Sharon Dyke, Hypnotherapist in Taunton
Sharon Dyke
Solution Focused Hypnotherapist in Taunton
T: 07766 250 113

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CIRCADIAN RYTHYM

So, I was thinking about the clocks having gone back this week and the impact it tends to have on me every year. Did you know the internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and behavioural processes in the body, including mental performance?

The circadian rhythm influences our sleep-wake cycle, and the timing of sleep can significantly affect our cognitive function. If you think about it, most of us experience cognitive peaks and troughs throughout the day; for me, mental alertness tends to be highest during the late morning and early afternoon, and I have a natural dip in my alertness during the late afternoon. Understanding this pattern helps me prioritise my to-do list to complete tasks requiring high cognitive performance in the morning.

Maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm is important for our overall well-being and can positively affect sleep, mood, and general health.  So, what can you do to support your own circadian rhythm?

Well, clients I work with often tell me they feel better when they maintain the same bedtime routine, even on weekends; I get that. If I have a lie-in, I always feel worse, so I go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day.

Spend time outside during the day, especially in the morning, get that lovely exposure to the sun, and reduce exposure to screens, phones, computers, etc, at least an hour before bedtime.

Eat at regular times, not close to bedtime and engage in regular activity; morning or afternoon exercise can really help regulate the circadian rhythm.

Avoid stress, one thing I teach people in my clinics is how to focus on the three Ps, positive thinking, positive interaction, and positive activities, all of which release our lovely feel-good hormones.

Remember, this is about your individual needs and preferences, so it’s essential to find a routine that works for you. Consistency is key in supporting a healthy circadian rhythm, and if you do adjust your routines, give your body the time to adapt to it before evaluating its effectiveness.

GETTING RECOGNITION  

 

This week I’ve been reflecting on my role as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. Why you might ask; well, recently, I was awarded a Fellowship with the Association for Solution-Focused Hypnotherapists. Fellowships are prestigious and highly competitive opportunities that recognise individuals for their expertise, achievements, and potential in a specific field or discipline. Being awarded such an honour is a significant milestone in my career as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist and one I wanted to share with you.

There are so many excellent therapists in this country; I’m sure all of whom deserve recognition for their contribution to our field. Gaining a Fellowship does not mean that I will take it for granted. I want to treat my fellowship as a learning opportunity, so I’ll continue engaging in activities that enhance my knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is underpinned by Neuroscience or Neurotherapy, an approach to psychotherapy that integrates knowledge from neuroscience, psychology and other related fields to understand and address mental health and emotional issues. It recognises the central role of the brain and the nervous system in shaping human behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. Some fundamental principles and techniques commonly associated with neuroscience include education about how the brain works and its functions in the therapeutic process. As a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist, I explain how specific structures and processes influence behaviour, emotions, and mental health. This knowledge helps clients better understand their experiences and promotes self-awareness.

We often talk about using “The tools” in the clinic. By that, we mean techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation, and somatic awareness to promote self-regulation, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being.

Recently, some Solution Focused Hypnotherapists have started incorporating electroencephalography (EEG) into their sessions and providing real-time feedback to clients about their brain activity. This feedback helps clients self-regulate their brain functioning, potentially improving symptoms associated with various mental health conditions.

As a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist, I recognise the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity, the ability to reorganise and form new neuro connections throughout life. We emphasise the interconnectedness of the body and the mind and the influence physiological processes can have on our psychological experiences and emotional well-being.

My clinic has a collaborative and active approach; clients are encouraged to participate in their therapeutic process to promote positive, sustainable change. We give clients the tools to engage in their own healing process and to recognise that physiological processes influence psychological experiences and emotional well-being.

It is important to note that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is an evolving field, and different therapists may incorporate various elements and techniques based on their training and theoretical orientation. If you’re considering Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified therapist who has experience in this approach to determine if it aligns with your specific needs.

Sharon Dyke, Solution Focused Hypnotherapist in Taunton
07766 250 113
Sharon Dyke HPD, CBT (Hyp), SFBT (Hyp), SFBT Sup (Hyp), HG Dip, Cert Ed.

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I’m a highly qualified Solution Focused Hypnotherapist & Solution Focused Supervisor for Hypnotherapists and I’m here to help. If you’d like to discuss how I can help you, then please get in touch with me, and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sharon