Habits
A habit is a behavioural pattern that is not particularly damaging but has become second nature because it is repeated over and over again.
We all display habitual behaviour on a daily basis; everything from changing gears as you drive, to biting your lip if you get nervous. Some habits are seen as “bad habits” because they are repeated behaviour which is not desirable; biting our nails or sucking our thumb. These bad habits can be stopped because they are, more often than not, unconscious or passive actions. Once we realise consciously what we are doing, we can stop them.
Habits that hypnotherapy can help with:
- Thumb sucking
- Bed-wetting
- Hair pulling
- Stuttering
- Blushing
- Nail or skin picking
- Nail biting
Typically between 3- 6 sessions are required for habit patterns to be altered with hypnotherapy.
Addictions
Addictions are different and more complex than just a habit. They are usually when a bad habit repeats itself many times, turning into a conscious and impulsive response which can become difficult to control.
If any of the following apply to you, then your habit may have evolved into an addiction:
- It distracts you from normal life
- It overrides other feelings and emotions
- You become dependent on doing something repeatedly
- You find it increasingly difficult to control.
- Physical withdrawal symptoms occur when you can’t do it.
Addictions that I work with:
- Binge drinking
- Chocolate
- Shopping
- Internet/ Gaming
- Gambling
- Checking (doors are locked, lights turned off etc.)
- OCD
When you come and see me, you can be assured that you won’t be judged. You are not your behaviour and you will not be labelled as such. Hypnotherapy will enable you to focus on the behaviour, rather than your behaviour being your identity e.g. “I have a problem with drinking wine/chocolate”, rather than “I am a binge drinker/ chocoholic.” It is easier to change a behaviour when you recognise that it is becoming out of hand and you need to make the positive change.
As the nature of an addiction can vary between each person, the number of sessions needed to make a positive change can vary too. Typically between 4- 8 sessions are required for addictions. Your commitment to making the change and being open and honest about your addiction will enable the process to be successful. Nicotine and smoking addictions are dealt with separately- please see my Smoking Cessation page.
Habits & Addiction Hypnotherapy – £65 per 60 minute session – first session £70