 You probably know how hard it is to quit smoking. You’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work.
You’re not alone. Samantha was in the same boat. She had been smoking for over 20 years and couldn’t quit no matter what she did. She was sick of the smell, the cost, and the health risks. She wanted to quit, but she didn’t know how. Then she heard about hypnosis and decided to give it a shot. Hypnosis is a way of changing the subconscious mind. It helps get rid of the negative thoughts and feelings that make you want to smoke. It’s not magic, it’s science. It works by relaxing your body and mind and giving you positive suggestions that make you feel good. Samantha was a bit nervous at first, but she trusted in the process. I made her feel comfortable and explained everything to her, guiding her through a relaxing session that lasted about an hour. She felt amazing afterwards. She didn’t have any cravings or withdrawal symptoms. She didn’t even think about smoking anymore. She was done. Samantha has been smoke-free for over six months now and she loves it. She feels healthier, happier, and more confident. She has more money in her pocket and more time for her hobbies. She is proud of herself and thankful for hypnosis. If you want to quit smoking like Samantha did, hypnosis can help you too. It’s easy, safe, and effective. Quitting smoking can be hard but if you want to give yourself every possible chance to give up for good then please reach out. If you’re ready to quit smoking for good, get in touch for a zero obligation chat and find out how I can help you. I’ve had clients quit who spent more in a fortnight on cigarettes than it cost to see me. Don’t wait any longer. Do yourself a favour, take the first step today and start living the smoke-free life you want. I hope to hear from you soon.
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 Dealing with anxiety is something that is very real, very present and really annoying for most of us at one point or another. Right now, with elections around the corner and dire but mixed messages about the economy, anxiety is a lot more real, and a lot more present for some of us.
So I thought that I might talk a bit about some of the anxiety I’ve helped people though along with the outcomes that those people have had. Strangely enough, with the caveat that people have to be willing to change some of the things they are doing, it’s even one of the easier things to beat. By way of example there is this lady, who I’ll call Anna, who initially was quite outgoing etc. She lost her house and her job during the big Christchurch quake and spent the next couple of years arguing with the insurance company. Anyway, during the course of all this she found herself withdrawing from society. It took her a while to notice but she lost interest in all the things that she loved to do with other people. She found herself making excuses as to why she didn’t need to go outside, find new work, join social activities. Eventually, to her horror, she realised that she didn’t even recognise herself anymore. She couldn’t point to any ‘one thing’ in her life beyond the earthquake but it just seemed like ‘every thing’ was somehow slightly nerve-wracking, or difficult, or too tiring. Eventually she got in touch with me because I work online. I wish I could say that it was due to referrals but she wasn’t really interacting with the outside world at that point. We arranged a single session, the thought of committing to more than that was too much for her, although, in the end we did two sessions. We didn’t speak too much about her experiences, instead I reminded her of who she was. We woke up long slumbering parts of her, allowed some bad habits to dissolve and taught her to take advantage of her own forgotten resilience. In all, I think we took around three hours over two weeks. When she contacted me again a month later she was talking about the yoga classes she was taking, a role-playing group she had joined and how she had updated her CV and was actively looking for work with some interested nibbles from potential employers. As always, look after yourselves out there but remember that I’m fairly approachable if you would like some help.  Sometimes it’s the seemingly littlest things that end up causing people the most grief, which test us in the most unexpected ways. I thought I’d talk today about a client who I’m going to call Julia. I found it strangely inspiring, oddly enough a story of resilience, determination, and the unyielding human spirit. This story affects only a few people directly but I think it's still worth a read.
Julia's had a problem she found embarrassing, deeply frustrating, and a surprisingly big challenge: a shy bladder. The inability to urinate in certain public situations, particularly her employer's mandatory drug testing, placed her in deeply distressing circumstances. Her job was on the line, and the burden of managing her condition while juggling her bustling family life and her cherished career in the police was overwhelming. It may seem like a little thing but she felt like it was really holding her back. So she did something about it. She refused to let this challenge define her. The prospect of losing her job was a harsh reality, rather than give up, or let embarrassment define her. She sought guidance, researched solutions, and embarked on a personal journey of transformation, eventually contacting me. Her journey wasn't without its struggles. She told me that there were moments of frustration and doubt, times when the weight of it all threatened to overwhelm her. But Julia's commitment to her family, her police role, and her own growth was unswerving. With each step, she found strength within herself that she never knew existed. Amid the chaos of her daily life, Julia's commitment to a few regular hypnotherapy sessions became her sanctuary. The mindfulness and self-awareness cultivated in just a few sessions began to permeate every aspect of her life. It provided her with the tools to manage her anxieties, breathe through challenges, and emerge stronger on the other side. Today it's no longer an issue for Julia. She not only overcame a daunting and very personal challenge, but she confided in our last session that she feels that she might be a better cop for it. I like Julia's story because I think it teaches us that no challenge is insurmountable when we are prepared to take the plunge and reach out to get help. The sky is the limit when we are prepared to invest in our own mental state and take a deep look at ourselves and what we are prepared to admit to ourselves. I hope Julia's journey serves as a reminder that within each of us lies the power to rise above obstacles, and to be prepared to admit when we need help sometimes. I hope that you can match Julia's spirit and find the strength to conquer them. Stay inspired, just like Julia,  Dear friends,
We all face our own demons, some seen and some unseen. Today, we look at Gary's journey - a story of resilience, grit, and ultimate triumph over adversity. As a pillar of his community and respected real estate agent, Gary appeared to be sailing smoothly through life. But beneath the surface, he was wrestling with some dark demons: the bottle. Gary's job, while rewarding, came with its fair share of stress and late nights. The relentless pace and pressure, coupled with the social expectations of his role, led Gary to lean on alcohol as a coping mechanism. He found himself in the grip of a dependency he neither wanted nor welcomed. Despite the overwhelming odds, Gary decided to confront his addiction. It was a brave choice, especially when maintaining the façade of a strong community leader. His decision came from an understanding that the stakes were high - for his health, his career, and his reputation. The path to sobriety wasn't easy. He battled cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the societal pressure of his high-profile job. But Gary stood firm. He leaned on professional help, and discovered healthier ways to manage stress. There were moments of doubt and temptation, days when the façade threatened to crack. But through it all, Gary remained focused on his goal. His commitment to sobriety never wavered, even when the journey seemed impossible. Today, Gary has successfully navigated the choppy waters to a sober life. His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of human resolve. His story is not just of overcoming alcohol addiction, but also of breaking free from societal expectations to prioritize personal well-being. We celebrate Gary's victory and hope his journey inspires anyone battling their own demons. Remember, we're all in this together, extending support whenever needed. Stand tall, just like Gary,  We all face trials that test our strength and resilience. For Mary, it was quitting smoking while balancing a stressful, demanding job and a bustling family life. Today, we look at Mary's journey - a testament to her unwavering determination and strength.
At a time when life was already fraught with challenges, Mary made the conscious, and final decision to quit smoking. Between conference calls, taking the kids to rugby practices, and family dinners, she found herself wrestling with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Each nicotine pang was a reminder of the old comfort she was trying to give up, an echo of a past habit. But Mary saw beyond the immediate struggle. She was aware of the toll smoking was taking on her health and how it affected her family. She wanted to set a good example for her children, and she knew that quitting smoking was a crucial step in that direction. So, she persevered. Amid the pressures of her job and the chaos of family life, she consistently chose health and wellness. She sought support, found strategies to manage her cravings, and took one day at a time. There were tough days, of course. Days when the workload was heavy, the kids were chaotic, and the urge to light a cigarette was nearly overpowering. But Mary held on. She reminded herself of her reason for quitting - her family, her health, her future. Today, Mary stands victorious, having successfully navigated her way to a smoke-free life. Her journey serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we set our minds to it, no matter how challenging the path may seem. We celebrate Mary's triumph and hope her story inspires those facing similar struggles. Remember, we're all in this together, always ready to lend support. Stay strong, just like Mary,  Dear friends,
Life can sometimes feel like a maze with unexpected turns, and navigating personal relationships, particularly during times of strain, can significantly add to that complexity. We're dealing with the nuances of human emotions here, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. But remember, even in the darkest hours, there is always a beacon of hope. Strained relationships can make us question our worth, our decisions, and our futures. Whether it's with a spouse, a family member, or a friend, it's essential to remember that it's okay to seek help. Professional advice can provide invaluable perspective, facilitating understanding and guiding us towards resolution or acceptance. Divorce is a life-altering event that brings with it not only legal implications but a whirlwind of emotions. During such times, it's important to prioritize self-care. Lean on your support network, allow yourself time to grieve, and remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards healing. And then there’s parenting - arguably the world's most demanding job. The challenges can range from daily hurdles to long-term worries about your children's futures. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect parent. We all make mistakes, we all learn, and that's okay. The key is to provide love, understanding, and guidance to our little ones, even as we navigate our own challenges. Despite the trials these situations may bring, they also offer us a chance for growth, self-discovery, and resilience. Lean on the people around you, seek professional help when needed, and remember to show yourself the same kindness you would offer to others. Ready to put the joy back into living? Hypnotherapy can take you on a journey to unravel the tangles in your mind. Whether feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or perhaps even as if you’re drowning in the sea of life, hypnotherapy can help bring a new sense of calm and wellbeing to your life. Click below to book your free consultation today. You're not alone in this journey. Together, we can navigate these mazes, one turn at a time. Stay strong,  In life, we often face storms that test our mettle. I met Mary, one of my clients (name changed), in the midst of such a storm. Today, l wanted to look back at Mary's journey—a story of resilience, adaptation, and triumph.
Over the last few years Mary, like many of us, felt the harsh sting of a volatile economy. Every dollar spent was a source of worry, every financial decision a mountain to climb. But Mary used this period as a catalyst for change. Just by shifting her attitude, and developing positivity, she reassessed her financial habits, learned to adapt, and in the process, discovered powerful lessons that still guide her today. At the same time, concerns over job performance cast a long shadow over Mary. The pressure to excel was at times overwhelming. But Mary came to understand that her worth was not solely defined by her professional achievements. She weathered the bad days and the good ones, took each challenge one step at a time, leaned on her support network, and sought professional help when she needed it. When Mary experienced job loss, she looked for the hidden opportunity and she found herself transitioning to a new role. Starting a new career was daunting, the learning curve seemed steep, but she chose to see the potential, it was a chance to grow and learn. She embraced the change, acquired new skills, and never hesitated to ask for help when she needed it. Today, Mary stands on the other side of the storm, stronger and wiser. Her journey serves as a reminder that we're rarely alone unless we choose to be. She learnt that it's okay to reach out, lean on our networks, and care for ourselves. No matter how dark the cloud, a silver lining awaits us. Ready to put the joy back into living? Hypnotherapy helped Mary regain her strength and confidence, easing her into new situations with tranquility and assurance. To discover how it can help you too, click below to book your free consultation today. I hope that you can keep sailing forward, just like Mary.  Robert, a successful businessman, who owned a chain of motels in Christchurch and around the South Island, gave me a call one day for an appointment as he wanted to give up smoking.
He rolled up a week later in a super flash Mercedes SUV and confidently strode into my clinic. In the first session, I learnt that he smoked sixty cigarettes a day. I noticed he was very restless, always fidgeting and couldn’t sit still. He was a really nice man, but hugely stressed as several of his motels had been written off in the Christchurch earthquakes. For the last six years he had been having ongoing battles with insurance and EQC. His other properties elsewhere in NZ were fine, but his main source of income had been in the Christchurch area. One of the main reasons people want to give up smoking is cost. For a 20 cigarette-a-day habit, it will cost $10,800 per year before tax. Though, cost was no barrier for Robert, he knew his health was in serious decline and that something had to be done. Also during the first session, I found Robert had another worry. His worries seemed also to be affecting his wife. She was starting to develop obsessive disorders, one of which was biting her nails and picking at her cuticles. Robert felt his own stress was responsible for this, but she also hated him smoking and refused to travel with him in his smoke-filled car. First of all, I treated Robert for his smoking. Over two sessions he loved the feeling of relaxation I was able to take him to, and he mentioned that in my clinic, it was the first time he felt truly relaxed. He phoned me a couple of weeks later to make a third appointment and to book an appointment for his wife. He had managed to stop smoking, but was still stressed over financial matters and needed some help to manage that stress so he wouldn’t start smoking again. A few days later I treated his wife for anxiety and worked on getting her to stop tearing at her nails. I followed up this couple six months later and Robert was still smoke-free. He had managed to contain the stress of his financial problems. He had come to accept that there was no point in stressing about it, as the matter was now out of his hands and there was nothing that he could do. This in turn had a massive positive effect on the couple’s relationship. His wife also had her anxiety under control and she was finally able to have a manicure. Getting to know and helping this couple brought home to me the fact that it doesn’t matter how much or how little money you have, problems exist because of how we react to them. We all need a bit of help to change our perspective and get back on the right track. Without that help, the problems escalate and can easily become unmanageable. It’s important to seek help before it gets that far. Ready to finally quit for good? Click the button below to book your free consultation.  Rebecca came to me late last year for the 4 week Virtual Gastric Banding session to lose weight.
It was hugely successful with 14kg down by March. She was now great with food intake and she balanced this with exercise all through summer. She had noticed improved sleep patterns, decreased anxiety and stress levels. She felt wonderful as a result of VGB and loved going to the Gym, jogging, or taking a brisk walk every morning. Then just recently I got a call for help. Cold weather had set in, and the electric-blanket and warm duvet, comfortable bed, comfortable husband was simply too great a pull to haul herself out of bed and into the cold for exercise. Even though her mind would tell her she must, the temptation of comfort was too strong. Consequently she hadn’t exercised for three weeks and she was noticing the scales were no longer going down. After all, 20% of weight-loss was exercise and she knew this. The scales were now static after such a pleasing loss and she KNEW she had to do something but she couldn’t get the motivation she needed. Not only was it cold in the mornings, now, it was also dark when she woke up and dark when she arrived home in the evening. Rebecca came back to me for a top-up session and we discussed what was holding her back. By harnessing the power of her imagination I got her to visualise several adverse weather conditions, such as extremely heavy rain, howling southerly gales, and a severe snow storm and her walking/jogging through it. This had the goal that when she did go out, the reality would be that was actually very easy. She emailed me a few days ago to tell me that she was back out there in the mornings and was astonished that it was now so easy and wondered why she had ever had a problem. She recently went out running in the heavy rain and loved the invigorated feeling it gave her when she got home. Her energy levels have increased once again and the scales are now falling south once more. So why does this programme have such a high success rate? Well, it inspires the subconscious mind to change its habitual behaviour in three separate directions. The clients leave the clinic with new routines in regards to how much they eat, what food they eat and how much exercise they should take. The great thing about the programme is that though the weight-loss down to the target weight is often much slower than from some of the more popular crash-diet programmes, once lost, the weight is not put back on again. Yo-yo dieting is a thing of the past; the very satisfying and comfortable new routines become a permanent feature of life. If you’re ready to start your own weightloss journey click the red button below to book your free consultation.  Being part French, I often heard the story of Jeanne Calment, the world’s oldest person. She died aged 122 in France, having been a smoker for most of her life.
When she was 70 years old, she ‘sold’ her house to a solicitor, the understanding being that she could live in there until she died, free of charge, but that the solicitor would take over the house upon her death. It was a gamble both ways. The solicitor, pretty sure that Madame Calment would die fairly shortly, particularly as she was a smoker, felt he was in for a bargain. But Madame Calment had no intention of passing on. In fact, she lived for a further 52 years, well outliving the solicitor and his successors. So yes, she won lotto!. However, if you are a smoker, or you know of a smoker, here are some facts. With every cigarette smoked, approximately three thousand different chemicals are inhaled. Nine hundred of those are toxic. Some will stain teeth and fingers, some will give the smoker a whole variety of cancers. I don’t need to go on any further, the graphic illustrations on a packet of cigarettes do this. But, why does this demonstrable fear of death, disease and progressive ill health not dissuade people? Smokers fear that they are so addicted to nicotine that if they give up, they will become grumpy, put on weight and find it excruciatingly difficult. This is true whether they smoke five, or sixty a day. So nicotine replacements have now been available for nearly thirty years. And long term, study after study shows they are effective for less than 5% who try it. Not great, especially when the science suggests 6% of people quit smoking without any intervention! Why is this? Sticking a plaster on your arm does not deal with the reason why you smoked, and it doesn’t deal with the thought either. But it is possible to give up painlessly without withdrawal symptoms, without putting on weight. According to the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2001 (amongst many other scientific articles), they found a 90.6% long term success rate for quitting smoking using hypnosis. Using willpower, or nicotine replacement, does not address the core issue. When trying to quit, smokers normally suffer and find it difficult. However, through hypnotherapy, you will walk out the door as a non-smoker and do it easily and effortlessly: smoking is just a question of habit, not of addiction and habits can be broken. But of course, the smoker must really want to give up. Hypnotherapy is not a magic wand. The hypnotherapist is not a magician, but a facilitator, whose job it is to make the use of your own will-power that much easier. So when you next sit out on your deck enjoying a lovely glass of Marlborough wine with friends and family, and someone offers you a cigarette, imagine your pride and sense of achievement when you say with a smile “No thanks, I am a non-smoker”! Ready to make that a reality? Click the button below to book your free consultation call |
Daniel
Certified hypnotherapist. Archives
August 2024
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