 All relationships affect our wellbeing, and when a relationship ends, people often experience grief, anger, or shame even if they were the one who initiated the split. You may replay arguments in your mind or find yourself reliving painful moments from past relationships, which can lead to sleepless nights and induce a fight-or-flight response.
Over time, traumatic memories will naturally fade. However, if not properly addressed and stored in the mind, the feelings associated with past relationships create an emotional imprint. Like a timestamp on a video, this imprint remains in our mind so that we can reference it in the future. The formation of this imprint is a normal brain function intended to keep you safe. However, maintaining this imprint will not always serve your current goals. For example, you may notice yourself becoming more aware of your old emotional imprints when you enter into a new relationship. Your reactions to events and social interactions may be influenced more by your past experiences than your current reality. To overcome this dissonance, you may want to consider Integral Eye Movement Therapy. Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) is a therapeutic approach focused on processing the emotions associated with past experiences so that we can move forward in our lives. During an IEMT session, a practitioner asks a client to recall an unhappy memory or unwanted emotion while moving their eyes. These combined actions allow a client to reprocess the memory and the emotion attached to it, enabling them to resolve that trigger. IEMT does not require a client to discuss or relive past experiences. The client simply visualizes the memory associated with the feelings they wish to move past. IEMT also includes identity work. You and your practitioner will look at who you are, how you see yourself, and the limiting beliefs you have about yourself. This process also addresses our interactions with others and examines our behavior in specific situations, especially ones in which our actions do not reflect our best self. IEMT can be an incredibly healing and empowering experience for people recovering from a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or the end of a friendship. If you feel that your negative memories interfere with your ability to thrive in relationships, or if you find it difficult to resolve the emotions those memories evoke, consider exploring the benefits of IEMT.
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 Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) is a psychotherapy model aimed at reducing intense negative emotional states. It involves recalling a negative event while moving the eyes in specific directions, leading to a reduction in negative emotions associated with that event or image.
When we experience a traumatic event or have a negative experience (or we perceive an experience as negative), our mind gets overwhelmed and cannot process or file the information properly. That unprocessed memory starts taking up bandwidth in your mind and can translate into repeating negative emotions. Our past negative experiences can create a type of emotional template for related experiences. This causes us to view experiences through the lens of past emotional trauma rather than our current reality. IEMT works by exploring your problem. It’s like unpacking a suitcase where you’ve thrown everything in, and maybe can’t even remember what you packed. We take it all out, organize it, and put it back into place neatly. IEMT is content-free, meaning that you do not have to share details of your negative memories, experiences, or traumas in order to experience relief. By just giving a situation a label and a SUDS number (1-10, 10 being the worst), you can work on these negative memories. You won’t forget what happened, but you will lose the overwhelming negative feelings associated with the event. During our life, we develop ideas about ourselves based on experiences, things people have told us, or even nicknames (such as “baby of the family” or “black sheep of the family”). Sometimes life situations change and leave us with a loss of identity (divorce, or widowhood). These identities are not always positive and can shape our reactions to situations in a way that is not always in alignment with our current goals. Using IEMT helps you to improve your self-esteem, create improved boundaries in personal relationships, experience freedom from emotional pain, and improve your worldview by helping you to see your current reality with more clarity. You can learn more at: Integral Eye Movement Therapy.  Chronic pain, defined as a pain that lasts for more than three months, has become one of the most persistent and debilitating health issues in the United States. In 2021, Brigham and Women’s Hospital researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “approximately 50 million U.S. adults—one in five—experience chronic pain.” This pain may be constant or recurring but always impacts our ability to manage the demands of daily life.
Although chronic pain sometimes has an obvious cause, such as an injury or illness, psychological factors can also lead to chronic pain. Some common conditions associated with chronic pain include arthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, and migraines. Chronic pain interferes with sleep, appetite, and mobility. Experiencing chronic pain also affects our mental and emotional health, increasing our stress and anxiety. In addition, chronic pain can be very isolating. People struggling with pain often hesitate to seek support because they fear being dismissed or misunderstood. Hypnosis has always been a powerful pain management tool. Most research focuses on the analgesic effect of hypnosis; however, we can also use hypnosis to improve our quality of life through better sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased self-esteem. Hypnosis for pain relief typically involves therapeutic imagery. For example, imagining a peaceful, relaxing scene in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a vital role in helping the body recover from physical and emotional stress. We can also use guided imagery to decrease our heart rate, lower our blood pressure, and reduce tension. Guided imagery redirects the mind away from thoughts of discomfort or distress, making room for calm, healing thoughts. This state of relaxation increases our endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers. Health coaching can also be a viable option for those struggling with chronic pain. A qualified health and wellness coach has the time and expertise to assess your unique experience with pain and determine how this pain has impacted your life. The right coach will work with you to create a wellness plan that allows you to manage your pain through the development of healthy habits such as following an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining your physical therapy routine, or practicing mindfulness. The motivation and understanding a health coach provides will enhance the effects of a pain management plan and may reduce the need for prescription medication in the future.
Your subconscious mind is incredibly fast and powerful, but it's not creative and can't think of anything new. We can use our conscious minds to reprogram the subconscious mind to bring it into alignment with our current goals and ambitions. Hypnosis can also help boost self-confidence, dissolve self-doubt, and reinforce positive self-beliefs.
Join Rose Ferguson, a Certified Master Hypnotist, for a fun and informative afternoon. Learn more about how your subconscious mind works, how to access it, and how to reprogram it! Sign up by May 31 and save $10! Click here to register.  Hypnosis for childbirth, commonly known as hypnobirthing, is gaining popularity as a powerful tool to help expecting mothers prepare for labor and delivery. By tapping into the power of the mind, hypnobirthing aims to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and foster a positive mindset during the birthing process. This approach focuses on reframing the way women view childbirth, empowering them to approach labor with confidence and calmness. Understanding the Essence of Hypnobirthing Hypnobirthing is founded on the philosophy that the act of giving birth can be a serene and profoundly empowering event. This method has you applying self-hypnosis, relaxation, and positive affirmations. At the heart of hypnosis for labor is the practice of reconditioning the mind to perceive childbirth not as a series of painful contractions to be feared, but as a natural and powerful process the body is well-equipped to handle. By fostering a deep state of relaxation, expectant mothers can minimize the sensation of pain and reduce anxiety, leading to a smoother birthing process. The techniques utilized in hypnobirthing, such as controlled breathing, visualization, and positive thinking, are designed to create a sense of calm and control, empowering women to trust in their body’s innate birhing wisdom. This holistic approach not only prepares women mentally and emotionally for childbirth but also promotes a deep connection between the mother and her baby. Through the practice of hypnobirthing, expectant mothers learn to listen to their bodies, respond to their babies’ cues, and enter labor with a mindset that supports a harmonious birthing experience. The goal is to transform the narrative around childbirth, viewing it as a journey to be embraced with confidence and joy, rather than an ordeal to be endured. Hypnobirthing, therefore, is not merely a set of techniques but a pathway to a more positive and fulfilling birth experience. Healing Past Traumas For countless women, the journey of childbirth carries the weight of previous encounters that may have been fraught with fear, pain, or disappointment. For those seeking to heal and move beyond these past traumas, hypnosis presents a nurturing path that allows women to delve into their subconscious, confronting and reconciling their fears and anxieties. Through the gentle process of hypnosis, it is possible to reframe and transform these past experiences, substituting dread and apprehension with feelings of strength, resilience, and optimism. Those with previous birth trauma can benefit from a one on one session with a hypnotist who specializes in labor and childbirth. By resolving these emotional barriers, women are empowered to approach labor not as a replay of past traumas but as a new narrative filled with hope for a positive birth experience. Hypnosis for labor and childbirth then becomes not just a preparation for birth but a form of emotional liberation, offering a chance to heal and reclaim the birthing process. This healing journey fosters an environment where fear is replaced with knowledge, and anxiety gives way to calm, setting the stage for a confident birth experience. The Potential to Shorten Labor In the realm of childbirth, the duration of labor is often a significant concern for many. Hypnosis potentially shortens the first stage of labor, thereby offering a smoother transition for both mother and child. This method, grounded in relaxation and stress reduction, equips the expectant mother with techniques that enhance her body's natural labor process. When the body is relaxed and the mind is free from fear, labor can progress in a more efficient and less obstructive manner. The relaxation techniques taught in hypnobirthing courses—such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive affirmations—work to diminish the stress hormones that can stall labor. In their place, the body produces endorphins, nature's own pain relief, which can facilitate a smoother labor process. Studies and anecdotal evidence from women who have utilized hypnobirthing techniques suggest a correlation between these practices and shorter labor durations. By fostering a deep sense of calm and preparation, hypnobirthing helps the body to function as it is naturally designed to during childbirth. This not only has the potential to reduce the time spent in labor but also contributes to a more serene birthing experience overall. The impact of hypnobirthing on labor duration underscores the power of the mind-body connection in childbirth. It highlights how mental and physical preparation can influence the birthing process, making it a pivotal consideration for those looking to embrace a more natural and empowered approach to welcoming their child into the world. Reducing the Need for Interventions Hypnosis during labor and childbirth has the capacity to minimize the dependency on medical or surgical interventions during the labor process. Practicing natural pain management and relaxation techniques enables expectant mothers to navigate labor pains with increased resilience and less reliance on external aids. This shift towards a more organic birthing experience not only empowers women but also significantly decreases the likelihood of encountering complications associated with medical interventions. Women are equipped with the tools to foster a serene and controlled birthing environment, one where the natural rhythms of childbirth are respected and honored. Empowering Birth Stories The narrative of childbirth is being reshaped by the transformative power of hypnobirthing, presenting a new paradigm where fear and apprehension give way to empowerment and joy. This innovative approach equips women with the tools to harness their inner strength and the profound capabilities of their mind, enabling a birthing experience that is rooted in confidence and serenity. Through the practices of hypnosis, women are guided to trust their body's natural birthing process, fostering a sense of control and resilience that carries them through labor. The journey of hypnobirthing is marked by the creation of positive birth stories, where each contraction brings a woman closer to meeting her child, enveloped in an atmosphere of calm and anticipation rather than fear. These stories highlight the remarkable capacity of women to transform their birthing experiences into moments of triumph, reinforcing the belief in their inherent strength and capability. By embracing hypnobirthing, women step into their role as the primary architect of their birthing experience, laying the foundation for a story of birth that is filled with empowerment, grace, and profound joy. 
 I'm thrilled to be offering virtual sessions for hypnosis, emotional freedom technique, and health coaching on Well Me Right.
Well Me Right is an online platform and community that makes it easy to connect with vetted Wellness Experts on a variety of health-minded topics and get advice and support over a 1:1 private video call. Their platform vets and connects leading Wellness Experts with individual community members looking for personalized guidance and support. I have different days and times available via this virtual platform than I do for my in-person sessions, giving you more options for scheduling your self care, including (limited) weekends! Book a 1-on-1 virtual session and get advice & guidance that is tailored individually to you and your wellness goals. Every time you book a wellness expert to support your health, you help make the planet healthier too. Well Me Right donates 1% of profits to climate sustainability programs to help scale emerging carbon removal technologies.  A caregiver is anyone who routinely assists another person, such as an elderly parent, a child with special needs, or a partner with a chronic illness. Although caring for a loved one can be rewarding, the physical and psychological demands of this role often contribute to serious health issues. Studies have shown that caregivers experience similar symptoms as those diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, including exhaustion, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and a compromised immune system.
The emotions we experience when caring for a loved one intensify the physical toll this work takes on our bodies. In addition, caregivers often ignore their own needs because they feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Some caregivers also find it difficult to set healthy boundaries or ask for help. These factors can lead to caregiver burnout, or caregiver stress syndrome. Caregiver burnout is a state of mental, emotional, and physical distress that feels insurmountable and drains both body and mind. To combat burnout, caregivers must prioritize their physical and mental well-being. We can use hypnosis to help us cope with many stressors linked to caregiving. For example, caring for a loved one often disrupts our sleep, which leads to an elevation in stress hormones, including cortisol. Skipping meals or relying on convenience foods negatively impacts our nutrition, which also raises our cortisol levels. Increased cortisol further impacts sleep, and lack of sleep exacerbates other health issues. Hypnosis allows us to develop and strengthen strategies for improving sleep and managing stress because reinforcing these techniques in the hypnotic state allows them to become automatic responses. Caregivers can also use self hypnosis to manage stress and take a “mental vacation” from their daily responsibilities. Self hypnosis is easy to learn and can be practiced in spare moments. Sometimes caregivers experience frustration when caring for someone who is unable to voice their appreciation for all the caregiver provides. With self hypnosis, a caregiver can visualize their loved one expressing gratitude or revisit positive memories they shared, and this visualization can help restore the caregiver’s sense of self and well-being. Those receiving care can also benefit from hypnosis directly. The elderly, the chronically ill, and those with special needs can all use hypnosis to manage pain, improve sleep, reduce stress, build self-confidence, and achieve other goals. A qualified hypnotist can answer your questions about how hypnosis can help you and your lov ed ones.  Often when we decide we want to make a change in our life, we do it spontaneously and without much planning. We see a photo of ourselves we dislike, someone dumps us because we’re a smoker, or we get really ill and decide: this is the last straw! We then make drastic changes to every possible aspect of our lives, only to find ourselves right back where we started a few months later.
This cycle sometimes begins because we abruptly decide to make a change, without really examining why that change feels important to make. Other times we’re making a change that we believe someone else wants us to make, rather than one that holds value for us. Our motivations need to be intrinsic rather than dictated by outside influences. Once we understand where we want to go and why, we can start to formulate a plan to get there. Looking at our long term goal and breaking it down into bite-sized pieces can make goals feel more achievable. Coaching can help you discover what habits and changes are aligned with your values, and which may not be relevant for your life. Working with a health and wellness coach can help you reverse engineer your goals by focusing first on your wellness vision. Where do you want to be, and why? To discover your values, you can make a list of what is a priority in your life. Write down everything that’s important to you. Ask yourself questions like, “what’s important in my life?” Your list might include family, faith, flexibility, happiness, personal growth. Ask yourself why something feels important to you. Starting with smart, achievable goals helps to ensure we don’t get frustrated and slide back to our old habits. A skilled coach can help you formulate goals that are realistic for your life and provide accountability to keep you on the path to health. Working with a coach offers a safe space for your goals, dreams, and fears. Even the most well meaning friends and family can impose negativity on our plans. A coach is there to support you with no judgment. Coaching can be helpful for anything from weight loss, fitness goals, work/life balance, relationship strategies, or stress management. A healthy lifestyle is crucial for avoiding chronic disease. What a gift to give yourself to get some guidance and support when building healthier habits.  The word “hypnosis” makes some people nervous because of its connotations with stage shows or being out of control. In reality, hypnosis is simply an agreement between the hypnotist and client to participate in a psychotherapeutic technique based on the hypnotherapist providing suggestions for changes in sensation, perception, cognition, affect, mood, or behavior.
Common myths about hypnosis is that the client will be out of control, or stuck in hypnosis, or made to do silly parlor tricks. Hypnosis is actually just a heightened state of attention and concentration, like being lost in a movie and losing track of time. Hypnosis is sometimes viewed as a new age, alternative therapy, but it’s been used for thousands of years. One of the earliest documented examples was April 1, 1829, in Paris, when M. le Docteur Chapelain used hypnosis as an anesthetic during mastectomy and axillary node dissection. This was prior to the introduction of modern anesthesia techniques. During the operation, the patient was calm and evidenced good pain control. Cancer patients often have multiple symptoms that contribute to a decrease in their quality of life. These can include pain, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, or hot flashes. Hypnosis has been specifically employed in the care of cancer patients to reduce these symptoms. When people receive a cancer diagnosis they may experience stress, anxiety, fear, and loss of control. Working with a hypnotherapist can help relieve these emotional stressors. It makes sense that pain and anxiety are closely related. Most people who know they will be going into a painful procedure get anticipatory anxiety, which is not only contributes to stress and sleeplessness prior to the procedure, but can also exacerbate pain at the time. Hypnotherapy is also very effective for building healthy habits that can help prevent cancer, such as weight management and smoking. Hypnosis is the most frequently cited form of nonpharmacologic cognitive pain control. People who undergo a hypnotherapy session prior to surgery or before chemotherapy or radiation generally heal faster, experience less pain (and therefore need less pain medication), and are less anxious.
We’re all guilty of procrastination at some point in our lives. Everyone puts off unpleasant tasks from time to time.
Our modern day life, which claims to help us be extra efficient, is laden with landmines of procrastination. According to researchers at Florida State University, it is well documented that interacting with a mobile phone is associated with poorer performance on concurrently performed tasks because limited attentional resources must be shared between tasks. Americans are viewing their phones more than ever before - an average of 52 times per day. The easiest way to cut back on this? Turn off your push notifications - all of them. However, problems arise when procrastination begins to impact your life experience negatively. For example, if chronic procrastination extends to matters of health and self-improvement, you may be at risk of adverse outcomes. Chronic procrastinators always have trouble completing tasks. Signs of chronic procrastination include:
You can also procrastinate based on the task itself. One common pitfall of situational procrastination is that we either maximize the effort, or we minimize it. We either exaggerate how much time or effort it will take to complete a task, or we minimize it’s impact (eg: “No one will watch this video anyway”). Here are some common ways we allow ourselves to delay doing what we need to do:
The above list probably feels all too familiar! Most of us can recognize when we’re procrastinating and justify our actions. But with just a little effort, we could use that same energy towards admitting our procrastination and developing techniques for motivating ourselves for greater productivity. |
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