Hypnotherapy for Addiction
Overcoming Addiction with Hypnotherapy
Astonishingly, one in three people are addicted to something. When we think of addiction most of us think of the obvious, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. However, we can become addicted to a wide range of things, including work, social media, gambling, food and sex. If your addiction is affecting your social, personal or work life then it can leave you feeling desperate and hopeless.
Hypnotherapy can help people to battle their addictions regardless of what it is. Many of my clients who come to see me have exhausted every other way of kicking their habit and are seeking a new and fresh approach to tackling their dependency for good.
I help people to identify the triggers and underlying root causes of their addiction, and support them on their journey to taking back control of their lives.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is when you lose control of the ability to stop taking or doing something to the point that it can be come harmful to you either physically or emotionally. There are many complex issues which underpin addiction affecting both the body and mind, which can if left untreated consume every aspect of a persons life.
There are many factors which contribute to why someone may develop an addiction, including genetics, environmental and social influences. Substances such as alcohol, drugs and nicotine can make people feel physically and emotionally good which results in a desire to do it again. The same mental stimulation and desire to repeat the activity can similarly occur with addictions such as shopping, gambling, sex and social media.
Often, addiction to a substance is used to numb difficult emotional feelings or other underlying mental health conditions such as depression. Over time though, if an addiction is left untreated it can lead a person to find themselves trapped in a cycle of negativity resulting in damaging and life changes consequences.
Common addictions include the following:
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Cigarettes
- Food
- Gambling
- Work
- Porn
- Gaming
- Shopping
- Vaping
- Sex and love
- Social media
- Exercise
- Dieting
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
The symptoms of addiction vary from person to person and are based on the substance or activity engaged with. In general, the signs include the following:
- Inability to stop
- Increased tolerance
- Intense focus on the substance or activity
- Secretive behaviour
- Lack of control
- Personal problems and health issues
- Withdrawing from responsibilities
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Losing interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Poor performance at work/school
How Addictions Can Effect Your Life
Having an addiction can be very tough to live with and can effect both your relationships and your career. If your addiction requires you to spend money, you may quickly find yourself in financial trouble. Addictions can become all-consuming, meaning you struggle to focus on other areas of your life leading you miss work and neglect relationships.
You may have turned to addiction because you’re already experiencing troubles in these areas. For many, financial difficulties and unemployment can trigger addiction. Other difficulties such as stress and emotional pressure can also lead to an addiction.
As well as affecting personal relationships, work-life and careers, addiction can have a devastating impact on both your physical and mental health.
Stages of Addiction?
Understanding how addictive behaviours develop can help you spot the signs and know when to seek addiction help. Experts believe people with addictions go through a set of stages which commonly include:
- Experimentation
- Regular use
- Increased use
- Dependence
Hypnotherapy for Addiction
Recovery from addiction requires long-term behaviour change. Doing this can be difficult and is greatly helped by having a strong support system in place.
Hypnotherapy works by encouraging you to fall into a deeply relaxed state sometimes referred to as a hypnotic trance. When you are in this state, your subconscious is more open to suggestion. This is where a hypnotherapist can help you change your perspective on addiction and help to change habits, behaviours and thought patterns that lead to addiction. Instead of feeling like overcoming addiction is impossible, hypnotherapy can help you see that it’s achievable.
If you are struggling with withdrawal symptoms and added stress during your recovery, hypnotherapy can offer another layer of support, alongside other remedies such as exercise and eating a balanced diet.
The process of hypnotherapy itself is very relaxing and can help you lower stress levels and help you feel better able to manage stress. As stress can often be a trigger for addictive behaviour, this can make a big difference.
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
Hypnotherapy can provide you with a safe, soothing, compassionate and confidential space where you can begin to discuss and understand the root causes of your addiction.
Take the First Step Now
I offer private hypnotherapy, and take a person-centred approach, meaning that I’m non-judgemental, see clients as equals, and collaborate on your healing journey together.
If you feel you could benefit from hypnotherapy for an addiction please book an initial consultation. You don’t have to prepare for this, just come as you are and we can look into how I might be able to help.
Additional Information
For more information and advice on effective treatments for a variety of addictions, you may find the following links helpful:
Action Rehab
www.actiononaddiction.org.uk
Mind
www.mind.org.uk
NHS
www.nhs.uk
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.