 Welcome to this months peer supervision talk on the menopause. Menopause symptoms can be very debilitating, as a woman aged 45, I recently realised that I was experiencing the signs and symptoms of perimenopause. I started struggling to sleep well, had big emotional outbursts that really weren't normal for me, and hot flashes. Hot flashes sometimes known as hot flushes, for me, feels as though I'm being very quickly overwhelmed with unbearable and stifling heat. I described it to my partner as a volcanic eruption going off in my belly and very quickly hot lava rises through my body into my head. When a flush happens, I become very quickly wet with sweat and need to change my clothes, I'm very conscious about body odour as I work with people, I prefer to smell good, so, often have to jump back in the shower and freshen up quickly, causing me to run late or rush and feel anxious. For many women when flashes happen there's a feeling of ‘everyone is looking at me’, wondering who that bonkers woman is who has suddenly turned a bright shade of red. The good news is hypnotherapy can massively help and i have been reaping the rewards already.
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This week Amanda Joy was invited onto The EmpowHer Journey Podcast. Watch, Read and Listen. Here she shares how to have more Joy in your life and Keep it there. Are you a graduate of clinical hypnotherapy are you looking to expand your knowledge on addiction behaviour and psychological pain. If so, this course could be for you.   Past life regression training at the Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapy. In module 9 of our Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy provide training in some of the multiple theories and techniques of Past Life Regression. For thousands of years spiritual leaders, gurus, philosophers, sages, and theologians have attempted to define the soul. Today there are still many definitions for the soul to provide a working definition in a healing and transformative context is a challenge. Perhaps you understand the soul as a life force, A life force that is an eternal energy that embodies our human form. Our soul is metaphorically in the body, It animates our physical life on Earth. It's the part of us that responds to life, to those in our lives, to rhythm, to joy and to love.  Build the thriving life & Hypnotherapy business you deserve. Hypno Geeks Podcast Episode 718/6/2022 Clem's vision of coaching is to provide guidance, support and structure. She will adapt and meet you where you are at, and help you get where you want to be.
Coaching provides a reflective supportive space so that you can get unstuck, overcome obstacles and get perspective in order to plan and achieve your goals. It’s ok to need help at some point! Whether you are starting from scratch or have already started your business. They are majors steps and huge changes in your life requiring time, energy, skills and motivation. Coaching is the best way I know to ensure your success and happiness and its only £19 per session!! You can join Clem's monthly sessions by clicking the button below. This immersion in the virtual world is fantastic for relaxation or addressing fears and phobias, and is a great addition to a Hypnotherapy business.
You can join Ian in Leicester or Live Online For Our Foundation and Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy.  If you choose to become a Hypnotherapist you may decide that you want to specialise in helping people with autoimmune conditions. This months supervision is an introduction to Autoimmune, watch listen, read and research, ENJOY! The list of autoimmune diseases is long and growing, and includes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves' disease, type one diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, eczema, psoriasis, even chronic Lyme disease, and some types of heart disease have recently been classified as autoimmune. Symptoms range from frustrating to debilitating and may show up years before a diagnosis is made. Profound fatigue, insomnia, brain fog, body aches and pains, numbness and tingling, hair loss, swelling, and stubborn extra weight, are among the most common complaints. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be very successful in helping patients resolve allergy issues. Autoimmune diseases are very similar to allergies. Allergies involve an unacceptable immune response towards something external to our body such as food, a bee sting, or pollen. With an autoimmune disorder it's something within our body that causes an abnormal reaction in our immune system. This reaction causes our immune system to attack or fight the body itself. Deepak Chopra says that every thought, and every emotion you experience touches every single cell in your body. So, what do you think happens to your body when you constantly feed it negative thoughts, well it probably experiences a negative emotional state, which then leads to either physical pain, illness, or discomfort? One of the major contributors to inflammation and autoimmune disease is our emotional and mental wellbeing. We need support our clients to reduce inflammatory lifestyle factors. Add in nourishing ones, balance health, make proactive choices, and breakdown transformation or change into actionable and manageable steps. We can help our clients to reduce their toxic load of processed foods. We can advise them to remove toxic chemicals from their homes, and personal care products. Most of all we can guide them in addressing toxic stress, encourage and support them to add the good stuff for example, eating real whole foods, prioritising sleep, and adapting easy daily relaxation practises. In other words, we can support our clients to give their bodies, what their bodies need, and it will repair, restore and even thrive. As hypnotherapists we have the keys to reversing autoimmune conditions helping our clients to reclaim their health. Milton Erickson once said the subconscious mind is like a warehouse of resources. Most people go into the warehouse with a little flashlight rather than turning on all the lights. In other words, we have a choice in what resources in our unconscious mind we want to use at any given time. So why not use the ones that will empower us or heal us the most? In this presentation today I'm going to focus on, listening to and working with, our body and how that strongly relates to the mind, and the use of hypnotherapy. I’ll also include some basic information you can share with your clients to empower them on their healing journey. Presentation |
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| Autoimmune Useful References. docx |
| Autoimmune Disorder Talk Notes. |
Many people worry that their own mental health challenges could stop them from becoming a therapist.
Your struggles are welcome at The NCCH as we know that many of the best therapists have battled with their own emotional challenges.
Liz Rotherham is one of our amazing graduates, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003, this dramatically changed her life. Now she is supporting others going through similar challenges.
We all face challenges in this world and Liz is passionate about encouraging people and hopes that no matter what they face they can and will get through it.
Liz is one of those people who you can't help but get enthusiastic around, she's a passionate lady who spreads positivity. Passionate about improving mental well-being and breaking the stigma of mental illness she teachers’ Mental health First Aid.
A graduate of the Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapy, an accredited clinical hypnotherapist, Angelic Reiki healer, holistic therapy coach and qualified mental health first aid instructor she aims to bring peace love and harmony to the world through natural powerful therapies.
Liz is on our recommended list of CPD providers.
We believe Mental Health First Aid is a useful continuing professional development course for all therapists.
The past two years have brought about multiple mental health challenges. People are struggling every day with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
One in seven people say they are simply struggling to cope, having come out the other side of a pandemic, we are now experiencing concerns and worries of war. The worry and stress of an uncertain future, anxiety about money, concerns about going from home, to back into the office, home schooling and back to school, the impact of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, the effects of a strange time of social contact and loneliness. The last few years have really caused people to experience detrimental effects on their physical and mental health.
If you are looking for a continuing professional development course this is one, we highly recommend. After training you will be able to better spot the red flags, confidently assess your clients’ needs and direct them, or signpost them to the right help if hypnotherapy or the therapy that you offer is not suitable.
Enjoy this month’s Hypno Geeks Episode 5
Your struggles are welcome at The NCCH as we know that many of the best therapists have battled with their own emotional challenges.
Liz Rotherham is one of our amazing graduates, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003, this dramatically changed her life. Now she is supporting others going through similar challenges.
We all face challenges in this world and Liz is passionate about encouraging people and hopes that no matter what they face they can and will get through it.
Liz is one of those people who you can't help but get enthusiastic around, she's a passionate lady who spreads positivity. Passionate about improving mental well-being and breaking the stigma of mental illness she teachers’ Mental health First Aid.
A graduate of the Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapy, an accredited clinical hypnotherapist, Angelic Reiki healer, holistic therapy coach and qualified mental health first aid instructor she aims to bring peace love and harmony to the world through natural powerful therapies.
Liz is on our recommended list of CPD providers.
We believe Mental Health First Aid is a useful continuing professional development course for all therapists.
The past two years have brought about multiple mental health challenges. People are struggling every day with their emotional and mental wellbeing.
One in seven people say they are simply struggling to cope, having come out the other side of a pandemic, we are now experiencing concerns and worries of war. The worry and stress of an uncertain future, anxiety about money, concerns about going from home, to back into the office, home schooling and back to school, the impact of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, the effects of a strange time of social contact and loneliness. The last few years have really caused people to experience detrimental effects on their physical and mental health.
If you are looking for a continuing professional development course this is one, we highly recommend. After training you will be able to better spot the red flags, confidently assess your clients’ needs and direct them, or signpost them to the right help if hypnotherapy or the therapy that you offer is not suitable.
Enjoy this month’s Hypno Geeks Episode 5
Anyone who has flown on an airplane and listened to the flight attendant before take-off has been cautioned what to do in the event the oxygen masks fall from the ceiling.
Put on your own mask first before trying to help someone else.
Self Care is a principle that applies directly to any therapeutic work. If you’re gasping for air, you can’t help other people.
Therapists who neglect their own mental, physical and spiritual self-care eventually run out of air, they can not effectively help their clients because all of their energy is going out to the clients and nothing is coming back in to replenish their energy.
Although most therapists are familiar with self-care many find it a challenge to put the concept into practice in their own lives. Therapists who ignore their own needs will find their outlook on the profession going quickly downhill.
This months Hypno Geeks is a reminder to take care of ourselves and a great opportunity to introduce you to Sarah Reddan one of our new Tutors.
Put on your own mask first before trying to help someone else.
Self Care is a principle that applies directly to any therapeutic work. If you’re gasping for air, you can’t help other people.
Therapists who neglect their own mental, physical and spiritual self-care eventually run out of air, they can not effectively help their clients because all of their energy is going out to the clients and nothing is coming back in to replenish their energy.
Although most therapists are familiar with self-care many find it a challenge to put the concept into practice in their own lives. Therapists who ignore their own needs will find their outlook on the profession going quickly downhill.
This months Hypno Geeks is a reminder to take care of ourselves and a great opportunity to introduce you to Sarah Reddan one of our new Tutors.
Last night I held our Monthly Peer Supervision, and the topic was smoking cessation.
I have a six steps programme I teach so I went over my six steps programme and looked at how we can combine smoking cessation counselling with Hypnosis.
When Clients first started smoking it probably didn't come easy. They probably felt pretty awkward about it at first and it was a conscious habit that gradually took a hold of them. Maybe they used to tell themselves that they could stop smoking whenever they wanted to and that they certainly weren't addicted.
But the longer they smoked the more difficult it was to say no to cigarettes until they were smoking when they didn't even want one, when their throat hurts or when it tastes foul.
Stopping smoking with hypnosis is the reverse of that process. Once your client has stopped, they will find that the longer they go without a cigarette the easier it will be to continue as a non-smoker.
There may be odd times when they still think about smoking, but they will be thinking of it in a different way - and a thought of a cigarette is not a craving - it is simply a thought.
After a short while they will find that their food tastes different, they can breathe easier, they will smell fresher, and their mind will become more lucid and clearer. Even their circulation will improve, and they’ll have more confidence in themselves because they know and feel in control, instead of being controlled by an addiction.
Never underestimate the benefits of stopping smoking.
I have a six steps programme I teach so I went over my six steps programme and looked at how we can combine smoking cessation counselling with Hypnosis.
When Clients first started smoking it probably didn't come easy. They probably felt pretty awkward about it at first and it was a conscious habit that gradually took a hold of them. Maybe they used to tell themselves that they could stop smoking whenever they wanted to and that they certainly weren't addicted.
But the longer they smoked the more difficult it was to say no to cigarettes until they were smoking when they didn't even want one, when their throat hurts or when it tastes foul.
Stopping smoking with hypnosis is the reverse of that process. Once your client has stopped, they will find that the longer they go without a cigarette the easier it will be to continue as a non-smoker.
There may be odd times when they still think about smoking, but they will be thinking of it in a different way - and a thought of a cigarette is not a craving - it is simply a thought.
After a short while they will find that their food tastes different, they can breathe easier, they will smell fresher, and their mind will become more lucid and clearer. Even their circulation will improve, and they’ll have more confidence in themselves because they know and feel in control, instead of being controlled by an addiction.
Never underestimate the benefits of stopping smoking.
| smoking_cessation_peer_supervision.odt |
| six_steps_to_a_smoke-free_life_pdf.pdf |
This month I was asked to prepare a session about working with children. Lecture notes and video below.
University clinical trials in the US the UK, and in Australia, have supported the effectiveness of hypnosis for menopause symptoms and can be an effective alternative to HRT. Baylor University Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory found that hypnosis could reduce hot flushes by as much as 74%. Research has also supported the effectiveness of hypnosis for menopause symptoms so it not surprising that many of my students a d graduates are keen to supported women going through this transitional phase of life. This month I'm delighted to have Tracey Alport on the podcast. Tracy is an occupational therapist as well as someone who works with the subconscious. She supports mid-life women who experience stress, overwhelm, pain and hormone problems, helping them to reflect, rebalance, relax and restore, so that they feel energised, rejuvenated and ready to enjoy life to the full Hypnotherapy is a safe, calming therapy that can help women better manage uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. The hypnotic state is a natural state of mind that creates an environment within the brain that alters the way information is processed. It can also help women change their physiological and psychological responses to menopause.
How to market your therapy business with Amanda Joy and Sibi from The Northern College of Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I have been podcasting on my Wednesday Wellbeing show for over 100 episodes now. I felt inspired to create a new podcast for therapists or those training to be a therapist. I wanted to highlight specific topics, therapeutic approaches, tools and techniques.
for My first episode I'm delighted to be joined by Clinical Hypnotherapist, and expert in Parts Therapy, Rachael Leonard from the Hypnotherapy Relaxation Clinic.
Parts Therapy is the idea that our personality is made up of lots of parts from our subconscious. These parts have come into being as a result of learning. The goal of parts-therapy is to help people have all the parts of the self ready to show up when needed. It's also particularly useful for someone who is experiencing unresolved trauma.
Parts therapy also resolves internal conflicts, and in my experience has helped so many clients who've failed to respond to other traditional techniques. This person-centered approach empowers clients to resolve their inner conflicts for themselves.
Watch as we chat Parts Therapy www.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com www.hypnotherapyandrelaxationclinic.co.uk
for My first episode I'm delighted to be joined by Clinical Hypnotherapist, and expert in Parts Therapy, Rachael Leonard from the Hypnotherapy Relaxation Clinic.
Parts Therapy is the idea that our personality is made up of lots of parts from our subconscious. These parts have come into being as a result of learning. The goal of parts-therapy is to help people have all the parts of the self ready to show up when needed. It's also particularly useful for someone who is experiencing unresolved trauma.
Parts therapy also resolves internal conflicts, and in my experience has helped so many clients who've failed to respond to other traditional techniques. This person-centered approach empowers clients to resolve their inner conflicts for themselves.
Watch as we chat Parts Therapy www.thenortherncollegeofclinicalhypnotherapy.com www.hypnotherapyandrelaxationclinic.co.uk
Hypnotherapy for stress management.
In these uncertain times most of us are feeling a little more stressed that usual.
In these uncertain times most of us are feeling a little more stressed that usual.
Lockdown has given many of us time to reflect on our lives and our careers.
Many of us have been unable to work remotely and some of us have lost our jobs altogether.
Many of my colleagues and friends who work in the care industry or therapy world are really thinking about how our post lockdown lives will be.
Many of my friends, family members and clients have been able to work from home. Many have no desire to go back to their pre lockdown lives.
Perhaps you’ve been unable to work or lost your job and you’re looking for a more rewarding, meaningful career, something that gives you the life you desire.
The other day I was chatting with a friend who has just loved spending more time with her family, her children and her husband.
She shared with me that she was feeling stuck. She longed to do something that continued to give her more time, doing the things she loves, but needed to feel that whatever she chose also brought stability and security for herself and her family.
In times like these, if change is going to happen, it needs to bring with it a good income. It needs to be crisis proof, family friendly and elevate your life.
We want to thrive not just survive.
Clinical hypnotherapy has been transformational for me, in my work, career and my personal development. It's been transformational in my lifestyle and my bank account too.
All this while loving such rewarding work and most importantly, helping others too.
I'm so grateful I trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy as I've been able to work remotely, supporting many who have been are alone or struggling throughout the pandemic. I love working in person but have seen outstanding results during lockdown and via working online, this job is crisis proof.
We now have training centres across the North of England and our training is also available online.
I'm really excited as I've a fantastic team of amazing experienced therapists who are joining me in training people to become outstanding Clinical Hypnotherapists.
Our Accredited Hypnotherapy Training course is packed with techniques and gives trainees a good deal of knowledge about psychology, psychotherapy and neuroscience as well as the latest in NLP and Hypnotherapy tools and techniques.
The course includes business planning and marketing so that when students graduate they are ready to go! Our graduates feel really confident and have had loads of practice. Some of my current students have been working remotely during lockdown and have an established client base already.
Socially distanced in person training is beginning in September. Training centres are in Harrogate, Darlington, Hartlepool, Newcastle, Plymouth, The Isle of Man, Leicester and Live online training is also available. Should we need to return to just online training we can do that too.
I have 10 places available in each location for the Foundation in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
The Foundation course is just £100 and gives students membership with The CMA, the ability to get insurance to practice, and offers the opportunity to see if Clinical Hypnotherapy is really for them.
If students love the Foundation Course they may be selected to go on and complete the full accredited Diploma training program.
I offer a pay as you go system for the Diploma training so that it's not a huge financial challenge for those who aren't earning or are on a low income.
Working as a therapist may be something you've never considered as you believed it would need years of expensive training.
You don’t need a doctorate or a degree to reach multiple people who need your help.
I'm continuously amazed at the results I see in my private practise and now I'm blessed to see my students having extraordinary results too.
I'm looking for caring compassionate people who want to help and support others.
At the NCCH we provide friendly, professional Clinical Hypnotherapy training, supervision and CPD.
We not only help you to become an outstanding therapist. We aim to support you to unleash your potential, a whole new world of freedom, meaning, and abundance.
Imagine the life you desire, then let us teach you the skills to powerfully help others whilst gaining a life you currently only dream of.
Welcome to my passion.
Amanda Joy
Many of us have been unable to work remotely and some of us have lost our jobs altogether.
Many of my colleagues and friends who work in the care industry or therapy world are really thinking about how our post lockdown lives will be.
Many of my friends, family members and clients have been able to work from home. Many have no desire to go back to their pre lockdown lives.
Perhaps you’ve been unable to work or lost your job and you’re looking for a more rewarding, meaningful career, something that gives you the life you desire.
The other day I was chatting with a friend who has just loved spending more time with her family, her children and her husband.
She shared with me that she was feeling stuck. She longed to do something that continued to give her more time, doing the things she loves, but needed to feel that whatever she chose also brought stability and security for herself and her family.
In times like these, if change is going to happen, it needs to bring with it a good income. It needs to be crisis proof, family friendly and elevate your life.
We want to thrive not just survive.
Clinical hypnotherapy has been transformational for me, in my work, career and my personal development. It's been transformational in my lifestyle and my bank account too.
All this while loving such rewarding work and most importantly, helping others too.
I'm so grateful I trained in Clinical Hypnotherapy as I've been able to work remotely, supporting many who have been are alone or struggling throughout the pandemic. I love working in person but have seen outstanding results during lockdown and via working online, this job is crisis proof.
We now have training centres across the North of England and our training is also available online.
I'm really excited as I've a fantastic team of amazing experienced therapists who are joining me in training people to become outstanding Clinical Hypnotherapists.
Our Accredited Hypnotherapy Training course is packed with techniques and gives trainees a good deal of knowledge about psychology, psychotherapy and neuroscience as well as the latest in NLP and Hypnotherapy tools and techniques.
The course includes business planning and marketing so that when students graduate they are ready to go! Our graduates feel really confident and have had loads of practice. Some of my current students have been working remotely during lockdown and have an established client base already.
Socially distanced in person training is beginning in September. Training centres are in Harrogate, Darlington, Hartlepool, Newcastle, Plymouth, The Isle of Man, Leicester and Live online training is also available. Should we need to return to just online training we can do that too.
I have 10 places available in each location for the Foundation in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
The Foundation course is just £100 and gives students membership with The CMA, the ability to get insurance to practice, and offers the opportunity to see if Clinical Hypnotherapy is really for them.
If students love the Foundation Course they may be selected to go on and complete the full accredited Diploma training program.
I offer a pay as you go system for the Diploma training so that it's not a huge financial challenge for those who aren't earning or are on a low income.
Working as a therapist may be something you've never considered as you believed it would need years of expensive training.
You don’t need a doctorate or a degree to reach multiple people who need your help.
I'm continuously amazed at the results I see in my private practise and now I'm blessed to see my students having extraordinary results too.
I'm looking for caring compassionate people who want to help and support others.
At the NCCH we provide friendly, professional Clinical Hypnotherapy training, supervision and CPD.
We not only help you to become an outstanding therapist. We aim to support you to unleash your potential, a whole new world of freedom, meaning, and abundance.
Imagine the life you desire, then let us teach you the skills to powerfully help others whilst gaining a life you currently only dream of.
Welcome to my passion.
Amanda Joy
Trapped in the house with a cupboard full of food is for many of us a real danger!
With the impact of social distancing and the lifestyle changes occurring perhaps the extra stress, anxiety or worry being created is leading to comfort eating. Perhaps some old bad habits around eating are popping up.
It may be tempting to ease your anxiety with your favourite comfort foods, but emotional eating can hurt you physically and mentally.
With Hypnotherapy we can powerfully help with weight management.
As a therapist trained at the NCCH you will learn how to empower your clients and help them get in control or back on track.
Clinical Hypnotherapy helps to empower your clients to eat less or more. Our aim is to work with clients to create a bespoke package that brings balance to their lifestyle, permanent and sustainable change.
I am sure many of us have been on a diet, the first 3 letters of the word DIET describe how restricting food makes me feel!
I know all too well about being overweight and unhealthy. Just a few years ago before I trained as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and then went on to use hypnotherapy on myself, I was a size 28. I could barely walk up the stairs without getting out of breath.
I tried everything, milkshakes, a handful of pills and supplements as meal replacements, slimming groups, and crazy crash diets and multiple detoxes. Each time I failed, I ate more, gained more weight and more frustration.
I got to the point where I hated how I looked, how I felt and that, caused me to eat more of the wrong things.
Hypnotherapy helped me to get a better relationship with food and now I eat what I want, when I want and I listen to what my body needs.
When you study at the NCCH we provide you with a massive toolbox to help people just like me or others who are struggling with under or over eating. One of the things that I do on a daily basis now is mindful eating.
Mindfulness is simply paying attention in a focused way. It involves being present in each moment so that you can appreciate and enjoy every moment.
A good example of not being mindful (I was guilty of this) is when we eat. If I ate whilst watching TV or when I was rushing, I was only barely aware of the physical sensations of the food entering my mouth, let alone my thoughts feelings or emotions. Usually I was thinking of at least 100 different things and not really enjoying the moment of eating.
Mindful eating is when we are purposefully aware of eating, we are consciously being aware of the process of eating. Chewing, tasting, swallowing. We are deliberately noticing the sensations and our responses to those sensations.
We’re noticing the mind wandering, and when it does wander we purposefully bring our attention back, back to the delicious food we are eating.
Now, when I am eating mindfully, I am also grateful for my food, grateful about where it came from and how it came to be on my plate. When we are feeling thankful there is no room in our minds for negative thoughts. This means I no longer comfort eat and when I do eat chocolate, I really enjoy it!
I challenge you to have ago at eating mindfully this week. Have a go together with friends or family and if you have time just for fun have a go with the Raisin meditation below.
Happy mindful eating!
TIME REQUIRED
Five minutes daily for at least a week. Evidence suggests that mindfulness increases the more you practice it.
HOW TO DO IT
With the impact of social distancing and the lifestyle changes occurring perhaps the extra stress, anxiety or worry being created is leading to comfort eating. Perhaps some old bad habits around eating are popping up.
It may be tempting to ease your anxiety with your favourite comfort foods, but emotional eating can hurt you physically and mentally.
With Hypnotherapy we can powerfully help with weight management.
As a therapist trained at the NCCH you will learn how to empower your clients and help them get in control or back on track.
Clinical Hypnotherapy helps to empower your clients to eat less or more. Our aim is to work with clients to create a bespoke package that brings balance to their lifestyle, permanent and sustainable change.
I am sure many of us have been on a diet, the first 3 letters of the word DIET describe how restricting food makes me feel!
I know all too well about being overweight and unhealthy. Just a few years ago before I trained as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and then went on to use hypnotherapy on myself, I was a size 28. I could barely walk up the stairs without getting out of breath.
I tried everything, milkshakes, a handful of pills and supplements as meal replacements, slimming groups, and crazy crash diets and multiple detoxes. Each time I failed, I ate more, gained more weight and more frustration.
I got to the point where I hated how I looked, how I felt and that, caused me to eat more of the wrong things.
Hypnotherapy helped me to get a better relationship with food and now I eat what I want, when I want and I listen to what my body needs.
When you study at the NCCH we provide you with a massive toolbox to help people just like me or others who are struggling with under or over eating. One of the things that I do on a daily basis now is mindful eating.
Mindfulness is simply paying attention in a focused way. It involves being present in each moment so that you can appreciate and enjoy every moment.
A good example of not being mindful (I was guilty of this) is when we eat. If I ate whilst watching TV or when I was rushing, I was only barely aware of the physical sensations of the food entering my mouth, let alone my thoughts feelings or emotions. Usually I was thinking of at least 100 different things and not really enjoying the moment of eating.
Mindful eating is when we are purposefully aware of eating, we are consciously being aware of the process of eating. Chewing, tasting, swallowing. We are deliberately noticing the sensations and our responses to those sensations.
We’re noticing the mind wandering, and when it does wander we purposefully bring our attention back, back to the delicious food we are eating.
Now, when I am eating mindfully, I am also grateful for my food, grateful about where it came from and how it came to be on my plate. When we are feeling thankful there is no room in our minds for negative thoughts. This means I no longer comfort eat and when I do eat chocolate, I really enjoy it!
I challenge you to have ago at eating mindfully this week. Have a go together with friends or family and if you have time just for fun have a go with the Raisin meditation below.
Happy mindful eating!
TIME REQUIRED
Five minutes daily for at least a week. Evidence suggests that mindfulness increases the more you practice it.
HOW TO DO IT
- Holding: First, take a raisin and hold it in the palm of your hand or between your finger and thumb.2. Seeing:
- Take time to really focus on it; gaze at the raisin with care and full attention—imagine that you’ve just dropped in from Mars and have never seen an object like this before in your life. Let your eyes explore every part of it, examining the highlights where the light shines, the darker hollows, the folds and ridges, and any asymmetries or unique features.
- Touching: Turn the raisin over between your fingers, exploring its texture. Maybe do this with your eyes closed if that enhances your sense of touch.
- Smelling: Hold the raisin beneath your nose. With each inhalation, take in any smell, aroma, or fragrance that may arise. As you do this, notice anything interesting that may be happening in your mouth or stomach.
- Placing: Now slowly bring the raisin up to your lips, noticing how your hand and arm know exactly how and where to position it. Gently place the raisin in your mouth; without chewing, noticing how it gets into your mouth in the first place. Spend a few moments focusing on the sensations of having it in your mouth, exploring it with your tongue.
- Tasting: When you are ready, prepare to chew the raisin, noticing how and where it needs to be for chewing. Then, very consciously, take one or two bites into it and notice what happens in the aftermath, experiencing any waves of taste that emanate from it as you continue chewing. Without swallowing yet, notice the bare sensations of taste and texture in your mouth and how these may change over time, moment by moment. Also pay attention to any changes in the object itself.
- Swallowing: When you feel ready to swallow the raisin, see if you can first detect the intention to swallow as it comes up, so that even this is experienced consciously before you actually swallow the raisin.
- Following: Finally, see if you can feel what is left of the raisin moving down into your stomach, and sense how your body as a whole is feeling after you have completed this exercise.
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