 In Sharon Fitzmaurice’s podcast last week I spoke about taking time to do something for yourself. All too often we say ‘I’d love to take up painting’ or ‘I’d love to do that course’ but tell ourselves the timing isn’t right, or there isn’t time at all, and so on. I talk about juggling work, the kids, and courses, but believe me, there are more days where I don’t do very well than days that I do.
I waste a lot of time scrolling through my phone, and one of the biggest things for me is Candy Crush. I could be sitting in bed playing until all the lives run out. Afterwards, I am annoyed at myself, because that time would have been so much better spent getting lost in a novel and falling asleep with a book on my chest. And the next day, I complain to my whole family that I have no time to myself to read that book I have been looking at for months on end! So, what is the key? Discipline….! Again - easier said than done. But for me, and for my clients, imagining reaching the goal is what works best. A few years ago I was thinking about setting up a hypnotherapy training school and I did nothing for a long time. I was afraid I’d fail, that I’d be a useless teacher, that no one would sign up for my courses. Or worse, that they WOULD sign up, and I’d be committed to delivering brilliant material for 10 months. I had two scenarios in my head. One - where I didn’t set up a school, but continued to think about it for years on end and wish I had just done it. Two - where I had been teaching 5 or 6 years and was so experienced at it that it was just like a normal day at work. The second scenario obviously appealed to me so much more and every time I thought of it, I'd feel excitement, motivation, enthusiasm. Every time I imagined the first scenario, I felt regret (even though it hadn’t happened yet - future pacing!) and panicked that I’d feel that way forever. Do you know what I mean? What are the things you would like to have done that still make you feel sick when you think about them now? Could you go for it? What do you need to do? How would it feel, what would it look like, where would you be now? When you say you don’t have time, how much of your time is wasted (like mine, on Candy Crush!) that could be spent building your dream, or your hobby, or your course? Today, pick one of the things you’ve put off, or made up reasons in your head as to why it can’t happen, and imagine having it done. Write down what life looks like. Feel how good it feels. You could have that feeling for real. Could you go for it? I think you could. And there will still be time for Candy Crush...! P.S. I did set up that hypnotherapy school! It's now in it's 5th year (however, on a break - like everything else - due to covid). You can find out more about it over here. And yes, it was the right decision! #candyccrush #procrastinating #proctastination #procrastinate #futurepacing #goals #discipline #dream #dreambig #goforit #idonthavetime #metime #taketheplunge #comfortzone #microblog #hypnosis #hypnotherapy #hypnotherapytraining #edenwellness #lauramcdonald #unsplash
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So...! How has the first week of 2021 been for you? I am sure that pre-2020, life had already felt like it was a juggling act... what would you give to go back to that now? Now that you really are spinning more plates than ever before? As the schools are still closed and many of you are unable to go into work, you might find yourself juggling your job and children at the SAME TIME...(again)!!! This is something I have already been doing for many years (when I am not in my therapy room in Kachina) with no help, with my supervision/mentoring work, or writing/printing teaching notes, or holding meetings with supervisees around the world, or taking client phone calls - all while cooking meals, trying to keep the house in order, and dealing with chronic physical illness. It is not easy and is very, very stressful. I used to think it was just me who found it tough, until the rest of the world joined in and agreed. While I can still get these things done, I can't see clients obviously, because the last thing I want is one of my children to burst into the room while I am doing Zoom therapy for someone who needs my full and undivided attention. So, how can you help yourself when your flow is continuously interrupted, every 60 seconds? How can you calm that nervous system down again when it's spent the best part of 18 hours in stress mode with no time to wind down, and no official tea breaks like there might be in a 'proper' working environment? How can you stop the chatter in your mind that you didn't do enough, you snapped too much, you must do better, you aren't coping well enough? How can you bring your mind to a place of stillness so you can fall asleep easily? Here are some things I have done over the years to help me through: 1) Remind yourself that this is temporary. While we still have no idea exactly how long this will go on for, we do know that it will pass. 2) DO take breaks, preferably outside, no matter what the weather is like. Today, I went out into my garden, in the rain, with a big coat and cup of tea and just BREATHED and listened to nature. 3) Try to set a schedule for your working day. This is something I still haven't mastered and can still be answering emails at 1am (or posting on Facebook like I am now) and don't have a set start and finish time, but am working on it. Once you 'finish' work, try to make sure you really do finish, and start again the following morning. Keep a designated area in your house for work, if possible. 4) Get up, shower, get dressed, put your make up on, wear your perfume. I had a Zoom meeting with fellow BWRT supervisors yesterday morning, and it was the highlight of my week (!!) having a professional adult conversation and having something to get dressed 'properly' for, and really set my mood for the day. While it might have been fun and a novelty for many of us back in March to not have to get ready for work, it can take a toll on our state of mind. Get ready as if you were really going out to work and wear clothes that make you feel efficient, confident and productive. 5) Eat well. You are preparing food for the children anyway, so do the same for yourself. Have a healthy protein-rich breakfast that will keep you full until you need to cook lunch and dinner etc. Drink plenty of water - all the usual stuff we all know, but rarely implement! 6) When the kids have gone to sleep, do something for yourself, whether that is to run a hot bath with candles and music (or Netflix), or paint your nails, or read a magazine with a glass of wine. Make sure you have something lovely scheduled, therefore you will have something to look forward to at the end of a more-hectic-than-usual day. It will help. One of the things that makes lockdown difficult is not having anything planned - but simple things like this can really make a difference. Plan your evening! 7) Exercise. If you have equipment, great! If not, no problem! You don't need to have a fully equipped gym to keep active. There are literally millions of videos to follow on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook etc. There are countless apps and so much inspiration. Choose your time - whether that's 5 minutes or one hour - and notice the instant lift to your mood - it is scientifically proven! Add to that the feelings of pride that come with sticking to it, and it'll soon become something you find yourself needing to do. 8) Meditate. Like exercise, there are millions of videos, audios, and countless apps to follow, or just do it yourself. Meditation is like tidying the mind - you will be more productive, your mood will lift, your concentration will improve (essential for parents juggling kids and work) and you will be far calmer and less irritable. 9) When you get into bed, be aware of the thoughts running through your mind. I say this to all my clients, regardless of what they have come for help with. Watch the thoughts and don't allow negative ones to take hold. This is a critically important time, because your mind is falling asleep and can be highly suggestible, soaking up everything you tell it. Make sure those thoughts are positive - even if you have to make them up! 'I had a great day, I did so well today, I am proud of what I have achieved, I am feeling calm and relaxed, I am so grateful for my lovely warm bed, I am looking forward to waking up in the morning...' you get the idea. Do the same thing when you wake up - another highly suggestible time - train your mind to look to the goodness and you will find that you notice more and more of it as the days and weeks go by. We are not ignoring the fact that some days, everything is crap - but we are trying not to dwell on that and to instead, let it go. 10) Be kind to yourself. Some days you might want to just do nothing. If you can do that, then do; allow it, and enjoy it. I keep remembering more things to include.... 11) Homeschooling! Stick to the schedule as much as is possible. Teachers understand this is a very difficult time for parents and children alike. Get the kids to do what they can, help them with what you can, try not to get stressed or upset with them or yourself. Easier said than done, but all the above should help. Take some time out for fun too. Take the kids into the garden to join you on your rainy tea break and some splashing in puddles. As I keep saying, we really do have everything we need within ourselves, to help ourselves. You can get to a mindset where you don't need to look outside of yourself to feel happy and content, and that is a really powerful space to find yourself in. You might actually find yourself enjoying this time with just yourselves. I know I do (most of the time)! Please do feel free to message me here, or email me if you want to vent, or ask any advice. I can speak from personal experience! X Good luck, you've got this! #spinningplates #juggling #jugglinglife #homeschooling #workingfromhome #workingfromhomelife #lockdown
Hello and a very good afternoon to you all! Following up from my last blog post, I am delighted to let you all know that on 28th August, I was awarded the Runner Up in the JCI Mayo Friendly Business Awards 2018 in the Customer Care category. This is a fantastic boost for Eden Wellness, especially as it is based on being 'secret shopped'. A lovely evening was had by all, and I would like to congratulate all the category Winners who went to the National Awards on the 12th October. More details can be found on the JCI Mayo website. Following on from the JCI Mayo Friendly Business Awards, I was honoured to be awarded WINNER in the Health and Fitness Category on 7th September at the Mayo Style Awards - I was happy enough to be selected as a Finalist, so this was a real surprise! A fantastic night was had by all at Breaffy House Hotel, followed by great coverage of the event in the Connaught Telegraph Newspaper. I am coming up to my 14th anniversary as a Clinical Hypnotherapist - I celebrate every 4th December to remember the day I was awarded my first Diploma in Hypnotherapy. As you may be aware, we are required to carry out a number of Continuous Professional Development hours per year. This year, I have studied Sports Psychology, BWRT Deep Mind Protocol, Defusing Depression, Relationship Repair, Ageing Unplugged, and am in the middle of an ITEC Personal Trainer Diploma course with Evolution Institute which is absolutely fantastic! I am enjoying every moment of it. I am already looking forward to whatever it is I will choose to study in 2019 - there's a world of information and learning out there.
In September, I started teaching my third Hypnotherapy Professional Practitioner Diploma at my training school, EICH Ireland. Students are loving the course content - as usual - and I am thoroughly enjoying teaching. As usual, the time is flying; I am already preparing notes for Module 3, which focuses on Stress and Anxiety - something we are sadly all too familiar with. Thankfully, this module teaches many coping mechanisms as well as teaching where stress and anxiety come from and why they are there. I am already welcoming applications for the next course, starting September 2019, one weekend a month for 10 months. Upon successful completion, you will gain two diplomas; one in Hypnotherapy with Psychotherapy, and one in Hypnoanalysis. Feel free to visit the website or email me for an application form. EICH Ireland was shortlisted as a finalist in the aforementioned JCI Mayo Friendly Business Awards, and it is recognised by leading hypnotherapy and psychotherapy registers across the UK and Ireland - visit the accreditation page here to read more. Until next time, have a lovely weekend all, whatever it is you're up to. I'll be heading to The Movement in Castlebar for week 7 of our Diploma in Personal Training with Evolution Fitness Institute! Awards 2018
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 | This book, Nightlights, has been around for a while now, but it is probably my favourite to read to my children. My Mum bought it for me years ago when I had my first child, and I still use it today, both with my own, and with young clients, and I recommend it to all parents. It is full of gorgeous stories that have messages hidden in them to build confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth in little ones. 'Specially written to calm and relax your child at bedtime, while at the same time engaging and stimulating his or her imagination. These stories also help children in many other important ways. They help them to focus their minds and develop their powers of concentration and visualization, as well as learn more about emotions and feelings. Although not meditations in the strict sense, they do serve as a good preparation for learning real meditation later on.' It's currently available at 19% off (€12.05) in the Book Depository. |
You can read about BWRT in today's Daily Mail, either online or in print, by following this link. Well done to fellow therapist, Bob Bees, and of course, BWRT creator, Terence Watts!
If you're a therapist interested in training in BWRT, I offer the only Ireland-based training, and ran the first course in June, 2017. Please get in touch if you'd like more information and to be kept informed about the next available training which will be based in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
If you're a therapist interested in training in BWRT, I offer the only Ireland-based training, and ran the first course in June, 2017. Please get in touch if you'd like more information and to be kept informed about the next available training which will be based in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
It has been a very busy Summer here at Eden Wellness, with all our appointments booked out each weekend and a waiting list of people wishing for help with Hypnotherapy or BWRT. We're also busy preparing for our next Hypnotherapy Practitioner Training course, EICH Ireland, which I run one weekend a month for a total of 10 months, in Castlebar, Co.Mayo. My previous students just found out that they ALL passed their final exam - I don't know who was more proud; me, or them. We're holding our graduation in September, so keep checking in to see photos of the evening, where I'll be presenting the graduates with their TWO diplomas. They are now qualified clinical hypnotherapists and are available for appointments to help with smoking cessation, stress, anxiety, fears, phobias and more and you can find their details here. If you are interested in training as a hypnotherapist yourself, you can find out information and apply here!
I was happy to contribute to the latest edition (August 2017) of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy Journal - I took part in their Q&A section of the magazine. The APHP is a professional body whose members show that they meet certain criteria governing their training, expertise, insurance, supervision and Continual Professional Development.
I was happy to contribute to the latest edition (August 2017) of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy Journal - I took part in their Q&A section of the magazine. The APHP is a professional body whose members show that they meet certain criteria governing their training, expertise, insurance, supervision and Continual Professional Development.
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Well it’s been a busy few months here as I embark on a couple of new projects!
As many of you are aware, I trained as a BWRT® practitioner a couple of years ago, and the therapy is so successful I have dedicated a separate website to it, as it is completely different to hypnosis. So, as well as Eden Wellness, I now run BWRT® Ireland, offering appointments in the same health centre, and also over the phone and via Skype. As BWRT® can be offered in this way, my hours of operation are spread throughout the week, held mostly in the evenings.
In May, I attended a Reiki I workshop, which I absolutely loved. I followed it up with Reiki II last weekend, and am in the process of practicing, organising and getting ready to offer it as part of Eden Wellness’ treatments. I did my training with the brilliant Anam Nasca, at Atlantis, Castlebar.
But, the main thing I have been focussing on lately is setting up my very own Hypnotherapy training school, EICH Ireland. I have now set dates for a Professional Practitioner Course, which will take students from complete beginners to completely ready to set up their very own Hypnotherapy businesses. I am very excited about this new venture and hope that you will be too! The course is very well known, as it has been taught in the UK since 1999 at the Essex Institute. It is taught in other countries around the world, but this is the first time it will be available in Ireland. Written by Terence Watts, UK professional therapist (also creator of BWRT® amongst many other therapeutic techniques), The Professional Practitioner Course starts in September 2016 and is being held in the beautiful Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar. Spread over the course of 10 months (one weekend per month), it is ideal if you have work and family commitments, and the weekends will be wonderful journeys of self-discovery, growth and empowerment as well as educational.
So, why study hypnotherapy?
My own journey toward hypnotherapy started a few years ago. I had always been interested in the workings of the mind, and studied Psychology A-Level before going on to study it at Kingston University, along with History of Ideas. My path changed for a while when I went to study Linguistics and English Literature at Hertfordshire University, but I still felt there was something else I should be studying. In 2004, I took up a foundation course in hypnotherapy to get a deeper understanding of the workings of the mind, and was instantly hooked. I then signed up to the Professional Practitioner course, then the Advanced Professional course, and haven’t stopped since!
Hypnotherapy can give you a greater understanding into your own mind and the reasons you feel and think the way you do. It can provide you with tools to enhance your potential, stop unwanted behaviours, increase confidence, clear negative emotions, to name just a few things. Practicing as a therapist is hugely rewarding, as you empower clients to recognise their own strengths and qualities. After you qualify, you will probably be drawn to studying the subject in a much greater depth, or to explore other areas entirely. You will be entering a new world of growth, learning and personal development which, I have no doubt, you will just love.
As a hypnotherapist, you will be able to work for yourself, choosing hours that suit you, so you can work around your family, or alongside an existing job. You can choose what areas you would like to work in, perhaps deciding to specialise in particular subjects.
Overall, whether you choose to continue your hypnotherapy path after qualifying is up to you, but you will have a valuable tool for life, which you can use daily for yourself and for your family. You will be able to train your mind to think in a way you would prefer to think, you will be able to choose your thoughts carefully, and you will be far more mindful as to how every action you take, every thought you think, and every word you speak, all have a profound effect on your life.
Find out more by visiting EICH Ireland, or send an email.
As many of you are aware, I trained as a BWRT® practitioner a couple of years ago, and the therapy is so successful I have dedicated a separate website to it, as it is completely different to hypnosis. So, as well as Eden Wellness, I now run BWRT® Ireland, offering appointments in the same health centre, and also over the phone and via Skype. As BWRT® can be offered in this way, my hours of operation are spread throughout the week, held mostly in the evenings.
In May, I attended a Reiki I workshop, which I absolutely loved. I followed it up with Reiki II last weekend, and am in the process of practicing, organising and getting ready to offer it as part of Eden Wellness’ treatments. I did my training with the brilliant Anam Nasca, at Atlantis, Castlebar.
But, the main thing I have been focussing on lately is setting up my very own Hypnotherapy training school, EICH Ireland. I have now set dates for a Professional Practitioner Course, which will take students from complete beginners to completely ready to set up their very own Hypnotherapy businesses. I am very excited about this new venture and hope that you will be too! The course is very well known, as it has been taught in the UK since 1999 at the Essex Institute. It is taught in other countries around the world, but this is the first time it will be available in Ireland. Written by Terence Watts, UK professional therapist (also creator of BWRT® amongst many other therapeutic techniques), The Professional Practitioner Course starts in September 2016 and is being held in the beautiful Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar. Spread over the course of 10 months (one weekend per month), it is ideal if you have work and family commitments, and the weekends will be wonderful journeys of self-discovery, growth and empowerment as well as educational.
So, why study hypnotherapy?
My own journey toward hypnotherapy started a few years ago. I had always been interested in the workings of the mind, and studied Psychology A-Level before going on to study it at Kingston University, along with History of Ideas. My path changed for a while when I went to study Linguistics and English Literature at Hertfordshire University, but I still felt there was something else I should be studying. In 2004, I took up a foundation course in hypnotherapy to get a deeper understanding of the workings of the mind, and was instantly hooked. I then signed up to the Professional Practitioner course, then the Advanced Professional course, and haven’t stopped since!
Hypnotherapy can give you a greater understanding into your own mind and the reasons you feel and think the way you do. It can provide you with tools to enhance your potential, stop unwanted behaviours, increase confidence, clear negative emotions, to name just a few things. Practicing as a therapist is hugely rewarding, as you empower clients to recognise their own strengths and qualities. After you qualify, you will probably be drawn to studying the subject in a much greater depth, or to explore other areas entirely. You will be entering a new world of growth, learning and personal development which, I have no doubt, you will just love.
As a hypnotherapist, you will be able to work for yourself, choosing hours that suit you, so you can work around your family, or alongside an existing job. You can choose what areas you would like to work in, perhaps deciding to specialise in particular subjects.
Overall, whether you choose to continue your hypnotherapy path after qualifying is up to you, but you will have a valuable tool for life, which you can use daily for yourself and for your family. You will be able to train your mind to think in a way you would prefer to think, you will be able to choose your thoughts carefully, and you will be far more mindful as to how every action you take, every thought you think, and every word you speak, all have a profound effect on your life.
Find out more by visiting EICH Ireland, or send an email.
December – a time when many of us sit back and reflect on what the year has brought us – whether it’s challenges we have overcome, goals we have reached, or trials that have made us stronger. Whatever it may be, we often put pressure on ourselves to be better, do well, achieve more, and if when February or March comes we have not stuck to those goals, we will probably engage in harsh self-talk, believing we have not got the year off to a good start, and that this has set the stage for the rest of the year.
This time, why not just promise yourself that you will take each day as it comes, and that no matter what each day holds, you make a promise to only allow positive self-talk when you go to sleep each night, and talk to yourself the way we would to your best friend? This will be far more encouraging than telling yourself you've failed in any way, and it’ll be far more likely to result in happier reflections this time next year!
Hypnosis – or in this case, self-hypnosis – is a great way to make sure you stick to this wonderful habit. By repeatedly saying positive things to yourself instead of beating yourself up, you will begin to feel differently. Then, you'll start to behave differently. You'll feel differently. You'll put less pressure on ourselves and will feel happier with whatever your days entail. A simple daily habit that is easy and effortless – and all it really is, is a reversal of what many of us usually do (think negatively).
If there are any anxieties (or anything else) that are in the way, these can be cleared up with BWRT, a model of psychology and psychotherapy created by UK professional therapist, Terence Watts, MCGI. It’s a totally confidential method that does not require you to reveal your private information or personal secrets to your therapist, and it is carried out in a completely conscious state, and for it to succeed only needs you to know what you want to change in your life. BWRT has been approved by the British Psychological Society - find out more on www.bwrt.org
If you have habits, traits or behaviours you’d like to stop, give it a try. Whether it’s giving up smoking, losing weight, getting rid of years of negative emotional energies, increasing confidence and self-esteem, or for a chat about anything else, get in touch and I’ll do my best to help you achieve it - while being kind to yourself every step of the way.
Make 2016 your year, without the added pressure. Be kind to yourself, praise yourself when you do well, recognise exactly what doing well is, and be your own best friend. It will make a huge difference to your life.
I hold appointments in Kachina, Castlebar, every Saturday.
