Stress comes from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry or anxious. Different people feel different amounts of stress in the same situations but it's often caused by your reaction to too much change- too fast. Finding the right technique(s) for YOU personally is critical.

Stress isn't just a fact of life; something to be endured stoically. Unless we do something about it, its effect can creep up unnoticed, while we remain unaware that many of the problems we face in life are simply the result of our habitual responses to pressure.

Most of us now live to work rather than working to live and we're also frightened of redundancy and more in debt than ever before. On top of the unavoidable & unpredictable stresses such as illness, bereavement and disability, there are all the frustrations of the modern world (supposed to free up time) like personal computers & mobile phones which have actually increased the pace of life and often the associated stress too.

However, not all stress is unpleasant. Many people thrive on the buzz they get from meeting exciting new challenges and they may only work effectively if they are nearing a deadline. Some people can rise to a big occasion and surpass themselves, the adrenalin rush they experience is addictive and they feel stress is positive & motivating & that life without it would be dull and boring.

In the hypnotherapy and counselling environment, an atmoshphere of openness & trust is created and you, the client can vent your feelings freely. It's important that you feel the therapist completley understands you, your complex issues and the way you feel about them. These feelings need to be expressed otherwise they build up into chronic stress causing physical and emotional problems.

When stressed, the body releases the stress hormones cortisole, andrenalin & noradrenalin, damaging the body. These are responsible for raising blood pressure, heart attacks, depressing the immune system and increasing cholesterol, leading to migraines, peptic ulcers, asthma, depression, colitis, stroke and more. The neurotransmitters; dopamine, seratonin and (again) noradrenalin ( this time the hormone acting as a neurotransmitter) need to be maintained at a healthy level for us to function; any imbalance can drastically affect sleep patterns & our ability to enjoy life.

Your stressors will be identified, together with any significant life events and changes in the last 6 months or so to understand the type of stress which is causing your problems, i.e. emotional, illness, environmental, hormonal, allergic or burn-out.

Your current physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual situation are explored & we'll discover what your support networks are like, if they are sufficient and what your current coping strategies are. We'll identify the control you think you have & how you cope when you don't think you have control.

What then? We'll develop appropriate strategies and explore the best techniques to enable YOU to be personally aware, recognising when negative or nervous thinking starts (which lead to more stress). This is vital so that you can learn & employ new thinking patterns which eventually take over and becoming your newer, much healthier, habit.

Some other techniques I may draw on help you manage your stress include: creative visualisation (core energy management) to release endorphins, the Alexander Technique (integrating physical aspects with the emotionals), Reiki or deep breathing excercises & relaxation (leading to improving sleep).

Some people may find a need for a more definite spiritual dimension in their life, either religious or by simply "doing things they recognise make them feel more alive".

It is also important to quit smoking & reduce caffeine intake as these are both major stressors. I may also refer you to a recommended aromatherapist for massage or reflexology, or to a personal trainer for increasing your fitness levels.

Personality traits or more complex reasons for stress and anxiety: Stress & anxiety can also be caused by being naturally passive and shy, finding it difficult to say "no" which make you feel as though you've been taken advantage of. The result is inner conflict & unhappiness.

In this case I can help you to learn and use assertiveness techniques so that you can take control back into your life and hypnotherapy will help to directly increase your self esteem.

It may be that your authentic self is not being expressed. You can apparently function perfectly on the surface but deep down be stressed because of other peoples' values which conflict with your core-self. We would explore and work through the inner conflict together in a safe and non-judgemental atmoshphere.

Most importantly I help you earn to give yourself permission to take "time out", working with you to recognise, prioritise & take care of your own needs.