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OVERCOMING AND HEALING FROM TRAUMA
 Dear Reader:
We are meant to have an abundant life! Despite what you or someone you know is going through, I encourage you (or them) to put your faith and hope in your Higher Power and trust that you will heal fully. Ask for healing and at the right time, you shall receive healing as you embrace the Sacredness of Life and calm your mind, body and soul. As I partner with my Hypnosis clients they are able, willing and ready to transform an unpleasant situation into a victory! They learn to recognize and validate their emotional life, open their hearts to freedom and create more in their life. They are then able to understand and set free the underlying, 'Root Cause'. In the end, my clients get to experience victory because they choose to overcome their situation and reframe their issue (regardless of the perceived size of it). Be sure to read the powerful hypnosis client testimonial directly below this message and how he experienced triumph. End Result: Clients at Alternative Wellness & Beyond get to set themselves free from the bondage of their previous trauma! - Polly Humphreys, Certified Consulting Hypnotist
As a previous client of Polly's, I knew that she could help me with my painful fall in May that caused me to break my left humerus bone which required intramedullary rodding and surgery. As the weeks passed by after the fall, I began to have flashbacks about that moment, especially when I saw it raining or while walking up stairs. Both of these items where external factors during my traumatic event in May of 2009. Polly helped me understand and eliminate the root cause of the issue. I no longer have any flashbacks.
In addition, I was finding myself using prescription medications and whiskey to be able to sleep at night. Polly's techniques have helped me sleep soundly at night after the FIRST session. I am able to sleep at night without alcohol again! When I find myself in pain, I use her techniques to banish the pain and refocus on meditation and sleep.
Thanks Polly! Jason N, Triad NC
My name is Polly Humphreys; I'm a Certified Consulting Hypnotist; my Holistic Wellness Practice was founded by me so that I can help my male and female hypnosis clients become liberated from distress and grief and gain a feeling and belief that once again, they are in control of their lives. I get to witness as my clients rejoice in the sound and feelings of freedom; the reflection that shines upon their faces is one of happiness and liberation.
Traumas can range from a deeply personal and painful emotional experience to bodily shock. Reactions and healing methods differ person to person depending on the degree of the episode and the behavior and traits of that individual involved. At Alternative Wellness & Beyond, my hypnosis client's experienced trauma for various incidents, range from a bodily fall to a full blown scale tragedy. Issues may include:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Natural Disaster Trauma
- Falls that have caused restricting joint range of motion or increased fears
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Rape - sexual abuse
- Childhood distress
- General crime - witnessing or causing an incident
- Flash backs
Consequences of Trauma: Depending on the severity of the trauma, the person suffering - may experience an emotional or physical numbing. From the trauma, they may become or feel detached from life or at times, feel they are unable to communicate how they feel or may report feeling helpless. The individual may have difficulty concentrating or retaining memory. They may have sleep impairment or may report they believe they are unable to sleep at all. The incident may even seem unreal, as if it was perhaps a dream.
The person's emotions can range from fear, panic, apprehension, distrusting themselves and others. They may feel guilt, shame or anger or at times; they may have a feeling of hate or bitterness for themselves or the "offender." They may even note initial feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. The smallest amount of external noise at times can set off an internal alarm, causing a flash-back.
Individuals may even experience multiple physical symptoms with unexpected outbursts of anger or crying as well as have episodes of emotional and physical shaking, internally or externally. The individual may have chest pains, nausea and or diarrhea. Headaches and lethargy are also common. Depending on their emotional state and their coping methods, some individuals have reported they felt led to turn to alcohol or drugs as a calming agent or to help them sleep; I want you to know, the individual can and needs to learn healthy coping strategies.
What happens at Alternative Wellness & Beyond with a client that has received trauma in their life?
As a healing practitioner specializing in wellness, an individual may not come to me immediately after the trauma; it could be weeks or years post trauma. I always educate the clients about the empowering benefits from hypnosis and I have the client fill out a history and intake form. This gives me:
- An understanding of how the traumatic event has affected the individual, physically and emotionally as well as an appreciation for how they are responding or reacting to the trauma - how they are coping in general.
- I also look to see if they are isolating themselves from family and friends. I explain the general roles (functions) of the conscious, subconscious and unconscious minds and I explain the benefits of hypnosis as well as how they specifically can benefit from receiving hypnosis.
- I also share with my clients that unmanaged non-beneficial stressors are damaging to the body. If unhealthy stress or trauma is not managed or controlled, it can take a very unhealthy toll on the individual, affecting their body, mind, emotions and spirit and things can seemingly take a downward spiral where the person can feel trapped, helpless or worse.
- Within a given period of time, I train all my clients how to do self hypnosis as well as educate them in using various tools to empower themselves. I help him/her change (reframe) or release any unhelpful or unhealthy patterns and habits.
- They love the idea that their previous negative perceptions causing blocking walls and barriers in their life can quickly tumble down. They say good-bye to the negative mental filters that caused distorted thinking and acting. They understand that they can create what ever they choose - in their wise and powerful, inner subconscious mind.
- Hypnosis also works excellent for the person who jumps to conclusions or anticipates hostile outcomes without having all the facts. When willing to make the necessary changes - (via hypnosis), that person can learn valuable lessons about them-self and their habit patterns. Because in hypnosis, I make sure they have access to their 'internal computer;' they get to understand how their actions and beliefs affect their situations and outcomes regardless how traumatic the situation may have been.
- Clients appreciate they can learn self-control, both mental and physical and enhance their wellbeing. They learn how to respond and adapt more successfully to their stresses and accept responsibility for their own efforts and 'baggage'. They realize their baggage no longer serves them.
As a Holistic Hypnotist at Alternative Wellness & Beyond, I also discuss with each client, at the appropriate time - they must be willing to face their feelings and the feelings about the "offender." If not, it can lead to severe depression and destructive behaviors and can result in a collapse of relationships or a job.
Mind-body healing includes shaping a relationship between the individual's inner being, their nervous system and immune system. It is important to help the individual heal fully of the past trauma; this can be accomplished fairly fast and actually more easily than many people understand through hypnosis. Depending on the severity of a situation, at times if needed, I work in union with a counselor or psychologist because we are each professionally trained in specific areas of expertise. Our bodies are affected by our minds; studies have shown one can not separate their mind from their body. However, how the individual affected by trauma is feeling, will affect how they use their body. Below is a description of how a person's posture might look if he or she is feeling sad; their posture will be slumped downward and their eyes and head will be facing downward. Their breathing will be shallow and facial expressions and muscles will be tight; they may complain of feeling more than plain lousy. If shame or guilt is a part of the traumatic process, they may not verbally feel they can share their emotions with others. The person's voice most likely sounds sad or depressed and they move at a slow pace. If you imagine you are happy, you take on an upright posture; you breathe and move more easily. Your brain produces "happy chemicals."
The number of Hypnosis Session needed: The number of treatments for overcoming and healing from trauma can range from 2 to 5 sessions or more, depending on how the trauma has affected that individual. I personally have found gender to NOT play a role in the number of sessions required. Examples with physical trauma: One adult female who had fallen many months before she contacted me; this particular individual was able to recover significant range of motion following 3 hypnosis sessions; we reframed her subconscious impressions and discovered dormant fears secondary to her fall. After her sessions with me, she was able to complete range of motion exercises; she regained full range of motion in her shoulder and released her fears. A male client recovering from a serious accident 3 months prior to seeing me was able to HALT flashbacks in one session and banished his fears. He was ready for quality change and healthy benefits far out weighed keeping the flashbacks.
How Our 3 Minds Affect Us:
Stored in the conscious mind is our ego and rational mind; our rational mind gets nervous if it does not understand that making good change can be favorable for us. At times it seems to have a hold over us - it seems like, we just can't do what is needed or what we really choose to do. All of our thoughts and emotions have a direct affect on our immune system (found in our unconscious mind). What's comforting to know is that all changes and solutions are within our subconscious mind. Once we are honest with ourselves and accept ownership of the problem, we begin to feel in control; we handle negative stress better and we are more easily able to make needed changes that we desire. Our thoughts, emotions, and attitudes are key elements in how we age. Changing habits, behaviors, beliefs and thought processes requires a conscious decision to practice using healthy, beneficial coping strategies.
Hypnosis allows the client to by-pass the blocking part of the conscious mind and tap into the subconscious mind where the person can make incredible changes such as freeing themselves emotionally; this can include physical healing as well.
Hypnosis - Life Transformation:
As a Certified Consulting Hypnotist with two offices, I specialize in Holistic Hypnosis; this allows me to addresses each client 'as a whole' - (body-mind-spirit) and it allows my clients to make and maintain desired changes permanently within their powerful - subconscious mind. Via hypnosis, you are able to look at your reality, i.e., your perception - your truth, and alter how you perceive the problem, issue or person that you believe is increasing your negative stress. You can then transform your thoughts positively; (modifying your thoughts, attitudes, and perceptions that are stored in your subconscious mind). One client in particular stands out in my mind as I write these words, I heard that client describe the freeing feeling they received from our hypnosis session as, "I feel like I finally got my 'Get out of Jail Free Card' - it's like I just got my freedom back." After reading this article, I hope you will click onto my link, FAQ to learn more about hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a wellness tool (modality) that helps cast out negative or unwanted things, thoughts, behaviors, beliefs and emotions that are not working favorably in one's life. Hypnosis has a positive affect one's self-acceptance and self-esteem. At Alternative Wellness & Beyond my clients get to feel like a winner.
- From a winner's perspective, they know they are 100% responsible for making desired and necessary change in their life. They also understand that when in hypnosis, they indeed are - in the 'driver's seat' at all times.
- My clients know their outlook and attitude will 1). Either contribute favorably or 2). Hinder them and their outcomes.
- Because hypnosis helps bring an individual mental clarity; the person is able to clearly understand that if they blame their circumstances or someone, for things that have happened to them, it will take someone or something to change the problem; more than likely, that is not - going to happen. Oprah Winfrey and Joyce Myers come to my mind; one might think they are very different women in comparison. I admire both women; both had horrible things happen to them in their young lives and they each found healthy ways to successfully take back control of their lives and transform their darkness into light. Hypnosis helps people do just that - transformation is powerful!
What is it like during Hypnosis at Alternative Wellness & Beyond?
In hypnosis, an individual is very aware of their surroundings and is fully alert at all times, they are able to talk and move, they feel safe and find it comforting as my clients understand they have ALL the power. My clients always understand they can reject anything they do not want. Like Oprah and Joyce, my hypnosis clients are willing to transform an unbearable situation into a victory; they are able to release the underlying, 'Root Cause'. They feel free!
- With the correct mental attitude, positive expectancy and a desire for optimistic change - the problem can immediately loose its power over them and the client is excited as he/she takes back their power from the problem.
- They like the idea of getting back in the driver's seat of their life. They recapture their joy, peace of mind and quality of life.
Using my skilled, professional guidance - I assist my hypnosis clients into a peaceful trance, ( a natural altered state of being); their mind and body is relaxed, he/she gains rapid access to the most powerful part of their mind.
- Because I have spent time previously gathering their vital information - I know my client's needs, problems, and desires; he/she is now ready to communicate with their inner, powerful mind.
- Given that I previously answered all their questions to their satisfaction during the pre-talk part of the educational session, they feel comfortable progressing inward to make valuable changes. They feel very confident that I appreciate their needs and desires.
- In hypnosis they are able to examine and understand their deep-seated thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, emotions, and attitudes. In trance, they are able to understand their distorted views or interpretations housed within their subconscious mind that previously created unhealthy emotions, guilt, sadness, feelings of anxiousness, or perhaps even hostility. They also understand unrealistic thought patterns (if any), that may have seemed irrational to others. (In fact, former thought patterns may have caused difficulties in that person's relationships, both personal and work).
How I Help the Client use Healthy Coping Skills and Strategies Leading to Healing:
At Alternative Wellness & Beyond office, you will learn how to make adjustments in your life and discover how to cope wisely with unhealthy stress (vs. crashing in front of the television or hiding from stress). You will learn to take back the driver's seat in your life:
- Recognize unhealthy stress triggers and understand what causes unhealthy stress in your life. Identify where their stressor(s) is/are coming from. Commit to letting go of negative habits or behaviors that need to be changed to promote healthy circumstances, relationships and good feelings and emotions;
- Decide what you choose to change about the nature of the stress and determine what healthy coping strategies will work for you so that you can manage, reduce or release the problem.
- Add some form of relaxation; quiet - inner time to your day, each day; and
- Develop a plan of action and goals and commit to consistently following through with these. Having a favorable support person is helpful with follow through - as changing habits, behaviors, and beliefs require motivation, effort and practice.
- I teach my clients tools that can stop stress dead in its tracks and you feel like a different person. I encourage enjoyable exercise each day; it will have an enormous healthy impact on your quality of life.
Some Benefits of Hypnosis at Alternative Wellness & Beyond:
As a Certified, Professional and Skilled Hypnotist, I can help you make valuable, pleasing life changes, no matter how long your issue has been present. No problem is too big - YOU CAN CHANGE WHAT YOU DESIRE - IT'S ALL UP TO YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR DECISIONS AT MY OFFICE.
- Even though hypnosis is not relaxation, reduced stress and instant relaxation becomes a benefit of your wellness; your immune system becomes strengthened because unhealthy stress is gone.
- You can appreciate others more freely; your relationships can be improved as you connect more easily and closely with others and you identify with other's viewpoint more easily.
- You can change your perceptions and feel in control; you can understand what your mind perceives you can conceive. You learn how to relax your 'chatter mind'.
- You can break misguided and misdirected habits that previously set unhealthy emotions orbiting; you stop sabotaging yourself and your outcomes. You can change unhealthy - undesirable habit patterns and perceptions; you can reap positive outcomes.
- You can recapture calmness and remain centered even in the most highly charged situations; you can learn to confront others without causing defensiveness or hostility.
- You can improve your decision making skills, increase your productivity, and reduce burnout and sick days.
- You can feel fantastic; your mood and energy levels are frequently elevated post hypnosis. You can receive joy and inner peacefulness.
- Your happiness no longer depends on others or circumstances. You enjoy laughter more; laughter is contagious - people like being with you.
- Your attention span and awareness to your surroundings is greater.
- Because your baggage is gone - you focus on what you CHOOSE. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO move with greater ease in the direction of success and freedom to be and receive MORE, in and from your life.
To learn how to use hypnosis effectively or regain control of your life, please feel free to contact me, Polly Humphreys, Certified Consulting Hypnotist at Alternative Wellness & Beyond. I can help you to understand how you can take back the 'driver's seat of your life'; you will soon be able to say, "I have taken back control of my life!"
Contact Information - For a free educational and confidential consultation OR to schedule an appointment call either office:
- Western North Carolina office - serving Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties; call: 828-504-2003; OR
- Greensboro, NC or Greater Triad areas, call: 336-988-5750.
Expect and Create Success!
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