SMOKING, SKIN DAMAGE AND HYPNOTHERAPY

     By now everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health.  But did you know it is also bad for how you look?  The smoke from cigarettes and the chemicals within cigarettes are very damaging to the skin.  These chemicals can cause problems with the skin's ability to protect itself from free radicals.  They are the same compounds that cause rust in metals.  Smoking reduces the body's ability to form the main structural component of skin - collagen.  Without the collagen, elastin, the elastic fibers in skin, break apart or thicken.  Smoking also reduces blood circulation cutting down on oxygen being supplied to the skin.  Skin drying and cracking may be caused in women as estrogen levels are cut. A study done by University of California at San Francisco found that female smokers were three times more likely to have moderate to severe wrinkling than women who did not smoke.  Men who smoked had twice the wrinkles of men who did not.  As long ago as 1985, Dr. Douglas Model, surveyed 116 patients and identified about half of the current smokers by their facial features.  Dr. Model said the identifying features of smokers were:  badly wrinkled skin, shriveled gray skin and gaunt features.  He called this group of features, "smoker's face".  If you care about your appearance and don't want to age badly, let this be another reason to think about quitting smoking.  And remember, hypnotherapy is a great way to become and be a healthy nonsmoker.  So check my website at www.BeAHealthyNonsmoker.com.

UNDERSTANDING STRESS AND SLEEP PROBLEMS

      In the past few days, I have had a number of clients complaining of the same two issues - stress and sleep problems.  This makes a lot of sense when you think about it.  The December holidays are a big stress for a lot of people.  Different types of stress are all coming together at the same time. 

     The first type of stress that clients may be experiencing is acute stress.  This stress caused as an immediate reaction to some circumstance and of short duration.  This kind of stress can be caused by trying to catch a plane at the airport or dealing with heavy traffic on the way to a party.  Though acute stress is uncomfortable, it is usually over quickly and often does not cause the problems of chronic stress.

      Chronic stress is stress that lasts during long periods of time and may be caused by different things.  First, there are environmental and job stresses. These may last for years but extra stresses arise at the end of the year.  December job stresses include: finishing off projects before the end of the year, trying to reach or work with people who are unavailable because of holiday travel, parties or who have already mentally shut down for the year and financial pressures as end-of-the-year numbers come in.  Environmental stresses include: all the home preparations necessary for holiday celebrations, crowded stores, and social expectations from family and friends.

      Besides all the external stresses listed above, there are also internally generated stress caused by worrying and being anxious about uncontrollable circumstances.  December seems to trigger high expectations.  We see the beautiful holiday parties portrayed in movies and on tv and shown in the latest life-style magazine and transfer those expectations to our own lives.  We worry about things we can't control - will Uncle Harry's drinking spoil the Christmas dinner?  Will Annie love the gift?  This year as we continue in the Great Recession, many people are worried about financial issues which seem even more problematic at the season of gift giving.  Credit card bills, mortgage payments, medical problems may all be causing anxiety and worry.

      December is often the time of the year when fatigue and overwork build up to a point where the body is unable to re-energize.  We're expected to keep up with all the demands of work, childcare, home maintenance and then add in all the expectations of a Hallmark Christmas.

    It is no wonder that often by the third week in December, people are seeing the effects of all the stress in their lives.  Among them may be physical issues.  With deteriorating immune systems, this may be the time when we are very vulnerable to colds and other viruses. Other physical issues may range from physical fatigue, to decreased interest in sex, to heart problems.  Emotional issues may include irritability and depression.  Eating disorders may be even more of a challenge during the holidays.  It may also cause sleep problems.

     Stress and sleep problems almost become a "which came first"  issue. Lack of sleep doesn't just make you feel tired.  It can actually make you more stressed.  In 2002, the National Sleep Foundation did a study called Sleep in America.  Those who got fewer than six hours of sleep on work days were much  more likely to report feeling stressed than those getting 8 hours (32% for those with six hours versus 16% for 8 hours).  This in turn reflected in their daily lives.  Study respondents agreed that inadequate sleep impaired their work performance (93%), led to health problems (90%) and made it difficult to get along with others (85%).

    On the other side of the coin, those stresses like fatigue, overwork, job stress and internally-generated stress can make it very difficult to get to sleep.  Your body simply does not want to shut down when you are upset.  The stress response produces hormones that act to keep you alert and defensive.  My clients often describe going to bed and immediately becoming aware their mind is racing with thoughts of everything that happened that day.  They think of what they "should have done" and what the "could have said".  They worry about tomorrow and are unable to sleep.

     Finding solutions for stress will in turn help sleep issues.  Exercise is a wonderful way to deal with stress.  By exercising you release endorphins to deal with the stresses.  Nurture yourself:  take a bubble bath, call a friend, take the dog for a walk.  Deep breathing is another way to relieve stress.  Hypnotherapy is an excellent way to do brief therapy to deal with the stresses in your life or with insomnia.  Nurture yourself especially during this holiday season.

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU QUIT SMOKING

       There are some things you can do just as soon as you quit smoking, which will help make it easier for you to stay a nonsmoker.  The first thing I tell all my clients is "Get rid of your paraphanalia."  So throw out any cigarettes all all your lighters and ashtrays.  When you see them later, they can be triggers.  You don't need them anymore.  You've chosen to be a nonsmoker.

      If you have smoked in your car, it's time to make it the car of a nonsmoker.  Wipe down all the surfaces in the interior of your car to get rid of the smell.  A month from now, it would be like sitting in an ashtray if you haven't wiped it down.  Keep a bottle of water with you and some hard candy (lollipops are great for this) in the console.  This can satisfy that old oral craving habit and associations around driving.

     Many commuters find they have very strong triggers around the commute itself.  The client says something like, "I back out of my driveway and I light up my first cigarette.  I get to a certain traffic light and I light up the second one.  And about the time I pass McDonald's I light up my third so I have time to smoke it before I get to work."  I suggest they change their commute.  Drive on a different route if you can - avoid that traffic light and passing McDonalds. 

     In fact look at any trigger as an opportunity to change your routine to help you avoid that situation.  If you always smoke after meals, leave the table as soon as you are finished eating.  Replacing the old habit with a new habit like brushing your teeth, can be an easy method to let go of the old smoking habit.  Buy two or three of those little portable toothbrushes that come in a plastic case.  Keep one in your pocket or purse, one in your desk perhaps one in the console of your car.  Get in the habit of brushing your teeth after meals.  It will replace the old smoking habit and your dentist will love you!

     It's a good idea to avoid places where people are smoking.  You would not send a new AA member to a bar.  In the same way, it may be just too uncomfortable to hang out on the loading dock with the smokers at break time.  Take your break and take a walk, visit with the nonsmokers, lock yourself in a stall with a magazine.  But you are choosing to be a nonsmoker, so why would you want to be a second-hand smoker?

     Finally, focus on today.  Don't worry about what you will be doing next week or a year from now.  Your mantra can be "Today I'm a nonsmoker.  Nonsmokers don't smoke.  Not even one."

THE REWARDS OF HYNOTHERAPY

       Hypnotherapy should be rewarding for each client who experiences it.  Whether the person has come to a hypnotherapy office to quit smoking, lose weight, deal with stress or anxiety or a myriad of other issues, the whole purpose of the session is to reward that client with a tool for building a better life.  But, believe me, there are many rewards for the hypnotherapist as well.  I always say I work with the most inspiring people in the world.  The clients who come to see me are in my office to improve their lives.  They are stepping up to the plate to facilitate a change rather than saying "poor me" about what is going on in their lives. To work with each client is rewarding just for the chance to meet such a person.  And then, there are the phone calls.  I ask my clients to share what happens.  Many of my clients who choose to become nonsmokers will call me on their first anniversary of not smoking.  Weight loss clients often call when they reach goal weight.  It's so exciting to hear, "I just drove on the beltway for the first time in fifteen years.", "I was able to get in the elevator and go to my girlfriend's office.", "I flew home at Thanksgiving." Today I received a Christmas card at my office.  Written inside was this brief note, "Thank you for the greatest gift ever.  Happy Holidays. (signature) and underneath the signature was written in bold letters NonSmoker complete with a happy face.  That's my reward.

THE RISKS OF BELLY FAT

     People carrying extra weight are most likely aware that it is unhealthy.  Belly fat, that weight carried around the middle that gives a person an "apple" body shape, is particularly dangerous.  THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE reported on a study of more than 350,000 people which found that the risk of dying prematurely nearly doubles in people with a large waist.  This was true even if the person's overall weight was in the normal range.

    There are two kinds of belly fat.  Some "apple" body shapes are stored inside the abdomen and can wrap around internal organs.  This fat is  metabolically active and secretes inflammatory substances which are dangerous to a persons health.  There is also what most people call a "beer belly".  This is hard belly fat and is very dangerous for its risk to the heart cause by high levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP).

     With about one-third of Americans being considered obese, the risk of diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart disease are elevated simply because of weight issues.  Malignancies of the internal organs such as kidney and colon are more common in those carrying belly fat.  Other risks that increase with belly fat  include dementia, diabetes, lung problems and migraines.

    Latest guidelines are to shoot for a waist size of less than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. Risk for heart dsease and even premature death continue to elevate as the waist size raises.  So it's time to lose weight following a sensible diet and exercise.  Eat natural, wholesome foods including whole grains and vegetables.  Avoid foods high on the high glycemic index such as processed carbs (white bread, beer, fruit juices) and sweet snacks.

   And get started now.  Don't wait for after the holidays.  Get a head start on the new year.  Hypnosis can be a great tool as a motivator to eat healthy, exercise regularly and lose that belly fat.

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES, A NEW DANGER

     When people are thinking about quitting smoking, they  will often search for tools to help make quitting easier.  Among the newer tools on the market are electronic cigarettes. These are sometimes called e-cigarettes or even e-cigs.  Electronic cigarettes are designed as metal tubes holding cartridges of a liquid that has nictonine in it.  E-cigs are operated by battery producing a vapor which the smoker can inhale like smoking a regular cigarette.

     Electronic cigarettes are designed to appeal to smokers.  They look like cigarettes and can often be used to get around smoke-free laws in restaurants, bars and other places.  Manufacturers and distributors assure users that e-cigs are safe so smokers may use them as a way of cutting back or quitting smoking regular cigarettes.

      Unfortunately, testing of samples by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010, found that besides the nicotine, some of the cartridges contained toxic chemicals and even carcinogens.  Smokers choosing to replace a cigarette made from tobacco with an e-cig are just trading one group of bad chemicals for others. Another problem with the electronic cigarettes is that they come in kid-friendly flavors like cola and strawberry, may be perceived as  "cool, fun" gadgets and easy are often easily available on line or in mall kiosks making them particularly attractive to young people. This learned "smoking" behavior may then lead to smoking regular cigarettes.

    If you are thinking about becoming a nonsmoker, there are better and healthier ways to quit smoking.  Hypnosis helps you to get rid of the chemicals instead of putting more chemicals in your body.

OXIDATIVE STRESS

    Have you begun to notice some of the signs of aging? Perhaps you're seeing new wrinkles when you look in the mirror.  Or perhaps you are feeling the aches and pains of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.  You may have even felt like the tin man in THE WIZARD OF OZ:  you are beginning to rust.  That rusting is caused by oxidative stress.  This stress happens when free radicals, the excess of high-energy oxygen molecules in cells, damage a cell's tissue and structure.

     Poor lifestyle habits are the main triggers of oxidative stress.  They include:  overeating, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and prescription drugs.   By making changes in lifestyle like modifying your diet, lessening or stopping alcohol consumption and stopping smoking, it may even be possible to no longer need the prescription drugs.  

     If you want to stop rusting, it's time to make those changes.  Hypnotherapy can be a valuable tool in slowing the aging process caused by oxidative stress.

BE WELL

      Just a brief blog to talk more about my goal for this site.  If you have been following, you know I often talk about subjects beyond the use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy.  The reason I became interested in hypnotherapy was because I found it to be a great tool.  I have a great interest in encouraging wellness - physically, mentally, emotionallyt, spiritually.  Hypnosis can be a valuable tool for developing wellness in each of those areas.  However, other tools are also available, so I talk about them as well.  My other web sites:  www.JenniferPJohnson.com and www.BeaHealthyNonsmoker.com have lots of information for using hypnosis.  I am on twitter at DrJenJohnson which is is about wellness with occasional tweets about hypnosis.  My mission is to provide valuable information to help you to Be Well.

HYPNOSIS FOR FEAR OF ELEVATORS

     Recently I saw a client whose life was being impacted by his fear of riding on elevators.  When a person has a persistent illogical fear of a specific situation or a thing, that fear is called a phobia.  Most people have heard of claustrophobia (the fear of confined spaces) and perhaps seen the movie "Arachnaphobia", the title meaning fear of spiders.  In my practice in northern Virginia, the two phobias I encounter the most are fear of bridges and fear of driving on the beltway.  Whether a person fears heights (acrophobia), doctors ( (latrophobia) or the number 13 (triskadekaphobia), when the phobia begins to dominate a person's life, they may seek help.  Doctors will probably write a prescription and psychotherapists will use talk therapy and education to help the person get over their phobia.

    Hypnosis can be a powerful tool in dealing with phobias.  With my client who had the fear of being on an elevator, I took a detailed clinical interview.  I found out his history including two traumatic events which had triggered his fear.  He described his physical and emotional feelings when he thought he would be exposed to the possibility of riding on an elevator, and I tried to get as many of his words as possible to describe what he wanted to do and how he wanted to feel around elevators.  In hypnosis, I had him visualize himself as safe, calm, confident and in control when riding on elevators.  The session included an age regression to go back to the two traumatic events to envision a different outcome.  I gave him a physical trigger that he could activate himself for stopping anxiety and another for activating relaxation and feeling calm, confident and being in control. He then visualized himself going right away to his girlfriend's office and riding up on the elevator in her building.

   The client left a message later that afternoon, saying he had successfully ridden on that elevator.  I encouraged him to continue to reinforce with the recording of the session and to practice stopping anxiety and triggering relaxation.  Hypnosis can be a valuable tool for dealing with many phobias including fear of elevators.

HYPNOSIS AND PAIN CONTROL

    In 1958, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved hypnosis as an acceptable treatment.  Hypnosis can be a valuable tool as an adjunct therapy.  It is my personal policy to not work with a medical issue without the approval of the physician in charge of the patient/client's care.  Among the type of medical issues I have seen recently are:  chronic back pain, preparation for surgery for a breast cancer client and migraine headaches.

     BUSINESS WEEK in Feb 2004 reported that "Hypnosis has gained credibility in the past five years because of research using the latest brain-imaging techology.  Studies show hypnosis can help heal a multititude of disorders."  If you are suffering with chronic pain, experiencing gastrointestinal problems, desiring to lose weight or heal quickly from a bone fracture or surgical wound, ask your physician about using hypnosis to facilitate rapid healing.

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM DEVELOPING DIABETES

    About 40% of American adults are affected by prediabetes.  This condition is one in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are higher than normal but not yet at diabetic levels.  This should be of great concern as people with prediabetes are at much greater risk for reaching diabetes than others.  In fact, people with prediabetes are at five to fifteen times greater risk for developing diabetes.

    If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, now is the time to make changes before you are faced with the serious problems that can develop with a diabetes diagnosis.  No one wants diabetes.  It can cause negative consequences including kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, blindness, heart failure, nerve damage and stroke and circulation problems.  Some diabetes sufferers wind up with amputations due to these problems. 

   If you are not sure about your risk, begin with seeing your physician for a physical and blood work.  The fasting glucose test will measure glucose levels.  Optimal readings are 76 milligrams per deciliter (mg.dL) to 81 mg/dL and normal readings are 82 mg/dL to 85 mg/dL  Prediabetic levels are 100 mg/dL to 125 mg?dL.  Anything above 126 mg/dL is considered diabetic.    Other blood tests that may be given include:  insulin level tests checked as part of your fasting glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test with glucose and insulin levels and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c). 

    You may also have greater risk for diabetes if you have a parent or sibling with diabetes or had diabetes during pregnancy.  Other health issues such as high blood presure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, polycystic ovary syndrome or hypothhyroidism may increase your risk for developing diabetes.  And measure your waist.  A measurement of more than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates a grater risk. Bad habits such as skipping meals particularly breakfast, drinking nondiet soft drinks daily, skipping exercise or snacking late at night are also risk factors for developing diabetes.

     So what can you do to turn things around?  It's time to take care of yourself.  Exercise is a great way to reduce body fat percentage.  Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week will build muscle and rid you of excess fat.  Brisk walking is a great way to get that aerobic exercise.  If you live in an area of the country where bad weather may make that difficult, walk your local mall, buy a tread mill or join the local gym.

    Begin to change those bad eating habits.  Quit skipping meals particularly breakfast.  Eat three moderate meals a day at regular times.  Avoid starchy and sweet snacks and keep snacks small.  Nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables make good healthy snacks.  Choose healthy foods adding protein at each meal.  Good protein choices include fish, chicken, turkey or lean meat, eggs and nuts.  Vegetables, fruits and one or two servings of whole grains are good choices while processed foods such as baked goods, trans fat found in margarines and saturated fats in dairy foods and vegetable oils should be avoided.

    Check with your medical doctor, but often appropriate supplements may help stabilize blood glucose.  Check your multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement and then add as needed chromium, 500 micrograms (mcg) daily, pychnogenol 200mg daily, biotin (vitamin B-7) at 500 mcg daily, alpha lipoic acid at 300 mg daily, vitamin D at 1,000 internation units (IU) daily and magnesium at 400 mg daily.  Again, your doctor should be aware and may give you specific advice as to any added supplements.

    The biggest thing you can do to protect yourself from developing diabetes is to lose excess weight.  Using the suggestions above may be enough to achieve your goal.  Sometimes you may need the help of a doctor and nutritionist to help you create a weight-loss plan that will work for you.  And you may need the support of a group, therapist or hypnotherapist to stay motivated to lose the weight and protect yourself from developing diabetes.

NONDRUG APPROACHES TO DEPRESSION

     If you are suffering from depression, your medical doctor or psychiatrist will, in all likelihood, prescribe an antidepress medication.  For many patients, the medication will relieve symptoms and they will begin to feel much better.

     However, that is not true for all patients.  A 2009 study published in the journal, PUBLIC LIBRARY OF SCIENCE: MEDICINE, found that four of the most well-known and extensively prescribed antidepressants, Prozac, Serzone, Paxil and Effexor were really only effective with patients termed "very severely depressed".  For many others the medications were no more effective than a placebo. In addition, antidepressants can cause a fair number of side effects including weight gain, headache and erectile dysfunction. 

    For these reasons, depressed patients often stop taking their antidepressants.  If you are thinking about stopping your use of an antidepressant, talk to the prescribing doctor. Discontinuing these drugs can cause physical symptoms such as sweating and diarrhea and emotional symptoms such as irritability.  So if you decide go off antidepressants, do it under the supervision of your doctor. 

    Consider your depression your body's cry for help.  A complete physical may indicate a physiological health problem that can affect mood.  Medical conditions such as  gastrointestinal or thyroid problems, heart disease, yeast infections, cancer or  diabetes can be the underlying issue for your depression.  Make sure there is not an undetected physical illness.

    Once you have had your physical, if you choose to not use drugs to treat depression, there are many things you can do to help.  Research has found that nutritional deficiencies can contribute to depression. Consciously improving your diet may be a first step to feeling better.  In addition,some easily available supplements such as a multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement, omega-3, and vitamin D can be valuable in raising mood.

     Exercise is another way to deal with depression.  So many times, a depressed person becomes extremely lethargic.  Getting up and moving can shake the depression away.  Aerobic exercise such as walking or biking has been shown to improve depression.  Dancing can be fun and is energizing.  If you are bedridden, move what you can, as you can.  Taking a class can be a fun way to move and spend time with others.  Do what you enjoy.  Think about when you were a child, if you liked to run and play, then get out and take that walk.  If you liked to swim go to the Y, if you liked team sports join a group your own age, or take a yoga class or a zumba class. But get up and move.  Release endorphins to help you feel better.

    Deep breathing is a wonderful way to deal with depression as well as stress.  Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly and deeply.  When ever you feel anxious or overwhelmed, breathe deeply and exhale completely.

     Use any therapy that helps to boost your mood.  Psychotherapy, meditation, acupuncture and hypnotherapy all can cause actual positive changes in your brain to improve happiness.  If you have given up on antidepressants, try these nondrug options to feel better soon.

PREPARING TO BECOME A HEALTHY NONSMOKER

    Have you been thinking about becoming a nonsmoker?  People smoke for a lot of different reasons.  And they decide to quit smoking for different reasons as well.  Some people have had a health scare.  Other smokers may just be tired of the habit.  Many smokers have become concerned about the financial cost of smoking as the price of cigarettes continues to rise.

    If you have decided to quit smoking, there are some things you can do that will help you get ready to become a nonsmoker.  Talk to your friends who have already stopped smoking.  Use their advice and wisdom to learn more about how they did it and what their experience was.  There is great reassurance in knowing it is possible to quit and no longer want to smoke.

   Study your own smoking habit.  When do you smoke?  Where do you smoke?  How much do you smoke?  What do you get out of smoking?  The more you understand about your habit the easier it will be to identify problem areas and triggers which can be challenges when you stop smoking.

    It often helps to write down your reasons for wanting to become a nonsmoker.  Make a list and write down everything you can think of -- all the things you dislike about smoking and how it affects your life.  Keep this list with you so you can refer to it after you've quit smoking.

    Then it is time to decide how you are going to quit smoking.  You can use all the advice from friends who have already stopped.  Some people quit cold turkey.  This works for some but others find it uncomfortable and difficult.  Some smokers decide to wean themselves slowly off of cigarettes.  Perhaps they do this by cutting back one cigarette each day until they have stopped or only smoking at certain times of the day.  There are products you can buy over the counter such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch.  Or your doctor can give you a prescription medication to support your attempt to quit smoking.

     Hypnotherapy is often used when people want to become healthy nonsmokers.  There are real advantages to working with hypnosis to quit smoking.  You are not putting chemicals in your system so it is a clean way to stop. Hypnosis gives you mental and emotional support as well as physical support while you are weaning off the toxic chemicals in cigarettes.  Hypnosis is an easy and powerful tool for you to make this powerful change in your life.

    If you are interested in stopping smoking, check my website: www.BeaHealthyNonsmoker.com which has more information and a quiz you can take to see if you are ready to be free of cigarettes and smoking.

RECOVERING FROM TRAUMA

     Almost everyone has experienced trauma at one time or another.  So often when we hear that word, we think of a childhood trauma like physical or sexual abuse or of trauma caused during wartime.  But a person can experience trauma from a fender bender and be afraid to drive or trauma from a home burglary that leaves the person afraid to be in their home.  

     When the traumatized person is not able to overcome the fear, it can exhibit as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia or specific phobia such as fears of flying, heights or blood.  These are ways of putting up a protective wall but do not relieve the fear.

     Sometimes traumatized people are encouraged to "get right back up on the horse".  This may actually cause further harm and the person may be traumatized again.  In some case, individuals are so traumatized that they have trouble seeking help for themselves.  It is always wise to seek professional help as soon as possible.  Family members may have to help facilitate this.  This may consist of brief psychotherapy of somewhere between twelve and twenty sessions.   Medication may be prescribed including sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants.  Medication is usually prescribed as part of a treatment plan to support the therapy. 

     Hypnotherapy is often used as an adjunct therapy to psychotherapy.  Hypnosis may include:  retrieveing traumatic memories, facing them and viewing them clearly in a broader perspective, recalling memories and working through the trauma that they caused, and creating new coping techniques to protect themselves as they leave the trauma behind.  Most hypnotherapists will teach the client relaxation techniques which can be practiced whenever the client is anxious.

       Self-help is also a way to deal with trauma.  This may mean talking to an understanding person or someone who has actually shared the same experience.  Group sessions and support groups are helpful in providing the encouragement and understanding the traumatized person needs.

     Another self-help tool is to use a journal to write about the fears, anger and other negative emotions experienced because of the trauma.  Writing down memories, feelings and nightmares helps to give new insights and understanding about the experience.

     Self-talk is another way to deal with those traumas that limit everyday life.  We talk to ourselves all the time.  Reframe those negative thoughts into positive ones.  If you focus on the negative, the fear will be reinforced.  Rather than think to yourself, "Driving is dangerous. I might have an accident like last time", focus on the positive and tell yourself, "I will drive safely and cautiously and get there safely."

    When it is time to get back on the horse, take small steps.  If you are afraid of flying, just drive out to the airport and watch the planes.  The next time, you might go in the airport.  When you finally fly, take a short trip and experience how easily and comfortably you made the trip.  Each time it will get easier.

     We know that traumatic things happen all the time.  People lose jobs.  People die.  Accidents happen.  The stock market tanks.  With the right tools including  psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, medications, and self-help tools, it is possible to overcome the trauma and get on with your life.

HYPNOSIS FOR NAIL BITING

         Have you ever heard of onychophagia?  Probably not.  But almost everyone knows someone who bites their fingernails.  If you bite your nails you are not alone.  This is a dirty little secret of a large number of people. Nail biting is a universal behavior in all parts of the world and in both sexes.  It is slightly more common in males than females. Nail biting often begins in childhood with studies showing that between 23 and 33 percent of children between ages 7 and 10 are nail biters.  The number of nail biters reaches its peak with 44 percent of adolescents biting their nails.  Even 19 to 29 percent of young adults and up to 20 percent of all  adults still bite their nails.

         Noone is quite sure why people bite their nails.  Years ago, the Freudian view described nail biting as an oral fixation.  This psychological view of nail biting is no longer particularly popular.  Today experts lean to behavioral and biochemical reasons for nail biting.  Many experts believe nail biting is caused by biochemical and genetic links or is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

         Although nail biting may seem like a relatively unimportant behavior, there can be problems.   My clients give me a lot of reasons they want to quit biting their nails.  They often describe it as a dirty, nasty habit. It is definitely a way to transfer germs from the hands and nails to the mouth.  It can be sore and uncomforable causing swelling and redness.  The broken skin can lead to infections.  Many clients hate that their hands are unattractive.  A trial lawyer told me he did not want to appear anxious and nervous and that unattractive chewed-on nails didn't project the image he wanted.  Others say the behavior itself with fingers in their mouths is unpleasant.

        There are several ways to stop biting your nails.  They range from putting bitter or hot liquids such as pepper sauce on their nails to using  medications commonly prescribed to treat OCD.  Hypnotherapy is a great tool  to deal with nail biting.  No meds - no burning lips - just a strong tool to stop nail biting.

TALKING IN HYPNOSIS

      When a new client comes to see me for the first time, I always do a free consultation so clients have a chance to ask their questions.  One question that is often asked:  "Will I be talking during the session?"

       The answer I give - "it depends."  I do sessions every day where clients do not talk at all during hypnosis.  I get a lot of information ahead of time in the clinical interview so people do not have to talk.  This can take a lot of pressure off the client to perform.  He is not sitting there thinking "Oh, my gosh, she's going to ask me something.  Will I know what to say?"  Instead, the client has given me the information already so they can just sit back and relax during the actual hypnosis. Most of my clients do not talk during behavioral modification sesions like quitting smoking or improving performance. 

     But there are hypnotherapy sessions, where clients will want to communicate.  I don't know where she left the $10,000 diamond ring or what trauma happened when he was ten years old.  In age regression where the client sees or experiences himself in the past or age progression where the client experiences or sees herself in the future, the client can describe to the hypnotherapist what s/he is experiencing.

     Age progression is often used to visualize behavioral changes.  The hypnotized person may picture or imagine themselves exhibiting the new behavior (swinging the club, making healthy choices at a restaurant, being a nonsmoke. Age regression helps the client to picture events in the past.  This may be to help remember what happened to to remember forgotten feeings.  Age regression can also be used to help the client recover from a traumatic event by working through the memories and emotions of the event.

    Another way clients may communciate in hypnosis is through an ideomotor response. These subtle movements that can happen when a person is visualizing.  The client may use ideomotor signals to respond to hypnotherapist questions.  Instead of saying "yes", the client may raise her index finger.  To say "no" she may raise her thumb.  Lifting her pinkie may mean "I don't know."  These responses become automatic and are the client's body answer rather than talking.

    Talking is really up to the client.  Some people like to talk in hypnosis.  Others prefer to not have to talk enjoying the "mind massage" feeling.  It's entirely up to them.

STOPPING TEEN SMOKING

     Did you know that ever day, nearly 4,000 American kids younger than 18 try their first cigarette?  When I ask my clients who are choosing to become nonsmokers, "when did you start smoking?", the age I hear than more than any other is "twelve".  By fifteen or sixteen they are smoking regularly.  According to the FDA and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, every day, 1,000 U.S. citizens younger than 18 become daily smokers.

     In fact in 2010 one in five high school students smoked.  On June 22, 2010, the Family Smoking Prevention and Toacco Control Act went into effect begining an era of greater tobacco restrictions.  The provisions include the prohibition of sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people under 18, the sale of clove and fruit-flavored cigarettes which were appealing to young smokers. and the sale of cigarette packages with fewer than 20 cigarettes.  Also prohibited was the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in vending machines and the sale or distribution of hats and T-shirts that have tobacco brands or logos.  Finally, tobacco brand-name sponsorship of any "athletic, musical or other social or cultural event" was banned.

     If, in spite of these efforts, you have a teenager in your life who smokes, continue to encourage stopping smoking.  Hypnotherapy is a safe and comfortable way to become a healthy, nonsmoker.

FINDING A PROFESSIONAL HYPNOTHERAPIST

     One of the responsibilities of a potential hypnotherapy client is to do everything you can to make sure you are working with a highly trained professional.  Do your homework.  Ask for referrals from your medical doctor, therapist or counselor.  Ask friends whose judgment you trust if they have used a hypnothrapist they could recommend.

     If you have not been able to find a trusted referral, phonebooks and the internet are just a place to start.  Call a number of professionals in your area.  Many hypnotherapists work in one person offices, so you will probably be dealing with voice mail or an answering machine.  Leave your number and ask for a call back.  Professionals return calls.

     I do not think it is inappropriate to ask for a free consultation either over the phone or in person.  I offer a free half-hour consultation in my office to every new client.  The advantage of taking the time to go to the office is to actually meet the person with whom you will be working and to see what kind of surroundings you will be in.  If you feel uncomfortable being in someone's home, you may be more comfortable in a professional office setting.  The interview itself does two things, it gives the potential client a chance to meet the hypnothrapist and make sure they feel comfortable.  It also gives that person a chance to ask any questions they might have about hypnotherapy so they understand how it work and how it could be of value to them.  My grandfather used to say , "You don't want to buy a pig in a poke."  You need to get your questions answered so you understand what you are buying when you hire a professional hypnothrapist.

    Like any other purchase you make, you want to make an educated decision about your choice of hypnotherapist.  Do your homework so you will have a great hypnotherapy experience.

HYPNOSIS FOR FEARS, PHOBIAS AND ANXIETY

     The past week in my area of Northern Virginia has been really interesting.  Last Tuesday we had a 5.8 earthquake which has been followed by several aftershocks.  Two of these were in the 4.5 range.  This may cause many people on the west coast to be amused at our shock and drama.  But earthquakes are not usually a part of our lives.  Because of the earthquake, there was a rockslide on a major traffic artery that upset thousands of commuters.  Mid-week storms came in from the west causing tornado watches and warnings.  Then over the weekend Hurricane Irene came ashore in North Carolina and swept up the east coast.  This morning the announcer on the radio said 25 people have been killed by Irene.

    The reason I mentioned all this drama is because of the number of calls I have had from people who are terrified.  Fear is a natural human emotion.  Sometimes fear is triggered by specific things which most people would consider dangerous or threatening.  In these cases fear may just be the next step up from healthy respect.  It is healthy to respect dangerous situations such as tornadoes and earthquakes.  This respect encourages a person to make appropriate responses such as taking shelter.

    When fear is irrational or becomes so debilitating that it is effecting your life, it is time to seek help.  Hypnotherapy is an excellent way to deal with fear. A persistent illogical fear of a thing or specific situation is called a phobia.  Anxiety about social interactions or performances is called social phobia.  Inexplicable terror such as that experienced in panic attacks or chronic fearful distress called generalized anxiety disorder or GAD may also be experienced.  A well-trained hypnotherapist can be very valuable in helping people to deal with their fears.

GOALS FOR JOHNSONHYPNOTHERAPY.COM

  A Personal Note: 

 Now that I have a few posts on this new blog, I would like to share my goals for johnson.hypnotherapy.com.  I am very interested in wellness-physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  One of the joys of working as a hypnotherapist is that I work with people who are trying to improve their lives.  Whether it's getting rid of a phobia, stopping smoking, dealing with stress and anxiety, improving mental focus, losing weight or any of the many other issues I work with, the client is trying to grow.  I am researching areas of wellness all the time and hope to share what I learn with my readers.  Since hypnotherapy is the tool I use to assist clients, another goal is to help people understand how hypnosis can be a tool in their personal growth.  I truly hope you will find this blog of value.

Best regards, Jennifer