Counselling Couples
Published on 22 June 2016 at 2:20pm by José Penrose
Couples Counselling is a difficult proposition but can be very rewarding. It is not always about the couple finding a way forward with their relationship. It may be an exercise to help them achieve an amicable split.
The most common problem facing couples is poor communication. They have often fallen into the habit of never really listening to their partner or of second guessing what they believe the other is meaning to say, rather than taking the trouble to really listen and accept statements at face value.
This can happen because new circumstances often evoke old feelings, problems from way back that have never been resolved. This means that one partner can be harbouring a lot of unexpressed anger and resentment which they use an ammunition time after time and which stops any progress from being made. Maybe the problem stems from learned responses within the family of origin.
In Couples Therapy, a good therapist will listen carefully to what each partner is saying and reflect back what she hears. She can gently challenge misunderstandings, draw attention to what appear to be ‘put downs’ through language or body or facial expressions. She can also offer simple techniques which facilitate better communication.
Couples seek help at many different stages of their relationship. Even when all hope of reconciliation seems to be lost, progress can be made.
If your relationship appears to be crumbling or you are feeling upset, undervalued or unheard, then do seek help before the final breaking point is reached. Problems can almost always be resolved in a safe neutral environment with the support of a skilled counselling session.
Visit www.mindtochange.co.uk to find out how to access couples counselling, either face to face or via Skype
That annoying little voice in your head.
Published on 25 May 2016 at 5:37pm by José Penrose
Many of us will have voices in our head from childhood – the angry father, the narcissistic mother – regularly reminding us of our failings and shortcomings and undermining our confidence and well being – stopping us from getting on with life and achieving our full potential today.
Time Line Therapy is a simple and effective method of silencing those voices once and for all. A way of healing the child which allows you, the adult, to let go of the past and become the confident and successful person you deserve to be.
Hypnotherapy help for a very nervous driver
Published on 25 April 2016 at 6:02pm by José Penrose
I received the following lovely testimonial from a client who came to see me for a driving phobia:
“I went to see Jose in 2016 to improve my driving confidence. I only relatively recently passed my driving test but had yet to fully embrace driving. After just one session with Jose, I was able to get behind the wheel and enjoy driving. She was kind, patient and understanding and able to expertly get to the bottom of my issues to enable me to drive with joy. Many thanks Jose!”
Identifying the underlying cause of the problem.
Published on 23 February 2016 at 4:25pm by José Penrose
I’ve said this before, I’m sure but it’s important to reiterate: The presenting problem is often not the real issue.
I have been seeing a client for several weeks because she desperately needs to promote her consultancy work but just cannot motivate herself to follow up on good leads and submit presentations. Clients are clamouring for her to respond but she remains immobile.
Finally, at the most recent session, a breakthrough. She had spent her whole childhood trying to get her father’s attention and approval. Her fear of rejection or not being good enough now dominates her life today.
Now that we have finally identified the issue, I can treat it quickly and effectively with a specific and effective hypnotherapy technique.
If this is the kind of help you, or a friend or colleague needs, then give me a call.
Hypnotherapy Supervision
Published on 9 February 2016 at 4:27pm by José Penrose
I am now qualified with the National Council for Hypnotherapy as a Hypnotherapy Supervisor. I charge £45 for a one hour face to face supervision session and can also work over Skype. Please contact me via my website: www.mindtochange.co.uk if you would like to book a session.
Fear of Flying
Published on 1 February 2016 at 9:01am by José Penrose
This is the time of year when our thoughts turn to sunny beaches and relaxing holidays. But if you fear flying, then your first thought will be the terror of getting on an aeroplane. The fear may be so great that it will keep you grounded for yet another year when all your friends are flying off to the warm sunshine.
Your conscious mind may know that flying is one of the safest forms of travel but knowing this consciously does not allay your fears.
Did you know that just one session of hypnotherapy can cure this fear – eliminate it once and for all – and you’ll be free to fly where you please.
If you are going to be keeping yourself and your family grounded this summer, then do get in touch.
SAD
Published on 3 January 2016 at 6:00pm by José Penrose
The pressure is rising……. No this isn’t the weather forecast! It’s a reminder that at this time of year our stress levels car soar. Year end deadlines to meet, family demands, weight gain over the Christmas period, feeling sluggish as you slip back into the old routine with weeks of short, dull days ahead before Spring.
If stress is allowed to build up, it can be damaging to both our physical health as well as our mental wellbeing. The good news is that, with a few simple techniques you can reduce anxiety and panic and bring at least a few moments of calm into your life every day.
One is simply to focus on your breathing for one minute. Breathe in and hold for a count of 6, then exhale slowly, letting the breath go. Just focus on this rhythm of the breath for 60 seconds, allowing it to absorb your thoughts and fill you with calm as tension ebbs away with each exhalation.
You can fine more tips to help you take just a minute to relax each day at my website, www.mindtochange.co.uk
Strategies for managing your stress
Published on 25 November 2015 at 3:33pm by José Penrose
This is the time of year when stress is building. The weather is against us, there is so much to do, shops are crowded and people are short tempered.
So what do you do when you’re stuck in yet another traffic jam or checkout queue? You feel frustration mounting, your heart rate increasing, panic setting in?
Ask yourself – what’s the worst that can happen? Will the world end if I arrive at my next appointment a few minutes late? Of course it wont!
So just be kind to yourself. Sit back, focus on your breathing, observe the breath, see if you can slow your heart rate by just paying attention to the rise and fall of your chest, the expansion of your ribs.
Imagine the air you inhale is cool and calming. Let it flow through you, releasing tension and allowing you to relax and be patient.
What’s the worst that can happen……………… You’ll feel so much better.
For more hints and tips visit Mind to Change – www.mindtochange.co.uk.
The presenting problem is not always the issue.
Published on 28 October 2015 at 3:11pm by José Penrose
I have been seeing a client recently who came for treatment for insomnia. She had not slept for some considerable time – since, in fact, she came to live in England some 5 years ago. During this time her husband had had a serious cycling accident which had affected her deeply and her relationship was at rock bottom.
During the first session I used the rewind technique to detraumatise the accident and also did some relaxation for the insomnia. She slept well that night, although this has not continued but she has dramatically revised her use of sleeping pills.
She did not come specifically to work on her relationship but, following the ensuing 2 sessions, she began to feel much happier, coming to the realisation that the mess of her life was not her fault. Following her session this week – again a combined counselling and hypnotherapy session, she has sent me the following report:
I just have to tell you that you have made a massive impact on my life and last night was a real eye-opener! I chatted to C for hours and our conversation was an eye-opener for him too, so Thank You!
It is so important to remember that, whatever the presenting issue, we must always listen carefully to what the client is not saying and help them to follow a new train of thought to see where it leads. Be open and adaptable and the client will show you the way.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Published on 23 October 2015 at 6:53am by José Penrose
Despite a lovely few days of autumn sunshine, the reality is that winter is just around the corner with short, dark and dismal days ahead. This often brings on low mood and affects many people – more than you might think – particularly after the bustle of Christmas and New Year is over and we are faced with 3 more months of cold weather.
Our problems, which vanished in the warm sunshine, creep back to haunt us again and it’s easy to get down and depressed.
If you or someone you know is beginning to feel low and anxious, perhaps for no obvious reason, then a relaxing session of hypnotherapy in a calm and comfortable atmosphere may be the ideal tonic to set them up and see them through the approaching winter.
Just one session can access long buried issues – problems the client may not even be consciously aware of but which are contributing to a general feeling of unease and depression.
It’s time to set yourself up for the cold dark days ahead – let Mind to Change change your mind for you.