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.

I talk a lot about happiness, but this bank holiday weekend reminded me why. I am lucky to have grandchildren now and spend as much time with them as possible. This weekend I had my two-year-old granddaughter stay with me and then spent the bank holiday Monday with her and her four-month-old brother. Why am I telling you this? Well, it’s because when I’m with my grandchildren, that is my happy place.

Happiness is a complex emotional state influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. The brain has a reward system activated when we experience pleasure or happiness. This system is primarily regulated by the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation, reward, and pleasure. When we engage in activities that bring us pleasure, such as spending time with our loved ones, our brain releases dopamine, which reinforces the behaviour and makes us want to do it again.

In addition to dopamine, neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins regulate mood and emotions. Serotonin is often called the feel-good neurotransmitter because it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Endorphins are natural painkillers released during exercise, laughter, and other enjoyable activities, contributing to happiness and well-being. Overall, the brain reward system and the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins play a critical role in our experience of happiness, so being that my Grandchildren are my happy place, I have said ill have them again next week, mum and dad are loving it, they get a well-deserved break, the children love it, they get spoiled, so everyone is happy