Living the Optimist's Life: Finding and Maintaining a Sense of Purpose and Meaning

Nearly 20 years ago, I was anticipating the retirement of my boss and the ending of my career as an executive administrator in the legal industry. Way too young to retire myself, I had a choice to make about the uncertainties in my future. Should I focus on all the difficulties surrounding the pursuit of a new job, retraining, workplace discrimination, etc. (choosing pessimism). Or, could I visualize and focus on a path to use my skills, intuition and special talent for listening, to serve people in positive, new ways (choosing optimism).

My journey into hypnotherapy began after a personal experience with hypnosis that transformed my life. This experience ignited a passion within me to help others harness the power of their minds.

Cinda Roffman Hypnotherapy has been serving clients for more than 16 years now. Over the years I've had the privilege of guiding so many of you to improve your lives as you discover your sense of purpose and meaning. Today, I want to share insights on how maintaining a sense of purpose can enrich your life and how hypnotherapy can be an invaluable tool in this journey.

The Importance of Purpose and Meaning in Your Life

Purpose and meaning are essential components of a fulfilling life. They provide direction, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. As we age, maintaining a sense of purpose becomes even more crucial. It helps us navigate the transitions and challenges that come with aging, such as retirement, health changes, and shifts in social roles.

Research has shown that having a sense of purpose is associated with numerous benefits, including better physical health, lower risk of cognitive decline, and increased longevity. A sense of purpose can enhance our emotional well-being, making us more resilient in the face of life's inevitable difficulties.

Finding New Passions and Pursuits

Later life can be a time of discovering new passions and pursuits. It's never too late to explore new interests, learn new skills, or embark on new adventures. In my practice, I've worked with many clients who have found renewed purpose in activities they never imagined they would enjoy.

For instance, one client, after retiring from a long career in fashion, discovered a passion for wine. She fully embraced her new interest and now exhibits at wine events all over the state. This not only gave her a new hobby but also a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Personally, I love working in my garden. It's a practice that connects me with nature, provides a sense of tranquility, and gives me a daily sense of purpose. Each plant I nurture and each bloom I witness brings me immense satisfaction and reminds me of the beauty of growth and change.

Practical Strategies for Maintaining Purpose

Here are some practical strategies drawn from both my personal and professional experience, to help you maintain a sense of purpose and meaning in your life:

1. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests: Take time to reflect on what truly excites and interests you. Whether it's a hobby, a cause, or a new skill, pursue activities that ignite your passion.

2. Set Meaningful Goals: Setting goals gives you something to strive for and a sense of direction. These goals can be big or small, short-term or long-term. The key is that they are meaningful to you.

3. Volunteer and Give Back: Volunteering is a powerful way to find purpose. Helping others can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and connection to the community.

4. Connect with Others: Building and maintaining relationships is essential for a sense of purpose. Engage with family, friends, and community groups to stay connected and involved.

5. Lifelong Learning: Never stop learning. Whether it's taking a class, reading books, or exploring new technologies, continuous learning keeps your mind active and engaged.

6. Embrace Change: Be open to change and new experiences. Sometimes, purpose is found in unexpected places, and being flexible can lead to new and fulfilling opportunities.

Using Hypnotherapy to Discover and Reinforce Purpose

Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool in discovering and reinforcing your sense of purpose. Through hypnotherapy, you can access your subconscious mind, where deep-seated beliefs and desires reside. This can help you uncover passions and interests that you may not be fully aware of.

In my practice, I've guided clients through hypnotherapy sessions designed to help them explore their inner selves and identify what truly matters to them. These sessions often involve visualizations and affirmations that reinforce their sense of purpose and motivate them to pursue their goals.

Conclusion

Maintaining a sense of purpose and meaning is crucial for a fulfilling life. By reflecting on your passions, setting meaningful goals, and embracing new experiences, you can enrich your life and find deep satisfaction.

Hypnotherapy can be a valuable tool in this journey, helping you uncover and reinforce your sense of purpose As a hypnotherapist, I've seen the transformative power of purpose in my client’s lives and in my own.

I encourage you to explore these strategies and consider hypnotherapy as a way to enhance your journey toward a purposeful and fulfilling life. Together, we can unlock the potential within and embrace the beauty of life with grace and optimism.

When you are ready to work with me as your certified, professional hypnotherapist, I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation

Sincerely,

CInda

HypnoNews and Resources

For further reading, please see the following review of research studies about therapy to help promote healthy well-being, especially among older adults, and a blog about finding your purpose from a London based hypnotherapist’s perspective.

Psychological Interventions for Well-Being in Healthy Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-022-00497-3

Uncovering Your Life’s True Purpose through Hypnotherapy: Finding Your Passion

https://cityhypnosis.com/find-purpose-in-life-with-hypnosis/

The 5 Secrets for Finding/Cultivating Gratitude – The GReatest Attitude for Your Life

September 21 is World Gratitude Day. An existing client came to me with a new issue.  She had received a difficult medical diagnosis.  She was concerned about her family and how she and they would cope over the coming years.  It was affecting her sleep. She kept ruminating on what the future held for her and her family.  We came up with a set of affirmations to help her with a more positive outlook.  I reminded her of the value of gratitude.  When she couldn't sleep, I suggested she focus on what she is grateful for instead of what the future may hold.  In our initial conversation, I always suggest that clients write what they are grateful for each day as they write their affirmations at night.  Just making this small change in our mindset can be immensely helpful.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small. It’s more than just saying "thank you"—it’s a mindset that can transform your outlook, emotions, and overall well-being. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering an attitude of abundance, positivity, and connection.

The Benefits of a Gratitude Mindset

Cultivating gratitude has been shown to have immense psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. People who regularly practice gratitude report:

• Improved mental health: Less anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Enhanced emotional resilience: A better ability to cope with challenges.

• Stronger relationships: Increased feelings of empathy and compassion for others.

• Better physical health: Reduced blood pressure and improved sleep.

• Increased happiness: A heightened sense of contentment and life satisfaction.

Expressing Gratitude with Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful tools for reinforcing a gratitude mindset. By regularly expressing gratitude through positive statements, you begin to rewire your brain to focus on the positive. Affirmations act as reminders that gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice—a way of living.

Here are 5 examples of positive affirmations for gratitude:

1. "I am grateful for the abundance in my life, and I welcome more every day."

2. "Every day, I find new reasons to appreciate the people around me."

3. "Gratitude fills my heart, and I am thankful for both small and big blessings."

4. "I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way, and I trust in life’s flow."

5. "I attract positivity and joy by embracing a gratitude-filled mindset."

The 5 Secrets to Finding/Cultivating a Gratitude Attitude

1. Affirmation
   Affirmations are the foundation of cultivating gratitude. By repeating gratitude-focused affirmations, you begin to integrate this attitude into your subconscious mind. Affirmations like, "I am thankful for the good in my life," shift your perspective, helping you stay present and appreciative even during challenging times.

2. Journaling
   Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the most effective ways to deepen your gratitude practice. Set aside a few minutes each day to write down things you’re thankful for. This could be anything from a supportive friend to a sunny day. Over time, journaling shifts your focus to the positives in life, even when things are tough.

Tip: To enhance the journaling process, ask yourself reflective questions like, “What is one thing that went well today?” or “Who am I grateful for and why?”

1. Daily Reflection
   Gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with daily practice. Carve out a few moments at the end of each day to reflect on the good things that happened, no matter how small. Whether it’s a kind word from a stranger or a productive workday, taking time to acknowledge these moments can reframe your mindset towards optimism.

Tip: During reflection, also think about challenges you faced and how they contributed to your growth or learning. Finding gratitude in difficulties helps develop resilience.

1. Setting Gratitude Goals
   Just like setting goals for career or fitness, you can set goals for practicing gratitude. This could include writing in your gratitude journal five times a week, sharing your appreciation with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness techniques focused on gratitude. The key is to make it intentional and measurable.

Tip: Start with small goals, like listing three things you're grateful for each morning. Gradually, you’ll notice an increase in your overall happiness and satisfaction.

1. Sharing Your Gratitude
   Gratitude thrives when shared. Expressing your appreciation for others strengthens relationships and spreads positivity. This could be as simple as sending a heartfelt note to a friend or colleague, or publicly acknowledging your gratitude in a social media post.

Tip: Consider keeping a “Gratitude Calendar,” where each day you make a point to share your appreciation with someone different in your life. The act of spreading gratitude creates a ripple effect of positivity.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Cultivate Gratitude

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help you unlock a deeper sense of gratitude by working with your subconscious mind. Often, our ability to feel gratitude is blocked by limiting beliefs, unresolved emotions, or mental habits that keep us stuck in negativity. Through hypnotherapy, you can reprogram these barriers, allowing gratitude to flow more freely into your life.

Here’s how hypnotherapy supports the cultivation of gratitude:

1. Releases Negative Thought Patterns: Hypnotherapy can help you identify and replace ingrained thought patterns that focus on lack, scarcity, or negativity. It creates space for gratitude to enter by shifting these patterns toward positivity and abundance.

2. Develops Mindfulness: During hypnotherapy sessions, you are guided into a relaxed state of heightened awareness. This allows you to become more mindful of your thoughts, emotions, and actions, making it easier to recognize moments for gratitude throughout your day.

3. Deepens Self-Awareness: Many people struggle to cultivate gratitude because they are not fully aware of their own emotional needs and desires. Hypnotherapy can help you connect with your inner self, providing clarity on what truly matters to you and igniting a deeper sense of appreciation for your life.

4. Supports Affirmations: When working with a professional hypnotherapist, your gratitude-focused affirmations can be amplified, making them more effective. The state of hypnosis opens your mind to positive suggestions, reinforcing affirmations and making them a natural part of your mindset.

5. Addresses Emotional Blockages: Sometimes past trauma or unresolved emotions can make it difficult to feel gratitude. Hypnotherapy helps uncover and heal these blockages, allowing you to experience gratitude with a fuller, more open heart.

Conclusion

Gratitude is indeed the greatest attitude—one that transforms lives, relationships, and even health. Whether you are just beginning your gratitude journey or seeking to deepen your practice, these five secrets can help you cultivate a more fulfilling, gratitude-filled life. If you find it challenging to maintain a gratitude mindset due to emotional or mental blocks, working with a professional hypnotherapist can provide the tools and support you need to tap into the healing power of gratitude. Hypnotherapy offers a path to unlock your potential for gratitude, fostering a more positive, joyful, and balanced life.

When you are ready to work with me as your certified, professional hypnotherapist, I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation

Sincerely,

Cinda

 HypnoNews and Resources

 For further reading about World Gratitude Day and the scientific evidence for the positive effects of gratitude, please see the following:

World Gratitude Day – Founder and Official Site

https://www.srichinmoy.org/service/united_nations/world-gratitude-day

Effects of gratitude intervention on mental health and well‐being among workers: A systematic review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8582291/

The 411 on 9/11 Trauma: How Hypnotherapy Can Help

A Personal Story

September 11th is a day that holds a profound significance for many of us, not only as a collective national tragedy but also as a deeply personal experience. I vividly remember the terror and helplessness of that day, especially as I waited for 48 agonizing hours to hear if my son, an NYU student living just four blocks from Ground Zero, was safe. Those hours felt like an eternity, filled with the weight of uncertainty, fear, and the relentless replay of “what if” scenarios in my mind. The moment I finally heard his voice, the relief was immense, yet the trauma of those hours lingered long after. This personal experience brought home the reality of trauma—not just for those directly in the midst of events but for anyone connected to the impact.

As a hypnotherapist, much of my work focuses on helping clients heal from similar emotional wounds. This article explores the nature of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and how hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in the healing process.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the emotional response to an overwhelming event that threatens your sense of safety and stability It can stem from a single event, like an accident or attack, or from prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances, such as abuse or living through a natural disaster. The effects of trauma are not limited to those directly experiencing the event; they can also extend to witnesses, first responders, and even loved ones who feel helpless and afraid.

Trauma can manifest in various forms:

• Acute Trauma: Results from a single distressing event.

• Chronic Trauma: Arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful events.

• Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, those who do may find their lives significantly disrupted by persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can affect people in different ways, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Re-experiencing Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event.

• Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or activities that trigger distress.

• Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from others, experiencing a lack of joy, or having difficulty connecting emotionally.

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach issues, and chronic pain can also be linked to unresolved trauma.

Hypnotherapy Techniques for Trauma and PTSD

Hypnotherapy offers several techniques that can be highly effective in addressing trauma and PTSD:

1. Regression Therapy: Helps you revisit the traumatic event in a safe and controlled manner, allowing your to reframe and release the emotional intensity associated with the memory.

2. Ego State Therapy: This technique works by identifying and addressing the various “parts” of the self that may be stuck in a state of trauma, helping to integrate these parts into a healthier, more cohesive self.

3. Guided Imagery and Visualization: These methods help you create mental images that promote healing, relaxation, and a sense of safety, countering the distress associated with traumatic memories.

4. Parts Therapy: Works by communicating with the different parts of the mind that hold trauma, helping to resolve internal conflicts and release suppressed emotions.

5. Anchoring Techniques: Creates a mental “anchor” that provides a sense of calm and control when triggered by stressors related to the trauma.

How Hypnotherapy Works to Help Heal Trauma

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained patterns and memories reside. In a relaxed, trance-like state, the mind becomes more open to suggestion, allowing the hypnotherapist to help you reframe traumatic experiences and reduce their emotional impact.

Key ways hypnotherapy aids in trauma healing include:

• Releasing Emotional Pain: Hypnotherapy provides a safe space to process and release trapped emotions without reliving the trauma in a distressing way.

• Reframing Traumatic Memories: By altering how traumatic memories are stored and perceived, hypnotherapy helps reduce their power and emotional charge.

• Building Resilience: Hypnotherapy instills positive coping mechanisms and reinforces a sense of control and safety, empowering you to handle future stressors more effectively.

Benefits of Working with a Professional Hypnotherapist

Working with a professional hypnotherapist offers numerous advantages:

• Tailored Approach: A skilled hypnotherapist can customize techniques to suit your unique needs and experiences, making the healing process more effective.

• Safe Environment: Professional hypnotherapists create a non-judgmental, supportive space where you can explore your trauma at your own pace.

• Long-term Healing: Hypnotherapy addresses the root causes of trauma, promoting deep and lasting healing rather than just masking symptoms.

Conclusion

Trauma, whether experienced directly or indirectly, leaves a profound impact on our lives. My personal story of waiting anxiously for news about my son on September 11, 2001, is just one example of how deeply trauma can affect us, even when we are not directly in harm’s way. Hypnotherapy offers a powerful pathway to healing, helping you process, release, and ultimately overcome the emotional scars of traumatic experiences. As we remember and honor the resilience of all those affected by 9/11, let’s also acknowledge the importance of seeking help and taking steps toward healing. Hypnotherapy may be the key to unlocking a more peaceful, resilient future.

If you would like to work with me as your certified, professional hypnotherapist, I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

CInda

HypnoNews and Resources

For additional reading on  how hypnotherapy can help with trauma and symptoms of PTSD, please see the following:

Can Hypnotherapy Help with Trauma?

https://psychcentral.com/health/hypnotherapy-trauma

The Five Symptoms of PTSD and How Hypnotherapy Helps

https://www.wellness-institute.org/blog/the-five-symptoms-of-ptsd-and-how-hypnotherapy-helps

Part 4: Harnessing the Power of Mindset: Stop Smoking Now with Help from Hypnotherapy

In 2021 the doctor told Karen’s husband that if he wanted to live for a few more years, he had to make some significant changes in his eating and lifestyle.  That was all Karen needed to hear.  She revamped their eating, changing to homecooked, organic ingredient meals.  They started walking every night.  There was only one more hurdle – she had been a heavy smoker for 35 years.  She had tried to quite smoking before, she wanted to be a good example for her grandsons whom she watched 3 days a week.  She called me, explained the situation and asked if I could help.  Absolutely, I said and we started to work on her smoking.  I used the 3 session protocol I always use:  #1 Get ready to quit and pick a quit date, #2 Quit and #3 Seal in that she will never smoke again. I am happy to report that after three years, Karen is still smoke-free.

This final installment of the mindset series explores the transformative journey of smoking cessation and how hypnotherapy can provide invaluable support in breaking free from nicotine addiction.

Understanding Smoking Cessation Goals: Smoking cessation goals are centered around ending the harmful habit of tobacco use and achieving lasting freedom from nicotine addiction. The most common reasons that people cite to stop smoking include:

1. Health Improvement: Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps you can take to improve your health and reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.

2. Enhanced Quality of Life: Breaking free from nicotine addiction can lead to improvements in physical fitness, energy levels, and overall well-being, enhancing your quality of life and longevity.

3. Financial Savings: Smoking cessation can result in substantial financial savings over time, as you no longer need to spend money on cigarettes or related healthcare costs.

4. Improved Social Relationships: Quitting smoking can lead to improved social interactions and relationships, as you no longer have to worry about the social stigma associated with smoking or exposing others to secondhand smoke.

5. Role Modeling for Others: Quitting smoking can serve as a positive example for friends, family members, and loved ones, inspiring them to prioritize their health and well-being.

The Smoking Cessation Mindset and the Mind-Body Connection:

Your mindset plays a crucial role in your ability to successfully quit smoking and maintain abstinence long-term. Through the mind-body connection, your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions can either support or hinder progress towards your smoking cessation goal. Here are the characteristic attitudes/beliefs associated with negative and positive smoking cessation mindsets:

Negative Smoking Cessation Mindset:

1. Fear of Withdrawal Symptoms: Anticipating withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, and anxiety, leading to avoidance of quitting or relapse.

2. Self-Doubt and Lack of Confidence: Doubting your ability to quit smoking successfully or maintain abstinence long-term, leading to self-sabotage and relapse.

3. Identification with Smoking Identity: Viewing smoking as an integral part of your identity or coping mechanism, making it challenging to envision life without cigarettes.

4. Negative Self-Talk: Engaging in negative self-talk or self-criticism related to past quit attempts or perceived lack of willpower, undermining motivation and resilience.

5. Social and Environmental Triggers: You feel triggered to smoke in social situations or environments associated with smoking, increasing your vulnerability to relapse.

Positive Smoking Cessation Mindset:

1. Commitment to Health and Well-Being:  You prioritize your health and well-being as primary motivators for quitting smoking and you embrace a proactive approach to self-care and longevity.

2. Belief in Personal Agency: Believing in your ability to quit smoking successfully and overcome challenges fosters confidence and determination.

3. Reframing Smoking Narratives: You challenge the narrative that smoking is pleasurable or beneficial and understand that cigarettes are toxic substances that undermine health and vitality.

4. Social Support and Accountability: You accept support from friends, family, or support groups and hold yourself accountable for your no smoking goal, fostering a sense of community and encouragement.

5. Celebrating Milestones and Progress: You celebrate milestones and progress along the quit journey, reinforcing motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.

Hypnotherapy for Smoking Cessation Mindset Transformation:

Hypnotherapy offers a unique approach to transforming the smoking cessation mindset, addressing underlying beliefs and emotions that may be perpetuating nicotine addiction. Through techniques such as relaxation, visualization, and suggestion, hypnotherapy can help you to:

• Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine dependence.

• Overcome limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns related to smoking cessation.

• Reinforce positive motivations and intentions for quitting smoking.

• Develop coping strategies for managing triggers, stress, and emotional cravings.

• Cultivate a deep-seated commitment to health and well-being, paving the way for long-term smoking cessation success.

Summary:

By harnessing the power of the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy empowers you to break free from the grip of nicotine addiction and embrace a smoke-free lifestyle.

Working together with your hypnotherapist using proven, researched based hypnotherapy techniques in a series of hypnosis and counseling sessions, you can discover/clarify your general physical health mindset and specific beliefs and concerns about your current smoking habits, establish and prioritize your no smoking goals, envision the thoughts, feelings and activities of an updated mindset that supports your goals, craft customized personal affirmations in alignment with your updated mindset, and  establish a daily affirmations and gratitude practice that reinforces your mindset, celebrates progress and propels you toward successful achievement of our your specific np smoking goal.

If you are considering working with me as your hypnotherapist, I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

 For a more detailed article that asks questions like why is it so hard to stop smoking, please see the following:

https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/stop-smoking-hypnosis

The Gift of Calm: Hypnotherapy Solutions for Holiday Overwhelm

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, festive decorations, and the promise of joy. However, for many, this time of year can also bring a sense of overwhelming stress and anxiety.

Last year, at the beginning of December, Pauline came to me wanting to lose weight and feel her best at her upcoming family and friends holiday party.  After her first visit we realized that there was more going on.  She was completely overwhelmed with her job, her young daughters, a busy husband and the accumulating pile of social obligations for the holiday season.  The first thing we did was come up with affirmations.  Her first affirmation:  I am my priority.  Since then, many clients have used this affirmation in conjunction with learning to cope with chronic overwhelm.  We also came up with effective strategies to help her manage her overwhelm in the moment

Pauline realized that once she looked at exactly what her priorities were, she was able to let go of the unimportant things in order to have time for the what mattered.  She got help with the girls after school, she no longer left work to take them home.  The au pair got them started with their homework, started dinner and started laundry.  When Pauline got home, she was able to leave work at work and focus on being with her family.  She was finally able to let go of some of the weight because she was no longer so stressed and eating for comfort.

As with everything in hypnotherapy, intention is key in making changes.  Just by understanding overwhelm, coming up with strategies to deal with it and utilizing hypnotherapy, holiday calm is possible.  I’ve also included some tips for successfully surviving holiday eating challenges (with thanks to Dr. Gail Jackson).

Understanding Holiday Overwhelm

Holiday overwhelm is more than just a fleeting feeling of stress. It's a complex interplay of emotional, social, and personal factors that can dampen the joyous spirit of the season. From the pressure of social obligations to the hustle and bustle of shopping, the sources of overwhelm are diverse and can impact individuals differently.

What Causes Overwhelm?

1. Social Expectations: The desire to meet societal expectations and create the perfect holiday experience can lead to overwhelming stress.

2. Time Constraints: Balancing work, family, and social commitments during a condensed holiday season can contribute to a feeling of being stretched too thin.

3. Financial Pressures: Gift-giving, travel, and hosting expenses can strain budgets, adding an extra layer of stress.

4. Emotional Triggers: Past holiday experiences or family dynamics can evoke strong emotions, contributing to overwhelm.

5. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in decorations, meals, and events can create unattainable standards, and consequently, stress.

When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

You might experience holiday season overwhelm in a chronic form that seems to go on for days on end. You might also feel overwhelmed in the moment or in specific situations. Here are some practical strategies you can use your self during the holiday season to cope with overwhelm in the moment.

1. Take time out to breathe and refocus

2. Get a change of scenery

3. Go for a short walk

4. Change your self-talk to positive statements and expectations

5. Take care of yourself first

6. Let go of things that don’t matter

7. Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or colleague to gain support

8. Avoid alcohol, drugs and junk food which are known contributors to depression

How Hypnotherapy Can Help    

Hypnotherapy provides a unique and effective approach to managing holiday season overwhelm.  By tapping into the power of the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can address the root causes of stress, reframe negative thought patterns, and promote a sense of calm and balance.

1. Stress Reduction: Hypnotherapy techniques such as progressive relaxation and guided imagery can induce a deep state of relaxation, helping individuals manage stress more effectively.

2. Cognitive Restructuring: Hypnotherapy can challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, promoting a more positive and realistic mindset.

3. Time Management: Hypnotherapy can assist in improving time management skills, enabling individuals to prioritize tasks and create a more balanced holiday schedule.

The Role of Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful antidote to overwhelm. Amidst the chaos, taking time to reflect on the positive aspects of the season can shift the focus from stressors to the blessings that surround us. Hypnotherapy sessions can incorporate gratitude exercises, fostering a mindset of appreciation and reducing the impact of stressors.

Fostering a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset during the holidays involves:

1. Realistic Expectations: Accepting that perfection is unattainable and embracing the imperfect beauty of the season.

2. Mindful Presence: Being present in the moment, savoring the joy of shared experiences, and letting go of worries about the past or future.

3. Self-Compassion: Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that it's okay not to do everything perfectly.

4. Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries to protect personal time and well-being, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable holiday season.

Holiday Party Eating Tips

1. Eat small meals throughout the day and before attending a holiday gathering

2. Drink 1 glass of water for every alcoholic drink 

3. ALWAYS leave something on your plate…..The clean plate club is no more!

4. Use the smallest plate available for your nibbles

Conclusion

This holiday season, consider giving yourself the gift of calm. Through hypnotherapy, you can transform the way you experience the holidays, managing overwhelm, and fostering a positive mindset. Embrace the joy of the season, cultivate gratitude, and let the gift of calm be your guide to a more meaningful and fulfilling holiday celebration.

If you or someone you know is feeling the weight of holiday season overwhelm, consider hypnotherapy and the transformative power of your subconscious mind to help you through the holidays and beyond. 

I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or call me at 818-929-4944

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Modern brain research has led to the creation of a new field known as neuropsychology and therapists known as neurodivergent therapists. For a neurodivergent therapist’s enlightening perspective on coping with holiday season overwhelm, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/as-a-neurodivergent-therapist-cope-holidays-8406224

For up to date statistics on the prevalence and distribution of holiday season stress in America please see the following:

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress  

Something Different This Year. Holiday Gift Giving. Where to Start?

As the holiday gift giving season approaches, my thoughts turn to what are the best gifts to give to family and friends.  The usual platitudes float through my head – It is better to give than receive, it doesn’t matter what you spend as long as the gift is personal and the best gifts are from the heart.

I’d like to propose something different this year.  Start with yourself.  What gift could your give yourself that would really make a difference in your life?  It could be as simple as treating yourself to Starbucks or getting a mani/pedi.  The important thing is how it makes you feel. It could be something big as well, planning that trip you’ve wanted to do for so long or buying that one piece of furniture you’ve been longing for.  It could also be something less concrete – taking yourself on a spa day or signing up for a self-improvement class.  

What’s my special gift to myself?  Calling the plumber and getting my bathroom sink fixed so it drains properly.  It frustrates me every time I use it and I want to release that negative energy.  We can let ourselves get caught up in negative trivia when it may be very simple to fix the problem.

The point of starting with yourself is that then you will have more to give to others. Your energy level .will be higher and more positive.  It may be easier to find that special gift for someone.  You might chat with your friends and decide you would rather spend time together doing a fun activity than giving each other gifts this year. 

This year before you get into the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping and making yourself crazy, take a moment and think about what you really want.

As always, if I can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. (818-929-4944)

This holiday season, may you be blessed with time to cherish loved ones, joyous melodies to dance to, lyrics of hope to sing, and the courage to move forward into the new year with confidence and clear purpose.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Starting with yourself is labeled by various writers and researchers as a form of Self-Giving. For some added perspective on benefits of Self-Giving and Self-Care you might appreciate the following articles:

https://www.pottsmerc.com/2021/12/10/gift-yourself-this-holiday-season-to-practice-self-care/

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/the-psychology-behind-gift-giving-and-generosity/

For a fascinating look at the neurologic and psychological benefits of generosity to others this article describes what studies of generosity in the human brain are revealing:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/a-neuroscientist-explains-why-its-better-to-give-than-to-receive

Five Suggestions for Practical Ways to Be Grateful

A very Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.  I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for our connection and how very much I appreciate that you have allowed me to join you on your journey to better health.  Please enjoy the day with your friends and family and consider carrying the practice of gratitude with you throughout the coming year.

Five Suggestions for Practical Ways to Be Grateful

Choose Gratitude

Gratitude is a choice. It's not automatic. So, choose to recognize when you feel appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude. And remember, embracing feelings of gratitude can be good. But choosing to express that gratitude can be FAR better.

Make Time for Gratitude

Daily gratitude won't happen if you don't make time for it. Reserve a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to reflect on what you're thankful for that day. Then, find some small way to show your appreciation, even if you're the only one who sees it.

Write a Gratitude List

Writing down what you're thankful for means taking stock of the good things in your life. Whether or not you share that list with anyone, writing it lets you see many things that bring you joy all at once. That gives you perspective and makes it easier to embrace gratitude every day.

Write Gratitude Notes

Gratitude notes don't have to be elaborate or super formal. Just take a few minutes and write about how you appreciate someone or what they did for you. Whether that's on a sticky note, in an email, or in a card, it can brighten your day and someone else's.

Pay It Forward

Do someone a favor or give to a cause you care about. Giving back and supporting what brings you joy can be deeply meaningful.

May you and yours be blessed with a day of peace, joy, and grateful connections

Sincerely,

Cinda

The Last Resort Zone - A Habit Cough or Somatic Cough Syndrome Story

Clients say all kinds of things when they first come to see me seeking help with a challenge they are experiencing or a change they want to make:

“I haven’t been able to get a good night’s sleep for years.”

“I just want to be free of the chains of smoking.”

“I’m so anxious since Covid, I can’t drive on the freeways.”

One of my favorite comments is, “I’ve tried everything else, doctors, therapists, acupuncture, reiki, TV remedies, you are my LAST RESORT.”

I had a client like this a few months ago.  He had had a cough for over twenty years and he had tried everything, including most recently, the Mayo Clinic.  He had entered what I call the LAST RESORT ZONE. His cough was serious, it seemed to start at the bottom of his chest and come all the way up.  He would have to pause, take a few minutes and have something to drink to calm down the cough.

Along the way, he had learned all about coughing.  In the medical / psychology literature, the terms Habit Cough or Psychogenic Cough have been in use since at least 2004. More recently (2015) the term Somatic Cough Syndrome was introduced. Some common causes of coughs include:

• upper respiratory infections

• asthma

• allergies

• post nasal drip

• pneumonia

• pollution

Testing can confirm or rule out these causes. However, when testing does not confirm an underlying cause, Habit Cough might be the diagnosis by exclusion.

In our first session we reviewed his history of tests and attempts to resolve the coughing; I explained how hypnotherapy works; we came up with a set of affirmations for him; we established an anchor he could use when he felt the urge to cough and I hypnotized him.

He came in for his next session a few weeks later, very surprised. His cough was gone. Gone!

Three key take-aways from this story:

• When medical diagnostic testing has ruled out underlying causes for a recurring physical symptom like a cough or stomach ache, the symptom may have become a subconsciously triggered habitual behavior for you

• Evidence based research has shown that hypnotherapy can often help to improve or even fully resolve such habits

• While it is recommended that other types and causes of coughs be ruled out first by appropriate testing, you don’t necessarily have to enter the LAST RESORT ZONE before you give hypnotherapy a try.

Is there something you have been struggling with and have not been able to take care of with traditional methods or therapies?  Why not give hypnotherapy a chance?

Sound interesting? Give me a call 818-929-4944 to set up a session or join my free Hypnotherapy Q & A every Wednesday at 10 am PST.

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more information, please refer to the following excellent articles covering the history, research, diagnosis and treatment of Habit Cough, Psychogenic Cough and Somatic Cough Syndrome.

 How do you treat habit cough with hypnosis

https://www.centerpointmedicine.com/blog/how-do-you-treat-habit-cough-with-hypnosis

Somatic cough syndrome or psychogenic cough – what is the difference?

https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/12440

Management and Diagnosis of Psychogenic Cough Habit Cough and Tic Cough

https://www.academia.edu/15584481/Management_and_Diagnosis_of_Psychogenic_Cough_Habit_Cough_and_Tic_Cough

How Hypnotherapy Can Help with Substance Dependency

My flight home from Dallas was delayed due to an incoming tornado, so I decided to get a glass of wine in the bar. The first fun thing that happened was that I was asked for my ID.  I am way older than 21 but it sure felt good! 

Then, the gentleman sitting next to me started a conversation.  We started with the weather and then he joked, “Kinda funny, I’m sitting here with a beer and a whisky waiting for my plane to rehab.”  I must admit I was a little surprised but they had told him that whatever it took for him to get on the plane was fine, as long as he made it to rehab. 

He easily shared a little about his life. He had been drinking heavily for 34 years. He had 2 granddaughters, 1 and 3, and said he wanted to live to see them go to prom. When he talked to his family about stopping drinking, they were ALL quick to encourage him.   He had some doubts he could make it through rehab. I kept telling him I know you can do this. That seemed to help. I hope he makes it.

While substance abuse is out of scope for my work in hypnotherapy with clients, I can help with changing mindsets – encouraging clients on their rehab journey.  Affirmations can be a great help in changing your mind about who you are with and without substances.      

If you are dependent on addictive substances to help you relax or enjoy life, you may have a problem.  Along with your treatment, hypnotherapy can provide alternative ways of coping, feeling better about yourself in social situations and dealing with difficult situations.

Using addictive substances can also be an attempt to cope with a traumatic event in your life.  Again, hypnotherapy can provide another way of viewing that event, making it less impactful on your daily life.

I also encourage weight loss clients to carefully monitor their alcohol intake.  Alcohol consists of empty calories and can reduce your willpower when watching what you eat.

If you would like to discuss how hypnotherapy might be helpful on your journey, please reach out. Call for a free consultation (818-929-4944) or join my free Hypnotherapy Q & A every Wednesday at 10 am PST.

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Here are some articles with more information:

What to Know About Hypnosis for Alcoholism

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-to-know-hypnosis-alcoholism

Hypnosis Won’t Make You Stop Drinking Overnight, but It May Help

https://www.healthline.com/health/substance-use/hypnosis-for-drinking

Unwanted Food Cravings - Emotional Freedom Technique - Healthy Weight Management

Rachel had always fought to keep her weight under control. After years of yo-yo dieting her frustration level was higher than ever when she finally sought help from a therapist. Asked what she saw as her biggest challenge, she responded Anything Chocolate! She felt that her craving for chocolate was a 10 on a scale of 1-10.

As part of a hypnotherapy guided weight management program, she learned and experienced EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique or tapping) to eliminate her craving for chocolate. After one session she found that chocolate no longer held any special allure for her. With her chocolate craving eliminated, she began shedding unwanted weight and reached her healthy weight goal several months later.

Compared to a normal, non-specific  feeling of hunger (‘I need to eat something soon’), a food craving is usually defined as a strong, immediate urge to eat a specific food (‘I need my chocolate bar now’).

Your craving may come to mind seemingly out of the blue or it may be triggered by a variety of physical or mental/emotional factors. Emotions are one of the biggest contributing factors to specific food cravings.

If a specific craving is making it difficult for you to achieve and maintain your healthy weight goal, your craving may be mainly triggered by negative emotional factors such as

• chronic stress

• anxiety

• frustration

• anger

• sadness

When a craving arises you have a few basic responses you might choose from:

• Indulge in the craving (eat your favorite chocolate bar that you always carry with you or stock in the pantry at home)

• Eat a healthy snack ‘instead’ (and wait for the craving to pass)

• Distract yourself with some other non-eating physical or mental activities and let the craving dissipate (but no guarantees on when and how often it will come back)

Cravings are usually ‘satisfied’, one way or the other, in 10 to 20 minutes. However, research tells us that

• Regularly choosing the indulge response can have negative short term and long term consequences for your heath and weight goals

• The healthy snack and distraction responses both require constant disciplined effort to follow and can be frustrating and exhausting in themselves

Wouldn’t it be exciting if you could learn a way to seriously reduce the intensity and how often a craving comes up and even prevent it from arising in the first place?

You can!

If you want to reduce or prevent cravings for specific unhealthy foods, a trained  EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner can help you with that goal.

What is EFT? 

EFT is a proven, evidence based therapy technique that involves concurrently

• tapping on certain meridians, or energy pathways of the body

• acknowledging and accepting the craving

• affirming your self-acceptance and self-worth

EFT can be used for changing habits, weight loss, sports performance, eliminating fears, and changing negative thought patterns.

When I teach this technique to my clients, I tap along with them.  We say together the issue we are trying to change or correct while tapping at specific points on the face and upper body.

Used in conjunction with a hypnotherapy guided weight management program, I find EFT very effective in helping clients to control their cravings and reach their healthy weight management goals.

If this is something of interest to you, please give me a call (818-929-4944) or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q & A. Register here: 
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkd--rrz4oGdUY2gJJ5gp07WDIkkz3sz6g

Sincerely,

Cinda

HYPNONEWS and RESOSURCES

For an in depth review of the uses and effectiveness of EFT please see the following article:

Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Psychological and Physiological Conditions

https://www.scirp.org/html/35751.html

For a good overview of methods to help you manage food cravings in general, please see the following:

How do you manage food cravings?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322947

How to Choose the Right Hypnotherapist For You

As part of my training to become a hypnotherapist, I had to choose a mentor.  All the teachers at HMI were available as mentors, it was part of their job as teachers.  I took a while to decide.   When I finally did, I chose Cheryl because she was the teacher I could most closely relate to.  We are about the same age, she had had another career before becoming a hypnotherapist and she genuinely liked helping others.  I liked how she treated her students, her calm, gentle manner was very inviting.

Personal transformation is a common goal these days.  Changing what you think and what you do can bring about transformation.  Sounds simple but it is not that easy to achieve.  A hypnotherapist can help by accessing your subconscious mind (80% of your mind) and helping you to focus it on your conscious goals.  This makes achieving those goals much easier.          

How do you choose the best hypnotherapist for you?  Here some items to consider:

• Where did they go to school? How long was the training?

There are many “hypnotherapy schools” some offering a certificate in as short a time as a weekend. Hypnosis Motivation Institute, where I went to school is a yearlong program with almost 800 instructional hours, including an internship program.  It includes classes on counselling as well as an introduction to many different modalities.

• What additional training do they have?

I am trained and certified in many different techniques and areas:  Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), Therapeutic Imagery, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Weight Management, Coping with Loss, Hypnotherapy for Clients with Cancer, Preparing for Surgery, PTSD, Sports Performance, Fears and Anxieties, Smoking Cessation, and Hypnosis and the Special Needs Child.

• What is their certification? 

I am a certified hypnotherapist, certified by Hypnotherapist Union of the AFL/CIO #472.  I am on the board of the Union and we are very careful to only certify hypnotherapists who have extensive training.  We have a code of ethics and continuing education requirements.

• What is their specialty?

While I do see clients for a variety of issues, I specialize in weight management, anxiety, insomnia, test preparation and sports performance.

• How are they rated on Yelp, Google and LinkedIn? 

Ratings can be an important tool with objective ways to rate performance. 

• What is their website like? Does it include testimonials, areas of experience and a blog?

Again, one more tool to help you understand more about the person you are choosing.

• Do they offer a free consultation?

Choosing a hypnotherapist is a very personal decision.  Getting the chance to know, like and trust them before engaging with them is important.  You want to be able to relate to the person you will be working with.  Are they able to listen and really hear what you are saying?

If you would like to talk about working together, call now to arrange for a free, private, online video consultation - 818-929-4944.

The Dog Ate My Focaccia - Coping with Stress and Anxiety

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my friend and neighbor, Judy, and her house full of adult children.  I talked about how she had decided to take advantage of this special time with them and embrace the opportunity to develop an adult relationship with her children and her daughter’s fiancé, Jon. I talked about how well it was working out.  That was a few weeks ago.  One evening the fiancé made a delicious focaccia as a treat after dinner.  He and Judy’s son, Mike, were setting up a projector and screen in the backyard to watch movies at night.  Meanwhile, Mike’s large greyhound decided to sample the focaccia cooling on the counter.  Jon was understandably angry that his hard work had been destroyed.  He went straight to bed and the night was ruined.  Good news, 24 hours later everyone is getting along again.

What can we learn from challenging situations?  Judy said that her kids learned to be more respectful of each other and each person’s needs.  Jon now is careful about where he leaves his baked goods to cool.  Mike is more conscious of where his dog is roaming.  Out of this situation, everyone learned to be more aware.

We are all in a challenging situation right now.  What can we each learn going forward?  Two important things I would encourage you all to consider are 1) taking care of yourself and 2) being willing to ask for help when needed.

Remember the airline analogy:  Put your own oxygen mask on first.  You can’t help someone else if you are passed out.  This translates directly into our lives right now.  Take care of your needs so that you can take care of others.  Put on your mask! Not only does it protect you but it also protects others.  What other self-care do you need right now?  Is it finding a good book to read? Going for a walk? Taking a nice long bath? Getting up a little earlier so you have some alone time?

If you find yourself in a place where you are having trouble coping, do not be afraid to ask for help.  I am here and seeing clients for online hypnotherapy.  If I cannot help you, I can help you find someone who can or maybe an online support group.  You do not have to go through this alone. You could arrange for you and a friend (or group of friends) to have a weekly zoom call.  Meet up with masks and social distancing outdoors.

Let’s look at this challenging situation and see what we can learn from it that will help us going forward.

Personal transformation through hypnotherapy offers an effective, comfortable and drug free choice for dealing with stress and anxiety, managing weight, changing habits, improving health, and achieving self-development goals. To schedule a free, private online consultation please call 1-818-929-4944.

Online Hypnotherapy vs. Hypnotherapy In-Office.

Hypnotherapy, whether in-office or live, online, always starts with you. It rests on the personal relationship between you and your therapist. Communication, compatibility and trust are the required foundation for that relationship. However, face to face meetings are not a necessary ingredient for a successful hypnotherapy experience.

 Does Hypnotherapy Work Virtually?

The short answer is yes. Before the pandemic many local clients came into my office for sessions but I’ve also been doing live, online, phone and video based sessions for years. Here is one very successful story of a client who was helped.   

The client was a manager for a large tech company in Silicon Valley who was required to travel for business.  Her finance also wanted to take her to Europe and South America for fun.  Problem?  She was afraid to fly because she was scared of people (or herself) vomiting.  This is actually not an uncommon fear.  Over a series of 6 sessions we figured out where that fear came from – an incident in her childhood - and worked to help her release that fear.  All sessions were conducted live, online and I never met her face to face.  She was able to easily travel for work and she and her boyfriend have now visited several countries.

Another successful client who was helped with online hypnotherapy actually lived locally. However, after a long day at the office, she wanted the freedom to do sessions while at home.  She was working on improving her health and landing her dream promotion at her company.  Through hypnotherapy and positive affirmations, she succeeded at both. Her promotion enabled her to work worldwide and have the flexibility she needed to be able to focus on her health.  

6 things that you can do to make your virtual therapy sessions more effective

1.      Consider using a therapist not in your area but who may be a good fit for your issue.  Virtually it doesn’t matter where the therapist actually is.

2.     Test the technology before your first scheduled session. Desktops, laptops, cell phones, with cameras all can work.

3.     Get to know your therapist by engaging in a pre-session consultation call.

4.     Choose and prepare your home environment so that you have a quiet, comfortable location.  Typically my clients use bedrooms or offices, for the hypnosis part they use a recliner, a bed or a couch.

5.     Schedule your session for a time when you will have control of your environment.  Make sure it is quiet and you know you will not be interrupted.

6.     During the session, focus on using verbal cues instead of non-verbal ones.  For example, your therapist may not know that a question or topic is making you nervous because she will not be able to see that your legs are fidgeting.   Be clear and honest with your therapist about what you are feeling. It will be harder for her to read non-verbal cues.

Here are a couple of articles if you’d like more information about online or virtual sessions:

Does Online Therapy Work? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201911/does-online-therapy-work

Virtual therapy: What is it? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/virtual-therapy

 Why Your Shrink Wasn’t Offering Virtual Therapy Until Now https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/05/virtual-therapy-pandemic/611551/

Personal transformation through hypnotherapy offers an effective, comfortable and drug free choice for overcoming fears, changing habits, improving health, and achieving self-development goals. With online hypnotherapy you can access your personal hypnotherapist from the convenience of your home anywhere around the USA. To schedule a free, private online consultation please call 1-818-929-4944.