A nudge in the right direction

I came across this quote and rather liked it: 

"when a stick floating down the river gets stuck, it doesn't need psychotherapy, it just needs a nudge" (Michael Neill) 

It's about getting the right sort of help at the right time.

I recently found myself on the open river (see the picture), leading towards one of the glorious Norfolk Broads. Kayaking is a great thing to do and for me, getting outside, in the fresh air is very good for my soul! 

At one point, after a rest, I needed help. A man seated nearby with his friends could see I was tiring a bit, so he very kindly asked if he might give me a 'nudge' away from the sandy bank towards the flow of the main river. I said yes and was grateful for his help as it was perfectly timed and very helpful. 

The idea of a helpful 'nudge' makes sense to me. In the U.S. there has, in the past, been a culture of seeing therapists for long periods. In the U.K. though less obvious perhaps, there's more awareness of the benefit of sorting out emotional or confidence issues holding us back. We are gradually seeing a shift towards making use of opportunities for building emotional muscle and getting ourselves into a stronger position. It doesn't require months of coaching/therapy either, well certainly not with me. 
My clients sometimes just need a mental nudge, a little coaching or perhaps an opportunity to use me as a sounding board for thinking more clearly and gaining confidence. 

Of course there are times when longer term psychotherapy is of use and I am able to offer that too, should the need arise. 

When your 'job/relationship/mindset' gets stuck, get in touch, I'll let you know how I can help nudge yourself back into the flow... 

(I must mention The Canoe Man (Wroxham, Norfolk) as they offer a range of  hiring/ camping options for the novice kayaker/ canoeist. The picture is one I took as I went along the River Bure, Norfolk. Lovely isn't it? I'd recommend giving this a go) 

See:

http://www.angiegiles.co.uk/
Twitter: angie_therapist
Facebook: Angie Giles Hypnotherapy

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About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
Angie offers a free initial consultation to find out more. 

Self-Reliance

Self-reliance is a skill. It could also be considered a mind-set. As a skill that can be understood and learned, I think it goes hand in hand with having the right mentality to make it happen. But where do you start?

If you face a problem, you may feel out of control. You don't know whether to take action or stick your head in the sand, run and hide or face up to whatever it is. It can feel quite fearful on a number of levels.

People may want to boost their ability to take control and improve their lot. Whether that be at the end of a relationship where the other person made most decisions or took control of problems, & it feels daunting to find a way forward. Or perhaps at work, where doubts about abilities and confidence can surface. Or those not allowed to be their own person from a very young age and wanting to develop their confidence and self-reliance. 

You can start by giving yourself permission to be self-reliant (it does not mean being selfish, that's something different) You could start right now, say, 'I am self-reliant'. Check what that is like as you say it. Do you feel stronger? When you do something slightly out of your comfort zone, eg, suggesting to a co-worker you do a particular task that perhaps they usually seem to 'take over'. Afterwards, reward yourself with something positive. You overcame fear. The more you rely on you, the happier you will be.  

It is possible to find and get your self-reliance reward. I nearly wrote 'award' then! Actually, it could be like giving yourself an award, a 'recognition' of a skill, if you like. That's a rewarding idea.     

See:

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

About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich.  

Call Norfolk Clinic reception on 01603 660792 or Angie directly on 07773 610816.  She loves helping other people achieve their potential in life and work and to find greater happiness using a range of therapeutic techniques.