Neil Cox Hypnotherapy, Cornwall

Author: Neil

  • What’s the worst that could happen?

    What’s the worst that could happen?

    The worst thing that could happen to us is not very likely to happen.

    But it could. You could discover that you are dying of an incurable disease, or that one of your loved ones is in this condition. Or what’s more even that the end of the world is in sight, or that some other “terrible” event is about to occur. So, how do you deal with this adversity?

    Let’s go with the elegant solution:

    The probability of you getting a disease is low, but if you do get it, death would still not be awful. Why is it not awful? Because it isn’t 100% bad – you could always die younger or more painfully. And it isn’t so bad that it absolutely should not ever transpire. No matter how bad it is, it should be that bad – because that’s the way it is: very bad!

    Nothing is awful, even death. To the best of our knowledge, death is exactly the same state as people are in before they are conceived: Zero. No pain, no hassles, no worries – nothing. Therefore, why upset yourself about it, when you will ultimately face it anyway, and when worrying about it may cause you – until the age of 95! – needless pain.

    The advantage of your taking the “Suppose the worst thing does actually happen” approach is that it not only tends to end your ‘awful-izing’ about relatively minor “disasters” but about major ones as well. For if you can see that even the worst possibility, if it does occur, is only highly frustrating and not totally bad, you may thereafter resist making yourself disturbed about practically anything. You can still be concerned but not horrified about exceptionally bad adversities.

    You can accept the reality that you have no control

    If you adopt this solution to feeling frantic, you will also stop exaggerating the probability of “dire” things actually happening and will make yourself more emotionally hardy. You can accept the reality that you have no control over what we call “fate” and over many accidents that may happen. If you frantically think that you have to control all dangerous events, you still cannot do so, and even if you manage to partly control them, you greatly limit your freedom and your life. Thus, if you avoid “dangerous” airplane flights, you may still be killed in a car crash; and you limit how far you can travel. No matter how you restrict yourself, you may fall victim to some germ or other hazard. Tough! But you do not fully control your destiny.

    Work to understand that if some of the worst things happen, you don’t have to feel misery and horror. Great trouble and difficulty, yes. Awfulness and terror, no. You can almost always find some degree of real, personal enjoyment. If you strongly believe that you can! After all, what’s the worst that can happen?

  • Understand Chronic Stress

    Understand Chronic Stress

    Introduction

    Stress is a part of life, but it can have a negative impact on our health if left unchecked. While we often hear about the effects of stress on our hearts and immune systems, we don’t always consider the impact it has on our brains. Chronic stress can cause physical changes in the brain, affecting key areas involved in memory formation and emotional processing. In this article, we will explore how chronic stress affects the brain and what you can do about it.

    The Impact of Chronic Stress on the Brain

    Chronic stress can have a significant impact on the brain, particularly on two important regions – the hippocampus and the amygdala. The hippocampus is responsible for forming new memories, while the amygdala regulates emotions and pleasure. When under stress, there is an enhanced activity in the amygdala, which can result in emotional symptoms. This makes it difficult for the brain to transmit factual information, relying instead on emotional experiences.

    Additionally, chronic stress can cause the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. The more stressed you are, the more cortisol you produce, which can have toxic effects on the body. Constant cortisol production can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout.

    Are you feeling stressed sky photo Neil Cox Hypnotherapy

    Symptoms of Chronic Stress

    There are several symptoms of chronic stress that you should look out for. These include irritability, susceptibility to colds and illness, lack of sleep, loss of interest, emotional instability, and weight issues. You may also notice a decline in your ability to concentrate, become forgetful, and have difficulty forming new memories.

    How to Manage Chronic Stress

    If you are experiencing chronic stress, there are several effective ways to manage it. One approach is Solution Focused therapy, which helps you develop more helpful patterns of behaviour in response to stressful situations. This therapy focuses on your strengths and helps you identify solutions to problems, rather than dwelling on the issues themselves. It encourages you to visualise a positive future and take steps to make it a reality.

    Other ways to manage chronic stress include regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness. You should also prioritise self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath or reading a book, to help reduce your stress levels.

    Conclusion

    Chronic stress can have a significant impact on the brain, affecting memory formation and emotional processing. It can also lead to increased levels of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout. However, there are several effective ways to manage chronic stress, including Solution Focused hypnotherapy, regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing exercises, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness. By prioritising self-care activities and seeking professional help when needed, you can understand & reduce the impact of chronic stress on your brain and live a healthier, happier life.

  • Rita Westlake retirement 2016

    Rita Westlake retirement 2016


    It is with great humility and respect that I take on the role of carrying forward the legacy of Rita Westlake. As Rita retires from North Cornwall Hypnotherapy (NCH) in November of 2016, I cannot help but reflect on the impact she has had on countless individuals and the Cornwall community as a whole.

    Rita Westlake

    Rita’s commitment to her work as a hypnotherapist has been unwavering throughout the years. Her dedication to her clients and her profession is something that I have always admired. Even when the going got tough, Rita remained steadfast and always found a way to help those who sought her assistance.

    As I reflect on Rita’s legacy, I realise that she has imparted not only skills but life lessons as well. Her unwavering commitment to her profession is something that I will strive to emulate in the years to come. I feel privileged to have been a part of her journey, and I know that the skills and knowledge that I have gained from her will serve me well in the future.

    Rita has touched the lives of many individuals, and I know that her clients, past and present, will have fond memories of the happy years that they spent with her. Her dedication to helping others to achieve a better understanding and quality of life is truly inspiring, and I am honored to have been a witness to her work.

    Of course, it takes a special kind of person to commit themselves to a profession like this on a daily basis, even when faced with challenges and difficulties. Rita is one of those special people, and her unwavering commitment to her clients is something that I will always remember.

    As I take on the mantle of NCH, I am deeply grateful for the confidence that Rita has placed in me. It is an undertaking that I have accepted with humility and determination. Though I am saddened to see her retire, I know that it is for all the right reasons, and I wish her all the best for the future in her retirement.

    The future of NCH is bright, and I am excited about the journey ahead. With Rita’s blessing, I will ensure that NCH provides the same high-quality treatments and care that she has always provided. The website for NCH is being updated and forwarded to this one, as it has been over four years since I took it over.

    In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Rita Westlake for her unwavering commitment to her profession and her clients. She has touched the lives of many individuals in Cornwall and has made a significant impact on the community. I am honored to have been a part of her journey and to continue the legacy of NCH in the years to come.

    Neil Cox MNCH(Reg), HPD

    Tel. +447900225171

  • Let Go of Negative Habits this Autumn

    Let Go of Negative Habits this Autumn

    Autumn leaves begin to carpet the pavements and the eternal question of whether the clocks go back or forward an hour are discussed.

    Autumn is a season of change, when the leaves on the trees begin to fall and the air grows colder. It’s a time of reflection and introspection, as we take stock of our lives and consider what changes we want to make. This is a perfect time to focus on building good habits that will help us achieve our goals and live a happier, healthier life.

    Building good habits is essential to success, whether in our personal or professional lives. But it’s not always easy to know where to start. Here are some tips to help you build good habits and stick to them.

    1. Start Small

    One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to build new habits is trying to do too much at once. Instead, start small. Choose one habit you want to develop, and focus on that until it becomes second nature. Once you’ve mastered that habit, you can move on to the next one.

    1. Make a Plan

    Having a plan in place is essential for building good habits. Decide what habit you want to develop, and then create a plan for how you will achieve it. This could involve setting a specific goal, breaking the habit down into smaller steps, or creating a schedule for when you will practice the habit.

    1. Find a Support System

    Having a support system in place can make a big difference when it comes to building good habits. This could be a friend or family member who is also trying to develop the same habit, a coach or mentor who can offer guidance and support, or a support group that meets regularly.

    1. Track Your Progress

    Tracking your progress is essential for building good habits. This can help you see how far you’ve come, and motivate you to keep going. You can track your progress using a journal, a habit tracker app, or simply by marking off each day on a calendar.

    1. Celebrate Your Successes

    Finally, it’s important to celebrate your successes along the way. When you achieve a goal or develop a new habit, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge your achievement. This can help motivate you to keep going and build even more good habits in the future.

    As a solution-focused hypnotherapist, I help people develop new habits and behaviours that support their goals and improve their lives. Whether you want to reduce stress, improve your sleep, or overcome a specific challenge, hypnotherapy can help.

    If you’re ready to make positive changes in your life this autumn, contact me today to learn more about how hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals and build good habits rather than negative ones that will last a lifetime.

  • Relax its the Autumn Equinox

    Relax its the Autumn Equinox

    With the summer holidays now behind us and the return to work now upon us, it seems quite natural that the autumn blues may start to set in as the days become shorter.

    autumn leaves

    With the seasonal change at the Autumn Equinox, some of us may notice our ‘stress bucket’ levels start to increase. Perhaps you may find you’re getting to be a little tired or letting worries get you down.

    If so, it could be a good time to chat with a qualified and insured Solution Focused Hypnotherapy practitioner.

    Free initial consultations this Autumn

    I offer an Initial Consultation for free and I’m used to helping people who are feeling overworked and stressed.

    Modern life and the pressures of juggling work, finance, family, and relationships can take their toll and may sometimes cause our stress buckets to fill up. This can affect our ability to function.

    Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works by effectively reducing our ‘stress bucket’ levels through positive thinking. This is encouraged during a number of sessions with skilful questions from the practitioner.

    Once the client is focused in a state of positive thinking, then the final part of the session uses trance to encourage a process called Rapid Eye Movement (REM). The brain effectively empties some of its own stress bucket levels.

    Feel calmer and more positive.

    Over a number of sessions, the client should start to notice their stress levels have dropped and they can start to feel calmer, more positive, and relaxed about life. And also how they react to situations at work and at home.

    It really is a simple, safe, and effective way to help someone control and manage their stress levels. Especially at this time of the year when the weather and dark nights can still be a factor in people’s moods. Obviously if someone has health concerns then they should visit their GP.

    I was awarded the Hypnotherapy Practitioner’s Diploma (HPD) following extensive training as part of the Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training course.

    I’m a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy NCH. They ensure their members adhere to a strong ethical code. They also engage in regular supervision sessions and CPD (Career Professional Development).

    Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can also be used to help improve sleep. It can also aid in weight management, reduce phobias and fears. And of course help people to stop smoking.

    Contact me through my website or Tel 07900225171

  • Holiday Anxiety & Stress Relief

    Holiday Anxiety & Stress Relief

    Come and see for yourself what makes Bude should a vibrant and great place to visit for your hypno holiday.

    As you may or may not know I’m based on the North Cornwall coast, I have a number of clients who holiday here and like to incorporate hypnotherapy. It’s no wonder that Bude won the British Travel Awards category for Best Coastal Resort 2015. You get a warm welcome and the friendliest and picturesque of Cornish resorts. The locals have known this for years, but now it’s been recognised.

    Come and see for yourself what makes Bude should a vibrant and great place to visit for your hypno-holiday. People who’d like to see the benefits of holidaying here can enjoy the benefit of a couple of hypnotherapy sessions.

    Holiday Friday getaway

    Did you struggle with the Friday getaway? Anxiety over finding the right place to stay? Will the car breakdown or what about missing that turn on the motorway? Half the time, the stress over getting away on holiday can outweigh the benefits. But it needn’t be like this. And once you’ve arrived, are you able to find relief and switch off? Really switch off, and of course that’s why you came on holiday wasn’t it? To switch off and relax.

    All too often I see holidaymakers looking more agitated and argumentative than they really need to be. They call it the bucket and spade brigade, but did you really think your stress bucket would magically empty the moment you went on holiday? Your mind needs a holiday just as much as the body, that’s why I think we all need a hypno-holiday from time to time. Let’s face it, the British weather doesn’t always behave the way we’d like it, so spending a small part of your holiday laying back, relaxing and benefiting from the positive results of hypnotherapy is surely a no-brainer.

    Of course some of us find that we sleep better on holiday. We find things start to come into perspective because we haven’t got the daily stresses making us anxious. Imagine feeling like that every day, whether you’re on holiday or not. Hypnotherapy can certainly help…

    https://youtu.be/CGQQfFfB95k

    I offer hypno-holidays for many conditions and issues, however, if your break is only brief and the condition more complex, I’d suggest visiting a hypnotherapist closer to home. Click here for a registered practitioner.

    Most of my ‘hypnoholiday’ clients choose to book at the beginning of their stay, and some like to book another session just before they leave. So if you’d like to find out more information on how hypnotherapy may be able to help you relax on holiday, take a look at my website www.coxhypnotherapy.com

    And for great places to stay https://www.visitbude.info

    Happy hypno-holidays everyone!