One Way to Handle Unwanted Emotions

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I have two small children, little girls, ages 2 and 3 1/2. (For the purposes of this blog, they shall be referred to as Fingers and Matrix Chick.) Anyway, as many a parent can relate to, sometimes the whining, fits, insubordination, chant-like requests for “binky” and power struggles between the two can raise the blood pressure of any Zen Master ( which I am certainly not).

Sometimes, in fact, after a full day with them, vainly trying to accomplish something or at the very least, peace and quiet, I find myself in a state which, shall we say, is almost the opposite of loving, gentle and patient. Not wanting to be the subject of some future “Daddy Dearest” tome, I use one technique to cope that always releases me my from my anger and frustation, and that is EFT.

EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique, is something that I teach to almost all of my clients at some point or another. EFT is one of many therapies under the umbrella of Energy Psychology. It’s easy to learn, simple to perform, and in my experience, very effective. There is some controversy surrounding the efficacy of EFT as there has not been much research conducted that has been accepted by the established medical/psychological community. However, there is enough anecdotal evidence (along with  my own experience using it on myself and my clients) to suggest that it’s worth the time to learn it and see if it works for you.

The philosophy behind EFT states that  negative emotions are a result of a disruption in the the body’s energy system. EFT involves tapping on various parts of the body that correspond to acupuncture points. The tapping is said to balance and neutralize these disruptions.  The first time I saw EFT demonstrated I had no interest whatsoever. It seemed too simple and frankly, looked a little silly when you did it. However, EFT started popping up everywhere in my experience, from seminars teaching it to Dr. Mercola’s site, to books by Kevin Trudeau, the “……they don’t want you to know about”  infomercial guy.

I figured Somebody was trying to tell me something so I learned EFT and taught it to one client, who came back the next week and said “Wow, that really works.” I started showing clients how to do EFT in session and started sending them home with a guide I downloaded from the EFT website. Now I teach this to all my clients at about the 2nd or 3rd session usually.  Not all clients are inclined to use this tool, but the ones that do tell me they get results.

Some would suggest that EFT is a panacea for whatever ails you. (http://www.tryitoneverything.com/) I use EFT with my clients mainly for intense emotions such as anxiety, anger, depression, fear and sometimes with pain. If you are interested in learning EFT, you can go to www.emofree.com and read more about it as well as download a free, detailed how-to-do-it manual.

Just a disclaimer here, I’m not suggesting you use EFT if a doctor would be more appropriate. EFT can be an helpful adjunct to medical and/or psychological intervention.

I hope this tool is a handy addition to your coping skills toolbox.

Stay cool and be calm,

Ted

Relief from Anxiety

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In my hypnotherapy practice, I seem to attract many clients dealing with anxiety in one form or another. I can’t tell you whether that says something about me or that there are a lot of people challenged by anxiety out there. Probably a little of both.Some clients feel anxiety while driving, others in social situations. Some have an impending sense of doom. Others suffer from full blown panic attacks. Anxiety disorders are the number one mental health problem among American women and second only to substance abuse among men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Almost a quarter of the adult population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, according to Edmund J. Bourne, author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. (2005, New Harbinger Publications)

Of course, anxiety is a part of life. There are numerous situations in which and anxiety reaction would be appropriate. But if the anxiety comes in the form of panic attacks, or persists for months after the stressful situation has passed or leads to phobias, then this can be an anxiety disorder. A few examples of anxiety disorders would be:

A complete discussion of anxiety disorders is not possible within the confines of a blog. But here are a few things you can do t0 lessen your anxiety level and start to gain control. You probably  know many of these.  Most of these fall into the category of stress reduction.

  1. According to Bourne, regular exercise has been found to be the single more effective strategy for the reduction of anxiety. In general, upgrading your level of health and wellness can have profound effects on your sense of well being.
  2. Practice deep breathing
  3. Do yoga
  4. Practice meditation or some type of mind fullness training
  5. Pay better attention to your diet, avoid sugary foods and simple carbohydrates
  6. Work on your self esteem and self worth
  7. Cut down of the use of stimulants such as coffee
  8. Have sex more often
  9. Learn how to express yourself powerfully and authentically
  10. Find a purpose or direction that gives your life meaning

My approach in helping clients deal with anxiety disorders is to help them look at all areas of their lives, and determine how to deal holistically with creating greater health and well being. A big part of the challenge  for people is to find the motivation to start an exercise program or yoga or meditation practice. Of course, I can help clients in these areas as well. Click on this link to hear an interview I did with Karen Muranko who hosts Straight Talk About Mental Health.

I would be happy to answer an questions about how hypnotherapy can assist you if you are challenged by anxiety. You can find my contact info on the About page of this blog.

If you liked this post, please leave a comment and/or share it with your social networks.

Keep calm and stay cool,

Tman

 Ted A. Moreno
Personal/Small Business Coach
Certified Hypnotherapist
Specializing in Your Success
www.TedMoreno.com                                                                       
 (626) 826-0612