Are you dealing with chronic pain?

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain  can be defined as pain which is constant and lasts for longer than twelve weeks. Or it may be continuing beyond the expected healing period, for example: following  surgery or trauma.

Issues associated with chronic pain

Having experienced chronic pain, I am fully aware of the impact it can have on our ability to cope. Because chronic pain can cause disrupted sleep or insomnia; mental and physical exhaustion can take hold. When sleep is impaired for a long period of time, it may increase anxiety and lead to depression. In addition, side effects from taking pain killers can make these symptoms worse or create new ones like dizziness or digestive issues.

Taking an alternative approach

Many people I work with want to take matters more into their own hands. They have often explored alternative health as a way to manage pain better and, ultimately, feel more in control. Studies show how hypnotherapy can be an effective way of  alleviating pain and the emotional distress that is often associated with it:

“…findings indicate that hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in pain associated with a variety of chronic-pain problems. Also, hypnosis was generally found to be more effective than non-hypnotic interventions such as attention, physical therapy, and education.”

Gary Elkins et al. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington. 2009.

Hypnosis can help you reduce and manage pain

Hypnotherapy incorporates visualisation techniques and metaphor to focus your thinking on what you would like to achieve. Using hypnosis can help you explore a state of deep relaxation, where you are also focused at the same time. In this way; we can become more receptive to positive suggestions and  positive visualisation.

Change the way you think

When we experience hypnosis we can access the subconscious mind. This can help us to overcome negative thinking. As an example; this might be based on expecting the worst: ‘I’ll never be free of this pain’. Using a positive focus, you may choose to replace this thought with a new one like ‘I can handle this and look forward to doing more’. You can then begin to focus on what you need to do to feel happier.

How can solution focused hypnotherapy help?

As a solution focused hypnotherapist I look at what is happening in the brain when we experience chronic pain. It can be useful to understand why we  are struggling. Most importantly, we then look at what we can do about it. You will gain an understanding of how hypnotherapy can help you redirect your focus away from pain sensations. Hypnotherapy can also help you change your perception of pain and this can change how pain messages work. The approach I take is both positive and backed by neuroscience.

Self-hypnosis

In addition to attending hypnotherapy sessions, you can explore self-hypnosis at home. This can be a very useful tool to help you manage chronic pain in the long term. As a result; clients often find their confidence comes back and they can enjoy life more.

Would you like to find out how hypnotherapy can help you?

If you would like to learn more about what I do you can book an initial consultation. This gives you the opportunity to meet me and hear my ‘brain talk’ for yourself. The consultation can be incredibly useful and encouraging.

Recognising that you might need some support and seeking it out is a step in the right direction. Through hypnotherapy, you can discover your inner strengths and resources so that you can manage pain better and experience a better quality of life.

Contact me

Give me a call on 07550 098029 or email me through my website:

https://emmavictoriahypnotherapy.co.uk/contact/

…and book your free initial consultation. Find out if hypnotherapy feels right for you. You can also keep up-to-date with information about my practice on my social media sites:

https://www.facebook.com/emmavictoriahypnotherapy/

https://www.instagram.com/emmavictoriatranmer/

https://twitter.com/EmmaTranmer

 

Emma Victoria Tranmer    MA (Hons)  PGCE  DSFH  Clinical Hypnotherapist