Services
What is Hypnotherapy?
“Hypnotherapy is: hypnosis combined with therapy – counselling, and therapy suggestions given in hypnosis”
Clinical Hypnotherapy is offered by a qualified Hypnotherapist in a clinical setting – either in a clinic, or online. Hypnotherapy combines the traditional method of counselling with the natural state of hypnosis. In a typical hypnotherapy session, one may expect to simply chat about what is happening in their life at present, what has brought them to this point, general medical and wellbeing - and how they would like to think, act or feel. The Hypnotherapist will use the natural state of hypnosis to offer suitable therapeutic suggestions to help bring about the positive changes desired by the client.
Our behaviour is dictated by the programming of our subconscious mind. Often people are not able to change their behaviour – despite making a conscious decision to do so. This is largely due to habitual conditioning, accumulated stress or unresolved events of the past. The causes of many problems are rooted in memories or perceptions that may be forgotten by the conscious mind, but retained by the subconscious mind.
Whilst in the hypnotic state the conscious mind is bypassed, and positive suggestions can be made directly to the subconscious mind - helping to change out-dated and irrelevant thought processes and perceptions.
Therefore - hypnotherapy may simply assist you to think and feel differently!
Hypnotherapy Services
Sheryl Murray is a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, who has a private practice in Hamilton. She sees clients in her Hamilton clinic - as well as conducting online sessions with clients all over New Zealand, and even overseas. In these sessions hypnotherapy may be offered to clients - as part of the consultation process. Here are some of the issues clients may have covered during sessions with Sheryl......
- Annoying habits - nail biting, stuttering etc
- Anxieties and panic attacks
- Auto-immue problems
- Childbirth - calm and confident birthing
- Childrens issues - general fears, sleep problems, bed-wetting
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Dental issues - fear of dental work
- Drinking problems - reducing alcohol
- Eating problems - food phobias
- Emotional issues - past issues
- Employment issues - bullying, performance confidence
- Family issues
- Fears and phobias - flying, heights, insects etc
- Goal setting - motivation to achieve goals
- Grief - coping with loss
- Hormonal issues
- HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method
- Menopause issues
- Mild depression - feelings of helplessness, negative thinking
- Nutrition - eating healthier
- OldPain2Go method
- Pain management
- Public speaking - meeting and presentation confidence
- Regression - past and present life
- Relationship issues - relationship counselling
- Self-hypnosis and positive self-talk
- Sexual problems
- Sleep issues - insomnia
- Smoking and vaping cessation
- Sports performance
- Stress management - mindfulness
- Study motivation - exam stress, memory recall and concentration
- Sugar cravings
- Weight loss - Virtual Gastric Band hypnosis
Note: these are just some of the issues that have been discussed in clinic sessions over the last 9 years.
Be Smoke Free with Confidence
The Hypnosisworx Be Smoke Free with Confidence Programme promotes an 'all-round' approach to helping you stop your smoking, OR vaping habit.
Smoking, or vaping, can be a 'stress relief' or 'time out' - and therefore becomes a habit that is very hard to let go of. When wanting to stop a habit this ingrained, it is important to prepare the mind to accept the changes we want to achieve, and give it all the tools to maintain that change.
The programme consists of two sessions - in clinic or online. Over the two sessions you learn tools to help manage stress & tension; improve confidence, and feel better about 'lettng go of your habit. You will receive an individually tailored therapy that is about YOU, YOUR habit and YOUR goals!
Reduce Alcohol Programme
Excessive alcohol, over time, may lead to the development of chronic diseases and serious problems such as:
- high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems
- cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and colon
- learning and memory problems - including dementia
- weight gain and obesity-related issues
- mental health problems - including mild depression and anxiety
- social problems, including lost productivity, family/relationship issues, and unemployment
- alcohol dependence or alcoholism
We are a nation of drinkers and often we use alcohol as an emotional crutch that leads us down the slippery slope of needing another drink to forget, to forgive etc. This may lead to procrastination, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and mild depression.
The Reduce Alcohol Programme encourages you to choose certain alcohol-free days in your week, and to reduce your alcohol intake to a moderate and acceptable level on the other days. But more importantly, in this four session programme, you may learn ways to deal with any stress or emotional tension in your life; gain self-esteem and confidence; become consciously aware of your drinking habits and take responsibility for reducing your intake - changing the way you think about alcohol!
Curb Sugar Cravings
For years we have seen sugar as such a 'sweet thing' - but it can be so addictive and give us a false sense of energy. In this programme you learn ways
to control that sugar intake, so your body becomes healthier and less dependent upon those 'bad carbs'.
Learn to deal with stress and tension in your life, and gain confidence in your ability to make sensible choices around sugar. This four session programme may help people facing health issues such as pre-diabetes or weight-gain to reduce their sugar intake. Curb the sugar cravings and feel confident doing so!
Nutritious Eating Programme
A wonderful programme for those who have hit a plateau in their weight loss journey - and a perfect accompaniment to the Virtual Gastric Band Programme. Whether your goal is weight-loss - or ultimate health - this five session programme may help you to feel more confident in your own ability to choose nutritious foods!
To find out more about hypnotherapy, or about the programmes or services covered - call Sheryl on 027-255 8842 for a confidential, no obligation phone consultation!
New Programmes Coming Soon...
Manage Diabetes
Menopause Relief
Auto-Immune Relief
Manage IBS
About
Sheryl Murray - DipClinHyp
Sheryl Murray is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Counsellor who has been combining her passion for counselling with the wonderful technique of hypnosis for over 10 years now.
Counselling is not new to Sheryl. At the age of 18 she trained as a Youthline Counsellor and spent many nights manning the phones as a 'listening ear' for those who needed to talk in the middle of the night. In her early 20's she volunteered with a new organisation at the time - Victim Support - and gained further insightful counselling and crisis skills. After spending many years in the business and finance arena, she yearned to get back into a profession that would help people. It wasnt until she visited a Clinical Hypnotherapist in 2009 that she re-kindled her passion for Counselling and decided to embark on the intensive training required to become a professional Clinical Hypnotherapist with The NZ School of Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Her Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy is now proudly displayed on the wall in her sunny and welcoming clinic in Hamilton - where she enjoys working with clients of varying ages, backgrounds and problems. Sheryl also works with many clients around New Zealand, and internationally, via Online sessions – and travels frequently to her home town of New Plymouth to see her Taranaki clients.
Sheryl's focus is to provide a professional service to her clients, while bringing an awareness to the general public of the benefits of hypnotherapy - and its ability to bring about an effective change of thinking and behaviour!
Sheryl believes that continuing to study and learn new skills furthers her professionalism, and benefits her clients. She is proud to now have attained status as a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with Hypnosis New Zealand. www.hypnosisnewzealand.co.nz
Sheryl is also a Full Member of the NZ Society of Clinical & Applied Hypnotherapy MNZSCAH, and a member of the Natural Health Council - MNHC(NZ).
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a very natural state in which the body is very relaxed. Typically we all go into hypnosis at least twice a day – in the morning as we wake from sleep and at night just before we drift off to sleep.
Hypnosis is often thought of as a type of sleep but when in the hypnotic state a person is very conscious, very aware, and completely in control. In hypnosis the body is highly relaxed but the mind is highly alert.
During hypnosis a person may be more responsive to suggestions, but this does not mean that a hypnotherapist can control a person’s mind or free will. You cannot be hypnotized against your will. Even a direct suggestion cannot make you do anything against your morals, religious beliefs, or self preservation. You will only respond to suggestions that are acceptable to you, and you remain aware of your surroundings during hypnosis.
There are many other times during your day that you may be in a state of ‘waking’ hypnosis – such as when you are driving somewhere familiar and don’t remember a certain part of the drive; or when you drift off (daydream) during the staff meeting!
FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions - click here!
Hypnosis is a powerful therapeutic tool used to access the subconscious mind - with a view to helping achieve personal goals or affecting desired changes!
Weight Loss
Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis
The Virtual Gastric Band Programme - as pioneered in the UK by Sheila Granger - is here now!
The Virtual Gastric Band hypnosis is a safe, non-surgical technique that uses the power of hypnosis to bring about a change in the mind to be satisfied with smaller amounts of foods. It is not a diet! Throughout the programme you learn to be satisfied eating smaller amounts of food - but you continue to eat what you like! Over time you naturally choose healthier and more nutritious foods!
The programme consists of 5 sessions in clinic (or online) - where you learn how to: relax and clear your mind and body from daily stress; be more confident and positive about achieving your goals; be satisfied eating smaller amounts of food; eat healthier; look forward to regular exercise: and feel great while you are doing all this!
The Hypnosisworx Virtual Gastric Band programme not only includes the tried and true weight-management techniques pioneered by Sheila Granger - it also looks at any emotional or past mental blocks that may have contributed to emotional eating, binge eating and weight gain. In your first two hour session, we will cover your history and association with food; how your life affects your eating habits; and any other issues that may affect your ability to control your shape and size.
There are many benefits to this wonderful programme that are explained during an initial no-obligation phone consultation - so message, text or email Sheryl now to arrange your free consultation!
ONLINE SESSIONS are available for the VGB programme. Sheryl works online with clients all over New Zealand, and internationally - so if you are not able to attend sessions in the Hamilton clinic, then consider working online!
Read this article recently published in the Sunday Star times, and available on Stuff, about Sheryl and her client's weight loss journey!! - Hypnotherapy convinces people a 'virtual' gastric band is trimming their waistline.
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Other Ways to Help with Weightloss
If the Virtual Gastric Band Programme does not fit your needs, then perhaps you would like to consider other programmes that Hypnosisworx has on offer.
Maybe you are great with exercising but not so great with food choices? Maybe you have food under control, but find it hard to get motivated to exercise - or stay motivated to go to the gym? Or perhaps it is way too much alcohol or sugary foods that is affecting weight loss? Or perhaps there has been an emotional component that is stopping you from achieving your goals - or even starting on them!
Whatever your 'problem area', an individually tailored programme can be designed - just for you!
Consider other programmes to help you achieve your goals: Curb Sugar Cravings; Reduce Alcohol; Nutritious Eating (see home page)
Call Sheryl now to find out how an individually tailored programme may help assist your weight loss or fitness goals!
Have a look at the Testimonial and Blog Sections on our website where clients have shared their experiences!
Hypnobirth
Being pregnant and looking forward to meeting your baby for the first time should be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life! But all too often nowadays we are hearing that pregnant women, and couples, are consumed with doubts and concerns over the myriad of decisions they have to make - should they take this test, should they take that vitamin, should they birth at home or hospital, and so on.
And then there is the Labour - and all the stories that everyone so willingly shares with you as soon as you tell them you are expecting!
These added stressors may affect the health of mother and unborn baby, and it is important to be as relaxed and confident as possible.
For this reason, Sheryl has put together a Calm Birthing Programme that involves 4 sessions prior to the birth and 1 session following the birth.
These sessions address important issues, such as -
- Learning to calm your mind and relax your body
- Improving inner confidence and self-esteem levels
- Addressing individual concerns regarding childbirth and parenting
- Effective pain management techniques for labour
- Self-hypnosis and positive affirmations for keeping the mind focused
- A home visit, clinic or online session after the birth, to help with any issues that you may be experiencing - from feeding, to bonding, to emotional issues
Sheryl believes the follow up session with clients is just as important as the sessions prior to childbirth - allowing them to address any areas of concern and work on increasing their confidence levels as new parents.
This programme even works well if you choose to have someone else support you as your birth partner - such as your Mum, Sister or best friend.
This programme is best commenced around weeks16-20 of your pregnancy, however Sheryl has worked with women as late as 32 weeks into their pregnancy.
Online Sessions are available for this programme. If you cannot make sessions in the Hamilton clinic, working online is an effective way to learn the Calm Birthing techniques offered.
Call or email Sheryl now for further information on how Hypnotherapy may help with your Pregnancy and Childbirth.
Childbirth Testimonials
"Our baby boy was welcomed into the world in the most natural and calm environment. I was so happy to be aware of everything that was happening, and so thankful I had the tools to manage any discomfort, with a new life coming through me into our beautiful world. Hypnosisworx gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to go into labour with confidence. I was excited when it started, knowing I could use everything I had learned, and that everything would be smooth sailing. And it was! I felt like it was over too quickly as it seemed so manageable. I loved my experience of using hypnotherapy through the birthing process. I was in complete control and centred in my body, and focused on the new life. This special state really is a gift and I am so thankful I knew how to use it. I encourage any woman who is expecting to be pro-active in their birthing experience and go see Sheryl - to create amazing memories, and a precious story to one day tell the little soul who has no birthing trauma!"
Sarah-Joy Prado - July 2014 (note: results may vary from person to person)
HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method
HypnoBirthing is a proven method that guides and prepares a woman in giving birth in a peaceful and beautiful manner. It considers the psychological and physical well-being of the mother, birth partner and newborn - and encourages a feeling of mutual respect for all involved in the birthing setting.
HypnoBirthing is renown world-wide and is based on the teachings of Dr Grantly Dick-Read, an English Physician who was a pioneer in the field of natural childbirth. US Hypnotherapist, Marie Mongan, further developed this wonderful method and published her first book in 1989.
Sheryl trained in the HypnoBirthing method in 2015 and has enjoyed helping many parents work with HypnoBirthing techniques to bring about their chosen birth experience.
Please call or email Sheryl for further details on HypnoBirthing and Calm Birthing.
ANXIETY
Take Control of Stress & Worry!
Thank you for visiting my website to take advantage of this complimentary recording. Simply taking 15 minutes of your day to relax your mind and body can be hugely beneficial - and this recording is designed to do just that! This is a hypnotic recording, and as such, should not be used whilst driving, operating machinary, or walking around - and is not suitable for anyone with serious mental illness (such as schizophrenia or clinical depression). Make sure you are somewhere comfortable and warm, with headphones or earphones to block out unnecessary distractions. Simply turn on the recording and follow the prompts to relaxation!
Free recording to help you Take Control of Stress & Worry - click here
Instructions for use are also below the youtube clip.
Stress & Tension
Stress is a necessary part of our daily life - it is a normal physical response to a change of events that may uplift, threaten or upset us. Without stress we wouldn't feel the need to get out of bed, go to work or school, or even get any jobs done around the house!
However - there is good stress and bad stress. Good stress is similar to a sporting event or party, where you are excited, with adrenalin running - your stress levels run high until the event is over, but the next day you carry on as normal - there is no residual tension. Examples of bad stress may be - moving house; ill health; relationship problems; bullying; losing a job or even learning a new one; bereavement and much more. These events may pass but leave residual tension in our mind, and in our body. Residual tension in the mind affects the thinking processes - often resulting in foggy and illogical thinking, negative thoughts, inability to make decisions and lack of concentration. Residual tension in the body can manifest in a breakdown of bodily functions, such as the digestive system, nervous system, immune system, bowel and much more.
Click here for a video on the Eight Sneaky Symptoms of Anxiety.
Anxiety & Mild Depression
There is a great awareness on TV and in the media nowadays around depression and anxiety. And in John Kirwan's words - "Depression or anxiety is different for everyone". Mild depression, for some, may be a 'down' feeling, or 'being in a bit of a hole'. For others it is the inability to see the bright side of anything; the inability to make decisions; not feeling on top of everything - or being unable to function in day to day life. Anxiety may present itself as one of many physical symptoms - such as tightness of chest, erratic heart beat (thumping chest), wave of heat (hot flush), shortness of breath, and panic attacks.
Over her years in practice, Sheryl has worked with many clients who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or mild depression. Alleviating tension in the mind is one of the first steps in helping to calm the mind (see Stress & Tension above). A calm mind thinks clearer, concentrates better, and makes decisions more effectively - and is less likely to react with fear or worry - less likely to over-think and over-analyse. The next step in alleviating the symptoms commonly experienced when feeling anxioius or down is to work on our self-worth and self-belief - our inner confidence and positivity. When we feel better about ourselves, we are better equipped and motivated to work on our goals and we begin to look positively to the future - we begin to feel there is hope and purpose.
Sheryl believes in empowering clients to use their own tools to ensure that the newfound feelings of positivity and self-worth continue - and as such, teaches the skills of self hypnosis and positive self talk.
If you feel like you may have a tense mind, feeling anxious or depressed, call Sheryl for a confidential, no obligation phone consultation.
Contact
Private Clinic in Hamilton
95 Puketaha Road
Hamilton 3281
View map
Sessions also available Online
Sessions by appointment only -
Call Sheryl Murray on 027-255 8842
E-mail: sheryl@hypnosisworx.co.nz -
Note: All emails will be followed up with a personal phone call.
Please leave your best contact number, and a preferred day/ time to call.
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ONLINE HYPNOTHERAPY
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Blog
Changing Sleep Issues with the Power of Hypnosis!
The current pandemic has certainly changed the we live our everyday lives. It has affected many of our daily routines - and one of its biggest reported impacts has been on sleep. Sleep becomes more elusive when we are anxious. Many people are suffering sleep issues for the first time in their lives:
• awake for long periods
• unable to go to sleep
• waking up several times during the night
• more intense and emotional dreams
• tired and groggy the next morning
• finding it difficult to concentrate or function properly
• feeling irritable
But good sleep strategies may help you sleep well, and limit the negative effects of poor sleep.
Try these FIVE hints for calmer and better sleep
Limit news intake and avoid devices for at least an hour before bed
Do something to boost your mood before bed – watching a comedy on TV, or listening to an uplifting podcast can help you sleep.
Have structure to your day
Our brains and bodies love structure. Wake up, exercise, eat and sleep at similar times each day.
Focus on your breathing
Think about resting rather than sleeping. Follow your breathing by silently whispering the words ‘in’ and ‘out’ to induce sleep.
Learn to relax your body and calm your mind
Relaxation can switch off the stress response - physically and mentally. Find something that works for you – hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, muscle relaxation, deep breathing or a long hot bath.
If you can’t sleep - get out of bed!
Your bed should not be a battleground. Instead, try to enjoy the sensation of merely resting. It is ok to simply let your body rest – especially when you have tools to calm your mind!
If you are having trouble sleeping, and traditional treatments are not working,hypnotherapy may help you to sleep the way you deserve. It uses different approaches to induce relaxation - such as focused attention, symptom control and guided imagery. And, unlike sleep medications, it has no side effects - so it may be an aid for those who don’t like taking sleeping pills. Learn tools to overcome bedtime restlessness - ease the worry, tension and anxiety that prevents sleep - and reward yourself with the deep, restorative sleep you deserve!
Share This
Manage Your Wellbeing in Uncertain Times!
The world is in the grip of a global pandemic! We are living in extremely uncertain times - and that uncertainty can be difficult to cope with. You may feel worried right now. You may struggle to keep anxious thoughts in check. And you may feel unsure about the future.
But help is at hand - you CAN learn to live with uncertainty.
Facing Uncertainty is Scarier than Facing Physical Pain
A new study shows that the uncertainty of something bad happening can be
more stressful than the knowledge of something bad happening. In 2016, a group of London researchers explored how people react to being told they will either "definitely" or "probably" receive a painful electric shock. They discovered an intriguing paradox. Volunteers who knew they would definitely receive a painful electric shock felt calmer and were measurably less agitated than those who were told they only had a 50 percent chance of receiving the electric shock!
Researchers recruited 45 volunteers to play a computer game in which they turned over digital rocks that might have snakes hiding underneath. Throughout the game, they had to guess whether each rock concealed a snake. When a snake appeared, they received a mild but painful electric shock on the hand. Over the course of the game they got better about predicting which rocks they’d find snakes under - but the game was designed to keep changing the odds of success to maintain ongoing uncertainty.
And when we’re facing outcomes that are uncertain, it’s the fact that something bad might happen that gets to us!
The volunteers’ level of uncertainty correlated to their level of stress. So, if someone felt certain they would find a snake, stress levels were significantly lower than if they felt that maybe they would find a snake. In both cases, they’d get a shock, but their stress was loaded with added uncertainty. Archy de Berker from the UCL Institute of Neurology said: "Our experiment allows us to draw conclusions about the effect of uncertainty on stress. It
turns out that it's much worse not knowing you are going to get a shock than knowing you definitely will or won’t.”
Uncertainty Ignites our Primitive Survival Instinct
If we can’t neutralise a perceived threat, we engage in the unhelpful process called “worry”. We grapple with whatever the problem is to find solutions to the threat, but there are none. Does this make us feel better? No, of course it doesn’t - it makes us feel worse. In our need for certainty, we are wired to “catastrophise” - we view or talk of a situation as worse than it actually is. This leads to worry - which in turn leads to anxiety.
The modern brain struggles to distinguish between real threat and perceived
threat. The result is that the primitive brain takes over and triggers the primitive
survival instinct - fight-or-flight.
It asks questions: -
What is going to happen…?
What is around the corner for me…?
Should I be doing more…?
Should I be doing less…?
What if my business is threatened…?
What if my livelihood is threatened…?
What if my life is threatened…?
The lack of answers can lead to:
Anger – Aggression – Frustration
What can we do to lesson uncertainty?
• Awareness is your superpower - be aware of your feelings and emotions
• Notice the worry story you are telling yourself - try to distance yourself from it
• Focus on breathing - long slow breaths
• Recognise the need to rise above fight-or-flight
• Accept uncertainty - allow yourself to stop the struggle
Stand up to anxiety with some mood-boosters:
• Meditation, self-hypnosis, relaxation
• Achievement-oriented activity
• Something pleasant or fun
Just 15 minutes a day, focussing on yourself, will help you regain a sense of
balance. The more you practice all these strategies, the better you will become!
To help Take Control of Stress & Worry click through to my free recording HERE
Sheryl Murray
DipClinHyp
Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist & Counsellor
HNZRCH; MNZSCAH; MNHC (NZ)
Appointments made by phone consultation
Session options:
- Private Hamilton Clinic
- Online (Skype, video call etc)
For an appointment call
027 255 8842
Blog
Changing Sleep Issues with the Power of Hypnosis!
The current pandemic has certainly changed the we live our everyday lives. It has affected many of our daily routines - and one of its biggest reported impacts has been on sleep. Sleep becomes more elusive when we are anxious. Many people are suffering sleep issues for the first time in their lives:
• awake for long periods
• unable to go to sleep
• waking up several times during the night
• more intense and emotional dreams
• tired and groggy the next morning
• finding it difficult to concentrate or function properly
• feeling irritable
But good sleep strategies may help you sleep well, and limit the negative effects of poor sleep.
Try these FIVE hints for calmer and better sleep
Limit news intake and avoid devices for at least an hour before bed
Do something to boost your mood before bed – watching a comedy on TV, or listening to an uplifting podcast can help you sleep.
Have structure to your day
Our brains and bodies love structure. Wake up, exercise, eat and sleep at similar times each day.
Focus on your breathing
Think about resting rather than sleeping. Follow your breathing by silently whispering the words ‘in’ and ‘out’ to induce sleep.
Learn to relax your body and calm your mind
Relaxation can switch off the stress response - physically and mentally. Find something that works for you – hypnosis, meditation, mindfulness, muscle relaxation, deep breathing or a long hot bath.
If you can’t sleep - get out of bed!
Your bed should not be a battleground. Instead, try to enjoy the sensation of merely resting. It is ok to simply let your body rest – especially when you have tools to calm your mind!
If you are having trouble sleeping, and traditional treatments are not working,hypnotherapy may help you to sleep the way you deserve. It uses different approaches to induce relaxation - such as focused attention, symptom control and guided imagery. And, unlike sleep medications, it has no side effects - so it may be an aid for those who don’t like taking sleeping pills. Learn tools to overcome bedtime restlessness - ease the worry, tension and anxiety that prevents sleep - and reward yourself with the deep, restorative sleep you deserve!
Share This
Manage Your Wellbeing in Uncertain Times!
The world is in the grip of a global pandemic! We are living in extremely uncertain times - and that uncertainty can be difficult to cope with. You may feel worried right now. You may struggle to keep anxious thoughts in check. And you may feel unsure about the future.
But help is at hand - you CAN learn to live with uncertainty.
Facing Uncertainty is Scarier than Facing Physical Pain
A new study shows that the uncertainty of something bad happening can be
more stressful than the knowledge of something bad happening. In 2016, a group of London researchers explored how people react to being told they will either "definitely" or "probably" receive a painful electric shock. They discovered an intriguing paradox. Volunteers who knew they would definitely receive a painful electric shock felt calmer and were measurably less agitated than those who were told they only had a 50 percent chance of receiving the electric shock!
Researchers recruited 45 volunteers to play a computer game in which they turned over digital rocks that might have snakes hiding underneath. Throughout the game, they had to guess whether each rock concealed a snake. When a snake appeared, they received a mild but painful electric shock on the hand. Over the course of the game they got better about predicting which rocks they’d find snakes under - but the game was designed to keep changing the odds of success to maintain ongoing uncertainty.
And when we’re facing outcomes that are uncertain, it’s the fact that something bad might happen that gets to us!
The volunteers’ level of uncertainty correlated to their level of stress. So, if someone felt certain they would find a snake, stress levels were significantly lower than if they felt that maybe they would find a snake. In both cases, they’d get a shock, but their stress was loaded with added uncertainty. Archy de Berker from the UCL Institute of Neurology said: "Our experiment allows us to draw conclusions about the effect of uncertainty on stress. It
turns out that it's much worse not knowing you are going to get a shock than knowing you definitely will or won’t.”
Uncertainty Ignites our Primitive Survival Instinct
If we can’t neutralise a perceived threat, we engage in the unhelpful process called “worry”. We grapple with whatever the problem is to find solutions to the threat, but there are none. Does this make us feel better? No, of course it doesn’t - it makes us feel worse. In our need for certainty, we are wired to “catastrophise” - we view or talk of a situation as worse than it actually is. This leads to worry - which in turn leads to anxiety.
The modern brain struggles to distinguish between real threat and perceived
threat. The result is that the primitive brain takes over and triggers the primitive
survival instinct - fight-or-flight.
It asks questions: -
What is going to happen…?
What is around the corner for me…?
Should I be doing more…?
Should I be doing less…?
What if my business is threatened…?
What if my livelihood is threatened…?
What if my life is threatened…?
The lack of answers can lead to:
Anger – Aggression – Frustration
What can we do to lesson uncertainty?
• Awareness is your superpower - be aware of your feelings and emotions
• Notice the worry story you are telling yourself - try to distance yourself from it
• Focus on breathing - long slow breaths
• Recognise the need to rise above fight-or-flight
• Accept uncertainty - allow yourself to stop the struggle
Stand up to anxiety with some mood-boosters:
• Meditation, self-hypnosis, relaxation
• Achievement-oriented activity
• Something pleasant or fun
Just 15 minutes a day, focussing on yourself, will help you regain a sense of
balance. The more you practice all these strategies, the better you will become!
To help Take Control of Stress & Worry click through to my free recording HERE
Testimonials
VGB Testimonial
I used Sheryl’s services for the VGB hypnotherapy. Sheryl was very approachable and easy to talk to. She listened to me and customised my therapy to address my emotional eating concerns too. I noticed huge reductions in my anxiety levels after the very first session. And ever since the band was fitted I no longer have the desire to finish my plate, nor overfill my plate in the first place, and I now notice the feeling of being satisfied. I love that easily I have lost interest in eating foods that I had typically craved beforehand, and I feel quite free from old food thoughts. Weight is dropping off steadily and the process, in hindsight, has been life changing.
Thanks
Rachel, Waikato **
----------------------------------------------------
"Last year I decided I really needed to do something long term to address my weight. Like so many people who will be reading this, I had tried all the usual things of dieting and exercise. I felt that I ate pretty healthily and exercised regularly but still the weight stayed put.
I even started to think about gastric surgery as a last resort, as others I knew were heading down that route. I am so glad I didn't as that would have been an unnecessary surgery risk, expensive and with such limitations on food intake for the rest of my life.
Instead I took a chance on hypnotherapy and the VGB programme. Hypnotherapy is not something I had ever had before and to be honest, I was quite sceptical to start with. I was out of my comfort zone and I didn't really believe it would work for me but as I wasn't able to lose weight myself, I knew I had to try it. Things had to change.
My advice to anyone considering this is to do it. My new slim shape is proof it works and I genuinely found it easy. Trust the process, the programme and Sheryl. Her support was invaluable and her belief that I could do it made all the difference. She was always available for advice and to share my stories with and I cannot recommened her highly enough.
Soon after starting the sessions I noticed a difference in my attitude to food and to the amounts I was eating. I started to really enjoy food (which was a new experience for me after years of feeling I needed to do the opposite). I continued doing the exercise I enjoyed and found new things as well. Each time I weighed myself the scales (and my clothes) reinforced to me that I was achieving my goals. It was a steady weight loss and one I am now maintaining.
I feel much happier with myself and life generally. I eat really well and feel so healthy. I love shopping and have a whole new wardrobe (as everything else is now way too big). I feel confident that this is the new me and the new me is here to stay!"
Lea, Taranaki **
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Be Smoke Free Testimonial
"I wanted to let you know how I've been going with the non-smoking! I enjoy listening to the recordings, and they have become quite a natural part of my week. I want to thank you as I don't think I could have done this alone, or without hypnosis. I am surprised at how easy I have found it to stop smoking, and without any major urges!"
Trish, Auckland **
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Drink Less Alcohol Testimonial
"I went to Sheryl to cut down my drinking and to have some alcohol-free nights. The hypnosis she gave me was empowering and I have found myself drinking much less, and when I do I drink a lot slower. I am also having some alcohol-free nights - and working on more. I love the confidence and positive attitude it has given me. My focus has really improved and it energises me in the morning. I am so glad I have this tool and it is helping me in so many areas of my life. It was not invasive and I would highly recommend it. Thanks Sheryl!"
Chris, Taranaki **
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Stage Confidence Testimonial
"I am a musician and a singer. In the past I was very nervous and lacked conifdence with my live performances. I sought help, through Hypnotherapy, with Sheryl Murray.
I am experiencing a complete shift! My gigs are now more enjoyable, relaxing and fun. I feel I have opened a whole new area in my life and left those challenges of the past behind me.
Not only has it changed my performances, I also have the unexpected benefit of feeling better in myself and more confident off stage as well, with people I dont know and friends and family.
Sheryl's skill and ability to help me connect with my challenges, and overcome them, has been very life enhancing. I highly and whole-heartedly recommend her services.
Thank you so much Sheryl!"
Paul Holcombe - Musician/Singer - Manawatu **
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Virtual Gastric Band Testimonial
"I've tried to lose weight before and succeeded for a while - but then piled the weight back on again. I've never really fully committed, which is why I am so grateful to Sheryl and Hypnosisworx for helping me get my mind on track with what my body needs to do.
The VGB system has helped my immensely. I dont snack anymore - just three small meals a day and I am fully satisfied. I'm not searching for something else to eat. I have even started to enjoy exercising - which I had every excuse in the book NOT to do before. 30 minutes a day is not hard to achieve!
Here's to a happy and healthy, more conifdent me. It wont happen overnight, but it WILL happen!"
Nicola, Stratford **
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Letting go of the Past Testimonial
"I was going through a period of grieving for an old lover, and was finding it hard to let go, and that when ever I thought of him, that I would become emotional even if the memories were of good things.
With Sheryl’s help I had a couple of counselling sessions with her and she designed a therapy for me to help let go of the past. Now, when Sheryl put me under hypnosis and was reading the therapy to me, I remember that my life was flashing before me, like things were being deleted. Upon awakening I felt like I had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders and it was just such an amazing and enlightening feeling. Now when I think of the past I am able to do so with little effect on me now, although I still do remember things it is not painful, when I remember the good things it brings a smile to my face.
It was so worthwhile to have this done, and would most definitely so to people to go to her, and get assistance for what is ailing.
Hypnotherapy is so relaxing and is such a wonderful experience, I have never had a bad experience and just even the relaxation therapy is an amazing one to do as well, and will set you up for the rest of day, that you would not need to be taking berrocca in the morning, just do the relaxation exercise and away you go.
So worth it!!!!!!!!!!". Diane - Hamilton **
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Self Hypnosis Testimonial
"Self Hypnosis was a great tool to learn, and I use this all the time in my day to day life. Hypnosis has helped me to gain my confidence back and learn to deal with stress better. Thanks Sheryl.” Tracey - New Plymouth **
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** Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person