For most of us when we reach adulthood, childhood becomes a distant memory. Yet the memories consciously and unconsciously collected during childhood might not be as distant as you would think. Take a step back and think for a moment about something that makes you anxious or fearful. It might be going to an event where you know you might have to be around a large group or crowds of people? Giving a speech in front of others? Or over-thinking or worrying about situations? Fear and anxiety are learned behaviour and with a bit of help we could unlearn that behaviour.
Each of us has an 'inner child' and how our 'inner child' feels at a particular moment is reflected in our adult selves. If our 'inner child' feels good and positive then consequently so does our outer adult. This also works on the flip-side too. If our 'inner child' feels negative or lacks self-esteem so too does our outer adult.
What tends to happen is that over the years our minds become conditioned to feeling and thinking in a certain way and that becomes our default mode. Have you ever had that moment where you hear a song that takes you back to a negative experience or maybe someone says something that 'pushes your buttons'? These triggers can set us off on a path to negative thinking or anxiety, even though our adult and rational self can see that it's inappropriate.
The good news is that we do have the power to change the way we feel about ourselves and about situations. This is where 'inner child healing' comes in. I believe it is something that would greatly benefit all of us. We shouldn't and don't have to carry around emotional baggage from our childhood. Instead by getting help to heal your 'inner child', you will have the ability to live a more contented and well balanced life.
Inner Child Healing isn't about someone else doing something to us, but is a process that we participate in and have some control over.
Good rapport with my clients is essential and Inner Child Healing isn't something I would suggest at our first session. Clients need to feel comfortable and safe and ready to communicate with their child-self whilst in hypnosis. The process is very therapeutic and most people can benefit from it, especially those who have had a difficult childhood or who have suffered physical or sexual abuse.
People who have undergone 'inner child healing' often describe it as a liberating experience and it can work with all personality types - the analytical and the more reflective. The process is very creative, and allows you to tap into your imagination and draw from your own well of creative resources in order to make a connection with your 'inner self'. Sometimes we are unaware of where our problems or pain stem from and this therapeutic approach can allow us to re-connect with our inner child. The process can also be content-free meaning you are under no obligation to reveal details of the conversations or interactions you and your inner child share, although many clients do like to talk through their experience. Inner Child Healing can be for many a wonderful, rewarding experience.
Not a Hangover... Bruxism
If you wake up with a headache but haven't had a drink (or not enough to cause a hangover) you may be suffering from Bruxism. Bruxism is the medical name for teeth grinding or teeth clenching and is a common problem which affects up to 30% of the population. This behaviour, which often happens during sleep, may cause minimal symptoms, but sometimes the effects may be severe. Headaches are just one of the symptoms of bruxism - aching jaw muscle, damage to teeth, fillings and crowns can occur and difficulty in opening the jaw or speaking can be experienced in more extreme cases.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, more commonly experienced a night, can also happen while you are awake (especially during times of stress or anxiety). Sometimes, people can grind without it causing any problems, but regular and persistant teeth grinding often causes pain and discomfort in the jaw and can wear down teeth. Bruxism affects sufferers in many ways and the effects can be short-term or long-term. Headaches, earache, jaw pain and insomnia, will dissapear when the teeth clenching or grinding stops but other symptoms , such as Tempopromandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) or tooth grinding are more serious and can be permanent.
Dentists can offer mouth guards if you clench or grind your teeth at night, but many people say they find these uncomfortable or remove them in their sleep. Exercises to relax muscles can help and I teach clients some of these - in and out of hypnosis.
Hypnosis as a treatment for bruxism has long been under review and some bruxists have found considereable relief throgh using hypnosis. One study reviewed the long-term effects of hypnotherapy and recorded positive outcomes were still felt 3 years later.
If you suffer from sleep bruxism, its worth considering some changes to your night-time routines as well to better prepare you for sleep. Going to bed stressed or with lots on your mind can affcet your quality (& quantity) of sleep. Poor sleep can cause or exacerbate many problems apart from bruxism, such as anxious behaviours, poor concentration and over-eating. Addressing the causes of stress or anxiety is essential in my view, to breaking the habit of teeth grinding and hypnotherapy is a great way to help clients not only to 'switch off their brain' and relax but is also an effective therapy for treating underlying issues.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, more commonly experienced a night, can also happen while you are awake (especially during times of stress or anxiety). Sometimes, people can grind without it causing any problems, but regular and persistant teeth grinding often causes pain and discomfort in the jaw and can wear down teeth. Bruxism affects sufferers in many ways and the effects can be short-term or long-term. Headaches, earache, jaw pain and insomnia, will dissapear when the teeth clenching or grinding stops but other symptoms , such as Tempopromandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) or tooth grinding are more serious and can be permanent.
Dentists can offer mouth guards if you clench or grind your teeth at night, but many people say they find these uncomfortable or remove them in their sleep. Exercises to relax muscles can help and I teach clients some of these - in and out of hypnosis.
Hypnosis as a treatment for bruxism has long been under review and some bruxists have found considereable relief throgh using hypnosis. One study reviewed the long-term effects of hypnotherapy and recorded positive outcomes were still felt 3 years later.
If you suffer from sleep bruxism, its worth considering some changes to your night-time routines as well to better prepare you for sleep. Going to bed stressed or with lots on your mind can affcet your quality (& quantity) of sleep. Poor sleep can cause or exacerbate many problems apart from bruxism, such as anxious behaviours, poor concentration and over-eating. Addressing the causes of stress or anxiety is essential in my view, to breaking the habit of teeth grinding and hypnotherapy is a great way to help clients not only to 'switch off their brain' and relax but is also an effective therapy for treating underlying issues.
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