Looking For Love? Start With Yourself! Use Hypnotherapy As Your Guide.

My client did not know she was looking for love. Michelle came to me to lose 20 pounds.  She was in her late sixties, divorced with adult children.  As we talked, she said she would like to be in a relationship, but felt unattractive carrying the extra weight.  After working together, she lost the 20 pounds and had a different outlook on life.  She was happy with herself, maybe even loved herself, and was ready to look for a relationship.  We crafted the affirmation, “I am open to a positive, healthy, loving relationship.”  Guess what?  In a few weeks, she found her new someone and is now in a happy, healthy relationship.

Embarking on the journey to find new love is a transformative and exciting chapter in life. However, before seeking external connections, it's essential to turn the focus inward. In this article, we explore the profound connection between readiness, self-love, and attracting new love relationships. Discover the power of self-care practices, delve into the 5-stage theory of change, and understand how hypnotherapy serves as a guiding light on this extraordinary journey.

The 5-Stage Theory of Change: Before any significant life change, individuals often undergo a process that psychologist Prochaska termed the 5-stage theory of change. The stages are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The readiness to act stage, marked by a genuine intention to make a change, is the crucial precursor to finding new love.

Self-love is the cornerstone of a healthy and fulfilling life. It involves recognizing and appreciating one's worth, acknowledging personal needs, and treating oneself with kindness and compassion. In the context of finding new love, self-love becomes a magnetic force that enhances attractiveness and sets the stage for meaningful connections.

Examples of Self-Care Activities: Self-love is manifested through intentional self-care practices. These activities nourish the mind, body, and soul, fostering a sense of well-being and contentment. Examples include:

1.            Mindful Practices:  Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices promote mental clarity and emotional balance.

2.            Physical Well-Being:  Regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and sufficient sleep contribute to overall physical health and vitality.

3.            Creative Expression:  Engaging in activities that spark creativity and self-expression, such as art, writing, or music, fosters a sense of fulfillment.

4.            Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no when necessary and setting healthy boundaries preserves energy and promotes emotional resilience.

Positive self-care practices reinforce self-love in a continuous loop. As individuals prioritize their well-being, they cultivate a positive self-image and a deep sense of fulfillment. This, in turn, enhances attractiveness, creating a magnetic pull for potential new love relationships.

Hypnotherapy's Role in the Journey to New Love:

1.            Building Readiness:  Hypnotherapy assists individuals in navigating the readiness stage by addressing any subconscious barriers or fears that may hinder the pursuit of new love.

2.            Enhancing Self-Love: Through positive affirmations and guided imagery, hypnotherapy reinforces self-love, fostering a deep and lasting sense of worthiness.

3.            Transformative Mindset: Hypnotherapy helps individuals cultivate a mindset aligned with positive change, enabling them to approach the journey to new love with confidence and optimism.

4.            Stress Reduction and Emotional Resilience: Techniques such as stress reduction and emotional resilience building equip individuals with the tools to navigate the inevitable challenges of seeking new love.

5.            Visualization for Attraction: Hypnotherapy incorporates visualization techniques to help individuals visualize and manifest the qualities they seek in a new love relationship, creating a powerful magnetism.

As your hypnotherapist I can serve as an experienced guide on this transformative journey. Through tailored sessions, I provide support, tools, and insights to help you overcome obstacles, build readiness, and cultivate the self-love necessary for attracting and sustaining fulfilling new love relationships.

As you set forth on the path to find new love, remember that the most potent catalyst for meaningful connections lies within—ready yourself, practice self-love, and let hypnotherapy be your trusted guide on this extraordinary journey of transformation and love.

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

Once you find and are enjoying your new someone, you might begin to think about the longer term. For an excellent article exploring the importance of compatibility for long term relationships, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-you-and-your-partner-compatible-7562809/

Part 4: Ready-Set-Go: Achieving and Sustaining New Year's Resolutions With Your Hypnotherapist's Support

Jeff began his New Year’s Resolution journey on his own with no blueprint and no support. He was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and he needed to make changes in his diet and exercise practices to feel better and sustain his health. Using mostly will power he managed to achieve his target A1c level by mid-year. However, in late fall, cold weather and the onset of the holiday season’s food fests were challenging Jeff’s outdoor exercise practices and his diet.  He came to me for hypnotherapy help. We discussed the 5 stages of change theory and noted that he seemed to be at stage 5 (maintenance) in his journey. Following the blueprint for transformative resolutions with scheduled hypnotherapy follow-up support, we reviewed his goals, addressed his current challenges, planned and celebrated his success in maintaining his target A1c levels through out the winter and into spring of the next new year.

Part 4: Blueprint for Transformative Resolutions: Achieve and Sustain

In this final installment of our series, we lay out a comprehensive blueprint for your transformative journey toward achieving and sustaining your New Year's resolutions. This blueprint, informed by the synergy of readiness, SMART goals, hypnotherapy, positive affirmations, and visualization, guides you through each step of the resolution and maintenance process.

The Importance of Readiness to Change: Revisiting the Foundation

As we embark on crafting a transformative blueprint, it's crucial to revisit the cornerstone—readiness. The 5 stages of change theory, encompassing precontemplation to maintenance, underscores the evolution of readiness. Here's how it aligns with the blueprint:

• Readiness as a Driving Force: Throughout the transformative journey, readiness acts as a driving force. Revisit your initial commitment to change during moments of challenge, anchoring yourself in the firm foundation of readiness.

• Continual Growth: Recognize that readiness is not a one-time event but a continual process. Embrace the evolving nature of readiness as you progress through the stages of change.

Crafting SMART Resolutions: Building Clear Pathways

Building upon the foundation of readiness, SMART resolutions serve as the navigational markers on your journey. Each component of SMART contributes to a clear and achievable path:

• Specificity: Specific resolutions create clarity. Instead of a vague goal, articulate the specifics of what you aim to achieve. For instance, replace "exercise more" with "Walk an average of 11,600 steps per day every week."

• Measurability: Measurable criteria allow for progress tracking. Establish quantifiable metrics, ensuring that you can celebrate achievements and adjust strategies as needed.

• Achievability: Set goals that are realistic and attainable. While ambition is commendable, ensure that your resolutions align with your current capabilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

• Relevance: Align resolutions with your values and long-term objectives. A relevant goal resonates with personal aspirations, maintaining intrinsic motivation throughout the journey.

• Time-Boundedness: Establishing time frames adds a sense of urgency. Setting deadlines for milestones and overall achievement enhances focus and time management.

Building A Daily Affirmation Practice: Reinforcing Positivity

With SMART resolutions in place, the next step is to reinforce positivity through a daily affirmation practice. Positive affirmations become the motivational fuel that sustains your resolution journey:

• Consistency is Key: Regularly repeat affirmations to instill positive beliefs. Consistency deepens the impact of affirmations on the subconscious mind.

• Alignment with Goals: Craft affirmations that align seamlessly with your SMART resolutions. The synergy between positive affirmations and specific goals amplifies motivation.

• Morning Rituals: Incorporate affirmations into your morning routine. Starting the day with positive thoughts sets a constructive tone for the hours ahead.

• Evening Reflections: Conclude the day by listening to your hypnotherapy recording. Write your affirmations and what you are grateful for in your journal just before bedtime.

Adding a Gratitude Practice: Fostering Fulfillment

Gratitude, a powerful emotion, is an integral component of the blueprint. Cultivating gratitude enhances fulfillment, resilience, and overall well-being.

• Daily Gratitude Journaling: Dedicate time each day to journaling three things you are grateful for. This practice shifts focus to positive aspects, fostering a grateful mindset.

• Expressing Gratitude: Beyond personal reflections, express gratitude to others. This could be through notes, messages, or acts of kindness, deepening interpersonal connections.

• Gratitude as a Resilience Tool: During challenging moments in your resolution journey, revisit your gratitude journal. The positive emotions associated with gratitude act as a resilience tool.

Scheduled Follow-Up Sessions: Ensuring Sustained Success

The blueprint's final touch involves scheduled follow-up sessions with your hypnotherapist. These sessions play a pivotal role in refining goals, addressing challenges, and ensuring sustained success:

• Goal Review: Regularly review your SMART resolutions with your hypnotherapist. Adjust goals based on progress, challenges, and evolving priorities.

• Addressing Challenges: Use follow-up sessions to discuss any challenges encountered. Hypnotherapy provides a supportive space to explore and overcome obstacles.

• Celebrating Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements during follow-up sessions. Recognizing progress reinforces positive behavior and motivates continued effort.

Summary:

 As you embark on your transformative journey armed with the blueprint—rooted in readiness, guided by SMART resolutions, reinforced by daily affirmations and gratitude, and supported by follow-up sessions—remember that resolutions are not just about achievement but a journey of continuous growth. The synergy of these elements ensures that your resolutions not only endure but flourish, fostering a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Closing Thoughts

With the transformative blueprint in hand, you are poised to make this year your most impactful yet. The combination of clarity, positivity, gratitude, and ongoing support sets the stage for resolutions that go beyond mere accomplishment—they become a pathway to a more vibrant and fulfilling life. Ready, set, go—your transformative journey awaits.

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

A research study in 2020 investigated what resolutions people make when they are free to formulate them, whether different resolutions reach differing success rates, and whether it is possible to increase the likelihood of a resolution’s success through various types of support. Participants were placed in three groups: active control, some support, and extended support. At a one year follow-up, the group that got some support was “exclusively and significantly” more successful. Read the study here:

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097

Part 3 - Ready-Set-Go: Achieving and Sustaining New Year's Resolutions With Your Hypnotherapist's Support

Surveys tell us that a New Year’s Resolution to lose some weight is one of the top 3 resolutions that people make every year. One of my clients came to me last January wanting to lose 40 lbs. In our initial two sessions I worked with her to establish her readiness to make changes and to craft her resolutions in a SMART form. Then we began to apply the power of hypnotherapy, affirmations, and guided visualization to support her weight loss actions. By June she was well on her way. By year end she was down 27 pounds. Her resolution for 2024 is now to lose the remaining 13 lbs. by May 15th and then maintain her healthy new body weight forever more.

The Power of Hypnotherapy: Affirmations and Visualization for Success

Part 3 of this series, explores

• The transformative power of hypnotherapy

• Positive Affirmations

• Visualization techniques in the context of achieving your New Year's resolutions

• Understanding how your hypnotherapist uses these techniques to help propel you toward your goals and foster lasting positive change

Hypnotherapy's Transformative Influence

• Breaking Through Mental Barriers: Hypnotherapy serves as a potent tool for breaking through mental barriers that may hinder progress in achieving resolutions. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, hypnotherapy enables access to your subconscious mind, where ingrained patterns of thinking and limiting beliefs reside

• The Subconscious Mind: The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in shaping behavior. Hypnotherapy allows you to explore and reshape subconscious thought patterns, promoting a more positive and constructive mindset that supports goal achievement

• Challenging Negative Beliefs: Through guided hypnotherapy sessions, you can identify and challenge negative beliefs that may be rooted in past experiences or self-doubt. This process is essential for creating a mental environment conducive to success.

Understanding Affirmations

In my hypnotherapy practice I include the use of positive affirmations as an integral part of the process.

Affirmations are statements about yourself, your thoughts, beliefs and behaviors as you want them to be. They use positive, constructive words to state what you intend to be true when your have completed a personal change goal such as a New Year’s Resolution.

The word ‘affirm’ means to make firm. You can use written affirmations to make a goal or belief firm in your subconscious mind and bring it into forceful alignment with your conscious desire. Affirmations are a vehicle for change, for transformation, in your life.

Crafting Effective Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are written in the present tense as if the statements are true now. They usually begin with the words ‘I’ or ‘My’ and include positive feelings or actions. Here is an easy six step process you can use when crafting positive affirmations that will support achieving your New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Find a quiet, peaceful place where you can relax and work without distraction for a least 20 minutes

2.  Using a simple sheet of paper or notebook, consider and jot down several of your current issues, problems and goals for change

3. Select an issue that is important to you to work on first. Refer to part 2 in this series and render that issue as a SMART New Year’s Resolution

4. Write out some statements beginning with ‘I’ or ‘My’ and affirming your desired state/goal as true. Write them in the present tense, using positive feeling and action words. Keep going until you have seven to ten statements to work with

5. Read your statements out loud and notice which ones resonate strongly  and feel the most powerful and authentic for you

6. Pick the top three statements to use in beginning your daily affirmation practice in support of your New Year’s Resolutions

When I work with you on achieving your New Year’s Resolutions we use my book, New Power in Affirmations, to help you craft effective affirmations and establish a daily affirmation practice that powerfully supports your goals. I encourage my clients to write their affirmations in longhand every evening before going to sleep.

Instilling Confidence Through Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations, when integrated into hypnotherapy sessions, act as powerful catalysts for change. Here's how they work in tandem with hypnotherapy:

• Repetition and Reinforcement: Positive affirmations are repeated during hypnotherapy sessions to reinforce desired beliefs. Consistent repetition helps embed these affirmations in the subconscious, aligning the mind with the pursuit of resolutions.

• Cultivating Self-Belief: Hypnotherapy instills confidence by incorporating affirmations that cultivate self-belief. As you repeat and internalize these positive statements, you develop a stronger sense of self-efficacy and resilience.

• Aligning with Goals: Crafting affirmations that align with specific New Year’s Resolution goals ensures that the subconscious is focused on the desired outcomes. This alignment enhances motivation and commitment.

Visualization and Guided Imagery: Creating a Mental Blueprint

Visualization and guided imagery are powerful techniques employed in hypnotherapy to create a mental blueprint for achieving and sustaining your New Year’s Resolutions.

• Vivid Imagery of Success: Hypnotherapy sessions can guide you to vividly imagine yourself successfully achieving your resolutions. This mental rehearsal enhances motivation and primes the mind for success.

• Emotional Connection: Visualization allows you to connect with the emotional aspects of your goals. The positive emotions associated with success become powerful motivators, driving sustained effort.

• Overcoming Challenges: Through guided imagery, hypnotherapy helps you visualize overcoming challenges you may encounter on your resolution journey. This proactive visualization equips you with mental strategies for resilience.

Summary:

Hypnotherapy, when integrated with positive affirmations and visualization techniques, becomes a dynamic force in the pursuit of New Year's Resolutions. By breaking through mental barriers, instilling confidence, and creating a vivid mental blueprint for success, you are empowered to navigate your New Year’s Resolution journey with clarity and purpose.

Having harnessed the transformative power of hypnotherapy, join me in Part 4 as we craft a blueprint for your transformative journey—setting the stage for New Year’s Resolutions that not only endure but flourish.

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 Resosurces

For some additional ideas specifically focused on setting and crafting positive goal affirmations, please see the following:

https://rhythmsofplay.com/why-i-turn-my-goals-into-affirmations/

Part 2 - Ready-Set-Go: Achieving and Sustaining New Year's Resolutions With Your Hypnotherapists Support

Part 2-Understanding New Year's Resolutions-Crafting Meaningful Goals

Late last fall my husband and I got the exciting and joyful news that our daughter was engaged. A month or two later, while we were attending a 2 day business planning seminar, Burt surprised me by declaring to the whole room that his #1 goal for 2024 is to finance and host an extraordinary wedding event for our daughter in Dallas, Texas by June, 2024. Clearly, Burt has reached the readiness stage of the 5 stage theory of change model and apparently he knows something about the SMART methodology for better goal setting.

Part 2 of this series, delves into the intricate world of New Year's resolutions. Understanding the dynamics, categories, and success factors behind resolutions is crucial for crafting meaningful and achievable goals that stand the test of time.

Understanding New Year's Resolutions

As the calendar turns a new page, the tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions comes into focus. Resolutions are promises we make to ourselves—a commitment to personal growth, well-being, and fulfillment. To embark on a successful resolution journey, it's essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of this tradition.

Categories of Resolutions: Navigating Diverse Realms

Resolutions can span various aspects of life, reflecting the multifaceted nature of personal growth. Categories include:

• Health and Wellness: Resolutions related to physical health, exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being.

• Personal Development: Goals focusing on self-improvement, skill enhancement, and lifelong learning.

• Relationships: Resolutions centered around building and nurturing meaningful connections with others.

• Career and Finance: Aspirations for professional growth, financial stability, and career satisfaction.

Understanding the diverse categories allows individuals to tailor resolutions to their unique needs and priorities.

Types and Forms: Decoding Success Factors

Resolutions come in various types and forms, and understanding their success factors is key to achieving lasting change.

• Success Rates: Research suggests that resolutions related to health and well-being tend to have higher success rates. Understanding this can influence the selection of resolutions based on personal priorities and the likelihood of success.

• Abandonment Patterns: Statistics indicate that a significant number of resolutions are abandoned within the first few weeks of the year. Recognizing common abandonment patterns can help individuals develop strategies to overcome challenges and persevere.

• SMART Resolutions: Introducing the concept of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Crafting resolutions with these criteria enhances clarity, feasibility, and accountability.

Crafting SMART New Year's Resolutions

Crafting resolutions that adhere to the SMART framework is a practical and effective approach. This methodology transforms vague aspirations into concrete, achievable objectives.

• Specific: Clearly define the resolution. Instead of a broad goal like "exercise more," specify "jog for 30 minutes three times a week."

• Measurable: Establish quantifiable criteria to track progress. For instance, instead of "eat healthier," set a measurable target like "consume five servings of vegetables daily."

• Achievable: Ensure the resolution is realistic and attainable. Setting an achievable goal promotes a sense of accomplishment and motivates further progress.

• Relevant: Align the resolution with personal values and long-term objectives. A relevant goal resonates with individual aspirations, increasing commitment.

• Time-bound: Set a timeframe for achieving the resolution. A deadline creates a sense of urgency and helps manage time effectively. For example, "lose 10 pounds in three months."

 Practical Tips for Crafting SMART Resolutions:

• Reflect on Values: Consider what truly matters to you. Resolutions aligned with core values are more likely to be pursued with enthusiasm.

• Prioritize Realistic Goals: While ambition is commendable, resolutions should be grounded in reality. Gradual progress is sustainable and fosters a positive mindset.

• Break Down Complex Goals: If a resolution is complex, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Each small achievement contributes to the overall success.

Summary:

Understanding the diverse categories and success factors of New Year’s Resolutions, coupled with the practical crafting of SMART goals, lays the foundation for a purposeful resolution journey.

Having gained insight into the world of New Year’s Resolutions, join me in Part 3 as we explore the transformative power of hypnotherapy and how positive affirmations and visualization techniques synergize with resolutions, propelling you toward your goals.

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

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For a fascinating and informative article about the history and evolution of New Year’s Resolutions, please see the following:

https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions

Ready-Set-Go: Achieving and Sustaining New Year’s Resolutions With Your Hypnotherapist’s Support

My husband, Burt, was on his daily walk last week. He met a new neighbor, Jack.  They started talking. Burt wished him Happy New Year and asked him if he had any New Year’s resolutions.  Jack replied that he used to think he would be dead by 60. He has already survived cancer, a heart attack and COPD.  Now that he is past that, his resolution for 2024 is to stay healthy and enjoy another year of life.  Burt asked me how I would work with a client presenting with the goals to stay healthy and enjoy life.  I began to think about the New Year and setting goals and achieving them. 

Upcoming throughout January is a four part series that addresses these issues. Beginning with this part 1, the series will cover:

• Part 1: Readiness: The Gateway to Resolution Success explores the foundational concept of readiness, unveiling the stages theory of change and its pivotal role in initiating and sustaining transformative resolutions.

• Part 2: Understanding New Year's Resolutions: Crafting Meaningful Goals delves into the intricate world of resolutions, categorizing them, decoding success factors, and providing insights into crafting resolutions that are not only meaningful but also achievable.

• Part 3: Power of Hypnotherapy: Affirmations and Visualization for Success unlocks the transformative influence of hypnotherapy, positive affirmations, and visualization techniques, offering a dynamic approach to break through mental barriers and reinforce positivity.

• Part 4: Blueprint for Transformative Resolutions: Achieve and Sustain unveils a comprehensive blueprint for your transformative journey. With a synergy of readiness, SMART goals, hypnotherapy, positive affirmations, and visualization, this blueprint sets the stage for resolutions that endure and flourish.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the air is filled with the promise of positive change and personal growth. In this transformative series, you are invited on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guided by the expertise of a certified professional hypnotherapist.

Please join me and embark on this journey with an open mind and a readiness for positive change. Each installment builds upon the last, guiding you through a transformative journey that transcends mere resolutions—it's about embracing a life of purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Ready, set, go—your transformative journey awaits.

Part 1: Readiness: The Gateway to Resolution Success

As the New Year approaches, the promise of transformation beckons, and the first step on this journey is readiness. We explore the critical role readiness plays in successfully achieving New Year's resolutions, delving into the 5 stage theory of change and how hypnotherapists, with their unique skills, foster the positive mindset essential for success.

The Significance of Readiness: Unlocking the 5 Stage Theory of Change

Readiness is not a singular moment but a dynamic process rooted in the 5 Stage Theory of Change. This theory identifies stages individuals go through when contemplating and making changes in their lives. At its core, the concept of readiness revolves around the acknowledgment that individuals must be prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for meaningful and lasting change.

1. Precontemplation: At this stage, individuals may not be aware or have not yet acknowledged the need for change. Readiness begins to emerge when there is a subtle recognition of the status quo's limitations.

2. Contemplation: In this stage, individuals actively consider the need for change but may still grapple with ambivalence. The emergence of readiness is marked by a growing desire to explore possibilities for transformation.

3. Preparation: Readiness solidifies during the preparation stage. Individuals actively seek information, make plans, and envision the steps required for change. This is a crucial stage where commitment begins to take shape.

4. Action: The action stage sees the initiation of specific behaviors aimed at achieving the desired change. Readiness is now translated into tangible steps as individuals actively implement their resolutions.

5. Maintenance: Readiness continues to play a vital role during the maintenance stage. It involves the ongoing commitment and effort required to sustain the changes made, ensuring that they become enduring aspects of one's lifestyle.

 Why Readiness Matters:

The significance of readiness lies in its ability to act as a catalyst for positive change. Research consistently supports the idea that individuals who are psychologically and emotionally prepared for change are more likely to initiate and maintain new behaviors. A study published in the "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" found that interventions targeting readiness increased the likelihood of positive outcomes.

The Expertise of Hypnotherapists: Crafting the Foundation for Change

Hypnotherapists bring a specialized set of skills to the table, uniquely positioned to foster the readiness crucial for resolution success.

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Establishing trust is fundamental. Hypnotherapists create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their desires for change.

2. Active Listening: Through active listening, hypnotherapists tune into the client's narrative, identifying cues that signal readiness. This empathetic connection facilitates the exploration of goals and challenges.

3. Addressing Limiting Beliefs: Hypnotherapists specialize in identifying and addressing limiting beliefs that may hinder readiness. By delving into the subconscious, they help reshape negative thought patterns, creating a fertile ground for positive change.

4. Inducing Relaxation and Focus: Hypnotherapy techniques induce a state of deep relaxation, fostering mental clarity and focus. This heightened awareness is pivotal for individuals to navigate through the stages of change with a clear vision of their resolutions.

 How Hypnotherapists Foster Readiness:

Hypnotherapists employ various techniques to foster readiness in their clients, aligning with the principles of the 5 stage theory of change.

1. Motivational Enhancement: By enhancing motivation, hypnotherapists help clients move from contemplation to preparation. Motivational enhancement techniques include exploring the benefits of change and the consequences of maintaining the status quo.

2. Visualization and Goal Setting: Utilizing visualization and guided imagery, hypnotherapists help clients vividly imagine their desired outcomes. This process serves as a powerful motivational tool, propelling individuals towards the preparation and action stages.

3. Positive Affirmations: Introducing positive affirmations during hypnotherapy sessions reinforces readiness by cultivating a positive mindset. Affirmations challenge self-doubt and build confidence, aligning clients with the belief that change is not only possible but within their control.

 Summary:

In this exploration of readiness, we've unveiled the dynamic process embedded in the 5 stage theory of change. Recognizing readiness as a catalyst for positive transformation, we've also explored how hypnotherapists, with their expertise, can play a pivotal role in fostering this crucial mindset. As you embark on your New Year’s Resolution journey, remember that readiness is the key that unlocks the door to lasting change.

Now that we've laid the groundwork for change, join me in Part 2 as we delve into the multifaceted world of New Year's Resolutions, providing insights to help you craft meaningful and achievable goals.

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

SIncerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For additional perspective on the theory of change, readiness, and why New Year’s Resolutions frequently fail, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-6823972

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  

Breaking the Chronic Procrastination Cycle * Hypnotherapy Can Help

Welcome back to our ongoing exploration of the human mind and the transformative power of hypnotherapy. One pervasive issue that many of my clients grapple with - chronic procrastination. As a certified hypnotherapist with 15 years in practice, I've encountered various manifestations of procrastination and witnessed the profound changes that hypnotherapy can bring.

A new client called and said, “My boss says I need to come see you or I will be fired.”  Not my usual call from a new client.  I asked him what was the issue.  He said he was chronically late to work and his boss was tired of it.  A good example of how chronic procrastination can affect all parts of your life. 

We worked together to find the causes of his procrastination – he just wanted to be on his computer more. We came up with a set of affirmations, changing his beliefs about himself and his ability to change and be on time.  We came up with an anchor, a way of anchoring in the feeling he felt in hypnosis.  He used his anchor when he felt out of control and that brought him back to believing that he could change and be on time.  He made some behavior changes – setting his alarm earlier, moving some tasks from the morning to the evening before and staying off the computer in the mornings.   He began to arrive at work not only on time, but 15 minutes early like his boss preferred.

After a few sessions, he mentioned to me that not only was he doing so much better at work, but his marriage was also better.  We had never discussed his marriage in our sessions.  He said that when his wife got grumpy or yelled at him, he used his anchor to calm himself and let her vent.  It is impossible to have an argument with only one person yelling.  He really appreciated this side benefit of his hypnotherapy sessions. 

Understanding Chronic Procratination

Chronic procrastination is not just a matter of occasional delays or temporary hesitation. It's a persistent pattern of putting off tasks that are important, often leading to negative consequences in various areas of life.

Recognizing the key symptoms of chronic procrastination is crucial for those seeking change:

1. Consistent Delays: Tasks are consistently postponed, leading to missed deadlines and opportunities.

2. Excuse-Making: Individuals engage in self-deceptive rationalizations for delaying tasks.

3. Avoidance Behavior: There is a tendency to avoid certain activities or responsibilities altogether.

4. Difficulty Initiating: Getting started on tasks becomes a daunting challenge.

5. Time Mismanagement: Poor time management skills contribute to chronic procrastination.

6. Perfectionism: The fear of not doing things perfectly can paralyze action.

7. Lack of Motivation: A general lack of motivation or enthusiasm for the task at hand.

8. Low Self-Esteem: Procrastination often ties to feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

9. Fear of Failure or Success: Fear can be a powerful driver of procrastination.

10. Short-Term Focus: Preferring immediate pleasure over long-term benefits.

Types of Chronic Procrastination

Identifying specific patterns helps tailor hypnotherapy interventions. Eight common types include

• academic procrastination

• chronic overestimation

• perfectionistic procrastination

• avoidance procrastination

• deadline procrastination

• anxious procrastination

• rebellious procrastination

• habitual procrastination

Causes of Chronic Procrastination

Understanding the root causes of chronic procrastination is essential for effective intervention. Common causes include

• fear of failure

• lack of clarity about goals

• low self-esteem

• perfectionism

• underlying mental health issues

Uncovering these triggers helps tailor hypnotherapy strategies to address the specific needs of each individual.

Consequences of Chronic Procrastination

Chronic procrastination can have far-reaching consequences, both as a general habit and in specific areas such as sleep (bed time) procrastination. As a pervasive habit, it can lead to increased stress, decreased job performance, strained relationships, and missed opportunities. In the context of sleep procrastination, where individuals consistently delay bedtime, consequences may include sleep deprivation, impaired cognitive function, and negative impacts on overall health and well-being.

The cycle of Chronic Procrastination

Understanding the cyclical nature of chronic procrastination is vital for breaking free from its grip. The cycle typically involves a trigger, emotional response, coping strategy (procrastination), and temporary relief, perpetuating the pattern.

Benefits of Overcoming Chronic Procrastination

Reducing or eliminating chronic procrastination brings a myriad of benefits:

1. Increased Productivity: Accomplish tasks more efficiently and effectively.

2. Enhanced Well-Being: Lower stress levels and improved mental health.

3. Improved Relationships: Minimize the impact of procrastination on personal and professional relationships.

4. Boosted Confidence: Overcoming procrastination fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

5. Goal Attainment: Move closer to long-term goals with consistent action.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy offers a powerful avenue for disrupting the cycle of chronic procrastination. Through various techniques, including guided imagery, suggestion, EFT and affirmations, hypnotherapy can address the underlying causes and rewire the subconscious mind.

In Summary

Chronic procrastination is a formidable challenge, but with the right tools and mindset, positive change is not only possible but probable. Hypnotherapy serves as a valuable ally in breaking free from the chains of procrastination, empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling and purposeful lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic procrastination, consider the transformative potential of hypnotherapy on your journey toward positive change.

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

For additional information and advice on unwanted chronic procrastination and how to how to overcome it, here are two articles that may be of interest.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/triggered/202008/ocd-and-compulsive-procrastination https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/why-wait-the-science-behind-procrastination

For an absolutely fascinating article about one of the most recently identified forms of procrastination known as ‘revenge sleep procrastination’, please see the following:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/revenge-bedtime-procrastination

Breaking Through Writer's Block with Hypnotherapy

I often work with creative professionals in various disciplines including writers. A common issue that writers face is writer's block. Whether you're an author, a journalist, a content creator, or a student, finding yourself in the clutches of writer's block it can be frustrating and discouraging.

One of my clients was a very successful author in her genre.  This enabled her to move to her dream home in Westlake Village.  Once she arrived, however, she found herself unable to complete her next novel.  She came to me in desperation, her publisher was impatient for her next bestseller.  We looked at what was going on and she realized that she had not even set up her desk to write.  I encouraged her to organize her space so that she could write when she was ready.  We came up with a set of affirmations that she focused on daily.   In hypnotherapy, she visualized writing and completing her book.  After a few sessions, she was good to go and completed her novel.

Understanding Writer's Block

Writer's block is a condition where individuals experience an obstacle in generating new ideas or expressing themselves in writing. It can present or be experienced as

• Inability to start writing

• Feeling creatively stagnant, having no ideas

• Stuck on a paragraph or section

• Stuck in the edit/rewrite process

• Struggling to complete a writing project or assignment

Causes of Writer's Block include

• Fears of exposure, criticism, rejection, repeating past failure, success

• Stress, external pressures and deadlines

• Anxiety and self-doubt

• Unproductive habits like procrastination, perfectionism, or excessive self-criticism

• Lack of inspiration or motivation

• Physiological distractors or inhibitors (pain, illness)

• Lack of necessary skills, tools, or training

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that aims to access the subconscious mind, which often holds the key to resolving deep-seated issues. Through hypnosis, individuals can achieve a state of heightened focus and relaxation, making it easier to bypass the conscious mind's barriers and connect with their inner creativity.

Here's how hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for overcoming writer's block:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Hypnotherapy is excellent for addressing the emotional factors that contribute to writer's block, such as fear, anxiety and self-doubt. By inducing a deep state of relaxation, hypnosis can help you manage stress and build self-confidence, making it easier to approach your writing with a clear mind.

2. Breaking Through Mental Barriers

Through guided imagery and suggestion, anchoring, and affirmations practices, I can help you identify and confront the mental blocks that are preventing you from writing. This process allows you to reframe your thoughts and beliefs, replacing self-limiting beliefs with positive and productive ones.

3. Changing Unproductive Habits

Procrastination and perfectionism are habits which our subconscious mind uses to protect us from fears and threats, real or imagined. When it comes to writing these habits can block you from getting started or painfully delay your progress. Hypnotherapy is a proven tool for helping you to change unproductive habits that you want to change.

4. Boosting Creativity and Inspiration

Hypnotherapy can stimulate your creativity by helping you access the vast reservoir of ideas and experiences stored in your subconscious. This can lead to a surge of inspiration, allowing you to break free from your creative rut.

5. Improving Concentration and Focus

Enhanced concentration and focus are essential for productive writing. Hypnotherapy can teach you techniques (exercise, adjusting writing environment, sleep rhythm, free writing, journaling) to sharpen your mind and eliminate distractions, helping you maintain your creative flow.

In Summary

When you can’t get words on paper, your subconscious mind may be creating obstacles to block your writing  in one way or another. Writer's block doesn't have to be a permanent obstacle. Hypnotherapy, with its ability to tap into the subconscious mind and address the underlying causes of writer's block, offers a promising solution. With the power of your own mind, you can break free from the chains of writer's block and experience the joy of expressing your thoughts and ideas freely. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective approach to help you unlock your creative potential and overcome the barriers that stand between you and your writing goals.

If you're struggling with writer's block, 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

For additional information and advice on writer’s block and how to overcome it, here are two articles that may be of interest.

https://gizmodo.com/the-10-types-of-writers-block-and-how-to-overcome-them-5844988

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-world-of-creativity/202203/how-to-overcome-writers-block

Duck Quack, Chicken Cluck, or ? Stage Hypnosis Vs. Hypnotherapy

References to being hypnotized turn up in the strangest places – on a random TV show, a movie or sometimes a book.  In his One Good Deed, a character of author David Baldacci is doing things not to her benefit.  Archer suggests, “’He believes Hank Pittleman hypnotized you or something.’  Archer takes the cigarette from his mouth.  ‘Did he hypnotize you or something?’  Sarcasticly she responds ‘Yeah, Archer, if you clap your hands just right, I’ll get on the floor and bark like a dog.’” 

As a professional hypnotherapist, new clients will sometimes ask me, “Will I quack like a duck, cluck like a chicken or bark like a dog?”  The answer is no, not unless you want to.  Hypnotherapy (what I do) and stage hypnosis (what I don’t even know how to do) are 2 distinct practices. Both use hypnosis but they serve very different purposes and are conducted in different settings.  Let’s explore the differences between the two.

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis as a tool to help individuals address various psychological and emotional issues, such as anxiety, phobias, trauma, and more.

• Its primary purpose is to promote healing, personal growth, and positive behavioral change. Hypnotherapists work with clients, one on one, to help them achieve specific therapeutic goals.

• Hypnotherapy sessions are conducted in a relaxed, comfortable, and private environment where the client can feel at ease

• In hypnotherapy, the client participates voluntarily and consents to the process. The hypnotherapist works collaboratively with the client to address their specific concerns or issues, and the client's well-being is the top priority.

• Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to access the subconscious mind and work with the client's thoughts, beliefs, and emotions. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and address specific issues through suggestion, visualization, and therapeutic dialogue.

• Hypnotherapists typically undergo formal training and certification in hypnotherapy techniques, ethics, and client care. They are often licensed professionals who adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain client confidentiality.

Stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment. The primary purpose of stage hypnosis is to amuse and entertain an audience. Stage hypnotists typically perform in front of a live audience and select volunteers from the audience to participate in amusing and often comical hypnotic scenarios. It is not intended for therapeutic or healing purposes.

• Stage hypnotists select volunteers from the audience, but these volunteers are typically willing participants who agree to be hypnotized for entertainment purposes. While consent is involved, there may be some peer pressure or expectation to comply with the hypnotist's requests.

• Stage hypnosis relies on rapid and often dramatic hypnotic inductions to quickly hypnotize participants. The focus is on creating entertaining and sometimes outrageous scenarios, such as making participants believe they are famous celebrities or behave in unusual ways.

• Stage hypnotists may not necessarily have formal training or certification in hypnosis. Their expertise lies in entertaining an audience through hypnosis, and their primary concern is entertainment rather than therapy.

• Stage hypnosis provides immediate amusement and laughter but does not aim to bring about lasting personal change or therapeutic benefits.

In summary, hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis involve the use of hypnosis techniques but they have vastly different purposes, approaches, and ethical considerations. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic tool used to help individuals with psychological and emotional issues, while stage hypnosis is a form of entertainment aimed at amusing audiences.

Please feel free to pass this post along to family and friends that you think might benefit from the positive effects of hypnotherapy.

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

For another perspective on Hypnotherapy Vs. Stage Hypnosis by an establlished hypnotherapy training company please see the following:

https://hypnotc.com/hypnotherapy-vs-stage-hypnosis-2/

For those who might be interested in learning to do stage hypnosis the following article offers some useful advice:

https://www.learnstagehypnosis.com/essential-stage-hypnosis-skills/

Just 1 MORE Thing: Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss in the Home Stretch

Last month we talked about what 1 thing might be holding you back or keeping you from living your best life.  For many, it can be those stubborn 10 – 15 pounds that you just can’t lose.  You may have had great success with a weight management program, Weight Watchers, Lindora or any of the others out there but there are still those stubborn last few pounds. 

Every year I help clients who had been very successful in losing a large amount of weight but found themselves stuck, making no further progress, as they entered the home stretch toward their final goal.

One client had a trip of a lifetime planned and wanted to be at her goal weight for purchasing clothes and supplies for the trip. Here is how she described her challenge in our initial session. “Through diets and exercising I have lost about 30 pounds over the past 10 months. I’m about 12 pounds away from my final goal but I’ve stopped making progress. I’m not gaining, but not losing, just bouncing   between 145 and 142. I know that I have lost almost all the weight I set out to lose. I feel like I deserve a reward for that. Also, I’m having trouble accepting when I’m satisfied.”

After listening to her weight loss journey, we came up with a strategy – what specific actions could she take to get off those stubborn 12 pounds.  She decided to decrease her caloric intake by reducing her portions.  She already knew what to eat, she just needed to eat less of it.  She increased her outdoor activity, not being near food makes it harder to snack.   We then came up with a set of affirmations that could help her get across that finish line.  Her first one?  “I weigh 130 pounds.”   We also included affirmations about moving more outside and eating less.  It’s important to state clearly what your goals are.  I gave her a copy of her hypnosis session so that she could listen to it for added motivation whenever she wanted.

After working together, those pounds came off and she was able to keep them off.  She had a great trip and continues to successfully maintain her goal weight.

Hypnotherapy can help in the final stretch of weight loss.

If you are stuck in the home stretch toward your weight loss goal and you would like to explore how Hypnotherapy may help, please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or give me a call at 818-929-4944.

Sincerely,

Cinda

Just 1 Thing to Make a Lasting Positive Difference in Your Life Now

In the cycle of our lives, change is constant. But some changes we want and others we may just get. Is there 1 change you want or maybe need to make a lasting, positive change in your life now? Is there something that you have been avoiding? Something that you know you need to do but don’t really want to?

If you are having trouble doing that 1 thing, your subconscious thoughts, attitudes and beliefs could be creating the resistance that is holding you back. Hypnotherapy may be able to help.

Your subconscious is 90% (or more) of your brain.  It may be what is keeping you from completing that book, taking that flight, losing that weight.

When John (not his real name) came to me for help with his fear of flying, it was affecting both his professional and personal life.  He had to travel for work and could only drive or take the train when he had an out of town or out of state meeting.  His co-workers and clients thought this was odd, only he knew the real reason.  His entire family lives a couple of flight connections away from California.  He would have to fly on a small plane for the last leg of his journey.  He didn’t want to freak out in front of his young son.  He missed his family, especially his elderly mother.

After several sessions, John was able to easily fly for work and pleasure.  He didn’t even panic when the small plane was stuck on the runway for hours. Last Thanksgiving, John took the time to thank me for my help in changing his life.

How did hypnotherapy help John?  First, we explored where his fear of flying came from.  Why did he have a fear of flying and was this fear rational?  After some discussion, he began to realize that there was no rational reason for his fear.  The plane would land safely, the doors would open and he would be okay.  We then came up with affirmations related to his fears.  A couple were:  “I feel safe in the airplane,” “I don’t have to be in control all the time.”  Each morning he read his affirmations and each evening he wrote them in his journal, The Power In Affirmations.   In hypnosis, I suggested that he see himself as a person who was comfortable on a plane and did not need to be in control all of the time.  I gave him a recording of the hypnosis that he could listen to if needed on the plane.

For John that 1 thing has made a huge difference in his life. 

If you would like some help with your 1 thing please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or give me a call at 818-929-4944.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HYPNONEWS AND RESOURCES

For a well written article concerning the benefits of hypnotherapy and how it may help you to overcome your resistance to the positive change you want, please see the following:

https://www.wellness-institute.org/blog/break-through-client-resistance-with-hypnotherapy

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

Never Put a Skunk on a Bus - The Power In Affirmations

I wrote and published The Power In Affirmations more than 4 years ago. My clients use the book to establish and maintain a daily affirmation practice supporting their goals and the positive changes they want to make in their lives.

As I began planning for the second edition of my book, imagine my surprise when I came across this great article in the September 2022 issue of Reader’s Digest.  It’s called Life Advice from a Five-Year-Old and includes a little boy’s favorite affirmations and an explanation of each.  I’ve summarized them for you here. They are priceless:

“You gotta say your affirmations in your mouth and your heart.” 

• His mom told him to say it like he means it and this is how he translated that.

“You say, ‘I am brave of this meeting! I am loved! I smell good!’“

• So sweet, he knows not to use negative words like scared or afraid.

“You gotta walk big.  You gotta mean it.  Like Dolly on a dinosaur. Because you got it.”

• Not sure who Dolly is, but it is a great image.

“Never put a skunk on a bus.”  

• Very wise.                                   

“Think about the donuts of your day!” 

• This one is about looking for the good things in your day – and not focusing on the “holes.”

“Even if you cry a little, you can think about potato chips!” 

• One of the boy’s favorite things is potato chips so when things are not going well, he can always things about the good things to come.”

“Even if it’s a yucky day, you can get a hug.” 

• Sometimes all that we can do to make things better is offer a hug.     

Affirmations are a simple tool to help us focus on what we want to achieve. We become what we think about – so make those thoughts positive!

What affirmations do YOU need today? If you’d like help coming up with positive affirmations personalized to your needs and goals, please give me a call 818-929-4944. I’d be happy to help. Or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A.

You can register here.

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

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more information about Affirmations and Hypnotherapy:

https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/how-to-create-and-use-effective-affirmations 

https://www.awakenthechange.com/other/the-benefits-of-hypnosis-and-affirmations/

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

Freedom from Negative Habits - Tapping - Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

What if there were a simple, easy technique that you could do in your own home to get rid of a behavior, a feeling or a craving?  EFT could be that for you.

I was first introduced to Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT, or tapping when I was a student at Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI).  The demonstrations were amazing!  A woman who had craved chocolate her entire life suddenly was not interested in the least.  I was curious – how to change, in a few minutes, how you viewed something you have loved your whole life.

Fast forward to last week.  I continue to struggle with maintaining a healthy weight.  I decided to try tapping on not eating carbs.  Low and behold I went to a lunch networking event and looked at the rolls and potatoes like they were foreign objects and definitely not something I would ever eat.  Dessert? Not a chance, I didn’t even check it out to see what it was.  It can be an amazing tool and I was reminded to use it with my clients.

What is tapping? 

Tapping works with the body’s energy system – the meridians that carry electrical impulses throughout the body.  These meridians were first used (and are still used) in acupuncture and acupressure.  We tap on the end-points of the meridians while repeating a problem statement (eg. My addiction to carbs). In acupuncture, you are needled on a specific point for a specific problem. In tapping, we just tap on all the upper body meridians and assume that one will be the correct meridian.  Tapping is part of a group of therapies called ENERGY PSYCHOLOGY, because they are believed to affect the body’s electromagnetic energy fields.

Where does it come from?

A psychologist, Dr. Roger Callahan, discovered tapping by accident while working with a client with a water phobia.  When she complained that her stomach hurt, he tapped under her eyes, the end point of the stomach meridian, and her stomach pain and water phobia went away.  This discovery was used by Gary Craig to expand tapping and come up with a simple system that can be used by anyone. Gary has had great success with Vietnam Vets with PTSD.  When they tell their stories while tapping the emotional intensity of the stories goes from 10 to 1 or zero.

How do you do it?

We begin by creating a setup statement: “Even though I have this addiction to carbs, I deeply and completely love and accepts myself.” At first, this negativity bothered me – shouldn’t we be focusing on the positive? I was listening to Nick Ortner’s broadcast during the 14th Annual  Tapping World Summit.  He runs Tapping World and is now a leader in the field.  He had the same question about the setup statement and he asked Louise Hay why we start with a negative. We know Louise Hay was all about positive affirmations (as am I) and I was intrigued to hear her answer.  She wisely said “If you want to clean the house, first you have to see the dirt.”

Tapping works on the theory that our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pain, disease and anxiety. The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.

We were trained to be negative from the earliest times.  Those who survived were the ones who were watching the bushes for any suspicious activity, were there tigers in the bushes? – those blithely playing in the open did not survive.

I usually do a session with my clients and then give them the recipe so they can do it whenever they want.  And when I say do a session with my clients, I tap along with them so they don’t feel silly – at first it can seem an odd thing to be doing.

Sound interesting? Give me a call 818-929-4944 to set up a session and I will teach you how to do EFT your way 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 about EFT-tapping:

From WEB MD, What is EFT tapping? 

https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-eft-tapping

From Medical News Today, A Guide to EFT tapping,

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326434

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

How Does Hypnotherapy Help With Sustainable Weight Loss

I first learned about hypnotherapy many years ago when I was struggling to lose weight after 3 pregnancies.  It really helped me change my view toward exercise and drinking alcohol. After being hypnotized I did not have my usual glass of wine with dinner.  The next morning I got up and put on my walking shoes and went for a walk!  Neither of those things was my usual habit.  I was sold.  Hypnotherapy could make it easier for me to achieve the goals I set out for myself in weight loss.

Fast forward many years and I am now a hypnotherapist, helping others lose weight.  How do I do that? I help my clients identify their goals and explore what plan works best for them.  I am familiar with many weight loss plans and my clients usually are too.  We then decide on a plan and a timeline.  We work together to set up affirmations that will help them achieve their goals.

I usually suggest that one of their affirmations is their goal weight.  Sometimes our brain isn’t comfortable with a new number and wants to keep us at the higher number.  When the goal number is kept in focus it can make it easier for our mind to accept that new number.

Another affirmation can center around what specific plan the client will use:  “I follow Weight Watchers Personal Points” or “I follow the 28 Day Keto Plan.”

And of course movement is very important.  Having an affirmation about going to the gym, walking 3 times a week or playing tennis is a daily reminder of what the client has committed to.

Let’s not forget about sleep…  Research has shown that sleep in crucial in maintaining a healthy weight. 
“I get 8 hours of sleep every night” is a great affirmation for us all. 

If weight loss/weight management is of concern to you, please give me a 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:

Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss:  Does It Work?

https://www.healthline.com/health/hypnotherapy-weight-loss

What is Hypnosis for Weight Loss and Does It Work?

https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a28187126/hypnosis-for-weight-loss/

February The Month of Love

I know, I know, there are lots of celebrations this month – Black History Month, American Heart Month, Cancer Prevention Month and who can forget Great American Pies Month.  All of these are important things to recognize and focus on.  For me, though, February will always be the month of love.  This is partly because of Valentine’s Day and Heart Month but also because my parents and my son and my daughter-in-love all got married this month.

So let’s talk about love.  How do you get over it and how do you get it are the two most often asked questions about love in my practice.  A few years ago, I had 3 clients at the same time trying to get over lost loves.  I’m happy to say they have all moved on and hopefully found love again--this time forever.  One client was happily married but couldn’t stop going by the ex’s house every day.  Through affirmations and hypnotherapy, that practice was stopped.

How do I help my clients find love?  By setting an intention and creating a set of affirmations that will get them to their goal.  I suggest that they think about what it is they are looking for in a partner and actually make a list of their wants.  If a person really wants specific qualities or attributes then listing them can be helpful.  What if someone comes along and doesn’t have the desired attributes, but they fall in love?  Time to change the list!  A list can be a great starting point as long as you are willing to be flexible.

It’s also important to remember that “If you are good on your own, you really can have a beautiful relationship.” (From Jennifer Lopez in “It’s A Beautiful Love Story” in February 14th People Magazine.  She also says she gets her glow by “affirmations, eating right, exercise and “being a good person.”

Remember, what you think about comes to be, so be intentional in your thoughts. Whether you are looking for love or looking to get over love, focus on what you really want.

If you’d like more information on how hypnotherapy can help, check out my free Hypnotherapy Q & A every Wednesday at 10:00 am PST or call for a free consultation (818-929-4944).

You can register here.

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

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Here’s more about hypnotherapy and love:

 I Tried Hypnotherapy to Get Over My Breakup,

https://www.thecut.com/2015/03/i-tried-hypnotherapy-to-get-over-my-breakup.html

 and

 How I’m Using Hypnosis to Attract My Life Partner,

https://psiloveyou.xyz/how-im-using-hypnosis-to-attract-my-life-partner-8c45fd5defb9  

Five Coping Strategies for Eating Challenges During the Holidays

Welcome to the ‘December’ holiday season! Holidays come with foods – Christmas Eve/Day, eight Nights/Days of Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve/Day all have the potential for big family dinners or fun parties.  If you are trying to watch and control your weight during the holidays, here are five strategies you can use:

1.       If you are going to a party and you are not sure that there will be food on your plan, eat the food you should be eating prior to going to the party or event.  No one needs to know that you have eaten and trust me, they will not notice if you are not eating.  Parties are all about having fun and that does not need to include overeating or drinking.  If you don’t want to drink alcohol, get a fizzy beverage or volunteer to be a designated driver for the evening.

2.       Consider allowing yourself a “cheat meal” or “cheat food” that is very special to you for the holiday.  Maybe your mother’s stuffing recipe has always been your favorite memory of the holidays – enjoy that and skip other foods that may be unhealthy for you.

3.       Practice self-care. Indulge in a mani/pedi or a new outfit that makes you feel special.  Nourish yourself with care instead of food.

4.       See the holidays as separate events – one dinner at a time.  It is much easier to focus on eating healthy for shorter periods of time than the whole month of holidays. 

5.       Planning ahead is always vital when it comes to managing your eating.  This is even truer at the holidays.  Take a calendar and map out what events you are planning to attend and what your strategy will be for each event.  Having a plan gives you the ability to be in control.

If you keep an Affirmations Journal as part of your daily practice, you may also want to add some holiday season specific affirmations. Here are some samples to consider:

•   I enjoy sticking to my food plan.

•   I plan my meals ahead of time.

•   I take care of myself.

•   I enjoy being with family and friends.

For more information about how to cope with holiday eating challenges, please give me a call (818-929-4944) to schedule a free consultation or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A. You can register here.

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

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Check out this article for some myth-busting!

https://www.prevention.com/health/a34384918/holiday-weight-gain-myths/

Holidays do not have to mean weight gain.  Each of these articles has more good suggestions.

https://bewell.stanford.edu/avoiding-holiday-weight-gain/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/yes-you-can-avoid-weight-gain-over-the-holidays-2019112518309