Polyvagal Theory was created and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges (1994). It emphasises the role of the autonomic nervous system, especially the vagus nerve in regulating our health and behaviour. The theory describes the physiological and psychological states which underlie our daily behaviour as well as challenges related to our mental health and well-being. Emotional regulation and stress reduction are cornerstone benefits of applying Stephen Porges theory. His approach o

Fatigue may be a symptom of a normal reaction to a busy life. It is when fatigue becomes persistent and chronic that it becomes a problem. It may be a symptom of other emotional or physical problems. It is also common during the menopause, when women may be chronically deprived of sleep due to night sweats and insomnia. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a state of extreme physical and mental fatigue that disrupts normal life. As well as abnormal tiredness , lack of energy,

Most people can relate to feeling tense, uncertain and, perhaps, fearful at the thought of sitting an exam, going into hospital, attending an interview or starting a new job. This type of short-term anxiety can be useful. Feeling nervous before an exam can make you feel more alert and enhance your performance. However, if the feelings of anxiety overwhelm you, your ability to concentrate and do well may suffer. The 'fight or flight' reflex Anxiety and fear can protect you

Helping others can be fulfilling but constantly doing so without consideration for your own wellbeing can lead to exhaustion, low self-worth and even resentment towards yourself and others. There are practical steps you can take to reduce these tendencies. Why is this pattern playing out? People - pleasing often functions as a subconscious protective mechanism, rooted in a deep -seated need for acceptance and validation. By understanding the motivation behind your peopl

Everyone has at some time experienced a worry, fear, or anxiety, but the experience varies greatly from one person to another. Fears and anxieties have shared features that are recognised by professional therapists. Fears are part of our life experiences but if they become too intense, they may develop into a phobia about something. A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear or aversion which tends to centre on an object or situation. The experience for the individual is oft

Dreams hold messages from the deepest levels of the unconscious. Dream symbolism is a pathway into the unconscious for Freud and Jung but they view the function of dreams differently. The Freudian view is that analysis and interpretation of a dream can enable the client to reveal what lies at the depth of his/her psychic distress. Freud also asserted that dreams are disguised ‘wish fulfilment’ that may hold trauma, anxiety, or sexual desire. Dreams also have manifest and

I offer EMDR therapy as a first line treatment for trauma and this therapy is highly regarded and evidenced based treatment that gives significant results after a few sessions. I am fully qualified Analytical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist, with a Diploma in EMDR and registered with the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Health Care Council). EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment method that was developed by a clinical psychologist

Most people can relate to feeling tense, uncertain and, perhaps, fearful at the thought of sitting an exam, going into hospital, attending an interview or starting a new job. This type of short-term anxiety can be useful. Feeling nervous before an exam can make you feel more alert and enhance your performance. However, if the feelings of anxiety overwhelm you, your ability to concentrate and do well may suffer. The 'fight or flight' reflex Anxiety and fear can protect you fro

A client emailed me recently via the Hypnotherapy Directory, seeking help and support and it was a cry from the heart. This was her plea. “I do not know where to start! I would really be grateful for your support and to chat to you about how I feel. I am worried all the time as the news is so bleak!” This type of cry for help is becoming more common as we are all faced with escalating costs of living, energy price rises, economic turmoil due to falling wages leading to incre

In today's fast-paced world, many people are seeking ways to heal from trauma and find inner peace. Two powerful methods gaining...

In a world where mental health and physical well-being are increasingly recognized as interconnected, hypnotherapy has emerged as a powerful tool for many. For those in the LGBTQ community, finding supportive and understanding healthcare options can be a challenge. This blog post explores how hypnotherapy can provide somatic pain relief in a safe and affirming environment. Hypnotherapy is often misunderstood. Many people think of it as a stage act, where a person is made to c

Trauma can leave deep scars on our minds and bodies. Many people seek various methods to heal these wounds. Among these methods, hypnotherapy and crystal therapy have gained popularity. Both approaches offer unique benefits and can complement each other in the healing process. In this post, we will explore how hypnotherapy and crystal therapy work, their benefits, and how they can help in healing trauma. Understanding Trauma Trauma is a response to a distressing event. It can