not the quality of your questions that tells you whether you’re talking to the RIGHT therapist, but the quality of his/her answer. How comfortable do you feel with the answer? Are your concerns taken seriously?

hypnotherapist

Finding the right hypnotherapist for you

Conclusion

In my opinion, at the end of the day, you need to trust your intuition. This could be THE most important qualification. It is essential to know that there is no one-size-fits-all. What might work well for someone might not as well for you.

Your gut feeling or instinct will help you in making a decision.

If you are interested in finding out more about me or how I work, don’t hesitate to contact me.