Counselling, Hypnotherapy , Emotional Freedom Therapy, and
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Could our dogs teach us strategy?
Karen Hemmings • 12 August 2019
Seizing Opportunity
While walking with my dog this morning, I was struck by his profound animal instincts and his ability to take in everything around him using all of his senses to make the most of every opportunity. As he walked along I watched him sniffing, watching and pricking his ears, moving from pavement to feeling the grass beneath his feet and when the opportunity arose, grabbing long grass in his mouth and devouring its juiciness, before I could pull him away. A bit further on, in true dog fashion he made a dart to roll in a cowpat - not quick enough though, as now I was aware of the opportunity and was one step ahead. Saved from the hose for another day!
In NLP and hypnotherapy practices we learn to utilise our senses and their submodalities to enhance our experiences, embed affirmations and open opportunities by creating shortcuts in our brains. In contrast we can reduce the impact of fears and phobias by identifying causes and reprogramming memories by turning down the impact of the same submodalities.
By using these submodalities and by heightening our senses, we can also develop a better understanding of others' communication patterns and preferences and by tuning in we can reduce misunderstandings, improve relationships and even be top on the list in an interview or business presentation, to seize our own opportunities.
These and other NLP strategies can also help if there is a family member, friend or colleague that you are not getting on with, if the job you really want keeps evading you, or if you are feeling indecisive and need support to make a strategic change in your life.
As for the dog, well he managed to 'read' a local walker correctly and sidled up to him to say hello, this resulted in receiving two dog biscuits. Opportunity seized!
If you'd like to find out more about positive changes you could make through NLP, hypnotherapy or Reiki then please get in touch with
karen@thehealingmind.co.uk or message me through Facebook@thehealingmind.co.uk
The Healing Mind - helping you be your best through clarity, confidence and change.
The Healing Mind provides a range of Counselling and Hypnotherapy services in Gnosall, Stafford, as well as Reiki, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).
As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it's essential to remember that caring for your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Mental fitness is about cultivating a healthy, balanced mindset that empowers you to handle life's challenges. This year, the 2024 World Mental Health Day theme is focusing on mental health in the workplace. With increasing demands, deadlines, and pressures in the modern work environment, it's more important than ever to take steps to protect and nurture your mental well-being at work. Whether you're experiencing stress, burnout, or difficulty balancing personal and professional life, this is a reminder that you're not alone—and it's okay to seek help. How You Can Help Yourself: 1. Set Personal Boundaries : Be aware of your own needs and know when to switch off from work and prioritise time for yourself. 2. Practice Self-Care : Regular breaks, go for a walk instead of working your breaks, mindfulness, and engaging in activities that relax you can improve mental fitness. 3. Reach Out for Support : Sometimes, overcoming workplace stress requires professional guidance. Counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, and emotional freedom therapy and other talking therapies can provide tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that arise in work settings. This World Mental Health Day, prioritize your mental fitness. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect time to take the first step towards healing, reaching out for support can transform your journey. I'm here to help you unlock your full potential and achieve lasting emotional well-being. If you would like to find out more about how therapies could help you , then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here, or alternatively please email karen@thehealingmind.co.uk .
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Each of us is a unique individual with distinct experiences, challenges, and paths to well-being. Understanding this uniqueness is essential when seeking mental health support, as different therapies resonate with different people. I offer a range of services, including counselling, hypnotherapy, emotional freedom therapy, and Reiki Healing, to cater to various needs and preferences. Counselling provides a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, offering clarity and strategies for managing life's challenges. It is ideal for those who benefit from talking through their issues with a trained professional who can offer insights and coping mechanisms. Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind to address deep-seated issues and alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour. This method is particularly effective for clients who are open to exploring their inner mind and harnessing the power of suggestion to facilitate change. Emotional Freedom Therapy focuses on processing and releasing pent-up emotions, stresses and traumas that can hinder personal growth. This approach is suited for individuals who recognise the impact of unresolved emotional pain and are ready to confront and heal these feelings. Reiki Healing, an energy-based practice, promotes relaxation and reduces stress through gentle touch. This therapy is perfect for those who seek a holistic approach to mental health, valuing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. During therapy you are encouraged to choose the therapy that best aligns with your personal preferences and needs. Some people may find a single approach sufficient, while others may benefit from a combination of therapies to achieve holistic well-being. By acknowledging your unique differences, you can each find a path to mental health that truly resonates with you. If you would like to find out more about how therapies could help you , then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here.
Why Do People Procrastinate? As a counsellor, I often see clients struggling with procrastination. It’s a common challenge that affects productivity and well-being. If you’re reading this, you might be seeking answers and solutions to overcome this habit. Understanding why we procrastinate is the first step toward change. Three significant factors often at play are perfectionism, fear of failure and fear of rejection. Perfectionism involves setting excessively high standards for yourself, leading to an all-or-nothing mindset. You might delay starting tasks because you fear you cannot complete them perfectly. This fear of not meeting your own or others’ expectations can paralyse you, causing avoidance of tasks altogether. The desire to produce flawless work and homelife creates immense pressure, making it difficult to begin or finish projects. Fear of failure and fear or rejection are other critical components. Many people procrastinate because they dread the possibility of failing or receiving negative feedback. This fear can stem from past experiences of being overly criticised, or if doing something wrong led to criticism or disappointment. The anxiety associated with rejection can be so overwhelming that procrastination becomes a coping mechanism, providing temporary relief from stress. How Counselling Can Help I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore underlying fears and perfectionistic tendencies which will empower you to find solutions, foster self-awareness, self-acceptance, and effective action. I can help you to navigate setting realistic goals, break tasks into manageable steps, and develop a more compassionate self-view. This shift can reduce the pressure to achieve perfection and make it easier to start and complete tasks. I understand how challenging procrastination can be, but with the right support and tools, it is possible to break free from this cycle. If you would like to work together to understand and overcome procrastination, leading to increased productivity and improved mental health, then please get in touch.
The top picture is me, on a day off jumping out of an aeroplane to raise money for a local hospice. Normally I’d be helping clients to achieve their goals in life, whatever they may be. You too can unlock the power within you through person-centred counselling, it’s a transformative approach designed to help you achieve true happiness and self-fulfilment which places you at the heart of the therapeutic process, recognising your innate ability to understand and resolve challenges best. Imagine having the freedom to navigate your own journey to happiness. As designer Diane von Furstenberg wisely said, "You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness." With person-centred counselling, this powerful insight becomes your reality. You will uncover the strength within you to create meaningful changes and achieve profound self-acceptance. I support people with several transformational therapies including counselling, hypnotherapy and emotional freedom therapy, where I provide a understanding, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment so you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. This safe space empowers you to discover your own solutions and paths to personal and career or business growth, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-direction. Imagine having the freedom to navigate your own journey to happiness, where carrying the passport to your own happiness becomes your reality. I will be by your side so you can uncover the strength within you to create meaningful changes and self-acceptance. If you would like to take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future and unlock the true potential within you, then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here.
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Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing which offers numerous benefits for overall wellbeing. By channelling universal life force energy through the practitioner's hands, Reiki promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and alleviates anxiety. It enhances the body's natural healing abilities, aiding in pain management and accelerating recovery from illnesses and surgeries. Reiki also balances emotional and mental health, fostering a sense of peace, clarity, and emotional stability. Regular sessions can improve sleep quality, boost immune function, and increase overall vitality. Because Reiki's has a non-invasive nature, it makes it suitable for all ages and conditions, providing a gentle, holistic approach to health. This ancient practice supports personal growth and spiritual development, helping clients to connect with their inner selves and cultivate a positive mindset. Overall, Reiki offers a comprehensive, integrative method to enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. If you would like to book a Reiki appointment, you can click the button below and book at an available date and time that suits you best. Or if you would like to find out more, then please get in touch.
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Photos by Majestic Lucaz and Caroline Veronez on Unsplash In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to feel invisible and unheard, where your presence and voice seem to fade into the background. This sense of invisibility can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, affecting your mental and emotional well-being. However, counselling offers a beacon of hope, providing a safe space where you feel seen, heard, and understood. This transformative process can profoundly impact your life, fostering recognition and understanding. Counselling creates an environment of empathy and support, where you are encouraged to express your thoughts and emotions freely. As a trained counsellor I listen attentively, validating your experiences and helping you navigate through your feelings. This validation is crucial as it acknowledges your struggles and triumphs, making you feel valued and important. The act of being heard can be incredibly therapeutic, alleviating feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of connection. One of the significant benefits of counselling is the development of self-awareness. Through guided conversations, we can explore your thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental setting. This exploration helps you gain insights into your patterns and triggers, empowering you to make positive changes. Understanding yourself better can lead to improved self-esteem and confidence, as you recognize your strengths and work on your challenges. Additionally, counselling provides practical tools and strategies to cope with life's difficulties. Whether dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I can offer you techniques to manage these challenges effectively. Learning coping mechanisms can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, making it easier to navigate daily life. Counselling also promotes personal growth and development. Working towards your goals, can help you achieve a sense of accomplishment and purpose, fostering resilience and motivation, encouraging you to strive for a fulfilling and balanced life. Counselling can be a powerful tool that helps you feel seen and heard, transforming feelings of invisibility into recognition, understanding and confidence. It fosters self-awareness, provides coping strategies, and promotes personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life. If you ever feel invisible or unheard, consider reaching out to me, you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation by clicking the button below. It could be the first step towards feeling valued and understood.