Okay, so my official title is a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. But first and foremost I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) - hypnosis is just one of many techniques used in CBT and the one I favour to ‘land the message’.
And CBT is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
Most commonly for anxiety and depression, but it can also be useful for other mental and physical health problems.
How CBT works
CBT is based on the idea that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a negative cycle.
I aim to use CBT to help you deal with overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.
This way it’s easier to change your negative patterns to improve the way you feel.
What we’re doing is looking for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.
Uses for CBT
CBT has been shown to be an effective way of treating a number of different mental health conditions.
As well as depression or anxiety disorders, CBT can also help people with:
- eating disorders – such as anorexia and bulimia
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- panic disorder
- phobias
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- insomnia
- alcohol misuse
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- fibromyalgia
What I’m looking to do is help you cope better with their symptoms. I want you to lead as normal life as possible.
What happens during your CBT sessions
Ideally I like to see you once a week.
We'll work together to break down your problems into their separate parts, such as your thoughts, physical feelings and actions.
So you and I can then analyse these areas to work out if they're unrealistic or unhelpful and to determine the effect they have on each other and on you.
Then you and I work out how to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
Now, over to you. It’s what you do/practise between our sessions in your daily life - your brain re-training - that determines how quickly and effectively you change for the better in your everyday life.
And what exactly will we agree you do between sessions? It could be as simple as a daily thought diary (how you’re thinking, feeling, acting and what are the triggers), going for a run - seriously, the difference is powerful, and role-playing to name but a few.
Where CBT really makes a difference
It can save you money. CBT can be completed in a relatively short period of time compared with other talking therapies. As long as you commit to change and do the brain re-training between sessions you shouldn’t need me for too long.
It’s practical. You can use CBT in everyday life long after the treatment has finished.
It’s all about you. CBT focuses on your capacity to change yourself.
All you need to make CBT work
Commitment. Believe in the process. It’s also what I’m here to help you with. Just like a teacher does for a pupil or a coach with an athlete.
Consistency. Come every week. Let your learnings build week after week. Attendance is in itself a good habit you’re forming.
Confrontation. Face your emotions You may experience initial periods where you're anxious or emotionally uncomfortable. Don’t worry. I’ll help you.
Who am I to talk about CBT?
I’m James Thomas, a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. I use hypnosis, amongst other techniques, to apply CBT to deal with your stresses, anxieties, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, PTSD, overeating, low self-esteem, eczema, and anger, to name but a few.
I cover all of Lincolnshire with my rooms in Louth and Lincoln.
You can get in touch with me at jamesthomas@thegentlemind.co.uk or call 07787563099.
