Hypnotherapy and the Brain

Broccoli and the Brain

 

Hypnotherapy has many amazing applications - to make positive changes, break habits, let go of the past, improve motivation and so on... You may be considering hypnotherapy for anxiety, hypnobirthing, smoking cessation, fertility treatment, IBS to name just a few. If you are based in the Blackpool and Fylde area - you are certainly searching in the right direction.

Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy can help with all of these issues

This post is all about hypnotherapy and the brain. So you might be wondering why there is a picture of a stem of broccoli on this post - is it some subliminal message to anyone considering hypnotherapy for weight control? Possibly. But the main reason I chose to include broccoli in the post is because this is the vegetable that most helps me to understand what is going on in the brain.

Most people are familiar with the general shape and size of our grey matter - cast your mind back to your school days and you may remember 'the plastic brain model' in the science lab. or pictures in text books?

Without baffling you with science: different parts of your brain are responsible for different functions - moving, seeing, speaking etc... The human brain as a whole could be compared to a lump of play-doh. The brain is really malleable and pliable. This is a relatively new discovery - as in years gone by it was thought that the brain had little plasticity - i.e. unable to change once it had grown, developed and set in it's ways. However, it turns out you can teach a old dog new tricks as long as the treats are tasty enough and actually our brains are able to make new neural connections and make a change.

So back to the broccoli. One of the primary cells in the brain is called a neuron, which - yes you've guessed it - looks like broccoli - more precisely the tender stem variety. All sensations, movements, memories, thoughts, feelings etc are a result of signals passing through these neurons. The tasty tree like part at the top (the dendrites) receive messages from other cells, then signals pass through the stalk (the cell body) and down the stem (the axon), this signal then passes from that neuron to the next broccoli head through receptors via the release of chemicals and electrical pulses known as neurotransmitters.

The end result is a very intricate and complex brain structure and thus many of workings of the brain still remain a mystery. It is thought that hypnotherapy is used to 're-wire' the brain and strengthen or change current neural pathways. Suggestions, ideas and imagery which are in line with a clients goals and aspirations can be presented during a hypnotherapy session, these impact on the neural pathways and lead to a positive response in the clients physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

According to Dr. Mary Pasini “regardless of age, your brain has the ability to make new neurons and construct new neural pathways throughout your life. When you engage in new experiences or think in novel ways, new pathways are forged. Every time you think a specific thought, a specific pathway of neurons fires up, neurotransmitters are released and synapses are subtly altered. With repetition this pathway is strengthened. Even as you read this very sentence, your brain is changing. In this way, your brain’s structure is a culmination of all the thoughts and experiences you have had up to this very moment.”

Hypnotherapy brings about a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness. In this state, the mind becomes open and receptive to new concepts. It is believed that the mind doesn't know the difference between imagination and reality, so hypnotherapy impacts on neural pathway and new ideas can become a new reality.

Of course, this is a very simplified version and only part of what hypnotherapy can entail. At Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy many different techniques are used and chosen in accordance to what is most suitable for the individual client.

Whatever the scientific reasoning and rational for change - for those clients who:

• wish to stop smoking - habits can be broken
• wish to lose weight - willpower can be strengthened
• wish to overcome anxiety - calm and balance can be re-stored

Testimony to this can be found in the number of people who are seeking out hypnotherapy across the UK. It is proving to be a safe and natural alternative to dealing with emotional issues, behaviours and stresses in life.

Listening to your femininity within...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Menstrual Cycle: Pregnancy, Infertility and more... 

How much do you know about your menstrual cycle?

For most women they view their monthly bleed as something less than positive. An inconvenience, messy and more often than not uncomfortable. With this mind set, its hardly surprising that a women's period is known as 'the curse' - Yet how helpful is it to view such a natural and wonderful process with such negative connotation?

An understanding of the female body can help us to reconnect with ourselves on multiple levels. Whatever stage of life: puberty, trying for a baby, pregnant, menopausal or resolving tensions. It can be empowering for a woman to embrace femininity rather than viewing the menstrual cycle as something that should be 'put up with' or 'swept under the carpet'.

Certainly if you are trying to concieve: biological and emotional understanding of your own unique cycle is so important. And once pregnant imagine how much easier it is to listen to your body and embrace the changes of pregnancy, if you are already accustomised to tuning in to your body. Techniques such as hypnobirthing can the help strengthen and focus your mind and body for birth - building and bonding on what you already instinctively know from within.

Understanding physical and emotional changes throughout your cycle can help with self nurture - by listening to your body you can learn when it is time to eat, drink, rest and take that all important 'me time' away from the rest of the world. 'Me time' sounds like a bit of a cliche these days! But time out can really give a woman the opportunity to reflect on the month past and prepare for the month ahead.

Emotions are all part of humanity and where once you might have viewed irritability or tears or sadness during the lead up to your monthly bleed, such emotions may now be viewed through different eyes. This purge of negative emotion may be a reflection of the experiences you have had that month - reminents of unexpressed anger and unfinished business. When these emotions are encouraged to surface: a woman may feel cleansed and refreshed. Similar to that feeling, when you have a good cry over a sad movie. Dealing with locked in emotion then paves the path to move forward - with energy, enthusiam and positivity.

So not only does understanding and instinctly responding to our natural cycle help us to celebrate womanhood - it can also help to improve conditions and wellbeing. It is suggested by some experts that when our own natural tendancies and rhythms are not honoured that illness can follow. This is certainly a reason to start and pay attention to our bodies, emotions and thoughts and really start to give ourselves the self nurture that we deserve. Menstruation can be truly healing. To read more about this fasinating subject read: 'Her Blood is Gold, Awakening to the Wisdom of Menstration' by Lara Owen.

For more information about Natal Hypnotherapy™ and Hypnotherapy for Infertility & Hormonal Issues see www.calmandcontentedhypnotherapy.co.uk

The Perfect Birth

What does perfect birthing mean to you? 

 

Each Mother is unique, every birth is unique so it is impossible to generalise about the perfect birth. For some it may be a natural birth, a medicated birth, a water birth, a hospital birth, an active birth, a caesarean birth or a home birth.

A perfect birth would be one where the Mother-to-be has a choice. From the first choices she makes about how…where… and when… she is going to birth her baby - through to point that she is left to get on with motherhood.

Imagine a birth where you truly feel in control. You are confident enough to question the decisions of your midwife. You feel empowered to bring your baby into the world in your way. You remain calm throughout labour regardless of whether the reality of birth meets your expectations.

The phrase ‘knowledge is power’ springs to mind. For those women who want to take control of their own birth experience; knowing about how the birthing body works and the birth process will contribute towards a positive experience. 

A perfect birth would be cherished and remembered with warmth and pride. Birth is one of life’s greatest gifts and for many women one of the most amazing moments of their life. A birth where Mum would look back and say she would do it all again tomorrow.

For more information about Natal Hypnotherapy™ please see www.calmandcontentedhypnotherapy.co.uk

 

Hypnobirthing is AMAZING!!!

 

 

 

Hypnobirthing on One Born Every Minute

 

#Oneborn

 

Last night on Channel 4, One Born Every Minute gave Mums-to-be the chance to see how is it completely possible to have a calm and relaxing birth. I must admit One Born isn't my regular viewing, as I believe it fuels fear and reaffirms to women that the should be birthing on their back (This is not the case!).

An active birth can really help women have a quicker labour - if you think about it logically, you are working with gravity as opposed to 'pushing up hill' when on your back. Nadine demonstrated beautifully 'how it should be done' using Natal Hypnotherapy™ techniques. She used the birth ball demonstrating how gravity can help the baby gain an optimum position.

Unfortunately due to editing, not all of the techniques were shown on last nights program, but Nadine's birth was undeniably magical and empowering. Certainly when contrasted to other adrenaline fuelled births in the series. It would have been nice to see 321 relax in action, birth music and so on...

Birth Partner

Last nights episode of One Born focused on the importance of the birth partner. The people that a birthing women meets along the way is integral to her state of mind. Positive support can make all the difference. It was evident that all the birth partners on the show were very loving, but as one midwife stated it is difficult for a birth partner to know how he fits in...

Natal Hypnotherapy™ birth preparation dedicates an entire section to helping the Dad-to-be understand how he can be actively involved in birth and in essence - be useful! Nadine had a calm and peaceful water birth. Paul, her partner chose to get into the pool. That is personal choice - Natal Hypnotherapy™ never prescribes what should or shouldn't be done or, what you are or are not allowed to do. The course is focused around empowering the couple to have a positive experience and deal with labour and birth - no matter how it unfolds.

I hope that for any pregnant women that were viewing - that they are inspired to find out more about hypnobirthing. 

Calm & Contented Birthing

It is completely possible to have a positive birth experience. It is such a shame that in today's culture there is the expectation that birth is going to be a scary and horrendous ordeal. Birth is such a precious thing and in my personal opinion (and the 100,000's of women who have used Natal Hypnotherapy™) it can be a wonderful, bonding and empowering event for both Mum and Dad. Even the midwifery staff on the unit were effected by the magic of Natal Hypnotherapy™ - some almost baffled by Nadine's approach and the depth of her relaxed state and in tears at the beauty of the moment.

If you live in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde or Preston Areas please click here for more information on Natal Hypnotherapy Workshops

Wishing you a Calm & Contented Birth Experience

Gemma x

Unique Gift Ideas - Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

 

Hypnotherapy - the Mental Massage

The Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy Voucher is the perfect gift for any occasion.

• Congratulations
• Leaving Work
• Retirement
• Thank You
• Sorry!
• New Baby
• Happy Birthday
• Mother's Day
• Valentine's Day 
• Christmas
• Newly Single or Divorce 

 

Or just because your loved one could do with some well earned Rest and Relaxation

In this day and age, many people have EVERYTHING!

Hypnotherapy vouchers are a unique and thoughtful present

You may not be comfortable offering gift vouchers for PMS, IBS, Weight Loss or Anxiety! After all you don't want to cause offence :) The fact is, you don't have to have an issue to enjoy hypnotherapy. The recipient is free to choose how they use the hypnotherapy session.

Many people enjoy the benefits of hypnosis purely for relaxation

 

Hypnotherapy is an excellent antedote to stress, so why not treat someone in your life to the gift of time out. Hypnotherapy is like a mental massage! Techniques such as metaphor and visualisation can really help clients to wind down and switch off and take a well earned break from their daily routine. Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy strives to guide every client towards balance and offers support with changes and lifestyle choices.

You may know someone who is thinking about hypnotherapy - but who always puts themselves last on their own 'to do' list. Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy Gift Vouchers would be a wonderful surprise...

Hypnotherapy is an alternative to massages, pedicures and facials - physical treatments are always blissfully relaxing, but why not treat the mind and emotions to a little TLC?

• All sessions are held in cosy and comfortable treatment rooms
• Based on Fylde Coast
• Gift Vouchers are available in denominations of £10
• £50 per treatment session lasting around 60 minutes
• Vouchers sent out in first class mail - Postage FOC

  
To order please call Gemma Webster: 07729275909 or email: hypnotherapy@calmandcontented.co.uk
 

Hypnotherapy Blackpool Area

 

How to choose a Hypnotherapist Blackpool & Fylde 

Issues

Hypnotherapy can be used for a whole host of issues, smoking cessation, anxiety, stress relief, pain management, habits and phobias. Whatever your reasons for seeking out a hypnotherapy, it is crucial that you select the hypnotherapist that is right for you.

Trust

Trust is integral to the treatment. What if you don't gel with your hypnotherapist? Well if you don't like them, don't feel like you can open up and feel uneasy in the environment that the treatment is carried out it is highly unlikely that hypnotherapy will work for you.

Training

Anyone can train as a hypnotherapist - within one weekend! There are no regulations which govern hypnotherapy so when looking for a therapist the first thing to do is check out credentials. Reputable hypnotherapy practitioners will be associated with an established hypnotherapy body eg NHC. This means that they will have had rigours training, over many months and much practical experience.

Experience

Experience is also a key attribute to look for, though shouldn't be the defining factor. Sometimes experience may lead to complacently where as a newly qualified practitioner is very eager to build up a reputation and this being so you may get a 110% service.

Feel Safe

The most important factor is finding a hypnotherapist who is likable and someone you can feel safe with. At Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy Fylde Coast I see women exclusively, as I believe it is far easy for a women to open up in female company. This is especially so if the session requires discussion of personal and intimate detail. Women hypnotherapists may have a more empathetic understanding of what the female client is telling them, especially when dealing with emotional matters.

Relevance

When you contact a hypnotherapist for the first time you may want to ask whether they are qualified to deal with the matter you are presenting to them. For example if a lady golfer wanted help with performance I may be inclined to advise that she sort hypnotherapy from one of my colleagues as I specialise in birth, pregnancy and women's issues...

Cost & Time

Everyone who approaches a private therapist invariably want to know about the cost and length of time that the treatments will take. Ultimately you get what you pay for. There may be cheaper hypnotherapy practitioners, perhaps these are the ones that only paid out for a short Internet based training course? If you choose undertake hypnotherapy it is worth properly investing.

At Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy Fylde Coast, I do not make any guarantees about the number of sessions you will need. Some therapy sessions such as smoking are very successful in one session, for other people it may require more. Beware of any therapist who says you will be 'fixed' in one session. Hypnotherapy usually takes 3 to 6 sessions. This is dependant on the issue. Quite frequently clients that start having hypnotherapy for one issue realise there are a multitude of issues that they could be helped with. For example if a client sees you about weight loss the underlining issue my be anxiety which is quite an in depth therapy.

Recommendations

Although word of mouth is a really amazing marketing tool and it is wonderful to hear clients tell their positive stories about how hypnosis has helped them. It is still recommended that you do your own research when choosing a hypnotherapy practitioner. Isn't 'one size fits all' and although your friend thought 'such-a-body' was amazing - it is a really personal decision. We have all heard about stories of people who have recommended fantastic holiday destinations or restaurants to friends - and when the friend visited they were bitterly disappointed!

Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy Fylde Coast

All hypnotherapy practitioners have their own style, ways of practising and differ in the tools of hypnotherapy they implement. If you would like to give me a call to discuss your requirements I would be delighted to hear from you. I would be thrilled to be able to help you with any issues you are dealing with, but at the same time...if I had any reservations that I was unable to help you or that perhaps I was not the right therapist for you I would have no hestitations in saying so!

"A beautiful woman delights the eye; a wise woman, the understanding; a pure one, the soul."

Minna Antrim

Smoking Cessation Blackpool

Stop Smoking

"When you were very young and your feet grew, then your shoes began to squeeze and the squeezing let you know it was time to give up the old shoes, because they didn't fit you any more. Smoking squeezes peoples' lungs, hearts, skins and money. When it's time to be free, it's a relief, not a hardship" Roger Elliott
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis

Smoking Cessation for Pregnancy (and beyond)

Hypnosis can help to break habits and rid yourself of old beliefs. There are many reasons to stop smoking, the main reason for most is health with over 107,000 people dying of smoking related diseases each year.

Pregnant mums-to-be have an even greater incentive to quit. Not only for themselves, but for the health and wellbeing of their baby. Most people can become a non-smoker in one session, my scripts are tailored carefully to each client and their specific needs.

You may choose to stop today - think how much money you will have saved by the time your baby is born. Sessions at Calm & Contented Hypnotherapy are £75.

Poulton-le-Fylde: Home Birth or Hospital Birth

Poulton-le-Fylde: Home Birth or Hospital Birth

 

Are you a pregnant Mum living in the Poulton-le-Fylde area making a decision about where to have your baby?

Location can be a major factor when you are deciding where to give birth.



 
If you choose to have a home birth, Blackpool Victoria Hospital is only 10/15 minutes away on a clear run. So if you changed your mind or needed to be transferred to hospital - medical assistance isn't far away.

Whilst you may understand the implications of having a gentle and uninterrupted home birth for some women, especially women who are pregnant for the first time a hospital birth is the preferred option.

New 'Midwife-led' Units at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

You will be pleased to hear that in January 2013 Blackpool Victoria Hospital was awarded £680,000 to invest in a new midwife led unit. Work has started and it is expected that the unit will be open very soon. Ask you local midwife for more details.

A midwife-led unit is designed to simulate a home from home environment and is geared to allowing births to unfold naturally and normally. A midwife-led unit should also be more receptive to complementary therapies, hypnosis for birth and pool birth.

Nicola Parry, Head Midwife, Blackpool Victoria Hospital:

 "This will enable women and their families to have the optimum birth experience with reduced intervention but within a hospital environment, so specialist help is on hand if needed"

Blackpool Victoria Midwife-led Unit

This article reports there will be

• 2 Additional Pools for Water Birth
• 4 Ensuite Birthing ooms
• 1 to 1 Midwife Care during Labour 

 

Excellent Birth News for women in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde