Let go of things you cannot control...

Merry Christmas to all my clients and to those in 2013

Sickness Return...?

Winter, don't you love it? Crisp, cold mornings where you get all wrapped up and ready to face the chill factor. It's also the time of year when illnesses like coughs, colds, flu's and viruses spread more rapidly.

There's things you can do to help yourself and others avoid some of these bugs. Washing your hands after sneezing and using paper tissues when you have a cold will help to avoid spreading it further. Making sure you keep hydrated and also eating healthily including vegetables to keep necessary vitamins and minerals topped up.

Taking time off work may be a worry for some people when they have an illness, particularly if they have already taken time off before. Maybe your company has a strict absence policy or perhaps you can't afford not to miss another day as you won't get paid? Worrying only makes you feel worse, so you crawl out of your sick bed and grudgingly return to work - only to find you feel ten times worse the next day and reluctantly have to call in sick again. I've done this a few times in the past and can say in hindsight it probably took me longer to get over an illness than if I had rested and allowed my body the chance to recover. In returning to work I also probably spread germs to other people. Even with the best will in the world you can't stop all germs from escaping. Think about the cascade effect - how many others affected by our choices? If you can recover a bit longer at home, your colleagues may appreciate it.

What happens though if you are fearful of germs and getting ill? More people than you might imagine see this as a real and frightening fear. It eats up any sensibility even in the most rational of people in every day life. I've worked with a number of people on dealing with fear of becoming ill, of being ill and of coming into contact with germs. I want to reassure you that there is the potential to get over the fear. It's not a magic bullet approach, although with support you can make changes to how you feel and deal with this, and to deal with the underlying reasons.

So if you wanted to know more about dealing with fear of germs or fear of becoming ill, give me a call. Book a free initial consultation to find out how I can help.
You can call the Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or call me directly on 07773 610816.

About the Author: Angie works at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich. She loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

Love doesn't need to hurt

If there is one thing that can hurt more than anything, and from seeing and hearing the impacts of this in my work, it is the pain and consequences of a relationship ending.

Doing the 'leaving' may seem right, or it might have felt right at the time. It may be a pattern of someone choosing to end relationships once the initial euphoria and 'spark' has worn off. Unconsciously or consciously looking for the next exciting new lover in the same way that a drug addict chases the next 'high'.
Sadly, it can also be a person not believing they are worthy of being loved. It doesn't matter how many times they are told or even shown they are loved, they cannot believe it for whatever reason. As a result there is a need to escape or to push the other person away. Indirectly or directly achieving what they believed in the first place, that they were not worthy of that other person.

Or it could be that jealousy interferes with the relationship. A person fears what their partner might or might not be doing. They in turn are over-vigilant with their partner and it can damage trust. Clinging to their views about the relationship. In response the other person may not be able to match what the other desires and the relationship tips further and further out of balance.

The root of the upset often lies within an individual. Their experience has made them distrust others, they sometimes lack confidence and seek to have the relationship on their terms, instead of a mutually comfortable partnership. It does not matter what the experience - it is possible to overcome their past and look forward to a happier future. It may take a bit of work - and is it not worth investing in yourself if you are to invest your feelings in a relationship with someone else?

In order to look for a long term, healthy and stable relationship it helps to see beyond the first fizzy, heady exciting part of romantic love. To look and understand the person who may actually be the perfect partner. So what if they are a great kisser? (well of course it's nice) But - how do they cope under pressure - easily or angrily? Are they confident with others? Do people describe them as happy/ kind/ gentle/ fun or moody/ sulky/angry? How does that compare with what you thought when you had those first dates?

I know it's easy to write this, and I know, much harder to put some of this into practice! It can be achieved - you just have to step back a bit. What is equally important is knowing what you like about yourself. Gaining self-approval opens the doors to a happier state of being and of finding someone else to share that with and who respects you for who/ what you are.

Want more than a fling? Here's my top tips:
* Consider what you like about yourself - or, what do others value in you?
* Let go of trying to please someone else
* Look beyond the initial spark of a relationship and pay attention to what the other person is really like and how others describe them
* Create free-time for each partner, to do things separately - allowing breathing space in a relationship can be good for both of you

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection ― Siddhārtha Gautama

About the Author: Angie loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. Available via skype, telephone as well as face to face. Based in Norwich, Norfolk, UK.

Dare to begin and get past negative beliefs

Some days we think we have a clear focus and know where we want to go. Other days it may be about surviving through many different tasks and responsibilities. If we really believe we can get to where we want to be professionally or personally it's great! However, at certain times we are under pressure or have doubts. Then it can feel a bit more challenging. It could be a negative mindset holding us back. If we have a hidden belief that somehow we do not deserve to achieve our goals, it can interfere with confidence - whispering doubts in our head - and perhaps missing a goal. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate? One of the things I can help with is discovering and helping to eliminate any unhelpful beliefs and putting in place strategies and visualisation to build confidence. Feel great and believe in yourself.

Dare to begin and be a winner. I think we all deserve that, don't you?

Sunset on the day - change your mind

Sometimes it can seem like the sun has set on a difficult day. Perhaps saying the wrong thing, or getting caught up in an unhealthy argument. Maybe it was circumstances beyond our control. One thing we can do is look at the end of the day as some sort of closure. Get some sleep and respect that it might seem different in the morning. The sunrise can bring a new way of thinking or even a decision or change of mind.

A turtle makes progress when it sticks it's neck out!

'A turtle makes progress when it sticks its neck out' (anonymous)

Sticking your neck out can seem like a tough prospect when moving to a new school, workplace, college or even returning from combat. The changes we experience require us to possibly re-think who we are, what we are doing, how we do things and how to fit in with people we may not know well. On top of that, for those who knew us before, we may have changed beyond all recognition (emotionally at least). It takes courage to stick our neck out and step into the unknown. Whilst it can seem a bit unnerving taking that first step, often it pays dividends in many ways. The more we continue stepping into new situations, strength seems to grow inside of us and keep us changing, enjoying life and learning. It takes bravery too. I enjoy helping people to get the best out of their lives. Taking those steps with my help. Would you appreciate that? If so, call me to find out more on 07773 610816 or the Norfolk Clinic on 01603 660792 to arrange an initial chat. Hypnotherapy, coaching and counselling services are offered to many different types of people.

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Employment gains - or weighty issue?

I recently wrote about the job search blues and the challenges facing those seeking work. But what of those actually in work and facing tough times? In this article I'm focusing on the issue of weight and discrimination at work. 

Employment can sometimes be clouded by more issues than the printer breaking for the 12th time in one day! It can also be a place where personal issues, like weight, can affect someone's chances of keeping their job and enjoying being at work. What of those people who had been affected at work because of their weight?
A recent study in the US (of nearly three thousand people) found that those who were overweight had faced employment discrimination of one type or another. 

The areas of discrimination can be things like being the target of negative humour and negative comments from co-workers and supervisors, and being treated differently because of weight, not being hired, being denied promotions, or even being fired because of carrying excess weight.
The survey participants classed as 'overweight' responded being 12 times more likely to have been discriminated against. Those classed as 'obese' were 37 times more likely, and 'severely obese' respondents were 100 times more likely than normal-weight respondents to have said they had faced employment discrimination. In this study, women were 16 times more likely to report weight-related employment discrimination than men.  What a horrible thought. Because weight is viewed in such a negative way, even if you are the most talented person in your company, you may at worst face losing your job because of your weight. 

I always thought that to keep a job there were some basic steps. Turn up on time, remember to work hard, achieve or exceed objectives and (usually), be part of a team. I hadn't considered that being a 'normal' weight was going to be one of those steps! Well now we know differently. 

If things go wrong at work, usually a plan is drawn up to sort it. There are also steps to take when it comes to improving our health and particularly to weight. We know we should eat healthily and be active. Sometimes it takes a bit more than knowing it though, doesn't it? If you want to move towards making a change in eating habits, plucking up the courage to seek help now may help you toward a healthy career, as well as a healthier lifestyle.  

I deal with the whole issue, not just the weight, it's about the person too.  If you think you would like to know more about making changes to your lifestyle, I'm here to help. 

About the Author: Angie loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. Based at the Norfolk Clinic (Complementary Healthcare Centre), 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.  Tel: 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 

The Job Search Blues and ways to motivate yourself

During the job search, it’s often not only the bank balance that can seem like it's going downhill. If you’ve been through redundancy or been looking for work for a while, self-esteem can also take a hit. The bills may be piling up and all you want is for someone to just see your potential, take a chance on your and give you a job.  It’s not too much to ask really, is it? Well, that’s a good question!

If you are feeling low, the chances are you are unintentionally showing something of that to potential employers. It tends to ‘leak out’ without you realising it.  Almost imagining accepting yet another rejection letter floating through the letterbox before you've even finished the application? It will show. So what to do if you feel stuck or seem weighed down by the situation?

Some sure fire ways to get yourself motivated to complete your applications:

1. If you feel like your energy is almost get up and gone; get outside. Go for a walk and take yourself completely away from the job search for 10 to 15 minutes. Listen and watch nature. Breathe deeply.  Getting oxygen back in your system is valuable and can re-energise and refresh your mind and your body. It’s amazing how we forget the power of breathing to instantly improve our outlook on life.  
2. List your strengths or ask people who know you well what they think your strengths are. We sometimes forget these values as important to an employer. What are we good at? Would we be the one to keep a calm head when everyone else is flustered? A good listener? Able to explain complex things simply? Do you recognise in yourself what other people tell you that you are good at? Can you use that knowledge in your applications?
3. Think of each job application as a step towards your new future.  Like Takeshi’s Castle (a Japanese TV show) where the contestants go across water by giant stepping stones. Some of the stones are solid and others do sink so that a contestant falls in the water.  If you consider you have learnt something from those stones that don’t hold weight, it can seem less painful. Perhaps those roles were not right for you anyway and the next application may be toward firmer ground and a healthier bank balance too.
   
4. Make sure you concentrate on applying for jobs that you think you are going to enjoy.  If you really like the sound of the job, the more chance you’ll focus effort into getting it, rather than ‘just another application’.  Imagine what it would be like to work there. How would it feel? What are the people like? Look up the company details and do a bit of research on them, so you can ask questions to show interest if you’re invited to interview.  I was asked questions about an unusually listed company (private stock) at interview, and yes, I’d done my research so I could easily answer… and they offered me the job.Good luck and keep positive. You deserve success!  

See:angiegiles.co.uk
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

About the Author: Angie loves helping other people achieve their potential at work and in life and achieving happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques. Available via skype, telephone as well as face to face. Based in Norwich, Norfolk, UK.. 

Tiredness & Sweet Dreams

'When was the last time you had a full, unbroken nights sleep?' A question asked of a client.  Their answer, 'about 6 months ago'.  The deterioration of someone's sleeping habits can be worrying and frustrating. Worrying about getting back off to sleep when waking during the night or when going to bed.

It's an all too common theme. A big part of this puzzle is the frustration feeding the sleeplessness monster. The minutes tick by and the thought of 'why am I not asleep?' arrives. Aggh! tossing and turning and counting sheep and yet... despite best efforts, sleep still does not arrive. Feeling wide awake, a swirl of thoughts flows in, uninvited. Does this sound in any way a familiar pattern?  

Accepting our body/ mind is trying to tell us something is the first step. Perhaps there is a physical reason (like sleep apnoea where someone stops breathing momentarily) or that the environment is not helping (for example the room is too light), or perhaps its caused by being worried about something? 

If we have got something exciting or new that we are experiencing, our brains let us know we need to process this consciously. It will wake us up to make sense of things, particularly when during dream sleep we are unable to come up with solutions or are lacking past experience to guide us. It is a natural part of the brains' way of adapting to new situations - whether emotional, physical or environmental.  

If it keeps happening, then there maybe underlying issues that need to be investigated. Sleep is extremely important for our state of mind as well as our health. The question is, what is enough sleep? There's lots of expert views on how long we need to sleep so we function at our best. There are those who seem to get by on just a few hours and others who feel they need more.  How many hours unbroken sleep are you getting?

If you are having any difficulties with sleep, you could always pop in for a free consultation to find out how I can close the loop for you on that negative sleep cycle. Zzzzzzzzzz...... sweet dreams! 


   

People never forget how you made them feel....

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  (Maya Angelou)


This is so true. Couldn't resist the animal pic too :)  

Be true to yourself

It interests me how trends come and go in the workplace.  One of the most recent themes in personal development has been 'authenticity'. In other words, being true to your self so that others really 'get you'.   

What has been discovered after a recent study at Greenwich University, London is that authenticity is less important in the workplace than was first thought. So go on, put that cheesy grin on for your bosses jokes, it doesn't matter really....  you can still be professional whilst not being entirely true to yourself.  It will probably do you more good in the long run not to own up to hating their taste in jokes anyway!

It is of course far more important to be yourself when at home, with loved ones and friends. Be true to who you are as in those circumstances and you'll be loved for being genuinely you, not something you are trying to be.

Instinct - are you listening to it?

fountain of youth

Want to discover the benefits of tapping into your creative mind?

Angie can be contacted on 07773 610816, offering a free half hour initial consultation or 
call the Norfolk Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich: 01603 660792
Angie also works at St Benedicts Street, Norwich.
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy
also Hynoshape weight reduction groups/ programme 

National Stress Awareness Month

It's National Stress Awareness Month in April. I was wondering, what things cause you the most stress? Have you noticed a change in your or another person's behaviour or their reactions to things in recent times? The Mind (charity) guide to managing stress is full of practical and relevant tips.

The option of hypnotherapy, deep relaxation and mindful coaching can really support you too. Having someone outside of your usual network can offer a new perspective and give you some insight to help clear your mind. If you want to know more, why not give me a call on: 07773 610816, and you can book in for a half-hour free consultation. 

Acting on impulse

When you watch other people's reactions to something or see what they put in social network posts, you might be able to tell there are instinctive reactions going on. It sometimes seems that they are their own worst enemy or that they are not able to see the wood for the trees, right? It's their instinctive mechanism that protects them and it's been there a long time, doing just that, keeping them 'safe'.  


I remember an advert for 'impulse' perfume. The strapline was, 'men can't help reacting on impulse'.  What happens if we take some time to examine those impulsive ways we used to protect ourselves with? It might be  something that by the impact of our behaviour or thoughts, no longer gives us what we want. Perhaps stripping valuable friendships from us because of our hot-headed reactions, fear or resentment leaving us feeling low or isolated.


If you have been acting on impulse lately, maybe start to look at your reactions and begin with respecting your needs as they are now. It's not too late to make a change! It needs practice, as does all change, though you might be surprised at how good you feel. 

  

Life as a therapist

I wrote information for Business East (@BusinessEast on twitter) on their blog this week telling them a bit about life as a therapist and about going self-employed, so it might inspire others. 


I hope you enjoy reading it.

Angie Giles talks about life as a hypnotherapist

Adult brain vs inner child - who wins?

When was the last time you were drawn to something that was not good for you? Was it savoury or sweet? Going out with some friends the unmistakable mistake was there. I saw it right away, drawn magnetically to it, before even ordering my meal.

I’d been pointed in the direction of it from the start: a ‘specials’ menu. As I stepped in the room, a smug smile fleetingly spread across its face. The gentle, unmistakable draw of it from across the room. At first a gentle, sweet voice spoke softly in my head as my main course was enjoyed. As my tummy continued to fill, it began pleading childishly. Feeling fuller, the noise in my head got louder and louder, heading towards a meltdown. I could have ignored it. With my full tummy it was time to order coffee and just enjoy the conversation. However, that childish voice in my head was nagging me ceaselessly. ‘Go on, you know you really would love it, remember how good it tastes? Mmmm’. Louder!

The dessert tray arrives. You see a grown woman with a puzzled look, faced with an internal dilemma as the picture perfect merits of the dessert tray are laid out before her. The large, smiling face of the banoffee pie, with a fat tongue of goo oozing out the side.

Irrationally I’m thinking ‘Bananas’. That’s it! My inner child wins with a simple negotiation trick: a faint reminder of some nutritional basis for choosing an extremely calorific and fattening slice of dessert. I said 'yes' to banoffee and manage half before nearly being stuck in the chair with fullness. In the afternoon, a stomach ache and feeling tired and tetchy with all that sugar having given in to the temptation of that sweet and clogging dessert.

My adult brain took over the next day, not wanting to feel ill again and my inner child was noticeably quiet as I was in the gym, methodically working off that fattening dessert. As I made a choice to eat it, I can choose to get active and make amends. I can feel OK about that. I can choose to say ‘no’ too. Choice and balance is what it’s all about, isn’t it? What will you choose today? 

My spa makeover of the body and mind

I promised I would post my makeover experience (with Imagine Spa at Blofield and Dream On organisation) right here on the blog once I'd seen it on line. So, here it is!  Angie's makeover experience in the Evening News

It was most refreshing and enjoyable and I've remembered and used the hints and tips I received on the day. A very special treat and I thanked the Evening News for inviting me along.

We all need time for ourselves, to recover from life's little drama's. A cheaper option is a good splurge of bubble bath - it can soothe you if you've had a tough day. Relax and enjoy a little time-out, I did.

I hope you are having a good week.

When you dream...

It's been a busy week for me. I know there are times in life when there does not seem enough hours in the day for all the things that we want to do, right? I was sorting out paperwork for the last couple of weeks, in between seeing clients. I learnt a valuable lesson to be more organised in many ways.

I also was pleased to get a day out at a spa (with a company called 'Dream on'), courtesy of a competition win earlier this week. How lucky I felt!  Once this article has been published I will post it here. As part of the day, I was asked why I had become a therapist and about my transition to being self employed after working in the employed world for many years.  There's many reasons of course why we do what we do. What motivates us can sometimes be negativity (surely bad for Karma in the long run?) and there is also good stuff. Things that help us to push through - and way beyond - what we actually thought we were capable of. For me, opening up and saying my reasons and my background was challenging. I know that everyone has their own personal journey and mine is considerably easier than many other people. What I got from doing it, was a sense of pride to look back and see that despite doubting my own abilities over the years, I was following my dream.

It made me think. I suppose I am most of the time what some people call 'glass half full'. In reality a part optimist, part realist. I do have the odd day when the liquid drains right out too. Days when I need a way of recapturing my 'mojo'. I have a few personal ways of doing this. One is to watch a video of myself (a real one) of when I felt really good achieving something I worked hard to do. I feel really positive about it too. I would also encourage you to find a way of respecting your abilities and strengths. One simple way is to keep a photo memory on your desk or with you. Something to make you smile, or play music to lift your mood. A little 'pick me up' that you can dip into at any time.

I give my clients self help techniques, and they like it as they gain control. I hope to share these with you too perhaps, if you are interested? I can be contacted for an initial free consultation on 07773 610816, if you are ready to take a step towards realising your potential and going for your dreams. Just like I did.

This moment, now

My own journey with mindfulness continues. With being in the moment. When there is a lot going on, sometimes the clutter can also clutter my mind, especially when I'm at my office, rather than where I work with clients. The noise from outside, the visual bombardment of social media, phone, computer and TV can be such a distraction in the home. I like to remember to stop and breathe. To look at nature, seeing the spring bulbs push their green shoots upwards through the earth. To listen and feel what's going on around me. I could do a lot better at this when I am feeling pressured, and I'm accepting that acceptance, takes a great deal of practice! I think when we see the 'D' of mind (see below), we know it is too easy to listen to negative thoughts or hold on to things that no longer serve us well. Something it might help is remember this little image (kindly borrowed from a wonderful blog from a lady who has gone through breast cancer) 

The lady who wrote it added a great footnote at the end of her latest blog post (22/01/2012). A statement from the wonderful Wayne Dwyer... on radiating serenity and peace: 'Radiate an energy of serenity and peace so that you have an uplifting effect on those you come into contact with. Your presence will make others feel calm and assured'                                                                                            That's something to be mindful about too, isn't it? 

Its the second New Year this year!

Whether intrigued by Horoscopes or not, there are various kinds that exist throughout the world. Today is the start of the Chinese New Year (in China's time zone it would seem), it is the year of the Dragon.

The details of what this means in full I will leave to the experts in their field (the internet is full of explanations too).  It is said that depending on year, month, day and time of birth, you are born under the sign of either a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In China many of these are traditionally considered powerful and important creatures. Within the horoscopes each has a particular character and quality relating to the five elements.

I think all of us have qualities and characteristics that we sometimes forget to cherish. Particularly when times are hard and if we look for other people to remind us how great we are. In the wonderful sterile world of social networking we tend to look outside of ourselves and think that other people have got it made, they are the happy ones, they are the lucky ones. 

This Chinese New Year, the year of the Dragon, signifies luck. How lucky do you feel at the moment, how thankful too?

Right now, yes now in this very moment, I am feeling lucky. At this moment I have a lot to be feel lucky for and to be thankful for. I have somewhere to live. I have a roof over my head. I eat regular meals and can be warm. I am just about feeling lucky that my messy desk needs sorting out, and lucky that I have accounting to be done. I feel very lucky that I have client preparation to do. I'm lucky and thankful for the noisy birds that are outside my window too.  I am lucky that I can do things that make me feel happy. I'm lucky I can write this blog article. Even making a cup of tea just the way I like it makes me feel lucky. 

I questioned in my mind what luck was sometime ago. Looking at luck in a different way. It hasn't changed me completely, I'm still me. I still read the horoscopes, I still quite enjoy them. According to my Chinese Horoscope 2012 is a very positive year for me. Funny that, I was feeling it in my bones, before I had even read the horoscope.    

PS, I found this image of a cake toppper item on Etsy and I thought it very pretty so shared it with you!

positive fine dining

Many people have a very harsh inner critic. An expression I hear often, 'I'm my own worst enemy'. If you are having one of those days where nothing's going right or perhaps you are feeling out of sorts, it might be your inner critic taking over. It literally is eating you up! If so, see my tip below: it helps by giving you a chance to remember to graze on happier thoughts.

Have a great day everyone.

Neurons and Obesity - the next big thing?

A recent study on obesity being linked to changes in the brain was published today.
The findings from this study on mice and rats (and human brain structures compared using scans) points toward the neurons in the brain being affected over time. A specific part of the hypothalamus, to be precise, is affected when people have eaten a high fat diet for some time and are obese. The researchers are suggesting that the brain might be 'damaged/changed' and 'control' over weight diminished. This, the researchers think, might then lead to a continued desire to keep eating a high fat diet. More work is to be done to determine if this is factually correct.

The traditional response will most likely be 'give a pill' to re-set that energy balance, and perhaps (ker-ching!) the pharmaceutical companies step in, smiling all the way to the bank! OK, so I may be a little cynical here, though I'm not against this type of intervention.  I just would like there to be at least enquiry into alternative ways of supporting those who suffer with obesity. Also into the sort of interventions that would stop the problem in the first place (and I should introduce HypnoShape® as something I jointly devised with another therapist that tackles obesity as well as those gaining weight worried about their health).  

What I would like to consider is another problem area where brain changes have happened because of the trauma, and yet a non-chemical treatment is on offer and proving successful.  

People with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) given access to 'talking therapy' and 'art therapy' have been shown in studies that even when a part of the brain is affected (hippocampus, affecting memory and learning), they can feel and get better. Art therapy and talking therapy enables them to express their feelings and reduce stress. They adapt, they cope better, but little research is available into how much their neural pathways in their brains have adapted. Perhaps that's where we should be focusing research now, particularly in supporting those with depression? 

Brain medicine, has made great strides in recent years, however it does not yet have all the answers. We know now that the brain has about 100 billion neurons. We know that there is vast processing of information and that the brain is active in controlling our body in every way. The hormones released that deal with weight and gender specific controls, our thinking, our emotions - all controlled by the brain. It is exciting to think we have yet to establish quite just how adaptable our brains are when a part of the brain is changed or damaged. I look forward to seeing additional studies prove how adaptable our brains really are.  

Incidentally, I've met some extremely adaptable-minded people who had weight issues and came to see me either in a HypnoShape group or working one to one with me. The changes some made and stuck with are proof to those people that (even if they had a damaged brain as this latest research suggests!), they were somehow able to focus their attention onto a new lifestyle and make it fit them. Maybe that's why I felt compelled to write about this?  Having one person tell me of their continued weight loss of 18 pounds over 6 months is an example and one where they made small changes that continue to add up month on month.

The feeling of 'little control' is what many clients have when they first come to see me. I empathise with how hard that can be and particularly so if they are feeling in a cycle of despair after dieting. I believe the client chooses, as they walk through my door, if they really want to be in control of their mind and their eating habits. I do sometimes see clients who are not yet ready to make the changes they say they want to, seeming to want me to sometimes make changes for them. (I provide motivation and back up) In their mind they agree with the latest research exactly or they have in their mind 'father/ mother etc was big, so I will be too'.

I'd like to give all my future clients a gift. The challenge of trusting their mind is vastly capable of helping them to make changes!  How else would we be such an amazingly advanced mammal if not for our ability to think and adapt to new situations so well? 

Please do let me know what you think, comments are welcomed. Is this the next big thing to shake up the world of weight management?

Angie Giles Hypnotherapy for Hypnotherapy, Counselling and Personal Coaching
At the Norfolk Clinic (Complementary Healthcare) on 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich and 86 St Benedicts Street, Norwich (by appointment only).
Tel: 07773 610816

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