What Is Addiction?
Addiction can develop for any number of reasons, but it usually comes in the form of a coping mechanism that either numbs you from difficult emotions or gives you something you mistakenly think you ‘need’. It can be quite manipulative in its psychology, causing you to tell yourself ‘I have to do this because it helps me/lets me fit in with my friends/gives me confidence e.t.c.’
Every emotion you feel, happiness, calm, comfort, all are the results of chemicals interacting in your brain. Generally speaking, the brain can create all the chemicals it needs on its own, but this becomes more complicated if there are spells of depression or anxiety, as this results in a deficit of ‘good’ chemicals. In an attempt to balance this, the brain will try and introduce ways of creating more ‘good’ chemicals on its own. Ideally this would be from forming positive, life-enriching habits such as going for walks or learning a musical instrument. Unfortunately, it may take shortcuts; scrolling social media or online gambling to get quick dopamine hits. Sometimes it will reach for an outside substance like drugs or alcohol, which will mimic a chemical the brain would usually develop on its own. Cigarettes, for example, give us nicotine, which closely mimics serotonin, the naturally occurring happy/calm drug. Eventually, the brain can see these things as its prime source of these chemicals, and be very resistant to the idea of stopping.
How Do I Treat It?
Hypnosis, or trance, is a very common mental state in which the subconscious and the conscious mind communicate. Simply put, whenever we use our imagination, we are briefly entering trance. It is in these moments that we can help the subconscious unlearn its less helpful responses, and pick up new, more beneficial ones.
I use a blended and systematic approach to treating addiction. After creating an environment where you can feel safe and respected, I will help you neutralise any trauma that may have caused your brain to develop your unwanted behaviours, and resolve any difficult emotions that you may be using your addiction to manage. This will remove the reason for the addiction to be there in the first place. I use the highly effective Rewind and Timeline therapies to do this, as well as more conversational techniques and powerful mental rehearsal to boost your self-esteem, so that even if your addiction would usually entail withdrawal symptoms, you’ll either have the bare minimum or no withdrawal at all. My focus is always on sustainability of success; rather than have you coming back for more sessions every few months, I want to create a change that will continue to work for you throughout the rest of your life.
During this process, you will go into trance a number of times. You will have full awareness and control of yourself in these moments, and will easily be able to communicate or stop if you feel uncomfortable. I use calming, neutral language and relaxation techniques to help make this process feel restful and rejuvenating, with clients often reporting a ‘refreshed’ feeling after a session is over.
Depending on the clients past experiences, this is generally done within 15 sessions at the most, although sometimes significantly fewer are required.
Side effects of treatment include:
- Improved sleep
- More energy
- Better capacity to make rational decisions
- Ability to stand up for yourself in an appropriate manner
- Feeling unencumbered, or ’lighter’
- Greater resilience in difficult situations
- Higher motivation towards your own personal goals
Please get in touch to find out more and book your FREE initial consultation.
