SchoolofCT

The School of Complementary Therapies

The Easy Way to Choose Happy & Get Healthy

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Do you ever sit and daydream? Imagining living the Happy Life? Making pictures in your mind’s eye about…

  • living with higher self-confidence and self-worth
  • enjoying better health and great sleep
  • having more energy
  • achieving your goals
  • becoming popular and having lots of friends
  • achieving more of what you truly want
  • balancing the different areas of your life
  • being truly Happy!

If you can do any of the above, you can begin to improve your life and Choose Happy with hypnotherapy! Really! Let me tell you how…

Hypnotherapy is a Complementary Alternate Medicine therapy that allows you to reach levels of deep relaxation. When you are relaxed the conscious and the sub-conscious mind are very close together. You simply have to relax and think of new ways of being for your mind to make changes.

My aim is to help you help yourself.

Hypnotherapy is not about one person controlling another’s mind, but about a sensitive and caring relationship developed between therapist and client, in which a true understanding of each client’s goals, ideals and objectives are established. I am dedicated to helping each client achieve their objectives in the shortest possible time, in accord with their best interests.

Hypnotherapy or Clinical Hypnosis can be used to help in an almost unlimited number of ways, and is especially useful in behavior modification (big words that mean ‘changing your habits’):

  • relaxing,
  • relieving anxiety and depression,
  • quit smoking,
  • changing eating habits,
  • overcoming fears and phobias,
  • improving memory and study habits
  • and much more.

My studies in hypnotherapy have led me to believe it to be one of the simplest tools of change we can use. Currently,  I am working with clients who have anxiety, depression, phobias, weight issues and sleep problems. Each and every one is feeling better using hypnotherapy! And that is how to Choose Happy!

Hypnotherapy can allow you to escape from your typical patterns of response and behavior, allowing you to achieve greater flexibility and choice.

It works by allowing you to relax deeply, so giving you the ability to choose new ways of doing, being and thinking, without being controlled by past experiences.

I want you to be able to achieve your objectives and Choose Happy in the shortest possible time, with your best interests in mind.

When you make an appointment with me because you are ready to feel better in any area of your life, whether it body, mind, emotions or spirit, hypnotherapy is one thing we consider. Sessions are personalized and highly enjoyable experiences.

Thank you for being ready to change and ready to Choose Happy. I look forward to helping you achieve your full potential! To make an appointment to try a hypnotherapy session or begin a series of life-changing sessions, please contact me.

April 2011 Hypnotherapy

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Look into my eyes – You are feeling sleepy!
De-bunking the myths and fears of hypnosis

The days of misunderstanding hypnosis is over! Yippee! In this modern day and age when disciplines are merging and recognizing each other we are blessed that understanding has replaced the fear of this highly effective complementary therapy.

Hypnosis is also known as Clinical Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy and refers to three states or stages:

  • trance
  • hypnosis
  • hypnotherapy

The first state ‘trance’ relates to the whole experience. The trance-state is aligned to day-dreaming or to focused attention. For example when you are studying and become oblivious to outside noise and even what’s going on in the same room. This state of focused attention or trance is not a sleep state as many people think; it is actually a highly aware state. Trance state is a natural process that occurs around every 90 minutes or so as part of the natural ultradian rhythm.(1) Hypnosis utilizes this natural rhythm.

Hypnosis refers to the process. The process involves relaxing, being guided or guiding oneself into a highly relaxed yet aware state, called induction. Then deepening techniques are used to allow the mind to become focused while relaxed, the trance state. Not so scary now!

The Hypnotherapy state is simply the process of using the trance state to facilitate healing. For example, once you are relaxed and in a focused state of awareness using positive affirmations leads to a sense of well-being. The state of well-being increases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, and you start to heal naturally. When we want to make changes to behavior this state of being makes us open and receptive to positive messages and repetition leads to healthy changes in behavior.

A common misconception of hypnosis is that one session makes you change. The relaxation process of trance, hypnosis and hypnotherapy leads to improved circulation, deeper breathing and overall improvement in health and well-being. By adding a positive and affirming message you increase the potential of making positive changes. Hypnotherapy or hypnosis therefore doesn’t work with just one session, but needs repeated sessions to reinforce the positive changes. As hypnosis works on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels it is therefore a holistic therapy!

Hypnotherapy is often applied in order to modify a behavior, emotional content, and attitudes, as well as a wide range of conditions including dysfunctional habits, anxiety, stress-related illness, pain management, and personal development. It is however used as a preventative holistic tool so can be used by anyone to help improve health and well-being.

There are three distinct ways to use Hypnotherapy into your life:

  • one-on-one sessions with a registered professional hypnotherapist, either in person, by phone or by Skype
  • self-hypnosis is a highly effective way to make changes and use the power of positive affirmations
  • professional CDs and MP3s is a combination of the two above approaches; you are required to discipline yourself to using the CD and have the benefits of being professionally guided

The major benefits of using a professional Hypnotherapist is that sessions can be personalized to your specific needs, whereas mass produced audios are more generic. To self-hypnotize I recommend you taking training with a professional hypnotherapist.

SCT Founder Jacqueline Fairbrass offers one-on-one professional hypnotherapy sessions, a series of CDs and MP3s along with one-on-one training to self-hypnotize. All Instructors have Jacqueline’s CDs for sale and you may purchase from the website. MP3s are available for instant download. CDs are higher quality audio recordings and are not available for instant download. Contact Jacqueline for more information and to make an appointment.

Suggested applications for Hypnotherapy:
Stress, anxiety conditions, headaches, stomach aches, back aches, chronic pain, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ciliary spasm, Meniere’s disease, Raynaud’s disease, insomnia, sleep disorders, periodic/restless leg movement syndromes, sleep paralysis, narcolepsy, tinnitus, habit management including smoking, weight management, toricollis, enuresis, paruresis, childbirth and postpartum care, vaginismus, dysmenorrhea, emotional amenorrhea, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dyspareunia, neurodermatitis, phobias including dental, flying, spiders etc., neuroses and some psychoses, some character disorders(2)

Stay Fabulous!
Jacqueline Fairbrass
Health Consultant Registered Hypnotherapist

1 Erickson MH: Mind-body communication in hypnosis: the seminars, workshops, and lectures of Milton H. Erickson, vol. 3, New York, 186, Irvington
2 Saicheck KI: Novey DW: Clinician’s complete reference to complementary and alternative medicine, Mosby Inc, Missouri, p57, 2000
You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Love is in the Air

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September is here again and we have to acknowledge that Summer is ‘officially’ over for those of us in the Northern hemisphere.

This time of year I usually write something about ‘back to school’ and getting back into the swing of things after a relaxing summer break. It’s interesting to sometimes stop and observe ourselves and the patterns that we develop through our lives. The change of seasons, once honored by rituals originally based on our need to live in harmony with nature and the natural world, no longer apply to many of us. The supermarket keeps supplying our favorite foods year round. We don’t have to worry about planning by putting food away for the winter. We don’t have to prepare the ground for next year’s planting season. Yet, we still honor the change of seasons by changes in lifestyle. For example, we start to rev-up again in September, whether we have children in our lives going back to school or not. Now is the time we look to join fun classes, start a fitness program, go back to school, try new things, etc.

And one of the things we do in September is to move in with sweethearts and to get married. I always thought June was the most popular month to get married in. Starting lives together by celebrating the lazy days of summer, beautiful weather for photos on the big day, perfect time to take a vacation/honeymoon, and the longer days always lifting our spirits and making us feel happy and healthy. Good time to start a relationship! Well, it turns out that September is now just as popular for weddings as June!

The changing patterns of our modern lives, really has September as a starting month for so many things that I guess marriage or moving in together has become a new tradition. So, I propose that this September instead of just focusing on getting the kids back into routines andsigning up for classes and new hobbies, we take time to honor those we love in our lives. February might be Valentine’s month and June is for honeymooners, but I think we can celebrate those we love and care for more often. This September take some time to tell your loved ones that you love them. Let those around you that you love know you love them, by words and actions. When was the last time you did that? Not just your sweetheart, but all those people who mean something to your daily life.

Take a moment, right now if you can, it won’t take long. Close your eyes and take a couple of long, slow, deep breaths. Let your shoulders relax and feel the space between your shoulders and your ears. As you allow yourself the luxury of breathing and tuning into to your body, relax and allow your mind to drift and begin to think of all the people that mean something special to you. All those people in your life who make life worth living! I’ve worked with students in the classroom and with clients doing this exercise. It’s often a surprise to see who turns up in your mind as important. When you are ready, open your eyes and if appropriate make a list of all these people you love. (Oh, and your pets most likely will have made it to this list too!)

This September, in the spirit of “love is in the air” and all the happy new couples starting life together around the globe, take time to acknowledge those people in your life that you love. Let them know you love and appreciate them.

One thing I’ve found out over the years and something I teach daily is that “where ever you focus your attention, that’s what you bring into your life”. So focus on love this September and bring more love into your lives! Next month, we’ll look at “doing what we love” and keep the loving theme running through the Autumn.

FYI, I’m taking this September as a vacation—September 6 is my wedding day and I’m taking the rest of the month to travel with my husband. Our administrator Emma Fairbrass will be taking a few days off at the beginning of the month too, but the School is open and classes are running. You may still register on-line or by mail and I’ll be back in touch in October with a new newsletter.

Keep well,

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Moving Into Change This Fall

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I’m often asked by clients and students alike “how do I make changes happen in my life?” They watch the movies and read the right books. They decide they’d like to lose weight, lead a happier life, find the right relationship, get a new job; and the list goes on and on! They have decided they want to change their life for the better but then as they try to implement the change/s they get stuck.

The first step in the process of making healthy changes in your life, whatever those changes may be, is to stop being attached to your “story”. The storyline of your life is running subconsciously. The subconscious mind is the runningProgram. Your “story” is running your life-until you make the conscious decision to change it. You have to become aware of your subconscious story line and you do this by paying attention to

1) Your thoughts and
2) Your feelings.

For example, “I know I should change “but” I’m so stubborn.” This is one I hear constantly. Or “I want my life to be better “but”-“but” it’s hard for me to change” Or “I’m so unhappy. I really want to be happier “but” I don’t have time to do anything about it.” Blah, blah, blah! And we buy our stories.

I want you to pay attention to your speech patterns to begin with. Watch for “but” in your language and when you hear yourself “but” make a conscious decision to listen to the “limiting belief” that you are making your story and stop yourself there and then. Stop and change your words.

So let’s go back to the examples. “I know I should change but I’m so stubborn.” How about taking that stubbornness and turning it into a positive. “I’m so stubborn that now I’ve decided to change nothing is gonna get in my way and stop me.” Wow! How’s that for turning things around? You change your story in your conscious mind and by paying attention to your thoughts and self-adjusting eventually your new thoughts become the runningProgram. This works because our subconscious mind believes what we keep telling it and it takes over from the conscious mind.

Think about learning to drive. You started by being consciously aware of all the steps you had to take to drive a car. Adjust the mirror, check over your shoulder, depress the clutch, move the gear stick and so on and so forth. Sometime it was overwhelming and you made mistakes. But gradually, bit by bit, you became competent. And as you did so you no longer had to consciously make the effort to think each step. The process had gone into the subconscious and become a running program. Driving became automatic. In face, I expect there are times when you don’t even pay attention to driving at all but consciously are thinking about something else. Have your ever got home and sat in the drive wondering where the time went or how you got there, or “bugger, I forgot to stop at the store and buy some milk!” That’s the driving program running on auto.

Now, everything we do has been learned in that way, so by working on paying attention to our thoughts we can change the running programmes or story lines that hold us back. Simple really. All it takes is paying attention and telling the mind something different. Whatever your story is change it. You don’t have to believe it at first. Remember your first driving lesson. Gradually as you reinforce the new story line you will be able to feel the changes.

If you would like help to get started on your own personal exciting change of storyline begin by  booking an appointment with me to help you personalize the plan. Email Me. Not ready yet? Buy one of my CDs and get help changing those subconscious running patterns today!

More next month,

Keep well,
Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call  206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Introduction to Using Complementary Therapy as Part of Personalized Health Care

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Note: I have used information from an article on Palliative Care, however the information is general for all health issues – so read on.

Palliative Care and Complementary Therapy – What? How? Why? Where?
(from the Palliative Care Services Resource Guide Eastern Ontario 2000 section on Complementary Therapy written by J. Fairbrass)

Along with traditional medicine, complementary therapy is an approach to well-being, comfort and care by using, for example, massage, relaxation, meditation, stimulation of the body’s senses and nutritional aids.

The value of this type of therapy is becoming more accepted in the care of persons with a terminal illness. This group of therapies is used with, not instead of, medical care.

The complementary health care movement is about taking charge of your health care lifestyle. Knowing yourself, and with it takes for you to be well, helps you live your daily life in a way that promotes your health, even when you are faced with a life threatening illness. An experienced complementary therapist will help you to understand these ideas and find treatments that are best for you.

A Selection of Complementary Therapies Frequently Used in Palliative Care:

The following list includes very brief descriptions of a number of therapies. A cautionary note: as most complementary therapies are not regulated, the best way to find a therapist to work with is through a personal recommendation. Look for personal and professional experience-ask questions. Before making arrangements for service, you are advised to enquire with therapists regarding their formal training, certification, experience, availability and service fees. Make sure that complementary therapy is that person’s main focus. An increasing number of complementary therapies are covered by Extended Health Care Insurance.

Acupuncture
An ancient, specific technique based on the principle that there is energy which circulates through the body through channels called meridians. Any stress or illness can cause blocks in the flow of energy. The insertion of fine needles in the various acupoints may alter or increase energy flow through the body, thereby decreasing various symptoms and enhancing energy and balance.
The use of aromatic essences from plants called essential oils, to effect changes in well-being. Massage, inhalation and baths containing essential oils are used to transport the essences throughout the body to affect organ functions, including sedation, stimulation and digestive aids. The essence captures ethereal and subtle plant energies, having profound effects on the mind and emotions.
All things manifested in the universe have vibrations-energy. Each cell, organ, muscle and bones in the human body vibrates to a set frequency. Changes in vibration cause stress on the body, eventually leading to unpleasant symptoms. Each colour of the spectrum has it own vibration. By using colour we can maintain or alter the vibrations of the body to a frequency which induces health, well-being and harmony.

Music Therapy
As in colour therapy, changes in vibration cause stress on the body, eventually leading to unpleasant symptoms. By surrounding ourselves with soothing pleasing sounds, and gentle vibration we can maintain or alter the vibrations of the body to a frequency which induces a sense of well-being and harmony.

Naturopathy/Naturotherapy
A combination of various natural therapies and healing techniques, using ancient traditions and modern sciences, based on “the healing power of nature”. Underlying causes of illness are considered, predominately lifestyle and dietary. Naturopaths and Naturotherapists use varying therapies, including reflexology, herbalism, aromatherapy, etc.

Massage Therapy
Massage uses therapeutic stroking and kneading usually using oil and working in a systematic pattern. The goal is to treat a specific problem and/or create relaxation in the body.

Nutrition Therapies
This is vast area, covering allergies to psycho-emotional issues. Nutrition is the means by which we supply nourishment to our bodies, mind, spirit and emotions. Counsellors assist clients to examine their eating habits and make appropriate changes.

Reflexology
A specific bodywork technique, where the therapist strokes, massage and applies pressure to the hands or feet to effect changes in another part of the body, to relax muscles and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The Reflexologist sees a map of the body on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. All energy runs through the body in lines, based on acupressure principles ending on the feet, hands, top of the head and ears. By massaging and applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet, the whole body receives the benefit of a treatment. The session induces rest and relaxation, relieving stress, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to begin to repair.

Reiki
Reiki is a non-invasive, gentle energy healing system based on ancient Tibetan knowledge. It can very easily be used with other therapies, including orthodox medicine. When receiving a Reiki treatment, the client is fully clothed. The therapist gently places their hands on the body and face of the client in a set pattern. It very quickly induces deep relaxation and is therefore extremely useful in stress management. Reiki has also been successfully used in pain management. One does not have to believe in Reiki for it to work but a positive attitude towards wellness may certainly reinforce effects of any type of treatment. A neutral or negative attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this”) will not block the effects of Reiki.

Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques counterbalance stress reactions to the strains of modern living, including fight or flight feelings, release of bodily pollutants and reduction of stress. These are methods that help you relax, working with the mind and/or the body, and for some, an integrated body, mind, spirit process. Most help to consciously relax muscles and metabolism.

Imagery or Visualizaton
(also known as Hypnotherapy) – using the mind to induce relaxation or healing. It can be as simple as imagining yourself on a beach, with the therapist assisting you in creating a picture in your mind, to the complex personal approach of “seeing with your mind’s eye” thousands of “pacmen” racing through your body eating cancer cells.

Meditation Techniques – relaxation from ancient times. Meditation is stilling of the mind by focusing on one thing at a time. Although often associated with prayer through the centuries by most religions, early 20th century scientists demystified the relaxation experience. Whether practiced with spiritual intent, or just being intent on relaxation, the calmness and well-being brought about by meditation is induced through stilling the mind, bringing attention to breathing, the body, and relaxing the body.

Progressive Relaxation – Deep Muscle Relaxation
by awareness and progressive muscle tensing and relaxing of muscle groups is often used in conjunction with breathwork to achieve a very conscious feeling of relaxation.

Therapeutic Touch
Based on research into energy-based healing, the therapeutic touch method is laying-on of hands engaging human energy transfer in the act of healing. Developed by a professor of nursing, this technique is used in hospitals worldwide. Therapeutic touch uses life energy transfer from practitioner to client to modulate energy and balance the energy field. The practitioner’s hands are held just above the client’s body in order to sense energy and detect any blocked or distressed areas.

You will most likely have heard of many more therapies as this world expands, however I trust this introduction has peeked your curiosity and you are now ready to learn more. We offer courses for beginners and professional therapists at the School of Complementary Therapies and welcome new students daily. Our current expansion of services includes correspondence courses and classroom courses in Vancouver. Please pass our newsletters to your friends, and do contact us with feedback.

Currently, my services as an Holistic Health Consultant are available in Ottawa, Ontario and Vancouver, BC, on-line via email- by phone or by Skype-tell your family and friends out west! And call us at 206 201 2764 or e-mail or appointments.

Jacqueline

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call  206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

What Happens To My Body When I’m Stressed?

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More info from the Feeling Absolutely Fabulous Program™

We consider stress to be the opposite of relaxation. The human body is wonderfully adapted to deal with certain levels of stress. As hunter/gatherer people our bodies developed warning signals that helped us recognize when to attack and when to retreat from situations. Unfortunately, when we are exposed to more stress than we can cope with on a mental, emotional or physical basis the “stress response” goes into overdrive and it can be damaging to our health and well-being.

Stress is a medical term for a wide range of strong external stimuli, both physiological and psychological (body and mind) which may cause a physiological response known as general adaptation syndrome (G.A.S.) This was first introduced to us by Hans Selye in 1936. Selye described G.A.S. as having three separate stages, as follows:

  • Alarm reaction. The body detects external stimulus. You may recognize this as “the fight or flight” stage. Your body and mind react by going into a kind of “heightened awareness” and you prepare to either engage in fighting or run away.
  • Adaptation. The body engages defensive counter-measures against the stressor. You may recognize that after the effects of the alarm reaction your body and mind begin to “adapt”, that is you start to alter your thoughts, emotions and attitudes to the original stressor and begin to accept the situation.
  • Exhaustion. The body begins to run out of defenses. After exhausting our mental, emotional and physical ability to resist and adapt to the stresses we experience we become exhausted.

Stress may include both “eustress” which is positive stress and “distress” which is negative stress. Life contains both but it is important to understand that what causes distress for one person may cause eustress for another. When we talk of stress we are usually discussing distress. Stress is subjective and based on your personal life perception. Do not let others tell you that your stress is not real. Eustress may be classified as life’s challenges and is as essential to life as exercise is to a muscle. Too much distress in life can directly and indirectly contribute to general or specific disorders of body, mind and emotions. In other words too much stress can make you ill.

Stress can have a major impact on the physical functioning of your body by raising the level of certain hormones in the body and thereby affecting bodily organs. For example, the levels of adrenaline and corticosterone are elevated during the alarm reaction phase of stress. These chemicals increase heart-rate and blood pressure as well as respiration and thereby put more stress on bodily organs. Long-term stress can therefore be a contributing factor in heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and other illnesses.

In the Japanese culture death from overwork is called karoshi and is believed to be due to heart attack and stroke brought on by high levels of stress.

This strong link between emotions and physical health is supported by the following paragraph. James A. Duke in his book The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook writes about the heart disease research work of Dr. Dean Ornish M.D.:

“Dr. Ornish tells about a group of rabbits that added an unexpected tidbit to the research on heart disease. Kept in a laboratory under research conditions, the rabbits were genetically similar, and all received the same food and got the same amount of exercise, yet one group had 60 percent fewer heart attacks than the others. What was the difference? It turned out the healthier rabbits were the ones kept in the lower cages, and the short person who fed the rabbits could reach the lower animals and pet them when feeding them.”

As a health consultant in the Complementary Alternative Medicine (C.A.M.) field I play a role in helping people combat the effects of stress in their lives. When a cuddle from a friend and a long weekend break from work isn’t bringing you back into balance you need to consider making some life changes to prevent ill health.

An initial consultation takes one and a half hours and involves looking at your health history and current lifestyle. One of the questions I ask is “how high is your stress level?” with one being very low and 10 you are at your wit’s end. The number of times I hear the answer “12” would shock you! From there we look at what you are doing that is positive and we begin a personalisedProgramon changing the negative.

We may look at aromatherapy massage, hypnotherapy, Reiki, Reflexology and other bodywork techniques to help you relax and repair. In addition, you will most certainly be given homework including breathwork, suggestions on how and which types of exercise will help, nutritional improvement; we’ll take a look at your sleep patterns and more.

So, please contact me by email and we’ll set up an appointment to get you started on your own personal wellness Program and you’ll soon be feeling Absolutely Fabulous™!

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

When You Need More Sleep

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One of the questions I ask when people come to see me is about their sleep and sleep patterns. Did you know that as we age, we need less sleep? However, many of us have not yet reached that stage of life, and we are not getting enough sleep. In fact, it’s rare that someone says to me that they sleep really well and get enough sleep. If you are having some problems with sleep, whether it’s quantity or quality, the following information may be of help:

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is an inability to sleep and/or to remain asleep for a reasonable period of time. Some insomniacs will complain of being unable to close their eyes or “rest their mind” for more than a few minutes at a time. A common misconception is that insomnia is itself a sleep disorder. In fact insomnia may be caused by sleep disorders. Sleep disorders may include:

  • Bruxism: grinding of teeth while sleeping Snoring: loud breathing patterns sometimes accompanied by sleep apnea Sleep apnea: obstruction of the airway during sleep Delayed Sleep phase syndrome: disorder of the circadian rhythm Jet lag: travelling in and out of different time zones Narcolepsy: falling asleep spontaneously
  • Night terror: abrupt awakening from sleep in a pronounced state of fear

Insomnia may be caused by sleep disorders, but often what I see in clients’ health stories are other reasons, including:

  • Stress (the opposite of relaxation) Anxiety (a complex combination of negative emotions that includes fear, apprehension and worry, and is often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, nausea, chest pain and/or shortness of breath). Medications Herbs Caffeine Over active mind
  • Physical pain

Insomnia is a relatively common sleeping disorder, which according to Dr. Andrew Weil affects approximately one-third of the adult population worldwide. Unfortunately, as we age, quality of sleep can decrease. While different types of insomnia have different causes, many people can find relief through the following, regardless of the source of their insomnia:

  • Establish a consistent bedtime routine, and try to go to bed at the same time every night, this may include:
    • Not watching the news before going to bed Having a cup of chamomile or other relaxing herb tea before bed Reading a light book for 20 minutes Making sure the bedroom is a peaceful environment
    • Writing a gratitude jurnal, so your mind is full of life’s joys before you sleep
    • Get plenty of exercise during the day. The more energy you expend during the day, the sleepier you will feel at bedtime. But don’t exercise just before bed, remember the bedtime routine!
    • Reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine, stimulants and alcohol. Even when consumed early in the day, these may affect your quality of sleep. Don’t rely on alcohol to go to sleep, it may help you fall asleep, but it alters your sleeping patterns, and it can become a serious problem down the road. Instead try:
      • A cup of relaxing herb tea A mug of warm milk
      • Calcium magnesium supplement in liquid form
      • Avoid large meals late in the evening. Your digestive system will be working and you won’t relax as well as you can
  • Learn and practice a relaxation technique regularly. Good examples are:
    • Breathing exercises Meditation Self-hypnosis
    • Yoga

Don’t obsess about not sleeping. Instead, remind yourself that while sleeplessness may be troublesome, it isn’t life-threatening. Take the time to consciously rest, and a side effect may be that sleep takes over.

Finding the underlying cause of insomnia is sometimes necessary to stop it! If you would like to discuss your own personal sleep patterns and discover how to improve your quality and quantity of sleep, please contact me for an appointment. jf@jacquelinefairbrass.com

And, finally, don’t forget that the Hypnotherapy CDs Acceptance, Radiant Health, Throw Away Your Weight and/or Meditation are available to help you fall asleep at night. Many clients find that listening to the progressive relaxation at bedtime is enough to focus their minds, allowing their natural body rhythms to take over.

Jacqueline Fairbrass

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Relax, Let Go … and Listen Closely!

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Hypnotherapy or Clinical Hypnosis can be used to  assist in an almost unlimited number of applications, and is especially useful in behaviour modification: relaxing, relieving anxiety and depression, smoking cessation, changing eating habits, overcoming fears and phobias, improving memory and study habits and much more. My studies in hypnotherapy have led me to believe it to be one of the simplest tools of change we can use. Currently,  I am working with clients who have anxiety, depression, phobias, weight issues and sleep problems. Each and every one is feeling better using hypnotherapy!

Hypnotherapy can allow you to escape from your typical patterns of response and behavior allowing you to achieve greater flexibility and choice. It works by allowing you to relax deeply, so giving you the ability to choose new ways of doing, being and thinking, without being controlled by past experiences.

  • Imagine what it would be like to achieve more of what you truly want.
  • Imagine what it would be like to balance the different areas of your life.
  • Imagine what your life would be like if you had higher self-confidence and self-worth.
  • Imagine what it would be like to enjoy better health.
  • Imagine what it would be like to have more energy.
  • Imagine what it would be like to acheive your goals.

If you can do any of the above, you can begin to improve your life with hypnotherapy!

My aim is to help you help yourself. Hypnotherapy is not about one person controlling another’s mind, but about a sensitive and caring relationship developed between therapist and client, in which a true understanding of each client’s goals, ideals and objectives are established. I am dedicated to helping each client achieve their objectives in the shortest possible time, in accord with their best interests.

I want you to be able to achieve your objectives in the shortest possible time, with your best interests in mind.

When you make an appointment with me because you are ready to feel better in any area of your life, whether it body, mind, emotions or spirit, hypnotherapy is one thing we may consider. Sessions are personalized and highly enjoyable experiences.

Jacqueline Fairbrass, Certified Hypnotherapist has developed the CD “Progressive Relaxation Volume 1—Acceptance” with musician David Anderson for those people who would like to feel better and improve their quality of life. We want you to be able to achieve your objectives in the shortest possible time, with your best interests in mind.

Listening to this CD will help you let go of the day’s stresses by calming and focusing your mind. Using the power of your own mind you will create an experience of complete relaxation. This state of complete relaxation is required for your body to rest and repair. You may find you are more creative as your mind rests and repairs. You may notice your emotions calming. You may even notice your spirit being uplifted.

You may listen to the CD as often as you wish, however it is most effective when used for 40 consecutive days to begin with. Many clients have found it easiest to use at bedtime, just getting comfy in bed and letting the CD lull them to sleep. David Anderson’s music is designed specifically to help you let go and go deeper into the experience. Along with Jacqueline’s melodic voice you will fall into a deep and relaxing sleep, awaking refreshed in the morning. Or you may find a place to relax either lying down or sitting comfortably with a straight back. Listen to the CD. Relax. Let go. And listen a little more deeply than usual. Don’t try to make something happen: allow it to happen.

Thank you for being ready to change. I look forward to helping you achieve your full potential! To make an appointment to try a hypnotherapy session or begin a series of life-changing sessions, please contact me.

Or, if you prefer to start with the CD…

Progressive Relaxation Volume 1, Acceptance is used by the Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO) as part of their 14 WeekProgram. (circa 2005)

$1 from each retail sale of the CD goes to the ADAO to help fund programmes for people living with anxiety conditions. (circa 2005)

You may reprint this article and include this information:
Reprinted with permission by Health Steps, the School of Complementary Therapies Education division of Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC Newsletter. Jacqueline Fairbrass is the founder of the School of Complementary Therapies, a leader in the field of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) education. For more information go to SchoolofCT or Feeling Absolutely Fabulous LLC JacquelineFairbrass, call 206.201.2764 or contact us on-line.

Welcome To The School Of Complementary Therapies

jacqui

Hi, I’m Jacqueline Fairbrass—licensed Hypnotherapist, holistic wellness therapist, vivacious health coach, and founder of the School of Complementary Therapies.