Hormones, Headaches & Hypnosis: Support for Women with Hormonal Migraine Syndrome

Back in 1986, my husband and I traveled to Japan on a week-long business trip. We returned with nasty, painful headaches due to the flu. Burt swears that this is the only headache he can ever remember having. In my practice, however, many women have different stories to tell.

One of my clients, Amanda, a woman in her late 30s, came to me after struggling for years with premenstrual migraines that left her unable to function for days each month. After four sessions focused on pain reduction, hormone balance visualization, and affirmations for emotional resilience, she was able to report not only fewer headaches—but also greater ease around her cycle, improved sleep, and a deeper sense of trust in her body.

In connection with June, National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, I want to explore with you how hypnotherapy offers holistic, non-invasive support for women navigating hormonal migraines.

The Hormonal Headache Struggle

For millions of women, migraines aren’t just an occasional inconvenience—they are a recurring, often debilitating condition linked closely with hormonal fluctuations. Menstrual migraines, perimenopausal migraines, and migraines triggered by birth control or hormone replacement therapy are all part of what’s known as hormonal migraine syndrome.

These migraines typically strike just before, during, or after menstruation, during ovulation, or through life transitions like pregnancy or menopause. The common thread? Rapid changes in estrogen levels and other reproductive hormones, which affect brain chemistry and pain pathways.

For many of you, conventional treatment options offer only partial relief—or come with side effects.

Where Hypnotherapy Comes In

Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, mind-body-based intervention that helps you reduce the intensity, frequency, and emotional toll of hormonal migraines. Here's how:

1. Rewiring the Brain’s Pain Response

Pain is not just physical—it’s also neurological and emotional.Hypnosis taps into the subconscious mind to change how the brain interprets and responds to pain signals. With regular sessions, clients often report:

• Lowered pain perception

• Shorter migraine duration

• Fewer intense episodes

This works through a process called neuroplasticity, where the brain literally learns new patterns of response.

2. Supporting Emotional Regulation During Hormonal Shifts

Hormonal changes often bring mood swings, irritability, and anxiety, which can in turn exacerbate pain. Hypnotherapy offers a calm space where you can learn to:

• Anchor yourself in relaxation and mindfulness

• Reframe your stress-related thoughts

• Reduce anticipatory anxiety about your next migraine

Using tools like progressive relaxation and positive suggestion, you can shift your nervous system from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest mode—promoting calm and emotional balance.

3. Boosting Body Awareness and Self-Care

Hypnotherapy enhances interoceptive awareness—your ability to tune into early signs that a migraine may be on its way. You can learn to:

• Catch the signals early

• Use breathing techniques, visualization, or autosuggestion to intervene

• Prioritize rest and hydration without guilt

This helps prevent migraines from escalating and empowers you to take proactive control of your symptoms.

4. Complementing Medical Care, Not Replacing It

Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment. It works best when integrated into a full care plan, which might include:

• Consultation with a neurologist

• Use of prescribed medications

• Hormonal therapies

• Lifestyle changes (like diet, sleep, and exercise)

The beauty of hypnosis is that it fills a crucial gap helping you make these changes stick by addressing the subconscious patterns that drive your behavior and response to stress.

What the Research Says

A number of clinical studies support the use of hypnotherapy for migraine management. For example:

• A Journal of Behavioral Medicine study found that hypnosis reduced migraine frequency by over 50% in many participants.

• Research in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain showed improvements in pain tolerance and overall well-being after hypnotherapy interventions.

These benefits are especially important for hormonal migraine sufferers, who may prefer non-drug strategies that support the body’s natural cycles.

Why This Matters in June

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on innovative, empowering approaches to pain care. Hypnotherapy deserves a seat at this table—as a complementary therapy that empowers you to feel seen, heard, and healed on your migraine journey.

Take the First Step

If you or someone you love struggles with hormonal migraines, know that support is available. Hypnotherapy offers you a safe and personalized path toward:

• Less pain

• Greater emotional balance

• Renewed confidence in your body’s wisdom

You don’t have to suffer silently. Let’s talk about how hypnotherapy can help.

I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerelly,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for a comprehensive view and access to the world of world of headache education and support resources:

OUR VISION: Imagine a World Without Headache™ How can we help you feel better today?

https://headaches.org  

Please see the following for one research study that supports the conclusion that “mindful hypnotherapy is a feasible and effective treatment treatment for chronic migraine”:

The Effectiveness of Mindful Hypnotherapy on Psychological Inflexibility, Pain Acceptance, Headache Disability and Intensity in Females with Chronic Migraine Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9865410/  

Hypnotherapy and Anxiety Relief: Training the Mind to Let Go

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting education, and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) are at the forefront of these efforts, encouraging open conversations and highlighting effective treatments for common mental health challenges—especially anxiety, which remains one of the most pervasive mental health issues in the world today.

A real-life example

Karen came to me for help with her anxiety about driving.  She knew how to drive but during an illness she had stopped driving.  It became worse during the pandemic when she did not have a reason to drive. It became something that she didn’t want to do anymore.  It was OK for a while and then it started to be a problem.  Her kindergarten aged son was wondering why his mommy wasn’t picking him up at school like the other moms.  She didn’t like always having to rely on her husband to run errands and do the marketing.  She came to me for help. After two therapeutic hypnosis sessions she had learned how to:

• shift herself into a state of deep relaxation

• change her mindset about driving from anxious to positive, confident and enjoyable

• use her personalized affirmations practice to reinforce and maintain this new mindset

For her final session with me Karen drove herself to her session, then on to school to pick up her son and safely, happily home again.

Understanding Anxiety: A Mind Stuck in “What If”

Your anxiety might show up not just as a racing mind or pounding heart, but as chronic tension, sleepless nights, difficulty concentrating, or even physical symptoms like digestive upset or fatigue. And while medications and talk therapy are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan, more people are discovering the power of hypnotherapy as a complementary approach that helps train the mind to let go.

Anxiety is more than worry. It’s a physiological and cognitive loop in which your brain stays stuck in future-focused fear, hypervigilance, and overactivation of the nervous system.

In essence, anxiety is the brain’s fight-or-flight system stuck in the “on” position—and over time, this constant mental and physical stress can become debilitating.

The good news? The brain is changeable. And hypnotherapy offers a powerful method for helping the mind rewire itself toward calm, clarity, and control.

What Is Hypnotherapy—and How Does It Help Anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis, a focused relaxed state of awareness that allows access to your subconscious mind. While in this state, you can bypass conscious resistance and reprogram patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that fuel anxiety.

Key ways hypnotherapy helps with anxiety:

• Interrupts racing thoughts with deep, guided relaxation

• Retrains the nervous system to shift out of “fight-or-flight”

• Reframes subconscious triggers that perpetuate anxious responses

• Instills new coping tools for calm, focus, and resilience

• Builds confidence by reinforcing a sense of inner control

Sessions often involve techniques such as guided imagery, progressive relaxation, breathing anchoring, and post-hypnotic suggestions tailored to the your individual experience of anxiety.

Scientific Support: What the Research Shows

Emerging research supports hypnotherapy’s effectiveness for anxiety. For example:

• A 2016 study published in Cerebral Cortex showed that hypnosis measurably altered brain activity in areas involved in emotional regulation and self-awareness.

• A meta-analysis published in International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found hypnosis to be significantly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms across various populations.

• The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes hypnosis as a proven therapeutic technique when used by trained professionals.

What Does a Hypnotherapy Session for Anxiety Look Like?

Each session is unique, but generally follows this arc:

1. Initial discussion to identify current stressors, triggers, and goals

2. Induction into a deeply relaxed, focused state

3. Suggestion phase, where the subconscious mind receives positive, calming instructions tailored to your goals (e.g., “I am safe and in control)

4. Emergence back to full wakeful awareness

5. Discussion and follow-up plan to reinforce change outside the session

You might find yourself feeling refreshed, calm, and empowered after just one session. Three or four follow-up sessions can lead to cumulative, lasting benefits including including reduced panic, improved sleep, and increased emotional resilience.

Anxiety Relief Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All—But Hypnotherapy Can Help

Whether your anxiety shows up as constant worry, panic attacks, social discomfort, or generalized unease, hypnotherapy can meet the mind where it is—and guide it gently toward balance. It doesn’t replace medical care (if needed), but it can enhance it by calming the body, retraining the brain, and helping you reclaim a sense of agency.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, consider the importance of treating the mind with as much care and compassion as you treat your body. Hypnotherapy offers a powerful tool in the toolkit of healing.

A Final Word: You Don’t Have to Be Stuck in Anxiety Forever

Anxiety may feel like a life sentence, but the brain is not fixed in fear. Through intentional support, including hypnotherapy, you can retrain your mind, reshape your responses, and rediscover peace.

When you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, consider exploring hypnotherapy as part of a well-rounded, compassionate approach to mental health. , I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for access to a comprehensive tool kit to support Mental Health Awareness and additional perspectives on

2025 Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit

Understanding Hypnosis for Anxiety

https://psychcentral.com/anxiety/hypnosis-for-anxiety

Hypnosis vs. Habits: Addressing Lifestyle Triggers for High Blood Pressure

Every May, during National High Blood Pressure Education Month, healthcare professionals and wellness advocates join forces to raise awareness about the silent but serious threat of hypertension—commonly known as high blood pressure. Supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), this month is a powerful reminder that blood pressure control isn’t just about pills and doctor visits. It’s about habits—and habits can be changed.

This is where hypnotherapy steps in as an effective, often overlooked partner in heart health.

Twenty-five years ago, a friend told me about how she had lost weight through hypnotherapy.  After much thought, I decided to give it a try.  What was I working on?  Weight loss and exercising more.  I enjoyed the experience and was surprised about the change in my behavior toward food and exercise.  Most surprisingly, the morning after I was hypnotized, I got up early – no alarm – and started getting ready to go walking, my preferred form of exercise.  As I was putting my shoes on, I realized that I actually was looking forward to walking and getting some exercise!  That had not happened before…  Hypnosis also changed how I looked at food.  It was no longer a compulsion but a way to fuel my body.  Yes, hypnosis can make a change in healthy habits for the better.

High Blood Pressure: The Lifestyle Link

High blood pressure affects nearly half of American adults, and it often goes undetected until it contributes to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. While genetics and age can play a role, many of the most common causes of high blood pressure are linked directly to your lifestyle choices:

• Poor diet, especially one high in salt, sugar, and processed foods

• Lack of physical activity

• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

• Chronic stress and poor emotional regulation

• Sleep disturbances or insufficient rest

The good news? These are all modifiable factors—and hypnotherapy can help you address the subconscious patterns that keep you stuck in unhealthy cycles.

Why Habits Are So Hard to Break

You want to be healthier. So why is lasting change so elusive?

Because habits are formed in the subconscious mind, where automatic responses and emotional conditioning reside. You may know you should exercise or stop reaching for salty snacks, but if your deeper programming equates those habits with comfort, distraction, or reward, willpower alone may not be enough.

Your professional hypnotherapist can help you to tap directly into that subconscious space—where real, lasting transformation happens.

How Hypnotherapy Supports Heart-Healthy Change

Here’s how hypnotherapy can address key hypertension-related behaviors:

1. Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a top contributor to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Hypnotherapy can help:

• Unlink smoking from emotional triggers (stress, boredom, social anxiety)

• Create a subconscious identity shift (“I’m a non-smoker now.”)

• Reinforce your self-control and motivation

2. Healthier Eating Patterns

Salty, processed, and sugary foods are common culprits behind rising blood pressure. Hypnosis can:

• Help you reduce cravings by reframing internal reward systems

• Strengthen positive associations with nutritious, whole foods

• Encourage mindful eating and satisfaction with smaller portions

3. Increased Physical Activity

Getting into an exercise routine can be daunting. Hypnotherapy can:

• Remove mental resistance and procrastination

• Reinforce positive feelings around movement and energy

• Establish an internal narrative of capability and self-worth

4. Stress Reduction

Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones that raise blood pressure. Your hypnotherapist can help you to:

• Activate the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) response

• Learn self-hypnosis or relaxation techniques to use daily

• Build emotional resilience for handling pressure at work or home

5. Better Sleep

Poor sleep can increase both stress and blood pressure Hypnotherapy supports:

• Faster sleep onset and deeper rest

• Reduction of nighttime rumination

• Repatterning of the body’s circadian rhythm

Hypnosis Is Not a Magic Cure—but It’s a Powerful Catalyst

It’s important to recognize that hypnotherapy is not a substitute for necessary medical treatment. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, you should always work with your doctor to monitor and manage your blood pressure. However, hypnotherapy is a complementary tool that can dramatically boost your ability to follow through on heart-healthy habits.

When paired with proper nutrition, medication (if needed), and regular checkups, hypnotherapy can help you finally move past the blocks that have held you back for years.

This May, Prioritize the Habit Shift

During National High Blood Pressure Education Month, consider this a call to action: not just to be more aware of high blood pressure, but to take steps toward rewiring your lifestyle at the root level.

If you’ve been struggling with the same patterns—skipping workouts, overindulging in stress snacks, lighting up even though you want to quit—hypnotherapy may be the missing piece. Because changing your blood pressure begins with changing your habits and changing your habits begins in the mind.

Want to Learn More?

Want to learn more about using hypnotherapy to support a heart-healthy lifestyle? I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for additional perspectives on NHLBI’s health topics and some recent research summarizing the current knowledge on the role that hypnosis and hypnotherapy have in reducing anxiety, also explaining how this can impact the cardiovascular system and the prevention of CVD.

NHLBI’s health topics provide information to help you learn more about heart, lung, blood, and sleep conditions, diagnostic tests, and treatments.

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health

“Close your eyes and relax”: the role of hypnosis in reducing anxiety, and its implications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11258040/

Hypnotherapy for Work Stress: Finding Focus and Balance in a Demanding World

April is Stress Awareness Month – Supported by The Stress Management Society and the American Institute of Stress

Ths is a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of the serious impact that chronic stress can have on our health, productivity, and quality of life. According to the American Institute of Stress, work-related stress is one of the most common forms of stress you might experience—and it takes a toll. From anxiety and burnout to poor concentration and physical exhaustion, the effects of workplace stress can ripple through every aspect of your life.

But what if there were a way to access the deeper parts of your mind and create a calmer, more focused, and resilient inner world—without quitting your job or escaping to a tropical island?

That’s where hypnotherapy comes in.

The Modern Workplace: A Perfect Storm for Stress

Deadlines. Emails. Zoom fatigue. Multitasking. Job insecurity. Unclear expectations. Demanding supervisors. The list goes on. The pressures of modern work life have created a near-constant state of stimulation and overwhelm for many of my clients.

Burnout—recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational phenomenon—is now alarmingly common. It's not just about being tired; it’s a state of chronic stress marked by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and decreased performance.

Yet you might not be getting the support you need. You soldier on, hoping a vacation or a long weekend will help. But true recovery requires more than surface-level fixes.

How Hypnotherapy Helps: Rewiring the Response to Stress

Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a state of deep relaxation and focused attention—similar to a meditative or dreamlike state—where the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to suggestion. From this relaxed place, you can begin to shift the ingrained stress patterns that keep you locked in cycles of anxiety and overwhelm.

Here’s how hypnosis supports stress relief and workplace performance:

1. Calms the Nervous System

Chronic work stress keeps you stuck in "fight or flight" mode. Hypnosis shifts the body into parasympathetic dominance (rest-and-digest), promoting physiological calm and balance. Breathing slows, heart rate decreases, and muscles relax.

2. Improves Focus and Concentration

Stress scatters attention, causing memory issues and reduced problem-solving ability. Hypnosis can strengthen focus and cognitive clarity, helping you feel more grounded and productive in high-pressure environments on the job.

3. Boosts Emotional Resilience

Through guided visualization, affirmations, and subconscious reprogramming, hypnotherapy can help you respond rather than react to workplace triggers. My clients often report feeling calmer and more in control, even in the face of chaos.

4. Reduces Anxiety and Overwhelm

Hypnotherapy can address the root causes of performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and fear of failure—all common among high achievers. These limiting beliefs can be gently reframed and released during hypnotherapy work.

5. Enhances Work-Life Balance

By aligning subconscious beliefs with conscious goals,hypnosis helps you set clear boundaries, prioritize self-care, and disconnect mentally after hours—reducing the emotional bleed from work into personal life.

A Real-World Example

Joe came to me experiencing poor sleep, digestive distress and chronic stress at work. His day began with a 75 to 90 minute commute, in heavy traffic with multiple opportunities to fight off road rage as he drove. On the job Joe had daily conflict with his new boss who was pushing him to spend less time managing his team of a dozen project managers (a role he cherished) and more time engaging in company politics (a role he detested). By the time he got home in the late evening, he was alternately cranky, angry, frustrated and sullen with his wife.

We scheduled a series of hypnotherapy sessions to address his work stress, sleep and digestive issues in that order. After a month Joe reported feeling more relaxed and in control on his daily commute and he was more confident and comfortable balancing his team management role and his upper management ‘political’ role. His tummy felt better and harmony was returning to his home life.

What changed? Not Joe’s workload—but his internal response to it.

Self-Hypnosis Tips for Workplace Stress Relief

In addition to working with a professional hypnotherapist you can begin using simple self-hypnosis techniques to support your calm and focus throughout the day.

• Mini Breaks: Close your eyes, take 3 deep breaths, and silently repeat a calming affirmation like “I am calm and capable” for 1–2 minutes.

• Visualization for Confidence: Imagine yourself giving a successful presentation, receiving praise, or ending your day feeling fulfilled and proud.

• Anchoring Calm: Choose a physical gesture (like touching your thumb and forefinger together) and pair it with a deep breath each time you feel relaxed. Use this “anchor” during stressful moments to recall that feeling.

A Hypnotherapy Alternative to Burnout

While stress may be an unavoidable part of work life, suffering isn’t. Hypnotherapy offers a natural, drug-free, and empowering way to restore clarity, calm, and creativity—even in demanding environments.

As we mark Stress Awareness Month this April, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with stress. Is your nervous system constantly in overdrive? Are your thoughts looping with worry or self-doubt? Are you giving all your energy to your work with little left for yourself?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. And there is help.

Hypnotherapy can be the bridge between exhaustion and resilience, between scattered thinking and focused presence. It’s not about escaping your job—it’s about transforming the way you experience it.

Ready to Rewire Your Brain for Calm and Focus?

Let this month be the month you reclaim your inner calm and reignite your professional clarity. If you're curious about how hypnotherapy can support your stress management goals, you don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. Let’s create a new story—one where you work with purpose and peace.

Want to Learn More?

Thinking about trying hypnotherapy for stress relief? I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

SIncerely,

CInda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for additional perspectives on job burnout and recovering from work stress:

Job burnout: How to spot it and take action

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642  

How to Recover from Work Stress, According to Science

https://hbr.org/2022/07/how-to-recover-from-work-stress-according-to-science

The Science of Stress: How Hypnotherapy Can Rewire Your Brain for Calm

April is Stress Awareness Month

April marks Stress Awareness Month, an annual campaign supported by The Stress Management Society and The American Institute of Stress. It’s a time to reflect on how stress affects your health and well-being while exploring solutions that go beyond conventional advice.

When Kenneth first came to hypnotherapy, he had a lot going on.  He had 50/50 custody of his 2 boys, 8 and 10, his job was commission only, he wanted to break up with his girlfriend and he needed to find a new place to live.  Stressed? You bet! 

We took a look at his life and broke it down into manageable parts and came up with affirmations for each situation.  I suggested he use the song, Let It Go, as an anthem when he felt overwhelmed.  One night, after a really stressful day, he was making dinner and started singing the song.  His boys looked up in surprise and them burst out laughing – they knew exactly what he was doing!  Kids can be very preceptive.

Stress isn’t just a mental burden—it physically rewires the brain over time, making it harder for you to relax and feel in control. However, science shows that hypnotherapy can help reverse these effects, retraining the nervous system and allowing your brain to shift from chronic stress mode into a state of calm.

If stress has taken over your life, keep reading. We will dive into how hypnosis can actually rewire your brain, change your stress response, and help you reclaim a sense of balance.

How Stress Reshapes Your Brain

When you experience stress, your brain and nervous system shift into fight-or-flight mode, a survival response designed to keep you alert and ready for danger. While this is helpful in short bursts, chronic stress keeps your brain stuck in high-alert mode, affecting everything from mood to digestion to sleep.

The Science of Chronic Stress:

• Overactive Amygdala → This part of the brain controls fear and emotional reactions. Chronic stress makes it more sensitive, increasing feelings of anxiety and panic.

• Weakened Prefrontal Cortex → This area handles logical thinking and emotional regulation. Stress shrinks the prefrontal cortex, making it harder to stay calm and focused.

• HPA Axis Overload → Your body’s stress response system releases excess cortisol (the stress hormone), which leads to fatigue, inflammation, and even weight gain.

In simple terms: stress rewires your brain for survival instead of relaxation. That’s why simply telling yourself to “relax” doesn’t work—you need to rewire your brain on a deeper level.

This is where hypnotherapy comes in.

How Hypnotherapy Can Rewire Your Stress Response

Hypnotherapy is a science-backed method that directly influences brain function. Instead of relying on willpower alone, hypnosis works with the subconscious mind, helping you reshape your automatic stress responses.

What Happens in Hypnosis?

During a hypnotherapy session, your brain enters a deeply relaxed, yet focused state—a mix between wakefulness and sleep. In this state:

✅ The Amygdala Calms Down → Reducing fear and anxiety.
✅ The Prefrontal Cortex Strengthens → Improving decision-making and emotional regulation

✅ Cortisol Levels Decrease → Helping your body return to balance.
✅ New Neural Pathways Form → Teaching your brain how to handle stress differently.

Over time, hypnosis helps rewire the brain to respond to stress with calm instead of panic.

The Fight-or-Flight vs. Rest-and-Digest Response

Your nervous system has two primary states:

1️. Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight-or-Flight) – This is the high-stress mode your body enters during anxiety, deadlines, or conflicts. It increases heart rate, releases cortisol, and keeps your brain on edge.

2️. Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest-and-Digest) – This is the state of calm and healing, where digestion, immune function, and mental clarity thrive.

Hypnosis shifts the nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, allowing your body to heal and recover from chronic stress.

What a Hypnotherapy Session for Stress Relief Looks Like

A professional hypnotherapist guides you through deep relaxation techniques and mental exercises designed to help your subconscious rewrite stress responses.

A Typical Hypnosis Session Might Include:

🔹Progressive Relaxation → Guiding your body into deep relaxation to reduce muscle tension and lower cortisol levels.
🔹Guided Visualizations → Imagining peaceful, calming environments to train your brain to associate relaxation with safety.

🔹Positive Suggestions → Replacing stress-inducing thought patterns with empowering, calming beliefs.
🔹 Breathwork and Mindfulness Techniques → Teaching your body to shift into a relaxed state on command.

After multiple sessions, the brain begins to retrain itself to react differently to stress, making relaxation more automatic and effortless.

Can Self-Hypnosis Help with Daily Stress?

Absolutely! You can train your brain at home with simple self-hypnosis techniques.

Try This Quick Self-Hypnosis for Stress Relief:

1️. Find a Quiet Space → Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
2️. Close Your Eyes & Focus on Your Breath → Inhale deeply through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth.
3️. Repeat a Relaxing Suggestion → Silently say “With every breath, I feel calmer and more in control.”
4️. Visualize Stress Melting Away → Imagine a peaceful place, like a beach or forest, and feel yourself fully relaxed.
5️. Slowly Return to Awareness → Open your eyes and notice how much lighter you feel.

Doing this just 5–10 minutes a day can help train your brain to handle stress more effectively.

The Long-Term Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Stress

Regular hypnotherapy doesn’t just help you relax in the moment—it rewires your brain for long-term stress resilience.

✅ Reduced Anxiety & Overwhelm
✅ Better Sleep & Restorative Healing
✅ Improved Emotional Control
✅ Lower Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
✅ Stronger Mental Clarity & Focus

Hypnosis teaches your brain how to stay calm naturally, so stressful situations no longer feel overwhelming.

April Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Stress Relief

As we recognize Stress Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect on how stress affects your daily life.

What if you could train your mind to stay calm, no matter what challenges arise?

Hypnotherapy offers a powerful way to reset your brain, lower stress levels, and create lasting relaxation habits. Whether through working with a professional or practicing self-hypnosis, you can rewire your brain to experience more peace, ease, and balance.

This April, commit to taking control of your stress before it takes control of you.

Want to Learn More?

Thinking about trying hypnotherapy for stress relief? I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

CInda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for additional perspectives about Stress Awareness Month and research on the science of stress.

National Stress Awareness Month: Job Stress and Incivility

https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/civil/national-stress-awareness-month-job-stress-and-incivility

Understanding the stress response - Chronic activation of this survival mechanism impairs health

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

A Journey of Self-Love Story

I read a book I really enjoyed last week, James by Percival Everett. James is the story of Jim, Huck Finn’s friend from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It curiously reminded me of self-love, the topic of this week’s blog.

Why? Because Jim believed in himself and loved himself. He was a slave, treated as property, yet he realized that he needed to be free in order to become the person he truly was. He left his owner’s property and endured incredible hardships to reclaim his wife and daughter. Through it all, he believed he was worth it—worth saving, worth fighting for, and worth having a good life because he loved himself.

His journey is a powerful reminder that self-love is not about arrogance or vanity—it’s about recognizing your own worth, no matter the circumstances.

In a world that constantly bombards us with messages about who we should be, how we should look, and what we should achieve, it’s easy to lose sight of one simple truth: you are enough, just as you are.

The journey to self-love can be challenging, especially when past experiences, negative self-talk, and societal pressures cloud your perception of yourself. However, hypnotherapy offers a powerful and transformative way to rediscover self-worth and cultivate a loving, compassionate relationship with yourself.

Understanding Self-Love

Self-love is not just a fleeting feeling of confidence or happiness; it’s an ongoing practice of treating yourself with kindness, respect, and compassion. It involves recognizing your inherent value, setting healthy boundaries, and acknowledging your needs without guilt or shame.

Unfortunately, many people struggle with self-love due to negative beliefs ingrained during childhood or reinforced by society’s expectations. These beliefs can manifest as feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism, or a relentless inner critic that diminishes your self-worth.

Why Is Self-Love Important?

Developing self-love has a profound impact on all areas of life:

• Improved Relationships: When you value and respect yourself, you’re more likely to seek and maintain healthy relationships.

• Emotional Resilience: Self-love helps you navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and composure.

• Better Mental Health: Cultivating self-love can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Personal Fulfillment: It empowers you to pursue goals and passions without fear of failure or judgment.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help Foster Self-Love

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind. By addressing the root causes of negative self-beliefs, hypnotherapy can help rewire thought patterns and promote lasting positive change.

Here’s how hypnotherapy supports the journey to self-love:

1. Releasing Negative Beliefs

Many self-esteem issues stem from deeply rooted negative beliefs, often formed during childhood. Hypnotherapy can help uncover and challenge these beliefs, replacing them with empowering thoughts. For example, “I’m not good enough” can be transformed into “I am worthy and deserving of love.”

2. Quieting the Inner Critic

The relentless voice of self-criticism can be debilitating. Through hypnotherapy, you can learn to quiet this inner critic and develop a more compassionate inner dialogue.

3. Building Positive Affirmations

Your hypnotherapy sessions will incorporate positive affirmations that are deeply embedded in the subconscious. Repeated exposure to these affirmations helps reinforce self-acceptance and confidence.

4. Healing Emotional Wounds

Unresolved emotional pain can hinder self-love. Hypnotherapy allows you to process and release these emotions, creating space for healing and self-compassion.

5. Visualizing Self-Love Practices

Guided visualization is a common technique in hypnotherapy. You are guided to imagine yourself setting healthy boundaries, speaking kindly to yourself, and confidently pursuing your goals. This mental rehearsal helps turn these visualizations into reality.

Practical Tips for Cultivating Self-Love

In addition to hypnotherapy, there are everyday practices that can support your journey toward self-love:

• Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you appreciate about yourself each day.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without guilt and protect your time and energy.

• Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations.

• Surround Yourself with Positivity: Build relationships with people who uplift and support you.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re struggling with self-love, hypnotherapy offers a safe and supportive space to begin your healing journey. A professional hypnotherapist can guide you through personalized sessions tailored to your unique needs, helping you release negativity and build a foundation of self-acceptance.

I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Final Thoughts

Self-love is not a destination but a journey—a practice that unfolds with time, intention, and effort. Just like Jim in James, who refused to let others define his worth, you too have the power to embrace your true self and create a life filled with love and joy.

Hypnotherapy can be a transformative tool in this process, helping you quiet the inner critic, heal emotional wounds, and reinforce positive beliefs. You are worthy. You are enough. And you have the power to choose self-love every day.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Please see the following for additional perspectives about the importance of self-love and a research study that tested a mediation model linking self-compassion, perceived stress, health behaviors, and a comprehensive index of physical health:

Practicing Self-Love to Improve Well-Being

https://psychcentral.com/health/what-is-self-love-and-why-is-it-so-important

Self-compassion and physical health: Exploring the roles of perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5779931/

The 5 Secrets for Finding/Cultivating Gratitude – The GReatest Attitude for Your Life

September 21 is World Gratitude Day. An existing client came to me with a new issue.  She had received a difficult medical diagnosis.  She was concerned about her family and how she and they would cope over the coming years.  It was affecting her sleep. She kept ruminating on what the future held for her and her family.  We came up with a set of affirmations to help her with a more positive outlook.  I reminded her of the value of gratitude.  When she couldn't sleep, I suggested she focus on what she is grateful for instead of what the future may hold.  In our initial conversation, I always suggest that clients write what they are grateful for each day as they write their affirmations at night.  Just making this small change in our mindset can be immensely helpful.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, no matter how big or small. It’s more than just saying "thank you"—it’s a mindset that can transform your outlook, emotions, and overall well-being. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, fostering an attitude of abundance, positivity, and connection.

The Benefits of a Gratitude Mindset

Cultivating gratitude has been shown to have immense psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. People who regularly practice gratitude report:

• Improved mental health: Less anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Enhanced emotional resilience: A better ability to cope with challenges.

• Stronger relationships: Increased feelings of empathy and compassion for others.

• Better physical health: Reduced blood pressure and improved sleep.

• Increased happiness: A heightened sense of contentment and life satisfaction.

Expressing Gratitude with Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are powerful tools for reinforcing a gratitude mindset. By regularly expressing gratitude through positive statements, you begin to rewire your brain to focus on the positive. Affirmations act as reminders that gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice—a way of living.

Here are 5 examples of positive affirmations for gratitude:

1. "I am grateful for the abundance in my life, and I welcome more every day."

2. "Every day, I find new reasons to appreciate the people around me."

3. "Gratitude fills my heart, and I am thankful for both small and big blessings."

4. "I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way, and I trust in life’s flow."

5. "I attract positivity and joy by embracing a gratitude-filled mindset."

The 5 Secrets to Finding/Cultivating a Gratitude Attitude

1. Affirmation
   Affirmations are the foundation of cultivating gratitude. By repeating gratitude-focused affirmations, you begin to integrate this attitude into your subconscious mind. Affirmations like, "I am thankful for the good in my life," shift your perspective, helping you stay present and appreciative even during challenging times.

2. Journaling
   Keeping a gratitude journal is one of the most effective ways to deepen your gratitude practice. Set aside a few minutes each day to write down things you’re thankful for. This could be anything from a supportive friend to a sunny day. Over time, journaling shifts your focus to the positives in life, even when things are tough.

Tip: To enhance the journaling process, ask yourself reflective questions like, “What is one thing that went well today?” or “Who am I grateful for and why?”

1. Daily Reflection
   Gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with daily practice. Carve out a few moments at the end of each day to reflect on the good things that happened, no matter how small. Whether it’s a kind word from a stranger or a productive workday, taking time to acknowledge these moments can reframe your mindset towards optimism.

Tip: During reflection, also think about challenges you faced and how they contributed to your growth or learning. Finding gratitude in difficulties helps develop resilience.

1. Setting Gratitude Goals
   Just like setting goals for career or fitness, you can set goals for practicing gratitude. This could include writing in your gratitude journal five times a week, sharing your appreciation with loved ones, or practicing mindfulness techniques focused on gratitude. The key is to make it intentional and measurable.

Tip: Start with small goals, like listing three things you're grateful for each morning. Gradually, you’ll notice an increase in your overall happiness and satisfaction.

1. Sharing Your Gratitude
   Gratitude thrives when shared. Expressing your appreciation for others strengthens relationships and spreads positivity. This could be as simple as sending a heartfelt note to a friend or colleague, or publicly acknowledging your gratitude in a social media post.

Tip: Consider keeping a “Gratitude Calendar,” where each day you make a point to share your appreciation with someone different in your life. The act of spreading gratitude creates a ripple effect of positivity.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help You Cultivate Gratitude

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help you unlock a deeper sense of gratitude by working with your subconscious mind. Often, our ability to feel gratitude is blocked by limiting beliefs, unresolved emotions, or mental habits that keep us stuck in negativity. Through hypnotherapy, you can reprogram these barriers, allowing gratitude to flow more freely into your life.

Here’s how hypnotherapy supports the cultivation of gratitude:

1. Releases Negative Thought Patterns: Hypnotherapy can help you identify and replace ingrained thought patterns that focus on lack, scarcity, or negativity. It creates space for gratitude to enter by shifting these patterns toward positivity and abundance.

2. Develops Mindfulness: During hypnotherapy sessions, you are guided into a relaxed state of heightened awareness. This allows you to become more mindful of your thoughts, emotions, and actions, making it easier to recognize moments for gratitude throughout your day.

3. Deepens Self-Awareness: Many people struggle to cultivate gratitude because they are not fully aware of their own emotional needs and desires. Hypnotherapy can help you connect with your inner self, providing clarity on what truly matters to you and igniting a deeper sense of appreciation for your life.

4. Supports Affirmations: When working with a professional hypnotherapist, your gratitude-focused affirmations can be amplified, making them more effective. The state of hypnosis opens your mind to positive suggestions, reinforcing affirmations and making them a natural part of your mindset.

5. Addresses Emotional Blockages: Sometimes past trauma or unresolved emotions can make it difficult to feel gratitude. Hypnotherapy helps uncover and heal these blockages, allowing you to experience gratitude with a fuller, more open heart.

Conclusion

Gratitude is indeed the greatest attitude—one that transforms lives, relationships, and even health. Whether you are just beginning your gratitude journey or seeking to deepen your practice, these five secrets can help you cultivate a more fulfilling, gratitude-filled life. If you find it challenging to maintain a gratitude mindset due to emotional or mental blocks, working with a professional hypnotherapist can provide the tools and support you need to tap into the healing power of gratitude. Hypnotherapy offers a path to unlock your potential for gratitude, fostering a more positive, joyful, and balanced life.

When you are ready to work with me as your certified, professional hypnotherapist, I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation

Sincerely,

Cinda

 HypnoNews and Resources

 For further reading about World Gratitude Day and the scientific evidence for the positive effects of gratitude, please see the following:

World Gratitude Day – Founder and Official Site

https://www.srichinmoy.org/service/united_nations/world-gratitude-day

Effects of gratitude intervention on mental health and well‐being among workers: A systematic review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8582291/

The 411 on 9/11 Trauma: How Hypnotherapy Can Help

A Personal Story

September 11th is a day that holds a profound significance for many of us, not only as a collective national tragedy but also as a deeply personal experience. I vividly remember the terror and helplessness of that day, especially as I waited for 48 agonizing hours to hear if my son, an NYU student living just four blocks from Ground Zero, was safe. Those hours felt like an eternity, filled with the weight of uncertainty, fear, and the relentless replay of “what if” scenarios in my mind. The moment I finally heard his voice, the relief was immense, yet the trauma of those hours lingered long after. This personal experience brought home the reality of trauma—not just for those directly in the midst of events but for anyone connected to the impact.

As a hypnotherapist, much of my work focuses on helping clients heal from similar emotional wounds. This article explores the nature of trauma, its signs and symptoms, and how hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in the healing process.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the emotional response to an overwhelming event that threatens your sense of safety and stability It can stem from a single event, like an accident or attack, or from prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances, such as abuse or living through a natural disaster. The effects of trauma are not limited to those directly experiencing the event; they can also extend to witnesses, first responders, and even loved ones who feel helpless and afraid.

Trauma can manifest in various forms:

• Acute Trauma: Results from a single distressing event.

• Chronic Trauma: Arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful events.

• Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, those who do may find their lives significantly disrupted by persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can affect people in different ways, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Re-experiencing Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event.

• Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders of the trauma, including people, places, or activities that trigger distress.

• Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached from others, experiencing a lack of joy, or having difficulty connecting emotionally.

• Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomach issues, and chronic pain can also be linked to unresolved trauma.

Hypnotherapy Techniques for Trauma and PTSD

Hypnotherapy offers several techniques that can be highly effective in addressing trauma and PTSD:

1. Regression Therapy: Helps you revisit the traumatic event in a safe and controlled manner, allowing your to reframe and release the emotional intensity associated with the memory.

2. Ego State Therapy: This technique works by identifying and addressing the various “parts” of the self that may be stuck in a state of trauma, helping to integrate these parts into a healthier, more cohesive self.

3. Guided Imagery and Visualization: These methods help you create mental images that promote healing, relaxation, and a sense of safety, countering the distress associated with traumatic memories.

4. Parts Therapy: Works by communicating with the different parts of the mind that hold trauma, helping to resolve internal conflicts and release suppressed emotions.

5. Anchoring Techniques: Creates a mental “anchor” that provides a sense of calm and control when triggered by stressors related to the trauma.

How Hypnotherapy Works to Help Heal Trauma

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained patterns and memories reside. In a relaxed, trance-like state, the mind becomes more open to suggestion, allowing the hypnotherapist to help you reframe traumatic experiences and reduce their emotional impact.

Key ways hypnotherapy aids in trauma healing include:

• Releasing Emotional Pain: Hypnotherapy provides a safe space to process and release trapped emotions without reliving the trauma in a distressing way.

• Reframing Traumatic Memories: By altering how traumatic memories are stored and perceived, hypnotherapy helps reduce their power and emotional charge.

• Building Resilience: Hypnotherapy instills positive coping mechanisms and reinforces a sense of control and safety, empowering you to handle future stressors more effectively.

Benefits of Working with a Professional Hypnotherapist

Working with a professional hypnotherapist offers numerous advantages:

• Tailored Approach: A skilled hypnotherapist can customize techniques to suit your unique needs and experiences, making the healing process more effective.

• Safe Environment: Professional hypnotherapists create a non-judgmental, supportive space where you can explore your trauma at your own pace.

• Long-term Healing: Hypnotherapy addresses the root causes of trauma, promoting deep and lasting healing rather than just masking symptoms.

Conclusion

Trauma, whether experienced directly or indirectly, leaves a profound impact on our lives. My personal story of waiting anxiously for news about my son on September 11, 2001, is just one example of how deeply trauma can affect us, even when we are not directly in harm’s way. Hypnotherapy offers a powerful pathway to healing, helping you process, release, and ultimately overcome the emotional scars of traumatic experiences. As we remember and honor the resilience of all those affected by 9/11, let’s also acknowledge the importance of seeking help and taking steps toward healing. Hypnotherapy may be the key to unlocking a more peaceful, resilient future.

If you would like to work with me as your certified, professional hypnotherapist, I am available for a Free, private 30 minute phone consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

CInda

HypnoNews and Resources

For additional reading on  how hypnotherapy can help with trauma and symptoms of PTSD, please see the following:

Can Hypnotherapy Help with Trauma?

https://psychcentral.com/health/hypnotherapy-trauma

The Five Symptoms of PTSD and How Hypnotherapy Helps

https://www.wellness-institute.org/blog/the-five-symptoms-of-ptsd-and-how-hypnotherapy-helps

Living the Optimist's Life: Hypnotherapy & Embracing Optimism in Later Life

As an older and hopefully wiser, certified clinical hypnotherapist for the last 16 years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of optimism. In my practice, I have helped countless individuals harness the strength of positive thinking to navigate the complexities of life. This journey has been deeply personal as well. Today, I want to share my personal journey to optimism and insights on how embracing optimism, especially in later life, can be a profound and life-changing experience.

Introduction to Optimism and Aging

Optimism is more than a fleeting emotion—it's a deliberate mindset and lifestyle choice. It can transform the way you perceive and experience your life, particularly as you age. Many people view aging with apprehension, focusing on the physical and emotional challenges it can bring. However, I believe that with the right approach, your later years can be some of the most fulfilling and rewarding times of your life.

As you grow older, it's essential to challenge the common misconceptions about aging. Society often portrays aging as a period of decline and loss, but this narrative is far from the truth. Aging can be a time of growth, wisdom, and new opportunities if you approach it with an optimistic outlook.

My Personal Journey Toward Optimism

Let me share a bit about my journey. In my life I've had my share of ups and downs, much like anyone else. My childhood was challenging to say the least.  I know my parents did the best they could but as an adult I have struggled with self-esteem, confidence and weight management.  However, I've always found solace and strength in optimism. As a hypnotherapist, I've learned that the mind is incredibly powerful, and our thoughts significantly influence our reality. Through hypnotherapy, I've been able to tap into the subconscious mind to reinforce positive thinking and overcome negative patterns.

My career in hypnotherapy began 16 years ago, after I met with a hypnotherapist to help me deal with my weight challenges.  This experience ignited my passion for helping others harness the power of their minds to improve their lives. Over the years, I've seen how adopting an optimistic mindset can lead to better health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of purpose.

The Power of Hypnotherapy in Cultivating Optimism

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for cultivating optimism. It works by accessing the subconscious mind, where deep-seated beliefs and patterns reside. Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy helps you reframe negative thoughts and reinforce positive ones.

In my practice, I've seen remarkable changes in clients who struggled with pessimism and self-doubt. Through hypnotherapy, they've learned to view challenges as opportunities, develop a more positive self-image, and embrace the possibilities of the future. Hypnotherapy helps you clear the mental clutter that often clouds your perception, allowing you to see life through a more optimistic lens.

Practical Tips for Embracing Optimism in Later Life

Here are some practical tips you might find effective for embracing optimism in later life:

1.      Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce an optimistic mindset. Statements like "I am capable and resilient" or "I embrace the opportunities that come with aging" can be powerful motivators.

2.      Gratitude Journaling: Keep a gratitude journal to regularly reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Writing down things you're grateful for can shift your focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. (You can use my book, New Power in Affirmations, to assist you in this practice.)

3.      Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness to stay present and appreciate the current moment. This helps prevent dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties, allowing you to find joy in the here and now.

4.      Surround Yourself with Positivity: Engage with people and activities that uplift you. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or volunteering, positive interactions can significantly enhance your outlook.  Let go of friends who drag you down.

5.      Seek Professional Support: Consider hypnotherapy as a way to reprogram negative thought patterns and cultivate a more optimistic mindset. A trained, certified hypnotherapist can guide you through this transformative process.

Conclusion

Embracing optimism in later life is a choice that can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. As a hypnotherapist, I've seen the remarkable impact that a positive mindset can have on individuals' lives. By challenging society’s misconceptions about aging and adopting practical strategies to cultivate optimism, you can transform your later years into a period of joy, purpose, and vitality.

I invite you to join me on this journey of living the optimist's life with the help of hypnotherapy. Together, we can unlock the potential within and embrace the beauty of aging with grace and positivity.

I am available for a free, private, 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincere,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For a detailed research study which examines whether higher baseline optimism was associated with subsequent increased likelihood of maintaining healthy aging over 6 – 8 years of follow-up, please see the following:

Optimism and Healthy Aging in Women and Men

https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/188/6/1084/5369505

Embrace Your Body As You Move Toward Your Weight Release Goal

Our family gets together every Mother’s Day in Palm Springs.  In May, the weather is warm but not too warm and it’s a chance to get away, enjoy the pool and relax.  Here’s a picture of me and my youngest granddaughter, Adina, enjoying pool time.  It is important to me that my granddaughters love their own bodies and I am modeling that to them.  While I’m not at my goal weight, I am much more comfortable in my current body than ever.  I’m using the hypnotherapy tools that I use with my clients to steadily close in on my goal.

One potential challenge to effective weight management is yo-yo dieting, which can occur when your subconscious is not comfortable with your new goal weight.  You reach your target and then your mind rebels and helps you to regain that weight. Healthy weight management is a great application for hypnosis.   An affirmation cementing in your goal weight can change your subconscious so that when you get to your goal, you are comfortable and able to maintain that weight.

Women and men give a variety of reasons they want to release weight and there are different challenges you might experience on your weight release journey. Here are some of the most common reasons and challenges:

Common Reasons Adult Women Want to Release Weight:

• Improving Health and Reducing Disease Risk: Many women aim to lose weight to lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

• Enhancing Physical Appearance: Desire to look and feel better, fitting into clothes more comfortably and boosting self-esteem.

• Increasing Energy Levels: 1To feel more energetic and capable of handling daily activities and responsibilities.

• Boosting Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Improving body image and confidence in social and professional settings.

• Improving Mobility and Physical Fitness: Enhancing the ability to participate in physical activities and reduce joint pain.

• Preparing for a Special Event: Weight1 loss in preparation for events like weddings, reunions, or vacations.

• Managing Stress and Emotional Well-being: Reducing weight to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Common Reasons Adult Men Want to Release Weight:

• Improving Health and Reducing Disease Risk: Reducing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

• Enhancing Physical Appearance: Desire to achieve a more muscular or fit physique, often for self-esteem and social reasons.

• Increasing Physical Performance: Improving1 athletic performance and physical endurance in sports or exercise.

• Boosting Energy Levels: To feel more energetic and productive throughout the day.

• Improving Mobility and Reducing Joint Pain: Alleviating discomfort associated with excess weight, particularly in the knees and back.

• Enhancing Self-Confidence and Professional Appearance: Improving confidence in social and professional settings.

• Preparing for Military or Physical Fitness Requirements: Meeting weight requirements for military service or other physically demanding occupations.

Common Challenges Women and Men Encounter on Their Weight Release Journeys:

• Emotional Eating and Stress Management: Using food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Lack of Time for Exercise and Meal Preparation: Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities makes it challenging to

• Inconsistent Motivation and Willpower: Struggling to stay motivated and committed to long-term weight loss goals.

• Social Pressure and Influence: Dealing with social events, peer pressure, and cultural norms that encourage unhealthy eating habits.

• Plateaus in Weight Loss Progress: Hitting a plateau where weight loss stalls despite continued efforts.

• Physical Cravings and Hunger: Managing cravings and hunger, especially when reducing calorie intake

• Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues: Dealing with negative body image and low self-esteem, which can affect motivation and progress.

No matter what reasons you have to lose some weight, hypnotherapy can help you release excess weight if that is your goal.  You can train your mind to permanently achieve and affirm your personal healthy weight goal. 

Here are 10 key ideas and practices that you can use to embrace your body as you move toward you weight release goal with help from hypnotherapy:

• Cultivate Self-Love and Body Acceptance: The journey toward weight release begins with embracing and loving your body as it is now. Cultivating self-love and body acceptance lays a positive foundation for sustainable weight loss. Hypnotherapy can help you develop a compassionate and appreciative mindset toward your body, which fosters motivation and resilience.

• Listen to Your Body's Signals: Understanding and honoring the mind-body connection is crucial for effective weight release. Hypnotherapy can teach you how to tune into your body's signals, such as hunger, satiety, and energy levels, promoting intuitive eating and healthier lifestyle choices.

• Set Realistic and Positive Goals: Setting realistic and positive weight release goals that align with overall well-being rather than focusing solely on numbers on the scale. Hypnotherapy can assist you in defining and visualizing your goals, creating a motivating and achievable path forward.

• Overcome Emotional Eating: One of my favorite tools is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or tapping.  It is good for identifying triggers for over eating and focusing in on specific goals. You can address the emotional triggers and underlying psychological factors that lead to overeating. Hypnotherapy can help you recognize and manage emotional eating patterns, providing alternative coping mechanisms that support your weight release journey.

• Empower Yourself with Positive Affirmations: You can establish a daily positive affirmations practice to build self-confidence and reinforce a healthy mindset. Hypnotherapy can guide you in creating powerful affirmations that align with your weight release goals, and embedding these affirmations in your subconscious mind, fostering a positive and empowered self-image.

• Create Sustainable Lifestyle Changes: You can shift your focus from quick fixes to gradual and sustainable lifestyle changes. Hypnotherapy can support you in developing lasting habits around nutrition, exercise, and self-care, ensuring that weight release is maintained over the long term.

• Replace Negative Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Negative beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors can hinder and block successful weight release. Hypnotherapy can uncover and reframe these subconscious blocks, enabling you to move forward with confidence and clarity.

• Visualize Success and Celebrate Milestones: You can learn to use visualization techniques to envision success and celebrate milestones along your weight release journey. Hypnotherapy can enhance your ability to see and feel your progress, making the journey more enjoyable and motivating.

• Build a Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment including relationships, physical spaces, and routines, can nurture your weight release journey. Hypnotherapy can help you identify and cultivate supportive elements in your life, boosting your chances of success.

• Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination: It is important to focus on the journey of weight release rather than just the end goal. Hypnotherapy encourages you to appreciate the small victories and personal growth that occur along the way, fostering a more fulfilling and balanced approach to weight release.

Working together with your hypnotherapist using proven hypnotherapy techniques in a series of hypnosis and counseling sessions, you can discover/clarify your beliefs and concerns about your current weight, establish and prioritize your weight release goals, envision the thoughts, feelings and activities that will support your goals, craft customized personal affirmations and  establish a daily affirmations and gratitude practice that reinforces your positive mindset, and celebrate the milestones as you embrace your body and move through your weight release journey toward the successful achievement of our your specific wealth release goal.

If you are considering working with me as your hypnotherapist, I am available for a free, private, 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more in depth information about weight release reasons, challenges and goals, please see the following references:

Health and appearance reasons for weight loss as predictors of long-term weight change

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6299317/

20-reasons-you-are-not-losing-weight

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-reasons-you-are-not-losing-weight#why-am-i-not-losing-weight

Ready-Set-Go: Achieving and Sustaining New Year’s Resolutions With Your Hypnotherapist’s Support

My husband, Burt, was on his daily walk last week. He met a new neighbor, Jack.  They started talking. Burt wished him Happy New Year and asked him if he had any New Year’s resolutions.  Jack replied that he used to think he would be dead by 60. He has already survived cancer, a heart attack and COPD.  Now that he is past that, his resolution for 2024 is to stay healthy and enjoy another year of life.  Burt asked me how I would work with a client presenting with the goals to stay healthy and enjoy life.  I began to think about the New Year and setting goals and achieving them. 

Upcoming throughout January is a four part series that addresses these issues. Beginning with this part 1, the series will cover:

• Part 1: Readiness: The Gateway to Resolution Success explores the foundational concept of readiness, unveiling the stages theory of change and its pivotal role in initiating and sustaining transformative resolutions.

• Part 2: Understanding New Year's Resolutions: Crafting Meaningful Goals delves into the intricate world of resolutions, categorizing them, decoding success factors, and providing insights into crafting resolutions that are not only meaningful but also achievable.

• Part 3: Power of Hypnotherapy: Affirmations and Visualization for Success unlocks the transformative influence of hypnotherapy, positive affirmations, and visualization techniques, offering a dynamic approach to break through mental barriers and reinforce positivity.

• Part 4: Blueprint for Transformative Resolutions: Achieve and Sustain unveils a comprehensive blueprint for your transformative journey. With a synergy of readiness, SMART goals, hypnotherapy, positive affirmations, and visualization, this blueprint sets the stage for resolutions that endure and flourish.

As we stand on the cusp of a new year, the air is filled with the promise of positive change and personal growth. In this transformative series, you are invited on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guided by the expertise of a certified professional hypnotherapist.

Please join me and embark on this journey with an open mind and a readiness for positive change. Each installment builds upon the last, guiding you through a transformative journey that transcends mere resolutions—it's about embracing a life of purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Ready, set, go—your transformative journey awaits.

Part 1: Readiness: The Gateway to Resolution Success

As the New Year approaches, the promise of transformation beckons, and the first step on this journey is readiness. We explore the critical role readiness plays in successfully achieving New Year's resolutions, delving into the 5 stage theory of change and how hypnotherapists, with their unique skills, foster the positive mindset essential for success.

The Significance of Readiness: Unlocking the 5 Stage Theory of Change

Readiness is not a singular moment but a dynamic process rooted in the 5 Stage Theory of Change. This theory identifies stages individuals go through when contemplating and making changes in their lives. At its core, the concept of readiness revolves around the acknowledgment that individuals must be prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for meaningful and lasting change.

1. Precontemplation: At this stage, individuals may not be aware or have not yet acknowledged the need for change. Readiness begins to emerge when there is a subtle recognition of the status quo's limitations.

2. Contemplation: In this stage, individuals actively consider the need for change but may still grapple with ambivalence. The emergence of readiness is marked by a growing desire to explore possibilities for transformation.

3. Preparation: Readiness solidifies during the preparation stage. Individuals actively seek information, make plans, and envision the steps required for change. This is a crucial stage where commitment begins to take shape.

4. Action: The action stage sees the initiation of specific behaviors aimed at achieving the desired change. Readiness is now translated into tangible steps as individuals actively implement their resolutions.

5. Maintenance: Readiness continues to play a vital role during the maintenance stage. It involves the ongoing commitment and effort required to sustain the changes made, ensuring that they become enduring aspects of one's lifestyle.

 Why Readiness Matters:

The significance of readiness lies in its ability to act as a catalyst for positive change. Research consistently supports the idea that individuals who are psychologically and emotionally prepared for change are more likely to initiate and maintain new behaviors. A study published in the "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology" found that interventions targeting readiness increased the likelihood of positive outcomes.

The Expertise of Hypnotherapists: Crafting the Foundation for Change

Hypnotherapists bring a specialized set of skills to the table, uniquely positioned to foster the readiness crucial for resolution success.

1. Building Trust and Rapport: Establishing trust is fundamental. Hypnotherapists create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their desires for change.

2. Active Listening: Through active listening, hypnotherapists tune into the client's narrative, identifying cues that signal readiness. This empathetic connection facilitates the exploration of goals and challenges.

3. Addressing Limiting Beliefs: Hypnotherapists specialize in identifying and addressing limiting beliefs that may hinder readiness. By delving into the subconscious, they help reshape negative thought patterns, creating a fertile ground for positive change.

4. Inducing Relaxation and Focus: Hypnotherapy techniques induce a state of deep relaxation, fostering mental clarity and focus. This heightened awareness is pivotal for individuals to navigate through the stages of change with a clear vision of their resolutions.

 How Hypnotherapists Foster Readiness:

Hypnotherapists employ various techniques to foster readiness in their clients, aligning with the principles of the 5 stage theory of change.

1. Motivational Enhancement: By enhancing motivation, hypnotherapists help clients move from contemplation to preparation. Motivational enhancement techniques include exploring the benefits of change and the consequences of maintaining the status quo.

2. Visualization and Goal Setting: Utilizing visualization and guided imagery, hypnotherapists help clients vividly imagine their desired outcomes. This process serves as a powerful motivational tool, propelling individuals towards the preparation and action stages.

3. Positive Affirmations: Introducing positive affirmations during hypnotherapy sessions reinforces readiness by cultivating a positive mindset. Affirmations challenge self-doubt and build confidence, aligning clients with the belief that change is not only possible but within their control.

 Summary:

In this exploration of readiness, we've unveiled the dynamic process embedded in the 5 stage theory of change. Recognizing readiness as a catalyst for positive transformation, we've also explored how hypnotherapists, with their expertise, can play a pivotal role in fostering this crucial mindset. As you embark on your New Year’s Resolution journey, remember that readiness is the key that unlocks the door to lasting change.

Now that we've laid the groundwork for change, join me in Part 2 as we delve into the multifaceted world of New Year's Resolutions, providing insights to help you craft meaningful and achievable goals.

If you are considering working with me as your hypnotherapist, I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or call me at 818-929-4944

SIncerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For additional perspective on the theory of change, readiness, and why New Year’s Resolutions frequently fail, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/why-new-years-resolutions-fail-6823972

The Gift of Calm: Hypnotherapy Solutions for Holiday Overwhelm

As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement, festive decorations, and the promise of joy. However, for many, this time of year can also bring a sense of overwhelming stress and anxiety.

Last year, at the beginning of December, Pauline came to me wanting to lose weight and feel her best at her upcoming family and friends holiday party.  After her first visit we realized that there was more going on.  She was completely overwhelmed with her job, her young daughters, a busy husband and the accumulating pile of social obligations for the holiday season.  The first thing we did was come up with affirmations.  Her first affirmation:  I am my priority.  Since then, many clients have used this affirmation in conjunction with learning to cope with chronic overwhelm.  We also came up with effective strategies to help her manage her overwhelm in the moment

Pauline realized that once she looked at exactly what her priorities were, she was able to let go of the unimportant things in order to have time for the what mattered.  She got help with the girls after school, she no longer left work to take them home.  The au pair got them started with their homework, started dinner and started laundry.  When Pauline got home, she was able to leave work at work and focus on being with her family.  She was finally able to let go of some of the weight because she was no longer so stressed and eating for comfort.

As with everything in hypnotherapy, intention is key in making changes.  Just by understanding overwhelm, coming up with strategies to deal with it and utilizing hypnotherapy, holiday calm is possible.  I’ve also included some tips for successfully surviving holiday eating challenges (with thanks to Dr. Gail Jackson).

Understanding Holiday Overwhelm

Holiday overwhelm is more than just a fleeting feeling of stress. It's a complex interplay of emotional, social, and personal factors that can dampen the joyous spirit of the season. From the pressure of social obligations to the hustle and bustle of shopping, the sources of overwhelm are diverse and can impact individuals differently.

What Causes Overwhelm?

1. Social Expectations: The desire to meet societal expectations and create the perfect holiday experience can lead to overwhelming stress.

2. Time Constraints: Balancing work, family, and social commitments during a condensed holiday season can contribute to a feeling of being stretched too thin.

3. Financial Pressures: Gift-giving, travel, and hosting expenses can strain budgets, adding an extra layer of stress.

4. Emotional Triggers: Past holiday experiences or family dynamics can evoke strong emotions, contributing to overwhelm.

5. Perfectionism: Striving for perfection in decorations, meals, and events can create unattainable standards, and consequently, stress.

When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

You might experience holiday season overwhelm in a chronic form that seems to go on for days on end. You might also feel overwhelmed in the moment or in specific situations. Here are some practical strategies you can use your self during the holiday season to cope with overwhelm in the moment.

1. Take time out to breathe and refocus

2. Get a change of scenery

3. Go for a short walk

4. Change your self-talk to positive statements and expectations

5. Take care of yourself first

6. Let go of things that don’t matter

7. Share your feelings with a friend, family member, or colleague to gain support

8. Avoid alcohol, drugs and junk food which are known contributors to depression

How Hypnotherapy Can Help    

Hypnotherapy provides a unique and effective approach to managing holiday season overwhelm.  By tapping into the power of the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy can address the root causes of stress, reframe negative thought patterns, and promote a sense of calm and balance.

1. Stress Reduction: Hypnotherapy techniques such as progressive relaxation and guided imagery can induce a deep state of relaxation, helping individuals manage stress more effectively.

2. Cognitive Restructuring: Hypnotherapy can challenge and reframe negative thought patterns, promoting a more positive and realistic mindset.

3. Time Management: Hypnotherapy can assist in improving time management skills, enabling individuals to prioritize tasks and create a more balanced holiday schedule.

The Role of Gratitude

Cultivating gratitude is a powerful antidote to overwhelm. Amidst the chaos, taking time to reflect on the positive aspects of the season can shift the focus from stressors to the blessings that surround us. Hypnotherapy sessions can incorporate gratitude exercises, fostering a mindset of appreciation and reducing the impact of stressors.

Fostering a Positive Mindset

A positive mindset during the holidays involves:

1. Realistic Expectations: Accepting that perfection is unattainable and embracing the imperfect beauty of the season.

2. Mindful Presence: Being present in the moment, savoring the joy of shared experiences, and letting go of worries about the past or future.

3. Self-Compassion: Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that it's okay not to do everything perfectly.

4. Healthy Boundaries: Setting boundaries to protect personal time and well-being, ensuring a more balanced and enjoyable holiday season.

Holiday Party Eating Tips

1. Eat small meals throughout the day and before attending a holiday gathering

2. Drink 1 glass of water for every alcoholic drink 

3. ALWAYS leave something on your plate…..The clean plate club is no more!

4. Use the smallest plate available for your nibbles

Conclusion

This holiday season, consider giving yourself the gift of calm. Through hypnotherapy, you can transform the way you experience the holidays, managing overwhelm, and fostering a positive mindset. Embrace the joy of the season, cultivate gratitude, and let the gift of calm be your guide to a more meaningful and fulfilling holiday celebration.

If you or someone you know is feeling the weight of holiday season overwhelm, consider hypnotherapy and the transformative power of your subconscious mind to help you through the holidays and beyond. 

I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or call me at 818-929-4944

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Modern brain research has led to the creation of a new field known as neuropsychology and therapists known as neurodivergent therapists. For a neurodivergent therapist’s enlightening perspective on coping with holiday season overwhelm, please see the following:

https://www.verywellmind.com/as-a-neurodivergent-therapist-cope-holidays-8406224

For up to date statistics on the prevalence and distribution of holiday season stress in America please see the following:

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress  

Breaking Through Writer's Block with Hypnotherapy

I often work with creative professionals in various disciplines including writers. A common issue that writers face is writer's block. Whether you're an author, a journalist, a content creator, or a student, finding yourself in the clutches of writer's block it can be frustrating and discouraging.

One of my clients was a very successful author in her genre.  This enabled her to move to her dream home in Westlake Village.  Once she arrived, however, she found herself unable to complete her next novel.  She came to me in desperation, her publisher was impatient for her next bestseller.  We looked at what was going on and she realized that she had not even set up her desk to write.  I encouraged her to organize her space so that she could write when she was ready.  We came up with a set of affirmations that she focused on daily.   In hypnotherapy, she visualized writing and completing her book.  After a few sessions, she was good to go and completed her novel.

Understanding Writer's Block

Writer's block is a condition where individuals experience an obstacle in generating new ideas or expressing themselves in writing. It can present or be experienced as

• Inability to start writing

• Feeling creatively stagnant, having no ideas

• Stuck on a paragraph or section

• Stuck in the edit/rewrite process

• Struggling to complete a writing project or assignment

Causes of Writer's Block include

• Fears of exposure, criticism, rejection, repeating past failure, success

• Stress, external pressures and deadlines

• Anxiety and self-doubt

• Unproductive habits like procrastination, perfectionism, or excessive self-criticism

• Lack of inspiration or motivation

• Physiological distractors or inhibitors (pain, illness)

• Lack of necessary skills, tools, or training

How Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that aims to access the subconscious mind, which often holds the key to resolving deep-seated issues. Through hypnosis, individuals can achieve a state of heightened focus and relaxation, making it easier to bypass the conscious mind's barriers and connect with their inner creativity.

Here's how hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for overcoming writer's block:

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Hypnotherapy is excellent for addressing the emotional factors that contribute to writer's block, such as fear, anxiety and self-doubt. By inducing a deep state of relaxation, hypnosis can help you manage stress and build self-confidence, making it easier to approach your writing with a clear mind.

2. Breaking Through Mental Barriers

Through guided imagery and suggestion, anchoring, and affirmations practices, I can help you identify and confront the mental blocks that are preventing you from writing. This process allows you to reframe your thoughts and beliefs, replacing self-limiting beliefs with positive and productive ones.

3. Changing Unproductive Habits

Procrastination and perfectionism are habits which our subconscious mind uses to protect us from fears and threats, real or imagined. When it comes to writing these habits can block you from getting started or painfully delay your progress. Hypnotherapy is a proven tool for helping you to change unproductive habits that you want to change.

4. Boosting Creativity and Inspiration

Hypnotherapy can stimulate your creativity by helping you access the vast reservoir of ideas and experiences stored in your subconscious. This can lead to a surge of inspiration, allowing you to break free from your creative rut.

5. Improving Concentration and Focus

Enhanced concentration and focus are essential for productive writing. Hypnotherapy can teach you techniques (exercise, adjusting writing environment, sleep rhythm, free writing, journaling) to sharpen your mind and eliminate distractions, helping you maintain your creative flow.

In Summary

When you can’t get words on paper, your subconscious mind may be creating obstacles to block your writing  in one way or another. Writer's block doesn't have to be a permanent obstacle. Hypnotherapy, with its ability to tap into the subconscious mind and address the underlying causes of writer's block, offers a promising solution. With the power of your own mind, you can break free from the chains of writer's block and experience the joy of expressing your thoughts and ideas freely. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective approach to help you unlock your creative potential and overcome the barriers that stand between you and your writing goals.

If you're struggling with writer's block, I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. Please go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consult or call me at 818-929-4944.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For additional information and advice on writer’s block and how to overcome it, here are two articles that may be of interest.

https://gizmodo.com/the-10-types-of-writers-block-and-how-to-overcome-them-5844988

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-world-of-creativity/202203/how-to-overcome-writers-block

Something Different This Year. Holiday Gift Giving. Where to Start?

As the holiday gift giving season approaches, my thoughts turn to what are the best gifts to give to family and friends.  The usual platitudes float through my head – It is better to give than receive, it doesn’t matter what you spend as long as the gift is personal and the best gifts are from the heart.

I’d like to propose something different this year.  Start with yourself.  What gift could your give yourself that would really make a difference in your life?  It could be as simple as treating yourself to Starbucks or getting a mani/pedi.  The important thing is how it makes you feel. It could be something big as well, planning that trip you’ve wanted to do for so long or buying that one piece of furniture you’ve been longing for.  It could also be something less concrete – taking yourself on a spa day or signing up for a self-improvement class.  

What’s my special gift to myself?  Calling the plumber and getting my bathroom sink fixed so it drains properly.  It frustrates me every time I use it and I want to release that negative energy.  We can let ourselves get caught up in negative trivia when it may be very simple to fix the problem.

The point of starting with yourself is that then you will have more to give to others. Your energy level .will be higher and more positive.  It may be easier to find that special gift for someone.  You might chat with your friends and decide you would rather spend time together doing a fun activity than giving each other gifts this year. 

This year before you get into the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping and making yourself crazy, take a moment and think about what you really want.

As always, if I can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. (818-929-4944)

This holiday season, may you be blessed with time to cherish loved ones, joyous melodies to dance to, lyrics of hope to sing, and the courage to move forward into the new year with confidence and clear purpose.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Starting with yourself is labeled by various writers and researchers as a form of Self-Giving. For some added perspective on benefits of Self-Giving and Self-Care you might appreciate the following articles:

https://www.pottsmerc.com/2021/12/10/gift-yourself-this-holiday-season-to-practice-self-care/

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/literally-psyched/the-psychology-behind-gift-giving-and-generosity/

For a fascinating look at the neurologic and psychological benefits of generosity to others this article describes what studies of generosity in the human brain are revealing:

https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/a-neuroscientist-explains-why-its-better-to-give-than-to-receive

Five Suggestions for Practical Ways to Be Grateful

A very Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.  I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for our connection and how very much I appreciate that you have allowed me to join you on your journey to better health.  Please enjoy the day with your friends and family and consider carrying the practice of gratitude with you throughout the coming year.

Five Suggestions for Practical Ways to Be Grateful

Choose Gratitude

Gratitude is a choice. It's not automatic. So, choose to recognize when you feel appreciation, thankfulness, and gratitude. And remember, embracing feelings of gratitude can be good. But choosing to express that gratitude can be FAR better.

Make Time for Gratitude

Daily gratitude won't happen if you don't make time for it. Reserve a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to reflect on what you're thankful for that day. Then, find some small way to show your appreciation, even if you're the only one who sees it.

Write a Gratitude List

Writing down what you're thankful for means taking stock of the good things in your life. Whether or not you share that list with anyone, writing it lets you see many things that bring you joy all at once. That gives you perspective and makes it easier to embrace gratitude every day.

Write Gratitude Notes

Gratitude notes don't have to be elaborate or super formal. Just take a few minutes and write about how you appreciate someone or what they did for you. Whether that's on a sticky note, in an email, or in a card, it can brighten your day and someone else's.

Pay It Forward

Do someone a favor or give to a cause you care about. Giving back and supporting what brings you joy can be deeply meaningful.

May you and yours be blessed with a day of peace, joy, and grateful connections

Sincerely,

Cinda

Never Put a Skunk on a Bus - The Power In Affirmations

I wrote and published The Power In Affirmations more than 4 years ago. My clients use the book to establish and maintain a daily affirmation practice supporting their goals and the positive changes they want to make in their lives.

As I began planning for the second edition of my book, imagine my surprise when I came across this great article in the September 2022 issue of Reader’s Digest.  It’s called Life Advice from a Five-Year-Old and includes a little boy’s favorite affirmations and an explanation of each.  I’ve summarized them for you here. They are priceless:

“You gotta say your affirmations in your mouth and your heart.” 

• His mom told him to say it like he means it and this is how he translated that.

“You say, ‘I am brave of this meeting! I am loved! I smell good!’“

• So sweet, he knows not to use negative words like scared or afraid.

“You gotta walk big.  You gotta mean it.  Like Dolly on a dinosaur. Because you got it.”

• Not sure who Dolly is, but it is a great image.

“Never put a skunk on a bus.”  

• Very wise.                                   

“Think about the donuts of your day!” 

• This one is about looking for the good things in your day – and not focusing on the “holes.”

“Even if you cry a little, you can think about potato chips!” 

• One of the boy’s favorite things is potato chips so when things are not going well, he can always things about the good things to come.”

“Even if it’s a yucky day, you can get a hug.” 

• Sometimes all that we can do to make things better is offer a hug.     

Affirmations are a simple tool to help us focus on what we want to achieve. We become what we think about – so make those thoughts positive!

What affirmations do YOU need today? If you’d like help coming up with positive affirmations personalized to your needs and goals, please give me a call 818-929-4944. I’d be happy to help. Or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A.

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more information about Affirmations and Hypnotherapy:

https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/how-to-create-and-use-effective-affirmations 

https://www.awakenthechange.com/other/the-benefits-of-hypnosis-and-affirmations/

How Does Hypnotherapy Help With Sustainable Weight Loss

I first learned about hypnotherapy many years ago when I was struggling to lose weight after 3 pregnancies.  It really helped me change my view toward exercise and drinking alcohol. After being hypnotized I did not have my usual glass of wine with dinner.  The next morning I got up and put on my walking shoes and went for a walk!  Neither of those things was my usual habit.  I was sold.  Hypnotherapy could make it easier for me to achieve the goals I set out for myself in weight loss.

Fast forward many years and I am now a hypnotherapist, helping others lose weight.  How do I do that? I help my clients identify their goals and explore what plan works best for them.  I am familiar with many weight loss plans and my clients usually are too.  We then decide on a plan and a timeline.  We work together to set up affirmations that will help them achieve their goals.

I usually suggest that one of their affirmations is their goal weight.  Sometimes our brain isn’t comfortable with a new number and wants to keep us at the higher number.  When the goal number is kept in focus it can make it easier for our mind to accept that new number.

Another affirmation can center around what specific plan the client will use:  “I follow Weight Watchers Personal Points” or “I follow the 28 Day Keto Plan.”

And of course movement is very important.  Having an affirmation about going to the gym, walking 3 times a week or playing tennis is a daily reminder of what the client has committed to.

Let’s not forget about sleep…  Research has shown that sleep in crucial in maintaining a healthy weight. 
“I get 8 hours of sleep every night” is a great affirmation for us all. 

If weight loss/weight management is of concern to you, please give me a call for a free consultation (818-929-4944) or join my free Hypnotherapy Q & A every Wednesday at 10 am PST.

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Here are some articles with more information:

Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss:  Does It Work?

https://www.healthline.com/health/hypnotherapy-weight-loss

What is Hypnosis for Weight Loss and Does It Work?

https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a28187126/hypnosis-for-weight-loss/

February The Month of Love

I know, I know, there are lots of celebrations this month – Black History Month, American Heart Month, Cancer Prevention Month and who can forget Great American Pies Month.  All of these are important things to recognize and focus on.  For me, though, February will always be the month of love.  This is partly because of Valentine’s Day and Heart Month but also because my parents and my son and my daughter-in-love all got married this month.

So let’s talk about love.  How do you get over it and how do you get it are the two most often asked questions about love in my practice.  A few years ago, I had 3 clients at the same time trying to get over lost loves.  I’m happy to say they have all moved on and hopefully found love again--this time forever.  One client was happily married but couldn’t stop going by the ex’s house every day.  Through affirmations and hypnotherapy, that practice was stopped.

How do I help my clients find love?  By setting an intention and creating a set of affirmations that will get them to their goal.  I suggest that they think about what it is they are looking for in a partner and actually make a list of their wants.  If a person really wants specific qualities or attributes then listing them can be helpful.  What if someone comes along and doesn’t have the desired attributes, but they fall in love?  Time to change the list!  A list can be a great starting point as long as you are willing to be flexible.

It’s also important to remember that “If you are good on your own, you really can have a beautiful relationship.” (From Jennifer Lopez in “It’s A Beautiful Love Story” in February 14th People Magazine.  She also says she gets her glow by “affirmations, eating right, exercise and “being a good person.”

Remember, what you think about comes to be, so be intentional in your thoughts. Whether you are looking for love or looking to get over love, focus on what you really want.

If you’d like more information on how hypnotherapy can help, check out my free Hypnotherapy Q & A every Wednesday at 10:00 am PST or call for a free consultation (818-929-4944).

You can register here.

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Here’s more about hypnotherapy and love:

 I Tried Hypnotherapy to Get Over My Breakup,

https://www.thecut.com/2015/03/i-tried-hypnotherapy-to-get-over-my-breakup.html

 and

 How I’m Using Hypnosis to Attract My Life Partner,

https://psiloveyou.xyz/how-im-using-hypnosis-to-attract-my-life-partner-8c45fd5defb9  

Five Practices to Bring More Gratitude into Your LIfe

November is national Gratitude Month. It culminates in the Thanksgiving Day holiday when American families and friends typically gather for a festive meal and maybe some conversation about people and things in their lives for which they are grateful.

In my book, The Power in Affirmations, I include matching gratitude pages for each affirmation page to support an integrated daily practice. When we talk about using the journal some clients report that they already keep a gratitude journal. Other clients talk about difficulty expressing gratitude or feeling very little gratitude in their lives.

If you see yourself in the second group, the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday might be a strong source of stress and anxiety. Here are 5 practices that you can use to help you with expressing gratitude and bringing more gratitude into your life.

 1.      Begin writing in a gratitude journal as a daily practice.  I suggest writing the things you are grateful at the end of each day along with your affirmations.  If you need a copy of my book/journal, please let me know.

2.      Make it a priority to write and send thank you notes anytime you receive a gift or kindness from friends, family members, or co-workers.  It is amazing how appreciative people are of written thank you notes.  Make a positive impression while you show how much you appreciate the gift.

3.      Set up and use a thank you jar.  Keep a jar or box with slips of paper and pen to easily jot down what you are grateful for each day.  Once in a while, read your slips to  remind yourself how great your life is.

4.      Identify a person in your life who has never been properly thanked for what they have done for you over the years. Write a full page letter of appreciation and deliver it personally to that person.  I’m sure they will be very happy to know they mattered in your life.

5.      Find a prayer of gratitude that you are comfortable with and use it as part of your daily practice to start or end each day. 

Is gratitude a concern of yours?  I’d be happy to help you get on track toward a grateful and happy life. Please give me a call (818-929-4944) or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A. You can register here..

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Enjoy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For an outstanding, comprehensive article covering what is gratitude, origins of gratitude, individual and social benefits of gratitude, gratitude interventions and more, please see the following:

https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC-JTF_White_Paper-Gratitude-FINAL.pdf

You might also want to read this fascinating and informative article which covers how gratitude works and the neuroscience of gratitude as it may relate to anxiety, stress, grief and other conditions.

https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/

Hypno-Desensitization - Coping with Out of Control Anxiety

Madeline’s husband loved to play golf and was excited to play Pebble Beach with an old college buddy. She wanted to make the road trip with him to Monterey (400 miles in 7 hours) but she felt scared, unsafe and out of control when he was driving. Around town together, she usually did the driving to avoid these fears. This trip was too long for her to use that coping technique and just thinking about it was making her so anxious that she was considering not going. How might I help her?

Hypno-Desensitization or Hypnotherapy facilitated Systematic Desensitization is an integrated method that combines the power of hypnosis and the proven behavioral therapy technique of Systematic Desensitization. It can empower you to manage, reduce and overcome a wide variety of specific, situational fears and the anxiety you experience in those situations.

In our first session together, we used hypnosis to help Madeline achieve a state of deep relaxation and I gave her an anchor.  An anchor is two words that “anchor” in the positive, relaxed feeling she felt in hypnosis.  She could close her eyes (as long as he was driving) and breathe in as she said “Beach” and breathe out as she said “Happy,” the two words that described her special happy place and the positive feeling it gave her. 

Next, I used systematic desensitization to help her let go of the feelings of being out of control and the anxiety that she felt when her husband was driving. She replaced the anxiety with the happy, positive feelings she feels at the beach.  In hypnosis, I reminded her that while the brain is a wonderful, complex organ, it can only have one thought at a time.  I encouraged her to get in touch with the feelings of being out of control while he was driving and then let those feelings pass and replace them with her feeling of being happy at the beach.  We did this several times until she was no longer able to access those feelings of being out of control.  This is systematic desensitization – replacing those negative feelings with a positive feeling of your special place. 

After a few sessions Madeline was able to go with her husband cheerfully to Monterey.  He thoroughly enjoyed his golf game.  She enjoyed the beach in Monterey very much and now uses it as a new anchor whenever she and her husband head out on a road trip.

Used in conjunction with Hypnotherapy, I find Systematic Desensitization very effective in empowering clients to manage and overcome unwanted fears and associated anxiety that limit their enjoyment of life.

Some common fears:

• Fear of Flying

• Fear of Public Speaking

• Fear of Driving

If this is something of interest to you, please give me a call (818-929-4944) or join us any Wednesday on my Hypnotherapy Q and A. You can register here..

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lfu6trjIvGNZ8XkMGblRSB97cmXEKVT6p

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

Here are 4 articles that go into more depth on fears and phobias and how they can be treated with Hypno-Desensitization.

http://www.positivehealth.com/article/hypnosis/the-hypo-desensitization-approach-to-the-treatment-of-simple-phobias

https://www.simplypsychology.org/Systematic-Desensitisation.html

https://web.wellness-institute.org/blog/bid/399324/hypnosis-in-the-treatment-of-anxieties-fears-and-phobias

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-would-aristotle-do/201105/the-fear-losing-control