Wow!
Last week was a week of firsts for me.
One of the things that I love about what I do is the diversity that I’m allowed.
On Monday I was at a large corporate firm near Gatwick running the first of 5 relaxation workshops that I’ve been booked to run. I threw my plan out of the window when it became apparent that my audience were exhausted, sleep deprived and in no place to have more information thrown at them. The brief was to teach relaxation techniques; so I decided that it was going to be far more beneficial to make it entirely practical.
We practices breathing techniques and then a physical and mental relation practice that they could use any time without anyone else knowing. Even the gentleman who started with his arms folded resisting the invitation to close his eyes, ended up with his arms at his side with his mouth open and eyes closed. The feedback (this is the first time that I have ever had to issue official feedback forms – I resisted the temptation to ask them to complete them in pencil!) was unanimous. They wanted/needed more. Many commented that once a week would be good. I only hope that they practice themselves and see the benefits between now and the next time.
Tuesday, I had an initial consultation with a 14yr old who has started to have panic attacks and is starting to fear school and the pressures that are associated with this. I treat all clients as I find them but much of what I was told resonated with me as my own daughter has not been to school for several months now as she suffers from Chronic Fatigue, compounded with a fear of going back. As a mum I recognise that I can not be the person to help my daughter to overcome her fears as her therapist, so she sees someone else who is helping us both. I think it’s so important to recognise our limitations. I know that my role as Mum is to hold her hand and offer reassurance and safety. The minute I try to make suggestions I face resistance and negativity. It’s hard being a parent at the best of times but when you know what can be done to help but are unable to facilitate it the frustration builds. I’ve explained to my daughter that we are on the edge of the cliff. I’m next to her. I’m not pushing and I’m not pulling I’m just there waiting for her to make the step and face the fear and we will do it together.
Wednesday was a varied day starting with a Sykpe call with a client who contacted me as she wasn’t sleeping. After 4 weeks she is now only waking 2 or 3 times a night which is great. When we first met she woke at least once an hour! I then worked with clients for anxiety, weightloss and a fear of flying.
Thursday. Wow! what a day. I met with the Macmillan team at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth with view to working with cancer patients helping them with their treatment. I was unaware that some are unable to receive the treatment that they need due to fear of needles, sickness and claustrophobia. All things that as a hypnotherapist I can help with. And not surprisingly, many are anxious and worried for their future. I am so excited to be able to help and look forward to getting started once all the checks have been done.
Friday was a lovely sunny day. It started with my daughter having an appointment with her therapist, and I now don’t need to attend so I had time for a coffee. A small but very welcome luxury, in peace. I was the home to work. When a client who only last week came for help with insomnia tells you
“I couldn’t stay awake to listed to the end”
you know that things are heading in the right direction.
So that was my week. In between times I’ve walked our dogs and tried to keep the house tidy. What good moments did you have? I can assure you that they are there. We just need to remember to look for them.
