Category: Mental Health

Mental health therapy – Improve your mental health with my professional hypnotherapy services, and techniques

  • 10 Day Sleep Reset | Hypnotherapy Audio Programme for Better Sleep

    10 Day Sleep Reset | Hypnotherapy Audio Programme for Better Sleep

    10 day sleep reset logo

    Introducing The 10 Day Sleep Reset: 10 Days to Naturally Better Sleep

    If you’ve ever laid awake at night, mind racing, tension humming quietly through your body, or just felt disconnected from that natural, effortless sleep you used to have — you’re not alone.

    Sleep doesn’t always come easily in today’s world. Many of my clients tell me the same thing: “I’m exhausted, but I just can’t switch off.” Whether it’s stress, anxiety, overstimulation, or the simple fact that our brains aren’t wired for our modern pace of life — falling asleep can become one more thing we try to do… and in trying, we get further from it.

    That’s why I created The 10 Day Sleep Reset — a 10-day hypnotherapy audio programme inspired by the rugged calm and natural rhythms of Cornwall, designed to help you rediscover the art of sleep.

    What is The Sleep Reset?

    This is not a quick fix. It’s a reset — a gentle, immersive journey that gradually rewires your relationship with sleep over 10 carefully structured sessions. Each one lasts between 30–60 minutes and is designed to guide your mind and body into deep rest, helping you rebuild trust in your own natural ability to sleep.

    Combining clinical hypnotherapy, soothing imagery, and evidence-based relaxation techniques, the audios are crafted to gradually reduce anxiety, deepen your relaxation response, and anchor new associations with bedtime: comfort, calm, and safety.

    It’s a powerful standalone sleep aid — and it can also be a perfect first step for those who’ve never tried hypnotherapy before.

    A Gentle Introduction to Hypnotherapy

    If you’ve been curious about hypnotherapy but weren’t quite ready to book a session, this programme offers an easy way in.

    You don’t need to commit to weekly appointments. You don’t need to lie on a couch or talk about your childhood. You just press play. Lie back. And begin to experience how hypnotherapy can feel — safe, soothing, natural.

    Many people use The Sleep Reset as an affordable way to explore hypnotherapy before deciding whether to work with me 1-to-1. It’s yours to keep, and to revisit whenever you need it — whether you’re travelling, going through a stressful patch, or simply want to sleep better without medication.

    Why Cornwall?

    I’ve been a hypnotherapist in Cornwall for years, and I’ve always believed there’s something powerful about this landscape. The sea, the moors, the quiet coves — they have a rhythm that invites rest.

    Throughout the programme, you’ll gently drift into these imagined Cornish spaces — never heavy-handed or touristy, but subtle and sensory. You’ll lie back on warm granite, watch mist drift across the clifftops, listen to the tide beyond a moonlit cove.

    Each recording invites you to step out of the noise of your day and into a slower, more ancient pace — one where sleep feels natural again.

    What You’ll Get

    You’ll receive 10 professionally recorded audio sessions, each one themed to focus on a particular layer of rest and release:

    Each one is carefully layered with hypnotic inductions, deepeners, and the kind of language techniques used in professional therapy — all designed to help you drift naturally into sleep. Also a quick start guide to get the best from the programme.

    Who Is It For?

    • You struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep
    • You wake feeling tired, no matter how early you go to bed
    • You’ve tried apps and podcasts, but they don’t quite reach you
    • You’re curious about hypnotherapy but not ready to dive into sessions
    • Or maybe… you’ve already done therapy and want something supportive and calming to maintain your progress

    Whether you’re brand new to this or already familiar with hypnotherapy, The Sleep Reset is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

    Final Thoughts

    Sleep isn’t something we force. It’s something we return to — when we feel safe, soothed, and supported.

    The Sleep Reset is my way of helping you reconnect with that part of yourself. Not through tricks or tech, but through rhythm, repetition, language, and the deeper parts of your mind that already know how to rest.

    Whether it becomes your long-term sleep support or a gentle introduction to hypnotherapy, I hope it becomes something that helps.

  • What Is a Shakti Mat and Why Does Everyone Talk About It?

    What Is a Shakti Mat and Why Does Everyone Talk About It?

    It’s not often I come across a wellbeing tool that makes me laugh, wince, breathe deeply, and ultimately feel better — but the Shakti Mat has done all that and more.

    As a hypnotherapist, I’m naturally interested in tools that engage both the body and the mind — and the Shakti Mat, with its sharp little spikes and deceptively simple design, is one of those rare tools that does exactly that. It’s become a regular part of my personal wellbeing routine.

    Let me show you how it works, why it works, and how it complements what I already do in my practice.

    What Is the Shakti Mat?

    The Shakti Mat is an acupressure mat — a fabric mat embedded with thousands of tiny spikes arranged in circular clusters. Inspired by traditional Indian bed-of-nails practices, it’s designed to stimulate pressure points across the body, helping to:

    • Relieve tension and pain
    • Improve circulation
    • Encourage relaxation
    • Release endorphins

    Yes, it looks a bit intimidating. And yes — it can feel intense at first. But that’s all part of its magic.

    My First Experience — The Shakti Mat Challenge

    I’ll be honest — my first experience with the Shakti Mat was a bit… dramatic. It’s not exactly like lying on a fluffy rug. But that’s the point. It’s meant to stimulate, challenge, and awaken your body — and in my case, it really did.

    Here’s a quick Short I made when I first tried standing on it. Let’s call it the Shakti Mat Challenge:

    Yes, it stings a bit. But after the initial shock — and some less dramatic sessions lying down — I noticed deeper breathing, muscle relaxation, and an almost meditative calm. Now it’s part of my routine for winding down and for those moments when I need a reset. The intensity is what makes it effective.

    How It Works on the Body (and Brain)

    The spikes create controlled, shallow pressure on the skin, which your body interprets as a mild, manageable stressor. In response:

    • Your brain releases endorphins (natural feel-good chemicals)
    • Blood flow increases to the stimulated areas
    • The parasympathetic nervous system is activated — this is your body’s natural rest-and-digest state

    In other words, you get a natural high, a sense of calm, and a physiological signal that says: You’re safe now.

    If you’ve ever had a massage that hurt just the right amount — that’s the zone the Shakti Mat sits in.

    The Shakti Torus Rings: Another Favourite in My Toolkit

    In addition to the mat, I’ve recently started using the new Shakti Torus Rings — and they’re another surprisingly powerful tool. They’re small, portable, and designed for use on your fingers. The stimulation is subtle but focused, and I’ve found it brilliant for calming the nervous system and improving focus, especially during screen-heavy days.

    Here’s a quick YouTube Short I made to show you how they work:

    Like the Shakti Mat, the Torus Rings help you reset — especially if you struggle with overthinking or sensory overload. They’re great fidget-friendly stress relievers that don’t look or feel like a gimmick.

    Whether I’m using the mat to wind down or the Torus Rings to focus between clients, these small rituals make a big difference. They complement the effects of hypnotherapy beautifully — calming the mind, grounding the body, and helping you reconnect with your breath and self-awareness.

    The Link to Hypnotherapy

    Hypnotherapy works by helping the mind shift into a focused, receptive state — often tapping into the parasympathetic nervous system. That’s the same system the Shakti Mat engages.

    By using both together, you create a loop of reinforcement:

    • The Shakti Mat helps drop you into a calm, aware state
    • Hypnotherapy deepens and harnesses that state for personal change
    • The Torus Rings add a sensory grounding tool for during or after sessions

    They’re not substitutes — but they’re brilliant companions.

    And if you already use self-hypnosis or listen to hypnotherapy audio tracks, try combining them with a session on the mat — the synergy is powerful.

    Try It for Yourself — With a Discount

    I’m an affiliate for Shakti because I genuinely believe in what they’re doing. If you’re curious to try the mat or any of their products for yourself, you can use my affiliate link below to get a discount:

    https://www.shaktimat.co.uk/neilcoxhypnotherapy or just use discount code NEILRELAX at checkout.

    You’ll be supporting your own wellbeing and supporting my work at Neil Cox Hypnotherapy — so thank you.

    (Affiliate link – you get a better price, and it supports my work too.)

    Final Thoughts

    The Shakti Mat or their other products aren’t for everyone. But if you’re curious, open-minded, and willing to embrace a little discomfort for a lot of benefit — they might just be your new best friends.

    It’s one of those things you have to feel to understand.

    And if you need help calming your mind, improving your sleep, or changing unhelpful patterns — whether with or without spikes — you know where to find me.

  • The Snoozeband: The Fun Way to Drift Off and Tune In

    The Snoozeband: The Fun Way to Drift Off and Tune In

    Let’s face it: relaxation in today’s world feels like finding a unicorn wearing a party hat. But what if I told you there’s a gadget out there that can make hypnotherapy, sleep, and even your nightly wind-down routine not just effective but… dare I say it… fun? Enter the Snoozeband, a delightfully clever combination of wireless headphones and a soft headband that screams, “Why haven’t you tried me yet?”

    What Exactly Is the Snoozeband?

    Picture this: you’re lying in bed, trying to drift off while wearing earbuds that feel like they’re auditioning for the lead role in Attack of the Ears. Not great, right? Now imagine a soft, comfy headband that doubles as wireless headphones, gently serenading you with your favourite hypnotherapy tracks, calming music, or that one podcast where people whisper about medieval cheese-making (no judgment). That’s the Snoozeband.

    This ingenious little device connects via Bluetooth to your gadgets, so you can stream whatever helps you unwind. And the fabric? Oh, it’s like someone took a cloud, taught it yoga, and turned it into a headband. It’s breathable, soft, and so comfy you might forget you’re wearing it—until the calming sounds start lulling you into bliss.

    Why It’s a Hypnotherapy Superstar

    As someone who guides clients through solution-focused hypnotherapy, I’ve seen the transformative power of relaxation tools. The Snoozeband isn’t just a gadget; it’s like a sidekick to your superpower of unwinding. Here’s how it helps:

    1. Comfort That Wins Awards (If There Were Awards for Comfort): Traditional headphones can pinch, press, or plain old annoy. The Snoozeband? It’s like a hug for your head—but a non-awkward one.
    2. Crystal-Clear Audio: Ever tried listening to hypnotherapy recordings only to be interrupted by the screech of your neighbour’s overenthusiastic parrot? The Snoozeband’s quality sound ensures you’re fully immersed in your session.
    3. Side Sleeper Magic: If you’ve ever tried lying on your side with earbuds, you know it’s a one-way ticket to discomfort-ville. The Snoozeband’s flat speakers mean you can snooze on your side without feeling like you’re lying on a pebble.
    4. Goodbye, Stress; Hello, Calm: Hypnotherapy sessions often involve listening to recordings that help you relax, focus, or sleep better. The Snoozeband turns that process into an indulgence, like treating yourself to an audio spa.
    5. Perfect Travel Buddy: Long-haul flights, noisy train rides, or just avoiding small talk with chatty passengers? The Snoozeband’s got you covered—literally.

    Hypnotherapy Meets the Snoozeband

    Here’s the thing: during hypnotherapy, I provide clients with a tailored audio recording during the first session. It’s designed to reinforce progress and keep you feeling all those good vibes between appointments. Listening to this recording with the Snoozeband feels like levelling up your relaxation game. Many clients tell me they’ve never looked forward to bedtime more (and no, that’s not just because it’s finally quiet). Combine it with my 10 Day Sleep Programme here.

    Snoozeband in the Wild: Real-Life Scenarios

    Let’s get real. Life is messy, loud, and often ridiculous. Here’s how the Snoozeband comes to the rescue in various scenarios:

    • Midnight Battles with Insomnia: You’ve tried counting sheep, but they keep staging an escape. Pop on the Snoozeband with a sleep-focused hypnotherapy track, and suddenly, you’re the shepherd of serenity.
    • Side Sleeper Woes, Be Gone: Sleeping on your side while wearing headphones usually means waking up with a crushed ear or strangled wires. The Snoozeband’s flat speakers let you snooze comfortably—no ear trauma involved.
    • Zen on the Go: Stuck in traffic? On a crowded train? Plug into a relaxing playlist or hypnotherapy session, and you’ll feel like you’re floating above the chaos (figuratively, of course).
    • Escape the Snorer’s Symphony: Sharing a bed with a partner whose snores rival a jackhammer? The Snoozeband lets you tune into calming audio instead of, well, that.
    • Bedtime Just Got Better: Building a calming bedtime routine can work wonders for your sleep. The Snoozeband is like the cherry on top of your relaxation sundae, helping you drift off to dreamland effortlessly.

    Science Meets Snoozing: Why It Works

    Listening to soothing sounds or hypnotherapy recordings taps into your brain’s alpha wave state—the sweet spot for relaxation and focus. Science even says it can lower cortisol levels (bye, stress!) and promote better sleep. The Snoozeband, with its comfy design and quality sound, helps you get there faster, making relaxation not just achievable but downright enjoyable.

    For side sleepers, this is revolutionary. No more wrestling with awkward headphones or lying perfectly still to avoid ear pain. The Snoozeband’s flat speaker design is like a love letter to side sleepers everywhere, making it a game-changer for your bedtime routine.

    What People Are Saying (Hint: They Love It)

    Don’t just take my word for it—check out these real-life testimonials:

    • “The Snoozeband has saved my ears and my sleep. I’m a side sleeper, and this is the first device I’ve found that doesn’t leave me feeling like I’ve been in a wrestling match with my headphones.”
    • “I’ve used the Snoozeband on planes, trains, and my sofa. It’s like a portable bubble of calm in an otherwise chaotic world.”
    • “Listening to hypnotherapy recordings with the Snoozeband has become my favourite part of the day. It’s like a brain massage—highly recommend!”
    • “Finally, a device that doesn’t make me choose between comfort and sound quality. The Snoozeband is a win-win.”

    Final Thoughts (and a Cheeky Recommendation)

    While I’m not here to push products, I will share tools that genuinely make life better. If the Snoozeband sounds like something you’d love, you can check it out using my affiliate Snoozeband link. No pressure, just putting it out there for anyone who’s ready to elevate their relaxation game (Affiliate Link – I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase)

    SnoozeBand™ – Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

    In the meantime, remember: relaxation doesn’t have to be serious business. Whether it’s hypnotherapy, bedtime rituals, or simply tuning out the world for a bit, tools like the Snoozeband help you find your calm—with a side of fun.

    Now, if you’ll excuse me, my Snoozeband and I have a very important date with some chill-out music and a comfy pillow.

  • Bonsai and the Mind

    Bonsai and the Mind

    Whispers of Transformation: Unveiling the Hypnotic Dance Between Bonsai and the Mind

    In the hushed symphony of miniature ecosystems, bonsai whisper a secretsong, echoing not just the verdant secrets of nature, but also the intricate dance of our inner landscapes. Beneath the sculpted branches and carefully crafted pots, these diminutive gardens offer a mirror to the subconscious, whispering potent metaphors for healing and transformation. And within this silent dialogue lies a curious convergence – the hypnotic dance between bonsai and the art of hypnotherapy.

    Embark on your own journey of inner transformation with The Bonsai Guide to Life! This exploration of the parallels between bonsai and hypnotherapy will be available for purchase on Amazon using the link below..

    Order yours today and be among the first to cultivate your inner garden!

    Excavating the Roots: Unearthing the Tangled Landscape of the Mind

    Imagine a mind entangled in the chaos of overgrown thoughts and unaddressed anxieties. Much like a neglected bonsai, its branches twist and gnarl, its leaves wither in the shade of negativity. Just as a skilled gardener wields pruning shears and gentle persuasion to reshape the miniature landscape, the hypnotherapist employs potent tools to navigate the labyrinthine pathways of the subconscious. The gentle suggestions, guided visualisations, and metaphorical narratives become the shears, meticulously crafting new pathways and coaxing forth the hidden potential for growth and balance.

    But the journey toward inner equilibrium begins not with pruning, but with observation. Just as the bonsai artist meticulously assesses the health of their miniature world, the hypnotherapist delves into the client’s experiences, unearthing the tangled roots of limiting beliefs and negative patterns. Each session becomes a silent excavation, unearthing the seeds of self-doubt and nurturing the fertile soil of introspection. Through skillful questioning and active listening, the hypnotherapist creates a safe space for exploration, a sanctuary where hidden narratives can unfold and the unconscious whispers its truths.

    This initial mapping of the inner landscape unveils the hidden narratives shaping the client’s reality. Like tracing the intricate lines of grain in weathered bark, the hypnotherapist identifies recurring themes, emotional triggers, and deeply ingrained patterns. Are there echoes of past traumas etched in the bark of the mind, casting long shadows of fear and insecurity? Or perhaps, is it the dense undergrowth of perfectionism choking off the vibrant shoots of self-acceptance? Each unearthed element becomes a stepping stone on the path to transformation.

    Sowing Seeds of Change: Metaphors as Miniature Gardens of the Mind

    As we delve deeper into the subconscious, metaphorical seeds are sown. The hypnotist, like a bonsai artist wielding a miniature rake, delicately sculpts suggestions and imagery. Words, imbued with hypnotic rhythms and evocative language, paint landscapes of possibility within the client’s mind. Vivid descriptions of calm seas soothe anxieties, stories of resilient trees facing storms evoke inner strength, and gentle metaphors of unfurling leaves nudge thoughts towards self-compassion. These seeds, once planted, take root in the fertile soil of the subconscious, nurtured by repetition and positive reinforcement.

    Imagine a client struggling with chronic pain. The hypnotherapist might weave a story of a majestic willow tree, its branches gracefully bowing to the wind yet remaining grounded and strong. With each gentle suggestion, the image of the willow’s adaptability takes root in the client’s mind, offering a new perspective on their own experience. Or consider a client burdened by self-criticism. The hypnotherapist might paint a picture of a primrose, its delicate yellow petals peeking through winter’s chill, a reminder that beauty often thrives in resilience and finding light within oneself.

    These potent metaphors act as fertiliser for the seeds of change, allowing them to sprout and bloom within the client’s inner landscape. They offer alternative narratives, reframing limiting beliefs and fostering new pathways for understanding and resilience. Just as a bonsai artist sculpts miniature worlds, the hypnotherapist helps the client cultivate a mental garden teeming with positive imagery and transformative potential.

    Active Participation: Pruning Fears and Watering Hope

    Within this hypnotic dance, the client becomes an active participant, a co-creator of their own mental sanctuary. Through guided visualisations, they enter the bonsai garden of their inner world, pruning anxieties, watering hope, and nurturing the seeds of positive change. They climb metaphorical mountains to confront fears, wade through calming rivers to dissolve stress, and bask in the warm sunlight of self-acceptance. This active engagement empowers, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for their own mental well-being.

    Imagine a client struggling with insomnia. The hypnotherapist guides them to a tranquil bonsai garden bathed in moonlight, where gentle breezes rustle the leaves and soft moonlight illuminates a winding path toward peaceful sleep.

    These immersive journeys into the metaphorical landscape allow the client to confront and disarm their anxieties in a safe space. Fearful squirrels of self-doubt scurry away, replaced by majestic cranes of inner peace soaring on the warm currents of hypnotic suggestion. Each guided breath becomes a gentle breeze, rustling through the leaves of anxiety, leaving behind a sense of calm serenity. In this inner sanctuary, the client discovers the strength hidden within, the resilience sculpted by confronting their metaphorical mountains.

    Weathering Storms: Resilience in the Face of Challenges

    Just as a bonsai endures unpredictable shifts in weather, our minds face inevitable storms of life’s challenges. Stressful situations, unexpected losses, and the whispers of past traumas can threaten to uproot the carefully cultivated peace within. Yet, within the framework of hypnotherapy, the client learns to navigate these storms with newfound resilience.

    The hypnotherapist, like a seasoned gardener guiding a bonsai through a harsh winter, equips the client with tools for self-soothing and emotional anchoring. Techniques like post-hypnotic suggestions provide mental shelters during turbulent times, reminding the client of their inner strength and guiding them back to the calm center of their metaphorical bonsai garden.

    Imagine a client facing a difficult work presentation. Before entering the metaphorical storm, the hypnotherapist anchors them with a calming image – perhaps a tranquil bay cradled by protective cliffs. During the presentation, should anxiety arise, the client can visualise themselves returning to the bay, drawing upon its serenity to face the challenge with composure. Or consider a client grieving a loss. The hypnotherapist might guide them to a secluded meadow within their inner bonsai garden, a space to connect with memories and process their emotions with gentle acceptance.

    These hypnotic tools empower the client to weather life’s storms with increased awareness and self-compassion. The scars left by challenges, like markings on weathered bonsai bark, become testaments to resilience and growth.

    Beyond the Pot: Transformation Blooms in Real Life

    The transformative power of this hypnotic dance extends beyond the confines of the therapy room. Just as a carefully tended bonsai radiates tranquility in its external environment, the inner gardens cultivated through hypnotherapy blossom in real-life behaviours and relationships. Improved sleep patterns, healthier eating habits, and a reduction in chronic pain are just a few of the tangible benefits.

    Clients often report a newfound ability to set boundaries, express their needs, and navigate interpersonal conflicts with greater ease. Self-compassion replaces self-criticism, fostering relationships built on authenticity and acceptance. The anxieties that once cast long shadows recede, replaced by a sense of inner peace that radiates outward, touching every aspect of life.

    Imagine a client struggling with social anxiety who, after embracing their inner redwood, finds the courage to initiate conversations and build meaningful connections. Or consider a client overwhelmed by stress who, through their moonlit garden visualisations, discovers the ability to prioritise self-care and delegate tasks. The transformations sparked within the metaphorical bonsai garden ripple outward, painting the canvas of everyday life with vibrant hues of well-being and self-discovery.

    A Continuous Journey: Embracing the Whispers of Growth

    It’s important to remember that the journey of inner transformation is not a finite destination, but an ongoing dance with our own subconscious landscapes. Just as a bonsai requires ongoing care and attention, so too does the mental garden cultivated through hypnotherapy. Regular sessions can act as tune-ups, ensuring the metaphorical soil remains fertile and the seeds of positive change continue to thrive.

    Moreover, the lessons learned through this potent collaboration leave a lasting legacy. The whispers of the subconscious, once cryptic and unsettling, become familiar guides. We learn to listen to the gentle rustling of our inner leaves, recognising the subtle shifts in our emotional landscape and responding with mindfulness and self-compassion.

    Standing before the bonsai of our own minds, its branches sculpted by experience and its leaves echoing the narratives of our journeys, we find a profound sense of connection. We see the scars of past storms, not as blemishes, but as testament to our resilience. We hear the whispers of possibility, not with fear, but with the quiet confidence of one who knows the potential for growth that lies within.

    In this continuous dance with our inner landscapes, where bonsai artistry meets the hypnotic touch of hypnotherapy, we discover not just the secrets of nature, but the extraordinary beauty and transformative power of our own minds. May we forever embrace the whispers of growth, tending to our inner gardens with care and watch as our landscapes unfold, revealing the magnificent potential for peace, resilience, and well-being that lies within each of us.

  • Depression

    Depression

    Depression can be a complex mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest in many different ways, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, lack of motivation or interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help manage depression by addressing its underlying causes and symptoms.

    What causes it?

    Depression is a complex condition, and its causes can be different for each individual. Some common factors that contribute to depression include:

    1. Genetics: Depression can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the condition.
    2. Brain chemistry: Changes in brain chemistry can affect mood and contribute to depression.
    3. Life events: Traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one or a relationship breakdown, can trigger depression.
    4. Chronic illness: People living with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, may be more susceptible to depression.
    5. Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug abuse, can contribute to depression.
    hypnotherapy for depression Cornwall anxiety woman window

    Treatment for Depression

    Depression is treatable, and several treatment options are available, but for this article I wanted to focus on how hypnotherapy can help.

    Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH): is a form of therapy that combines hypnosis with solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) techniques. It can be effective in helping individuals with depression by focusing on identifying and building on their strengths, and encouraging them to visualise a positive future. In SFH, the therapist works with the client to set achievable goals and develop strategies to reach those goals. The hypnosis aspect of SFH can help individuals relax and enter a more receptive state, allowing for deeper exploration of their thoughts and emotions. Through this process, SFH can help individuals gain a greater sense of control over their thoughts and feelings, and ultimately improve their overall well-being. While SFH may not be a standalone treatment for severe or chronic depression, it can be a useful complementary approach for those seeking relief from mild to moderate symptoms.

    What is Hypnotherapy?

    Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to achieve a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. During hypnotherapy sessions, a trained hypnotherapist will guide you into a trance-like state, where you can explore your subconscious mind and make positive changes to your thoughts and behaviours.

    How Hypnotherapy Can Help with Depression:

    1. Reframing Negative Thoughts: Depression often causes negative thoughts and feelings to spiral out of control. Hypnotherapy can help you reframe these negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. By doing so, you can begin to cultivate a more positive outlook on life, and reduce the impact of depression on your mental health.
    2. Developing Healthier Coping Mechanisms: Hypnotherapy can also help you develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage your depression. You’ll learn relaxation techniques that can reduce stress and anxiety, helping you to feel more calm and centered. You’ll also be able to identify and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your depression.
    3. Healing Trauma: Depression can sometimes be triggered by past trauma or negative experiences. Hypnotherapy can help you address these underlying issues and develop the tools you need to move past them. By releasing emotional blocks and healing old wounds, you can begin to feel more positive and hopeful about the future.
    4. Improving Self-Esteem: Depression can often lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth. Hypnotherapy can help you improve your self-image and cultivate a greater sense of self-love and self-acceptance. By reprogramming your subconscious mind with positive affirmations and beliefs, you can begin to see yourself in a more positive light.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, depression is a debilitating mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While medication and talk therapy are commonly prescribed treatments, hypnotherapy can also be a valuable tool in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to depression. By working with a qualified hypnotherapist, individuals can tap into their subconscious mind to uncover and reframe negative thought patterns, improve self-esteem, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. With commitment and persistence, hypnotherapy can be an effective complement to traditional treatments in managing and overcoming depression. It is important to seek professional help and support when dealing with depression, and hypnotherapy can be a valuable resource in this journey towards healing and wellness.

    If you feel hypnotherapy may be able to help you on tackling depression, my name is Neil Cox and I’m based in Cornwall but also deliver therapy worldwide using online video consultations. Click the link below to book your first step towards creating a more fulfilling and positive life..

  • Anxiety disorders

    Anxiety disorders

    What is Anxiety?

    Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it can become a disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United Kingdom, affecting 8 million adults in any given year.

    There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics.
    • Panic disorder: This is characterised by sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic that are accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
    • Social anxiety disorder: This is characterised by a fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.
    • Specific phobias: This is a fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or public speaking.

    Anxiety Symptoms

    The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the type of disorder, but some common symptoms include:

    • Worry: This is the main symptom of anxiety. It can be about anything, but it is often about things that are out of your control.
    • Physical symptoms: These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and sweating.
    • Avoidance: People with anxiety disorders often avoid situations that they fear. This can lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life.
    • Changes in behaviour: People with anxiety disorders may also experience changes in behaviour, such as fidgeting, pacing, or having trouble concentrating.

    Causes of Anxiety

    The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, but there are a number of factors that may contribute, including:

    • Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component.
    • Brain chemistry: People with anxiety disorders may have imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
    • Life experiences: Traumatic or stressful life experiences can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

    Treatment for Anxiety

    There are a number of effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including:

    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people to change the way they think about and react to anxiety-provoking situations.
    • Exposure therapy: This type of therapy involves gradually exposing people to the things that they fear in a safe and controlled environment.
    • Medication: There are a number of medications that can be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.
    • Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses relaxation and suggestion to help people change their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with other treatments.

    Hypnotherapy can help with anxiety in a number of ways. It can help people to:

    • Relax and reduce their anxiety levels.
    • Change their negative thoughts and beliefs about anxiety.
    • Learn coping skills to manage their anxiety.
    • Access their subconscious mind to address the root cause of their anxiety.

    Hypnotherapy can be a good option for anxiety, and a helpful treatment for people who are struggling with this condition. If you are considering hypnotherapy for anxiety, it is important to find a qualified hypnotherapist who has experience working with anxiety disorders.

    Living with Anxiety

    Anxiety disorders can be a very challenging condition to live with, but there are a number of things that people can do to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include:

    • Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mood, both of which can help to manage anxiety symptoms.
    • Getting enough sleep: When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and anxiety.
    • Practicing relaxation techniques: There are a number of relaxation techniques that can help to reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
    • Support groups: Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be very helpful. There are many support groups available for people with anxiety disorders.

    Conclusion

    Anxiety disorders are a common and serious mental illness, but they are treatable. If you are struggling with anxiety, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to you.