Neil Cox Hypnotherapy, Cornwall

Author: Neil

  • Sleep and Work Worries

    Sleep and Work Worries

    Like most of us, you’ve probably been affected by some form of sleep related problems lying awake stressed about work or your future unable to fall asleep. The inevitable floodgates open and you start questioning more passionately about “What if I hand in my resignation? Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?”  Those wheels start whirring away, and lo and behold an hour has already gone by since your head hit the pillow. And of course, you then start to worry even more that you won’t ever fall asleep and you’ll end up struggling to stay awake during tomorrows meeting.  

    It doesn’t take much to find yourself missing deadlines or having emotional outbursts – one, maybe two nights of sleeplessness is all it takes. Our sleep is absolutely crucial to our mental health. It plays a direct role in our ability to problem-solve, feel genuinely happy and be proactive to everyday challenges.

    So how can we help ourselves?

    Have an intermission.

    Work boundaries are vitally important. Create a period of time between when you leave work and go to bed. Not allowing yourself to fully disengage your brain from work mode will leave you all keyed up. Remember those times when we used to have an intermission at the cinema? We need to create something similar such as walking the dog, going to the gym etc.

    Take note.

    Keep a notebook by the side of your bed. This could well be your saviour! When you’re mulling over endless thoughts and worries, grab your notebook and write them down. This is a very simple but effective way of helping clear your mind.  They’ll be waiting for you in the morning rather than racing around your head all night. 

    Transition time.

    Building a habit such as doing the washing up, taking a shower or reading before going up to bed will help you prepare for sleep. Repetition is key, build this habit into your routine and it will help you slow down, and keep stressful thoughts away.

    No news is good news.

    Our minds are highly susceptible to what’s heard and seen. Try to limit exposure to the nightly news, more often than not you’ll be seeing anger, hatred and generally disturbing images. This will only help reinforce and fuel anxiety. 

    The last thing you want is to feel anxious about getting a good nights sleep. These hints should help you in your quest to find a healthier and more positive state of sleep, but as a solution focused hypnotherapist, I can also help you using hypnotherapy. So, if you think you could benefit from seeing me, lets talk. Tel.07900225171

  • Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

    Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

    The Power of Hypnosis in Weight Management and Stress Reduction

    For many people, weight management is a constant battle. Despite trying various diets, exercise regimes, and lifestyle changes, it can be challenging to achieve sustainable results. However, recent evidence suggests that the power of our minds, when directed appropriately, can significantly improve our weight management. Moreover, it can have a major impact on our psychological wellbeing and general quality of life. Hypnosis has been demonstrated to be effective in working with managing weight issues and sustaining its effects over time.

    It is no secret that stress and anxiety can significantly affect our eating habits and food choices. Many people resort to high-calorie, sugary foods to deal with stress, leading to weight gain and other health problems. The primary stress hormone is known as cortisol and acts as a steroid. Produced by the adrenal glands, it regulates the way we use fuel and is essential for recouping energy following stress. However, with excess levels of cortisol, the appetite for sugary/high-calorie foods increases, including the irresistible desire for cake.

    By reducing the negative aspects of living a stressful/anxious lifestyle, we naturally reduce cortisol levels within the body. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is through hypnosis. Hypnotherapy sessions involve deep relaxation, positive suggestions, and various imagery techniques, enabling individuals to manage their weight better and reduce their stress levels. The therapist provides a CD/mp3 to take away to help ensure the most effective results.

    The benefits of hypnosis in weight management and stress reduction are well-documented. Evidence shows that six sessions of treatment can work well, with the opportunity to top these up in the longer term. Sometimes, hypnotherapy can work in a few sessions, or just one. However, the crucial element is attitude. Without determination to overcome your problems, hypnotherapy is not likely to be successful. Your motivation to change is the key to a successful outcome. Motivation means more than just wanting to eat more healthily; it means being determined to overcome the symptoms. The attitude required to succeed is, “I will achieve my aims.”

    Moreover, hypnosis can improve overall psychological wellbeing. It can help individuals overcome anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems that can lead to overeating and weight gain. Hypnosis can also increase confidence and self-esteem, enabling individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.

    It is important to note that consultation and therapy are undertaken with the utmost sensitivity and respect. The therapist works within sessions to address associated symptoms of stress and anxiety, providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their issues. Moreover, the therapist monitors progress on a session-by-session basis and makes recommendations from there, ensuring that individuals receive the most appropriate treatment for their needs.

    In conclusion, hypnosis is a powerful tool for weight management and stress reduction. By reducing cortisol levels and addressing associated symptoms of stress and anxiety, individuals can manage their weight better and lead happier, healthier lives. However, success depends on attitude and motivation. If you are determined to overcome your problems, hypnosis can provide the support and guidance you need to achieve your aims. Contact a qualified hypnotherapist today to learn more about how hypnosis can help you have your cake and eat it too.

  • Fears and Phobias

    Fears and Phobias

    Introduction

    Fear is a normal and essential emotion that helps us stay safe and avoid danger. However, when fear becomes excessive and irrational, it can turn into a phobia, which can significantly impact our quality of life. Phobias can range from the fear of heights, spiders, and flying, to the fear of needles, blood, and clowns. The good news is that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) can help individuals overcome their phobias and live a better life.

    What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

    Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a powerful technique that combines hypnosis and positive psychology to help individuals achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. SFH focuses on the present and future, rather than the past, and helps clients visualize a positive outcome for their life. The hypnosis part of the therapy is a natural state of relaxation that allows the subconscious mind to become receptive to positive suggestions and ideas.

    How does SFH help with overcoming fears and phobias?

    Phobias are learned behaviors that can be unlearned with the help of SFH. During the initial consultation, an SFH practitioner explains to the client how and why phobias develop and how hypnotherapy can help overcome them.

    The therapist then uses relaxing techniques to induce a relaxed state and perform the rewind technique. The rewind technique involves using hypnosis to help the client revisit the traumatic event that caused the phobia and reprocess the memory in a safe and controlled way.

    By doing so, the client can release the negative emotions associated with the event and break the link between the event and the phobia. This process can be incredibly empowering for clients and can help them overcome their phobias more quickly and effectively than other methods. The rewind method is also gentle and non-invasive, making it an ideal treatment option for individuals who may be hesitant to seek help for their phobia.

    With further sessions, the client can, if they require it, reframe the phobia with positive thoughts and feelings, rather than fear and anxiety.

    The benefits of SFH for phobias

    SFH has several benefits for individuals with phobias. Firstly, it is a safe and non-invasive therapy that does not require medication or surgery. Secondly, it is a relatively short-term therapy that can produce significant results immediately. Thirdly, SFH helps individuals become more self-aware and confident, which can improve their overall quality of life.

    Case study: Needle phobia

    One common phobia that affects many people is needle phobia, also known as trypanophobia. For individuals with this phobia, the thought of needles can trigger a range of symptoms, including fainting, sweating, and panic attacks. Needle phobia can be especially problematic for people who need regular injections or blood tests, such as individuals with diabetes.

    SFH can help individuals with needle phobia overcome their fear and become more comfortable with needles. By using hypnosis to induce a relaxed state, the therapist can help the client associate the needle with positive thoughts and feelings. Over time, the client can learn to control their fear response and become more confident and comfortable with needles.

    Conclusion

    Phobias can significantly impact our lives and limit our ability to enjoy certain activities or experiences. However, with the help of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, individuals can overcome their phobias and improve their quality of life. SFH is a safe, non-invasive, and effective therapy that can produce significant results very rapidly. If you’re struggling with a phobia, don’t let it hold you back any longer. Contact me today and take the first step towards a better life.

  • Obsessive Cream Disorder

    Obsessive Cream Disorder

    A short excerpt from a local paper who ran a short article about me recently…

    Obsessive Cream Disorder (OCD)

    A local hypnotherapist explains about a new phenomenon that has been causing some distress.

    What has quickly become known as Obsessive Cream Disorder, is sending people to seek help from local hypnotherapists. One such person is Neil Cox, situated in Bude just a stones throw away from the Devon / Cornwall border, he sees many clients from Devon. Their obsession with putting cream first on their cream teas leads them to seek his help.

    It only got worse.

    Devon resident Dennis explains “It all started about this time last year, I was happily sat down at a cafe in Newquay. I saw them serving a Cornish cream tea and I yelled over to the waitress “noooooo” you can’t do that! It’s cream…cream always goes on first” 

    However the waitress, 23yr old April Summers insisted. “I don’t know what came over him to be honest, I’ve never seen this happen before, and it only got worse. It got to the point where we had to ask him to leave”

    Dennis said, “I could barely go out for fear of seeing an illegal cream tea being served. My wife said stop being so over dramatic, but it’s totally changed my life.“

    Neil explains, “my clients come from over the border in Devon. Their symptoms can be quite life-changing. In fact some even develop a complication that’s quickly becoming known as Kernowphobius, a fear of all things done the Cornish way. What starts as a somewhat harmless issue can rapidly become a downward spiral of despair.”  

    However there is hope, Neil explains. “I use a combination of hypnotic tools to help people overcome their aversion to jam going on first. Most clients see results after just one session. 

    “It’s amazing” says one satisfied Devonian. “I can now happily eat as many cream teas as I like without fear of upsetting the local Cornish. Jam first will never be a problem for me again”  

    Harmful to wellbeing.

    Neil has met resistance from the other side of the border however. Some staunch cream first campaigners say its harmful to our wellbeing. “Putting the jam first is always going to cause problems. What’s next? They’ll be saying we have to pay to cross the Tamar bridge or something.” 

    However, local campaigners from the jam first camp welcome this new initiative.  “Hopefully with the support of therapy, we can help stamp out this somewhat debilitating condition.”  A local cream manufacturer who wished to remain anonymous added “we had no idea how much of a problem this had become. We’ll be supporting people as much as we can, and flying the flag for the Cornish way”

    For more information about Cornish cream teas please refer to creamteahour.co.uk

  • National No Smoking Day

    National No Smoking Day

    It’s National No Smoking Day here in the UK, a day that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and encourage smokers to quit for good. It’s no secret that smoking causes cancer, and the negative health effects of smoking are well-documented. Smoking is responsible for many chronic diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease.

    As a hypnotherapist, I often get asked whether hypnotherapy can help people quit smoking. I’d like to refer you to this if that’s you…

    The answer is yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective way to quit smoking for good. Studies have shown that hypnotherapy can be more effective than other smoking cessation methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy or medication.

    Hypnotherapy works by helping you to change your thoughts and behaviours around smoking. During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will guide you into a state of deep relaxation, also known as a trance. In this state, your subconscious mind is more open to suggestion, and the therapist can help you to break the habit of smoking by changing the way you think about smoking.

    Hypnotherapy can help you to:

    • Reduce your cravings for cigarettes
    • Increase your motivation to quit smoking
    • Overcome any psychological barriers to quitting smoking
    • Change your attitudes and beliefs about smoking

    Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural way to quit smoking. There are no harmful side effects, and it can be used in conjunction with other smoking cessation methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy or medication.

    If you’re serious about quitting smoking, then I encourage you to give hypnotherapy a try. It’s important to find a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist who can tailor the therapy to your individual needs.

    Here are some tips to help you quit smoking:

    1. Set a quit date: Choose a date to quit smoking and stick to it. Make a commitment to yourself to quit smoking for good.
    2. Prepare for withdrawal symptoms: Nicotine withdrawal can be tough, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary. You can manage withdrawal symptoms by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and exercising regularly.
    3. Seek support: Quitting smoking can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support from family, friends, or a support group. You can also consider working with a hypnotherapist to help you quit smoking.
    4. Avoid triggers: Identify your smoking triggers and try to avoid them. For example, if you usually smoke after a meal, try going for a walk instead.
    5. Reward yourself: Celebrate your successes along the way. Treat yourself to something special when you reach milestones, such as one week or one month smoke-free.

    In conclusion, smoking is a dangerous habit that can lead to serious health problems. National No Smoking Day is a great opportunity to quit smoking for good. If you’re serious about quitting smoking, then hypnotherapy could be a safe and effective way to help you achieve your goal. Remember to set a quit date, prepare for withdrawal symptoms, seek support, avoid triggers, and reward yourself along the way.

  • Gain Confidence with Hypnotherapy

    Gain Confidence with Hypnotherapy

    How hypnotherapy can help with low self-esteem and lack of confidence

    Hypnotherapy is uniquely suited to working with the content of the subconscious. Its therefore very effective for helping you improve your self-esteem. During the deep relaxation of the hypnotic trance, the subconscious is more receptive. I can then help you update your views of yourself using words, images and emotions. As a result of what can be a powerful transformation, past distortions and negative inputs are corrected.

    Consequently you become more able to challenge old, negative views. Furthermore you start to perceive yourself accurately and positively, in more areas of your life. You begin to find from experience that you are not as bad as you thought you were. You give yourself credit where it’s due. Setbacks are most often temporary. They’re not a reflection on you personally, unless you allow them to be. You start to give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Allowing you to encourage and support your efforts to gain the life you want.

    Some strive for it

    Some fear it

    Some just naturally have it….

    How would you like to boost your confidence?

    Five tips to boost your confidence and self-esteem

    1. Teach people how to treat you.  People treat you according to how you think about yourself.  If you expect to be walked all over, dismissed and ignored, you most certainly will be.  If you find that you need to teach people how to treat you, change the way you treat yourself.
    2. Keep a note of when your confidence is up, and also when it’s down.  Who were you with? What was the situation? Simply becoming aware of your actions will make it easier to start changing them.
    3. Smile.  People who are confident tend to smile more often. And we all know people are attracted to smiles.
    4. Focus. Keep focused on what you want, rather than what you don’t want. Our thoughts are more powerful than we realise, so keep it positive.
    5. Just do it. Take action, even though it may well be tough at first, keep going and never ever give in.  It’s a fact that all new habits require persistence and repetition.

    Learn from the experience

    Having confidence doesn’t mean that you should expect to succeed all the time or be perfect.  Having self-esteem and confidence means that whether you make it or fail, you don’t take it as a reflection of your own personal self-worth.  You learn from the experience and still value and respect yourself.

    Negative content reduces confidence.

    For one reason or another we unconsciously accept the negative or false input from influential or important figures in our early lives. That negative content reduces confidence and reinforces a low opinion of ourselves.  Our thoughts really do influence our future experiences, with roughly a third of them being the same every day, what we repeat to ourselves has a huge impact on our confidence.

    This can affect some or all areas of our lives, including health, work and relationships.It’s also important to realise that a lack of confidence or low self-esteem is a key part of anxiety, phobias, weight / eating disorders, depression and even addictions. So with an increase in your confidence and self-esteem brings a notable and effective route to making changes in your life.