Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy blog by Octagon Wellbeing. Online and face to face therapy.

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  1. Online hypnotherapy - what do I need?

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    One of the great things about any online therapy is that it's so convenient. There's no travel time, no time spent looking for car parking spaces or walking to your appointment in the cold and rain and no missed appointments because you're traveling for work. You just need a few bits in place to make a hypnotherapy session work for you from virtually anywhere in the world. 

    Online therapy checklist

    Essentials for an online hypnotherapy appointment 

    A stable internet connection 

    A device with a camera and sound you you can see and hear your therapist.

    Be able to avoid distractions.  To get the most out of your therapy session you'll want to be able to focus on it and feel relaxed. You'll want to start with having a quiet place. Complete silence isn't essential, you'll be surprised how easy it is to ignore general traffic sounds ouside.  However, if you're at home you might find it difficult to ignore conversations happening in the next room  Likewise you'll want to be able to relax, you don't need to create a full zen garden style space but you might find sitting next to a pile of washing that needs sorting or a mountain of paperwork staring at your a distraction.  Try and be somewhere you feel you can focus on your session.

     

    Optional extras for an online hypnotherapy appointment 

    Be comfortable - with talking therapy a basic chair is ok but in hypnotherapy you'll probably want to relax a bit more so make sure you have somewhere comfortable to sit, a sofa, comfortable armchair or even on a bed with pillows to support you are good options.

    A little extra time either side of appointment - Although one of the great things about online therapy is no travel time you might still want to have a bit of time before and after the session. If you work from home you might find you scheduled your hypnotherapy session in the middle of your day.  This isnt a problem at all but if you're coming straight from a work meeting even just five minutes before your therapy session can help east the transition from work to therapy. Afterwards it's useful to take some time to reflect on what was discussed and what insights you gained and just enjoy the feeling of being calm and relaxed after hypnotherapy. 

    A blanket - Not essential but it might make your session more comfortable. You'll be sitting down for an hour so you'll want to make sure you don't get cold.  

    If you're looking to book an online session with me I offer online therapy appointments over Zoom or face to face appointments from my home in Ely in Cambridgeshire.  Head over to my contact page to get in touch.

  2. Why Ignoring Your Mental Health Could Be Costing You More Than You Think

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    As a society we’re so much more aware of the importance of maintaining our physical health - what we’ve done to support it that week or what we “should” be doing more of. But what about our mental health? Do we ever stop and ask ourselves what we’ve don’t for our mental health and what we could be doing more of? 

    The Importance of Mental Health 

    Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall health and state of wellbeing in which we can realize our own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, build healthy relationships and contribute to our community. It encompasses the critical factors which are fundamental in our overall health and quality of life. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, and they can impact our ability to function in our personal and professional lives. We often overlook our mental health in the short term, missing early warning signs or pushing them aside to deal with later only for them to worsen and cause greater problems in the long run. 

    Mental health problems can manifest in a variety of ways, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. These conditions can be debilitating and can have a significant impact on our ability to function in our daily lives. Ignoring the signs of mental health problems can lead to more serious issues down the road, and it is essential to seek help when necessary. 

    The Cost of Ignoring Mental Health 

    Ignoring mental health can be costly in many ways. Poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, relationship problems, difficulty at work, and financial stress. Mental health problems can also affect our ability to make sound decisions and trigger substance abuse and addiction.  

    Ignoring mental health can also have long-term consequences. The stress and anxiety associated with mental health problems can lead to chronic health problems, including autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and digestive issues. These conditions can be expensive to treat and can have a significant impact on our quality of life. 

    Common Mental Health Problems and their Impact on Long-Term Wellbeing 

    Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health problems. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry and fear, while depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. Both conditions can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing and can lead to physical health problems, relationship problems, and difficulty at work. 

    Bipolar disorder is another common mental health problem. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, including periods of mania and depression. These mood swings can be severe and can have a significant impact on our ability to function in our daily lives. 

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another common mental health problem. It can occur as a result of experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. It can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of anxiety and depression. 

    How You Can Support Your Mental Health 

    There are numerous ways you can support your mental health such as regular exercise, spending time outside, surrounding yourself with loved ones or taking time to pause and relax. These are often the things we used to do without question as a child but seem to fall by the wayside in adulthood where busy schedules and responsibilities mean we often forget to priorities them. Therapy also is a powerful tool for addressing mental health problems both big and small. It can help you better understand their thoughts and feelings and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety. Therapy can also help individuals develop better communication skills and build healthier relationships. There are many different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Each type of therapy is designed to address specific mental health problems, and it is important to work with a therapist who has experience in treating the particular condition you are dealing with. As a CBH therapist I combine the talking therapy side of cognitive behavioural therapy with hypnotherapy and work with people with a range of problems; if you’re unsure if we can work together don’t hesitate to get in contact.