top of page

What makes you happy

At the start of every day how do you feel when you wake up? I know for me personally i am half asleep, wanting a coffee, and feeling optimistic thinking about what the day is going to bring. It's not always been this way for me. There was a time in my life when i dreaded waking up every day, as i battled with depression. But even when i was going through my darkest times, looking back now i know there was always moments in my day when i would smile, or sometimes laugh.

The point i am trying to make in this blog, is that no matter how low you feel there is always something that will bring on a smile. Whether that's a funny moment you have seen whilst watching the TV, or someone saying something that makes you laugh, maybe just being out in the fresh air with the sun shining can bring on that all important smile. 

So, what makes you happy, I mean truly happy?. My happiness comes when i sing, i absolutely love belting out a tune. My family make me happy, they can drive me mad at times, but they also make me laugh really hard. whatever it is that brings about your smile, do it more often. And if you really want to help yourself, keep a journal of all the things that have either made you smile or laugh in your day. 

As a society we have got used to so much doom and gloom that we automatically focus on what is negative in our lives. So let's flip that on it's head, and start focussing on the good stuff. 

The roof over your head

The body that carry's you from a to b

Your family

And most important your health

Now is the time to start being truly happy, and appreciate the little things in life

New Year New Start. New Year Resolution

New Year Resolution Taking you in a new direction

As we move into 2023 we start to think about the changes that can be made to our lives

Maybe you want to lose weight

Stop Smoking

Become more confident

Beat a fear or phobia

Get rid of the anxiety that has been holding you back in 2022

Beat an addiction

Cut down on your alcohol intake

All of the above intentions are real, but why is it that most of our intentions are gone 

by January or February? 

Well, humans are creatures of habit, and when the going get's tough 

our resolutions are harder to maintain, and so we revert to our old and trusted ways

because that is where our comfort zone is

But it does not have to be like this in 2023, because therapy can give you the focus you need to stick to your goals, and help you to stay on track no matter what your resolutions are. 

So this New Year, forget sitting back and only thinking about those changes and resolutions, but take that first step to becoming the best you in 2023

Cool down as the temperature rises

Helping you cool down as the temperature rises

Temperatures are rising in the UK, and all over the world due to climate change 

I have seen a spike in clients struggling more with sleep ,and stress since the hot weather kicked in. i noticed even in myself my mood had changed, i have been feeling really agitated, and my clients have been mentioning the same thing.


 We are aware of seasonal affective disorder, this is when peoples moods change in the winter due to a lack in serotonin, once the sun comes out your serotonin rises, and our mood gets better. But what about how are moods are affected in the summer? In the summer months our cortisol hormone rises, and in turn causes us to become angry, grumpy, and agitated, and on top of this effects our sleep”.


I started wondering how i could help everyone to cool down in this heat, as a hypnotherapist i know that using your imagination, whilst in a state of induced relaxation by focusing your attention works wonders, so i have introduced a technique to cool everyone down,  It is so easy that anyone can do it.


Not only will the recording cool you down in this heat, but it will reduce your stress levels, and help you have a better nights sleep.

To access my free summer cool down recording got to: www.essex-hypnosis.co.uk/downloads

Essex-Hypnosis Blog

An ongoing series of informative entries

Fixing sleep issues

Our Latest Blog Entry

5 May 2021

Fixing Sleep Issues with the Power of Hypnosis

As we come out of the other side of the pandemic

It has affected many of our daily routines, and one of its biggest reported impacts has been that on sleep - sleep becomes more elusive when we are anxious.

Many people are suffering sleep issues for the first time in their lives:

• awake for long periods

• unable to fall asleep at all

• wake up several times during the night

• more intense and emotional dreams

• tired and groggy the next morning

• find it difficult to concentrate or function properly

• feel irritable

But good sleep stratagems will help you sleep well and can limit the negative effects of poor sleep.

Try these FIVE hints for calmer and better sleep.

1 Limit news intake and avoid your mobiles and tablets for at least an hour before bed

Do something to boost your mood before bed - a humorous television programme or an uplifting podcast can help you sleep

2 Have structure to your day

Our brains and bodies love structure. Wake, exercise, eat and sleep at similar times each day

3 Focus on your breathing

Think about resting rather than sleeping. Follow your breathing by silently whispering the words ‘in’ and ‘out’ to induce sleep.

4 Learn to relax

Relaxation can switch off the stress response, physically and mentally. Find something that works for you - mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing or a long hot bath.

5. If you can’t sleep - get out of bed

Your bed should not be a battleground. Instead, try to enjoy the sensation of merely resting.


Hypnosis can help many forms of sleep issues.

If you are not sleeping well, and traditional treatments are not working, hypnosis may be able to help you sleep the way you deserve.

It uses different approaches to induce relaxation, such as focused attention, symptom control and guided imagery.

And, unlike sleep medications, it has no side effects, so it can be an aid for those who can’t or don’t want to take sleeping pills.

It can help overcome bedtime restlessness - ease the worry, tension and anxiety that prevent sleep - and can show the way to the deep, restorative sleep that we all need.

To get started, download this complimentary hypnosis recording. And take the first steps on the road to better sleep!

Click on the link below for your free sleep recording

Search
novalewis6

Empowering Children Through Therapy: How a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist Helps Kids Overcome Anxiety, Self-Harm, and More

Childhood can be a wonderful, joyful time, but it can also be filled with challenges that can seem insurmountable, especially for children struggling with mental health issues. In my role as a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist specialising in children aged six and up, I work with a broad range of emotional and behavioural concerns. These include anxiety, self-harm, body image issues, confidence and self-esteem, fears and phobias, fussy eating, and even the alarming rise in childhood suicidal ideation.

Children often don’t have the language or emotional tools to express their inner worlds, which is where therapy becomes essential. Let me take you through some of the areas I work with and the therapeutic approaches I use to help children regain control over their lives and build resilience.


Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children can manifest in various ways—constant worry, difficulty sleeping, reluctance to attend school, or physical symptoms like stomach aches. My therapeutic approach to childhood anxiety includes a combination of


psychotherapy and hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can be incredibly effective in helping a child develop calming techniques and create a mental ‘safe space,’ while psychotherapy encourages them to express their fears, identify triggers, and learn coping mechanisms. Play therapy can be particularly helpful for teaching children that their worries can be managed and overcome.


Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts

The issue of self-harm and suicidal ideation among children is deeply concerning. It's vital to approach this from a place of empathy and care. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool here, allowing the child to access underlying emotions and release suppressed feelings safely. This is paired with psychotherapy that delves into understanding what might be driving these harmful behaviours. Whether it’s overwhelming emotions or a lack of coping mechanisms, my work focuses on offering children new ways to express their pain and teaching emotional regulation skills.


Safety planning, family therapy, and ongoing emotional support are integral parts of addressing childhood suicide and self-harm. Creating an environment where children feel understood and not judged is critical for their healing process.


Body Image Issues

In today’s media-saturated world, body image issues are starting earlier than ever, with children as young as six struggling with how they look. Low self-esteem and body image concerns can lead to disorders such as disordered eating or depression. Through hypnotherapy, I help children foster self-acceptance and build a positive relationship with their bodies. Visualisations and guided imagery can allow children to mentally shift how they perceive themselves.


Psychotherapy offers a space to explore where negative body image beliefs stem from, whether it's peer pressure, media influences, or family dynamics. Together, we work on re-framing negative thoughts and building self-compassion. My goal is to support children in recognising their worth beyond appearances.


Neurodiversity Support

Children with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing issues often face additional challenges. These children can struggle with emotional regulation, anxiety, and social skills. Hypnotherapy, when used appropriately, can help neurodivergent children manage overwhelm by teaching relaxation techniques and improving focus.


Play therapy and behavioural strategies are integral to understanding and accepting neurodiversity while supporting the child’s development in areas of social interaction, learning strategies, and managing sensory overload. I also work closely with parents to create environments that celebrate their child’s unique strengths.


Confidence and Self-Esteem Building

Low confidence can affect a child’s ability to try new things, build relationships, or feel secure in themselves. Through confidence-building exercises integrated into psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, I help children uncover their inner strengths. Guided imagery in hypnotherapy can assist children in visualising success in situations they find challenging—whether it’s speaking up in class, making new friends, or pursuing hobbies.


Positive affirmations, goal-setting, and recognising personal achievements are key elements in building a strong sense of self-worth. Play therapy can help younger children express and understand these feelings through a medium that feels comfortable to them.


Addressing Fears and Phobias

Fears and phobias are common in children but can sometimes grow to be paralysing. Whether it’s a fear of animals, heights, or the dark, these anxieties can impact a child’s daily life. Using desensitisation techniques in psychotherapy combined with hypnosis to create calm and control, children can gradually face and overcome their fears. I work through the emotional root of the phobia, teaching the child that fear doesn’t have to control them.


Fussy Eating

Picky eating can often be a sign of underlying anxiety or sensory sensitivities. Play therapy is useful here for younger children, helping them express their food-related anxieties in a creative and non-threatening way. Additionally, hypnotherapy can be employed to encourage a more positive relationship with food and alleviate anxieties about trying new foods. Together with the family, i develop strategies to make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.


A Holistic Approach to Therapy

In my practice, no issue is treated in isolation. Often, children’s challenges overlap—an anxious child may also struggle with self-esteem, a child with neurodiversity might experience heightened fears, and a child battling body image issues may also be fussy about food. By addressing the whole child, incorporating both the mind and body, my therapeutic approach is personalised to meet each child’s specific needs.


Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some children, play therapy may unlock their ability to talk about their feelings. For others, hypnotherapy might be the key to overcoming deeply embedded fears. The important thing is providing a safe, non-judgmental space where children feel heard, understood, and empowered to heal.

If your child is struggling with anxiety, self-esteem issues, self-harm, or any of the challenges mentioned above, know that help is available. Through compassionate, tailored therapy, i can help children reclaim their joy, confidence, and the ability to live full and happy lives.

3 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Post a Comment

Name*

Email Address*

Message*

Thank you for contacting us. We will get back to you as soon as possible

bottom of page