Loneliness

In my hypnotherapy practice I come across many clients who for a variety of different reasons suffer from loneliness. This may be due to low self-confidence and therefore an anxiety about meeting new people, even though the client actually wants to have the company of others they feel stricken by a fear of social encounters. Sometimes, a client will have suffered a bereavement and this leaves them feeling alone and isolated, desperately missing their loved one. If they have been with that person for a very long time, the loneliness can be almost unbearable.

And sometimes even people who have partners and families can feel lonely. This is a very different kind of loneliness but can still be extremely isolating.

I consider myself very lucky that I actually enjoy spending time on my own, but maybe this is because I know my 'alone times' are regularly interspersed with a busy, noisy, teenager-filled house. I relish the quiet but also I wouldn't be without my interesting, chaotic, challenging family.

I realise that for some - particularly the elderly - that this can become so distressing and that some people even resort to phoning call centres just to hear the sound of someone's voice, even a pre-recorded one, as it makes them feel less lonely. We live in a world where families are increasingly divided, and this can cause a deep sense of isolation.

Whatever your situation, it is a basic human need to want the company and affection of others. Whether you have lost a loved one or if you are struggling with confidence issues, you may feel that it would help to explore your feelings. Hypnotherapy can help you to find a sense of peace within and it is a wonderfully calming, comforting therapy to give you that boost and reassurance you need.

Do get in touch if you feel that I could help you.

Best wishes,
Wendy x

Mrs Patmore's panic attack

Are you (like me) a Downton Abbey addict? I came to it late on, and then had the guilty pleasure of being able to watch two series in a row on Netflix. I am now completely hooked, and watch it every Sunday whilst Mr Chalk rolls around on the floor at his aikido class, which is a blessing because he hates it and, were he at home, there would be a lot of eye-rolling and tutting. Strictly is another programme which engenders similar types of behaviour, and we won't even mention Corrie.

Anyway, there was a lot going on last night, not least the awful assault on Anna, which was very upsetting. Before this, however, it looked as though Mrs Patmore was going to keel over with a heart attack, as the house party was getting all too much for her. However, once they settled her down and called the doctor, it was found to be merely a 'panic attack', which I am sure many people thought were a relatively new phenomenon due to modern-day stress. I am so relieved that Mrs Patmore is ok, and I hope she will find a way to share the load a bit more. She is a marvellous comic character, and is, in many ways, the lynchpin of the 'downstairs'.

I see many people who suffer from panic attacks, brought on by anxiety (albeit for other reasons than for having to cook for a party of 50 landed gentry) but the symptoms are probably very similar to those suffered by Mrs Patmore, that is shortness of breath, becoming very hot and maybe feeling as if you are having a heart attack. I find that hypnotherapy (even just one session) can have a very positive effect in reducing the incidence and severity of panic attacks. This can be further helped by advice on relaxation techniques that can be carried out at home.

I do hope Mrs Patmore manages to take it a bit easier next week.

Take care,
Wendy x