» Listings for 2015

1. New Therapy App Babylon - is it a good idea?

   Posted on 4:36pm Friday 11th Dec 2015

   What's the New Therapy App Babylon - is it a good idea?

    

   A new app has appeared for mobile phone and tablet users who would like some help with therapy, without having to even leave the house.

   Described as digital counselling service designed so people can take part in phone or video consultations while on the go, or from the comfort of their own home. 

   Patients can book appointments with trained therapists to help with mental health problems ranging from stress and depression to phobias, bereavement and eating disorders with just a few simple clicks. But is it a good idea and how do you know about the therapist you are getting?

   
    What does Babylon Therapy Cost?

   At the moment the charges are £49 per session. This may represent good value for money as it is a lot cheaper than many therapists, but you may want to ask yourself why. Clearly the makers of the app will take a cut of the money you pay and then the therapist will get what is left. I suppose this may make you wonder why they are working for less money than they could earn. It’s hard to imagine a therapist who was already seeing a good amount of clients would want to register, so perhaps the people who are helping you are not very busy for some reason.

   The most important thing about your therapist

   It is widely considered that the best way to success with your therapist is to make sure that you work with the best person for you. Not everyone will be right for you. If you are searching yourself and picking the right person for you then that must be better than just booking an appointment on an app without even knowing who you will be working with?

   Wouldn’t you rather be able to read all about the person you may see so you know about them? I know I would feel more comfortable that way.

   The good idea

   It is of course a great idea to be able to have therapy via an app. What you don’t really need is a dedicated app for it though. Like many other therapists I have been offering therapy sessions via Skype for many years and they work really well. You don’t need a dedicated app just a way to communicate and of course Skype provides this.

   The benefits are great. If you are suffering from anxiety and even panic attacks then the thought of having to even leave the house can be too much to bear so working in the comfort of your own home is a great bonus. There is so much less stress for you right away. You can work on fears and phobias online just as well as in person.

   You can watch a short YouTube video all about the Skype Hypnotherapy that I offer here...

   If you have any questions or would like to ask about an appointment then you can email me on [email protected] or call me on 07980 233160

2. Hypnosis can help with menopause symptoms

   Posted on 3:07pm Friday 4th Dec 2015

   The following article first appeared in the Daily Mirror written by Dr Miriam Stoppard. Her description of the benefits of hypnotherapy for menopause symptoms is very easy yo understand and concise so if you would like to read the article here it is...

    

   Hypnotherapy is great for using during childbirth. Most Women find it amazingly helpful and the research is very robust. Now this easy to learn technique could prove a book to women with menopausal symptoms. What’s more, it’s massively superior to herbs, ginseng, soya, evening primrose oil, yoga and acupuncture – all of which are unproven despite their popularity.

   Many women might shy away from using hypnotherapy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, but a report suggests that of all the alternative treatments available – from herbal supplements such as black cohosh to acupuncture – hypnosis is almost uniquely effective in alleviating symptoms of the menopause.

   As the menopause approaches, oestrogen levels drop, the ovaries cease production of an egg every month and menstruations stops. As well as the embarrassment of hot flushes, sleep is often interrupted by night sweats, mood swings are common and vaginal dryness and a loss of libido affect a woman’s sex life. However, fewer that one in 10 women seeks medical advice. Dr Janet Carpenter, who led the expert panel for the North American Menopause Society said: “Many women try one thing after another. This information (about hypnotherapy) will be critical before they stumble on something that works”

   The panel of experts commissioned by NAMS reviews the results of rigorous clinical studies on Hypnotherapy. They concluded that there was solid evidence that using this, and also cognitive behavioural therapy, were beneficial for menopausal symptoms. One study showed that women who had hypnotherapy five times a week had a dramatic reduction in the number and severity of hot flushes.

   So how does hypnotherapy work? It’s a powerful, natural and safe state of profound relaxation that you allow yourself to enter. You remain in control of your body and mind and you can come out of hypnosis at any time.

   We all experience a state of hypnosis many times a day – you drive to work but on arrival you have no recollection of the journey for example. Hypnosis allows you to visualise your body without troublesome menopausal symptoms. Body and mind are linked.

   Your body doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality so imagining that you can control your hot flushes becomes what you experience.

   It will empower you to trust your body and have confidence controlling it. You can be taught by a hypnotherapist. Try one of two weekly sessions to see if it helps you.

    

   If you would like to contact me about an appointment you cal email me at  [email protected] 

   or call me on 07980 233160