I get many clients into my clinic who have tried CBT but didn't work for them.Of course it does work for alot of people,CBT deals with thinking of course.My clients say"I understand about changing my thought,but just can't".Why's this.Because anxiety/depression are feeling,emotions,not cognitive.Its so hard sometimes to change negative thoughts.So by using relaxation techniques you can reach a stage where you can find it easier to accept positive thoughts.
When a client comes into me.They feel anxious,say they just can't relax.I use alot of deep realxation techniques with them.Often a client can go really deep into trance,which is 80% deep relaxation.
I get them to relive a happy/calm memory.But also to release the calm feeling of the memory.As they do this the emotionaly relive the memory.Their body releases endorphins,oxytocin,seratonin.This is called revivification.So as they start to FEEL better they can then take in the CBT ideas.CBT on its own I find a bit dry.But with relaxation/hypnosis/minfulness can really work well.So I combine the both in my practice.
Minfulness is a close relation to hypnosis.As CBT is a close relation to sugesstion therapy[hypnosis technique].With minfulness you also combine calming the body with CBT.
I recenlty did an accredited online course with Monash university ,CBT with mindfulness.This is thought by two psychologist from Monash universiy in Australia.Its a free online course and I would recomend it.
Its on the Future learn website.
The one thing I will say about Mindful meditation.Im not a fan of consentrating on the breathing for too long. Peolpe with anxiety disorder often have issue with shallow breathing.So they should use the body as an anchor.But in general I'm not a fan of using the breath as an anchor.Concentrate on slowing the breathing for a few moments only.Taking deep breaths of course is good.Bretah in through the nose for 5secs approx hold for 2 secs and breath out through the mouth for 7 secs approx.Big deep breaths.
I had a client yesterday who came to me with general anxiety.They had tried counselling.But didn't work for them.After 20 mins of hypnosis they accessed 8 out of 10 relaxation levels.Then I got them to look at their negative thoughts to see what thoughts would work better.She was able to disconnect from her worries.
Disconnecting from your worries is thought with minfulness.She responded so well.She was so happy.So great for me to watch.Of course hypnosis is not magic.Every one responds at a different rate.Different therapies work for different people.Deep breathing,muscle relaxation,calming your mind,visualisation.This all helps to calm the amygdala.But in this information age many therapists are combining techniques.Counsellers using hypnosis,hypnotherapist usins CBT and Minfulness ect.
I really feel passionate about this.Hope this has helped in some way.If anyone has any questions just please ask.Hypnotherapy has helped me greatly and continues to help me in my own life.Its so great that today in Ireland we are finally opening up about our mental health.
All the very best on your journey
Ger www.hypnosis-dublin.com
Heres a link for some Hypnosis relaxation/endorphin feelings.For calming anxiety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTFyp8-ujUw
