Common Issues

If you need help with these issues, you can look at the full range of my offerings here.

A physiological and psychological response characterised by excessive worrying, fearful thought scenarios created and physical symptoms like breathing difficulties and increased rapid heartbeat. This disorder can severely impact daily life

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

  • Restructuring and challenging the cognitive patterns of anxiety onset.
  • Reframing and restructuring the triggers of worrying, fearful thought patterns.
  • ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) a technique that slowly exposes clients to anxiety triggers while preventing typical symptoms.


Hypnotherapy Tools:

  • Guided imagery to reframe the triggers that cause the anxiety
  • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
  • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour.


Combined Approach using the following:

  • Breathwork/Pranayama exercises to change levels of anxiety.
  • Setting up schedules that track weekly and eventually help regulate anxiety activity.
  • For long term create relapse prevention strategies


Case Studies showing results:

With at least 50 clients ages between 30 and 50 years old all presented with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) manifesting as constant worry about work, family, and health. Physical symptoms included insomnia, muscle tension, and panic attacks.

It is usually recommended in the field of psychotherapy etc with combined CBT and hypnotherapy methods over 12 weeks/sessions resulting in 60% reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Now with my work the same issues with my ARC program would be reduced in 3 weeks due to each session being 2 hrs so half the time and more effective results.

If cases are more extreme and branch out into other issues too it may stretch to the Life Empowerment Coaching programme which is up to 8 sessions but these are not as common with this symptom.

As one issue with people with anxiety can be worried about letting people down and that would add to a constant worry of commitment


Recent Research:

2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified specific neural circuits in the lateral hypothalamus linking anxiety to sleep disruption.

Is the drive internally or external that guides, maintains,and maintains goal oriented behaviour. The behaviour is activated and shaped by social, biological, emotional and cognitive force.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

  • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action. .
  • Reframing and rescaling the motivation guidance into patterns of action/activity. .
  • Help change patterns of behaviour into internal/external drive to implement into the cognitive reframe


Hypnotherapy Tools:

  • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of motivation.
  • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
  • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour of motivation.


Psychotherapy tools:

  • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term motivation. .
  • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement


Treatment efficacy depends on proper assessment of motivation type (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) and underlying barriers to action.


Case Studies:

With at least 30 clients ages between 30 and 42 years old all presented with motivation issues relating to work, friendships and relationships within their families causing tension. The lack of motivation was caused by a few factors.

One particular client Ryan, a 34-year-old software developer struggling with work motivation after a remote transition that has occurred many times during and after the Covid pandemic for clients. Ryan showed symptoms of procrastination and decreased productivity. Through CBT and hypnotherapy methods, I identified that isolation which was linked to a childhood problem and this also led to lack of structure were key factors.


Treatment combined:

  • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action.
  • Reframing and rescaling the motivation guidance into patterns of action/activity.
  • Setting up schedules with virtual accountability partnerships set-up with work colleagues


After 3 weeks, Ryan reported a 60% improvement in task completion and renewed career engagement.

The ARC program, Ryan found that anxiety twinned with motivation needed to be resolved, seeing a future outcome of progress was also important to improve his motivation issues.


Recent Scientific Research:

2023 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews linked dopamine’s role in motivation to specific neural circuits in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This supports using reward-based interventions in therapy.

Is a persistent pattern of negative thoughts, beliefs, and expectations that affect perception and behavior. It often involves cognitive distortions like catastrophising and overgeneralisation which can lead to more severe anxiety, depression if not treated earlier.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

  • Help change patterns of behaviour into internal/external drive to implement into the cognitive reframe of a positive instead of negative mindset.
  • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action.
  • Reframing and rescaling thought records with guidance into patterns of proactivity instead of falling into patterns of reactive behaviour.


Hypnotherapy Approaches:

  • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects the current negative mindset. .
  • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of motivation.
  • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current issues of negative mindset from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.


Psychotherapy Approach:

  • Breathwork/Pranayama/Visualisation  exercises to change negative mindset.
  • Challenging emotional issues of Inner child work by visualising the clients personal timeline not in Hypnosis to deal with up and coming scenarios in conscious state.


Treatment effectiveness typically in the therapeutic space requires 8-12 sessions, with success rates of 65-75% when combining multiple approaches. Regular practice of learned techniques is crucial for maintaining improvements.


A relevant Case Study:

Lilly , 34, a debt management manager sought therapy for chronic negative thoughts affecting her work performance and worried of getting into bouts of depression. Using CBT and hypnotherapy over 7-8 weeks/sessions on the Life Empowering Coaching program addressed her core belief “I’m not good enough.”.

Through cognitive restructuring and hypnotic suggestions focusing on self-worth, Lilly reported 60% reduction in negative self-talk and improved work confidence.

These sessions are more in depth and can usually help with people who also want to start a new business or a career change then the ARC program which is focused mainly on a mindset issue only. The sessions are 2 hrs each but have self catch ups with the clients with homework to do, access to books for self help and much more.


Recent Research:

A 2023 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found negative thinking patterns correlate with reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and increased amygdala activation, suggesting biological bases for negative mindset maintenance.

A mental health disorder that has characteristics of persistent sadness feelings, lack or loss of interest and this can impair daily functioning.  It affects the well-being of clients both psychologically and physically through neurobiological actions.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

  • Restructuring and challenging the cognitive patterns of negative thoughts.
  • Reframing and restructuring the engagement in activities by increased reward.
  • Creating effective techniques for the client to solve any problem that occurs.


Hypnotherapy Techniques:

  • Create future visualisation reframed into a positive mindset
  • Time-line or Age regression to address the root causes.
  • Training self hypnosis techniques for ongoing management during and after sessions.


Psychotherapy Tools:

  • Creating a journal to record mood changes and the stimulus to that.
  • Breathwork/Pranayama exercises to change levels of motivation.
  • Setting up schedules that help regulate activity vs sleep hygiene.


Usually these treatments per studies have shown effective improvement when combining therapies and multiple methods. The difference is 60-70% response rates from integrated therapy compared to 40-50% for only one modality treatment.


Case Study showing results:

A client Lauren, 34-single mother  presented major depressive disorder following a job loss which was her main income. The developed symptoms after this event included erratic insomnia, withdrawal from social activities, and constant negative self-talk.

In the field many will recommend 12 weeks or sessions of CBT combined with hypnotherapy, and the client will  develop coping strategies and experience significant symptom reduction.

With myself we guided her through this issue with the ARC program which consisted of 3 X 2 hrs session so cutting off 6 weeks/sessions worth of therapy.

Due to this, integrating her back to normal life, removing sleep deprivation and insomnia while invigorating her to apply for jobs which she was successful with and improving her socialisation skills.


Recent Research:

A 2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified a specific neural circuit in the lateral habenula region linked to depression, suggesting new therapeutic targets. The research demonstrated how stress affects this circuit, potentially explaining why some individuals are more susceptible to depression.

A chronic mental health condition that causes unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or compulsions/rituals driven to perform.  Usually they do this to reduce their high anxiety.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

  • ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) a technique that slowly exposes clients to anxiety triggers while preventing typical avoidance responses.
  • Restructuring cognitive patterns to remove negative thoughts/behaviours
  • Covert Sensitisation pairs unwanted behaviors with unpleasant imagined consequences.


Hypnotherapy Techniques:

  • Reframe the client’s subconscious mind from being triggered by obsessions or compulsions into a focused, relaxed state.
  • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
  • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour.


Psychotherapy Tools:

  • Using the SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) this scale measures how much distress someone experiences. Then due to the results you can help the people identify and track their feelings over time.
  • Using thought stopping methods and reframing them in the conscious.


These treatments effectiveness usually improves when combining multiple approaches. However CBT therapy using the ERP technique has proved highly successful by statistics and is used in the medical profession.


Case Study showing results:

Penelope, a primary school teacher, age 28, presented with severe contamination fears and hand-washing compulsions that unfortunately exacerbated during the Covid Pandemic, washing 30+ times daily until hands bled.  It also affected the pupils she taught and had complaints from parents.

Usually recommended is the CBT technique and ERP therapy over 16 weeks, however with my ARC program over 3 sessions/6 weeks equivalent in the field, she reduced washing hands to 5-6 times daily and developed a healthy coping mechanism using breathwork and self meditative methods.


Recent Research:

2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified specific neural circuits in the orbitofrontal cortex linked to compulsive behaviors in OCD. The research highlighted potential new therapeutic targets for treatment.

Common relationships issues in Marriages include the breakdown of communication and conflict avoidance.

The issue of trust and infidelity violations occur quite highly with clients. Disagreements with finances. The balance of work and life. Lastly the issue of sexual concerns and intimacy changes.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

  • Restructuring of relationship beliefs and cognitive thought patterns relating to this
  • Training in communication skills and to address conflict avoidance
  • Activation for shared activities via changed behaviour addressing the work/life balance.


Hypnotherapy approaches

  • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affects the marriage
  • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify relationship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.  .
  • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved marriage


Psychotherapy approaches

  • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the marriage.
  • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both partners in the marriage.


Treatment typically combines multiple modalities for optimal outcomes. Success rates increase with early intervention and consistent practice of learned skills taught to the client from the practitioner.


Case Study:

Zara and James were married 8 years, sought therapy for communication issues and emotional distance. James worked long hours and also his work included travel while Zara felt neglected. To address this we used the Life Empowerment Coaching programme which was charged for the couple and split up differently to a singular client only.

With the clients together and singularly and due to online services if one partner was away on business we could arrange a regular schedule for sessions.

Through CBT and hypnotherapy techniques the couple addressed:

  • Negative thought patterns about each other’s intentions
  • Childhood attachment patterns affecting current behavior
  • Stress management and emotional regulation
  • Quality time prioritisation


Recent Research:

A 2023 study in Journal of Clinical Psychology found integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) combined with mindfulness reduced relationship distress by 45% compared to traditional CBT alone. Sample size: 124 couples.

Common presenting issues in relationships pre engagement include attachment insecurity twinned with the fear of commitment.

Communication is key to avoid common issues that come up with difficulty expressing needs and setting clear boundaries. One partner will have conflict avoidance or the need to excessive conflict which also is deeply rooted in mismanagement of communication styles.

This fear of vulnerability affects relationship progression and usually the emotional connection affects a recurring pattern of choosing emotionally unavailable partners. This in turn brings up past relationship trauma which then develops into the fear of betrayal, issues with emotional or physical intimacy. Lastly added to this is the modern day social media or digital trust access.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

  • Restructuring and challenging of relationship beliefs and cognitive distorted patterns relating to this
  • Training in communication skills and to address conflict avoidance
  • Creating effective techniques for the clients to solve any problem that occurs in the relationship.


Hypnotherapy approaches

  • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved  relationship to engagement or potential marriage
  • Challenge the emotional issues by anchor installation visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affect relationships.
  • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify relationship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.


Psychotherapy approaches

  • Exploration of attachment history from previous relationships which affect the current one.
  • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the relationship.
  • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both partners in the relationship.


A appropriate case study:


This was mainly an attachment-based on Relationship Anxiety

Client Profile

  • Zoe (28) and Sean (31)
  • Dating for 1.5 years
  • Primary concern: Recurring conflicts about commitment and future planning


Presenting Issues

  • Zoe exhibits anxious attachment patterns
  • Sean shows avoidant tendencies
  • Frequent arguments about relationship progression
  • Communication breakdown during stress


So the methods used here to help them overcome these issues was a mix of psychotherapy, CBT and Hypnotherapy together as a couple and individually.  This was 7-8 sessions and was part of the Life Empowering Coaching programme.

Treatment Outcomes and Progress Markers

Short-term Goals

  • Improved communication patterns
  • Reduced conflict frequency
  • Enhanced emotional awareness
  • Better stress management in relationship


Long-term Goals

  • Secure attachment development
  • Healthy relationship patterns
  • Stable commitment levels
  • Sustainable intimacy


Recent Research Findings

A 2023 study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that couples who received integrated attachment-based therapy showed significant improvements in:

  • Relationship satisfaction
    (67% improvement)
  • Communication patterns
    (58% improvement)
  • Conflict resolution
    (45% improvement)
  • Emotional intimacy
    (52% improvement)

Common issues within relationships in regards to family are firstly the parent-child conflicts especially during adolescence. Sibling rivalry and competition for parental attention which can also lead to communication breakdown between family members.

An underlying issue is intergenerational trauma and its impact on hierarchy and more. In our busy lives we have a key responsibility in work-life balance that affects the dynamics of the family, where boundaries need to be set.

For blended family integration challenges do occur and cultural differences in mixed cultures.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Restructuring the cognitive thought patterns of negative family narratives
  • Experiments to test behaviour response to family assumptions
  • Training for future productive communication skills
  • Creating frameworks for problem solving family conflicts


Hypnotherapy Approaches:

  • Regression or time line therapy to identify root causes of family pattens
  • Future life progression to visualise desired family dynamics
  • Reframing and resolution therapy to solve internal conflicts.
  • Empty Chair which addresses unresolved family conflicts, practising difficult conversations, process grief or loss within the family


Psychotherapy approaches:

  • Narrative therapy techniques to get an overall concept of family conflicts and how to solve them
  • Family systems therapy which uncovers roles and how each member affects the family as a whole.
  • Emotional validation to understand and respect perspectives of feelings


Case Study: “The Ali Family”

Consider a blended family where Katie’s (38) and Muhammad (42) married, bringing together their children from previous marriages: Katie’s daughter Poppy (14) and Muhammad’s sons Abdul (12) and Abu (9). Key issues:

  • Poppy feeling displaced and showing resistance to new family structure
  • Competition between siblings for parental attention
  • Communication challenges between stepparents and stepchildren
  • Cultural integration (Katie’s British background vs Muhammad Islamic heritage)


Treatment Timeline:

A typical therapeutic intervention might span:

  • 3 months of weekly sessions
  • Monthly follow-up sessions for maintenance


Recent Scientific Research:

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology examined the impact of digital technology on family relationships. Research highlighted how in family relationships:

  • Family meal times with reduced screen presence showed improved communication quality
  • Shared digital activities could either strengthen or strain family bonds depending on implementation
  • Parent-child relationships benefited from scheduled “tech-free” time

Common presenting issues in friendships are when interpersonal bonds are broken. Communication breakdowns happen a lot via misunderstandings, expectations or different styles of this. Which can lead to conflict or creation of distancing from.  Trust violations and betrayals lead to confidence that becomes broken or loyalties are questioned  leading to difficulty of maintaining vulnerability in future relationships and friendships. Lastly boundary issues including respecting personal limits and this can lead to resentment or codependent dynamics.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Approaches:

  • Restructuring and challenging of friendships beliefs and negative thought patterns about friendships
  • Training in communication skills and to address boundary setting.
  • Creating effective techniques for the clients to solve any problem that occurs in the friendship..


Hypnotherapy Interventions:

  • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify friendship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.
  • Challenge the emotional issues by anchor installation visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affect friendships.
  • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved  friendship


Psychotherapy Techniques:

  • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both clients in the friendship.
  • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the friendship.
  • Exploration of attachment history from previous friendships which affect the current one.


Relevant Case Study:

A 15 year friendship between Claire and Emma experienced a serious rift. Emma had shared Claire’s personal information within their wider social circle network.  Claire withdrew and felt betrayed, while Emma minimised her interactions with Claire which led to

  • Trust issues
  • Avoidance of communication
  • Anxiety and emotional withdrawal from future friendships
  • Impacting their shared social network circle.


So the Treatment Goals to counteract these issues.

  • Creating healthy boundary setting and develop these overtime
  • Communication skills improvement of when to share or not with a wider network.
  • Rebuild trust gradually and process past hurts to avoid future issues


Recent Scientific Research:

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology examined the role of digital communication in friendship maintenance and conflict resolution. The research suggested that:

  • Face-to-face conflict resolution was more effective than digital methods
  • Regular in-person contact strengthened friendship bonds more than purely digital interaction
  • Mixed-mode communication (both digital and in-person) showed optimal results for friendship maintenance.

Common business/relationship issues that come up are communication breakdowns. These are the misinterpretations of messages between departments and individuals. Poor feedback and cultural and generational communication gaps due to non-structured integration. The power dynamics in business do cause many issues due to the conflict of authority and leadership struggles. Hierarchy team tensions and this causes decision making imbalances. Trust and boundary issues with breaches of professional boundaries, confidentiality concerns, lack of transparency over business etiquette and broken commitments and promises.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following for individual sessions and for leadership beliefs:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • CBT sessions separate with both executives
  • Assessment of communication styles with executives and individuals
  • Techniques to deal with stress management
  • Goal setting utilising the SMART ideology


Hypnotherapy Interventions:

  • General hypnotherapy technique for anxiety reduction
  • Boundary setting workshops including role playing exercises
  • Using relaxation induction ideals
  • Future vision sessions to help prevent conflict resolutions and anchoring.
  • To counter past conflicts regression or time line therapy


Psychotherapy Techniques:

  • Examine how people speak, respond and play roles
  • Identify problems, improve performance and create effective solutions within a system theory context
  • Understanding power dynamics


Due to business ideology as it involves many clients/individuals and team goal setting with risks.

Risk management is key so the ethical considerations are confidentiality in group settings, power dynamic awareness and cultural sensitivity. Legal protection is also vital moving forward so clear contracts, professional insurance and documented protocols and supervision protocols must be made clear.


Case Study:

Tech Startup Leadership Conflict-this programme was created Ad-hoc at a special business rate

A tech startup which was rapidly growing was experiencing tension between its CEO and CTO leading to decreased productivity and dysfunction with departments. The conflict came from unclear roles, communication styles and boundaries.

The presenting issues in this case was a breakdown in communication between the technical and business teams. Rising staff turnover and thus creating a decreased team morale. Furthermore the financial impact on company growth

Outcome after therapy program intervention:

After 3 months a 40% improvement in project delivery times. Established clear communication and increased team satisfaction which reduced staff turnover by 60%


Recent Scientific Research:

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour found that workplace relationships significantly impact organisational success. Key findings:

  • Strong workplace relationships increase productivity by 21%
  • Positive team dynamics reduce stress-related absences by 35%
  • Effective leadership relationships correlate with 27% higher innovation rates
Select Issue

Anxiety

A physiological and psychological response characterised by excessive worrying, fearful thought scenarios created and physical symptoms like breathing difficulties and increased rapid heartbeat. This disorder can severely impact daily life

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

    • Restructuring and challenging the cognitive patterns of anxiety onset.
    • Reframing and restructuring the triggers of worrying, fearful thought patterns.
    • ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) a technique that slowly exposes clients to anxiety triggers while preventing typical symptoms.

Hypnotherapy Tools:

    • Guided imagery to reframe the triggers that cause the anxiety
    • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
    • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour.

Combined Approach using the following:

    • Breathwork/Pranayama exercises to change levels of anxiety.
    • Setting up schedules that track weekly and eventually help regulate anxiety activity.
    • For long term create relapse prevention strategies


Case Studies showing results:
With at least 50 clients ages between 30 and 50 years old all presented with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) manifesting as constant worry about work, family, and health. Physical symptoms included insomnia, muscle tension, and panic attacks.

It is usually recommended in the field of psychotherapy etc with combined CBT and hypnotherapy methods over 12 weeks/sessions resulting in 60% reduction in anxiety symptoms.

Now with my work the same issues with my ARC program would be reduced in 3 weeks due to each session being 2 hrs so half the time and more effective results.

If cases are more extreme and branch out into other issues too it may stretch to the Life Empowerment Coaching programme which is up to 8 sessions but these are not as common with this symptom.

As one issue with people with anxiety can be worried about letting people down and that would add to a constant worry of commitment.

Recent Research:
2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified specific neural circuits in the lateral hypothalamus linking anxiety to sleep disruption.

Motivation

Is the drive internally or external that guides, maintains,and maintains goal oriented behaviour. The behaviour is activated and shaped by social, biological, emotional and cognitive force.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

    • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action.
    • Reframing and rescaling the motivation guidance into patterns of action/activity.
    • Help change patterns of behaviour into internal/external drive to implement into the cognitive reframe
 

Hypnotherapy Tools:

    • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of motivation.
    • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
    • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour of motivation.
 

Psychotherapy tools:

    • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term motivation. .
    • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement
 

Treatment efficacy depends on proper assessment of motivation type (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) and underlying barriers to action.

Case Studies:
With at least 30 clients ages between 30 and 42 years old all presented with motivation issues relating to work, friendships and relationships within their families causing tension. The lack of motivation was caused by a few factors.

One particular client Ryan, a 34-year-old software developer struggling with work motivation after a remote transition that has occurred many times during and after the Covid pandemic for clients. Ryan showed symptoms of procrastination and decreased productivity. Through CBT and hypnotherapy methods, I identified that isolation which was linked to a childhood problem and this also led to lack of structure were key factors.

Treatment combined:

    • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action.
    • Reframing and rescaling the motivation guidance into patterns of action/activity.
    • Setting up schedules with virtual accountability partnerships set-up with work colleagues
 

After 3 weeks, Ryan reported a 60% improvement in task completion and renewed career engagement.

The ARC program, Ryan found that anxiety twinned with motivation needed to be resolved, seeing a future outcome of progress was also important to improve his motivation issues.

Recent Scientific Research:
2023 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews linked dopamine’s role in motivation to specific neural circuits in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This supports using reward-based interventions in therapy.

Negative Mindset

Is a persistent pattern of negative thoughts, beliefs, and expectations that affect perception and behavior. It often involves cognitive distortions like catastrophising and overgeneralisation which can lead to more severe anxiety, depression if not treated earlier.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

    • Help change patterns of behaviour into internal/external drive to implement into the cognitive reframe of a positive instead of negative mindset.
    • Setting SMART goal setting with a detailed plan of action.
    • Reframing and rescaling thought records with guidance into patterns of proactivity instead of falling into patterns of reactive behaviour.
 

Hypnotherapy Approaches:

    • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects the current negative mindset. .
    • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of motivation.
    • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current issues of negative mindset from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.
 

Psychotherapy Approach:

    • Breathwork/Pranayama/Visualisation  exercises to change negative mindset.
    • Challenging emotional issues of Inner child work by visualising the clients personal timeline not in Hypnosis to deal with up and coming scenarios in conscious state.
 

Treatment effectiveness typically in the therapeutic space requires 8-12 sessions, with success rates of 65-75% when combining multiple approaches. Regular practice of learned techniques is crucial for maintaining improvements.

A relevant Case Study:
Lilly , 34, a debt management manager sought therapy for chronic negative thoughts affecting her work performance and worried of getting into bouts of depression. Using CBT and hypnotherapy over 7-8 weeks/sessions on the Life Empowering Coaching program addressed her core belief “I’m not good enough.”.

Through cognitive restructuring and hypnotic suggestions focusing on self-worth, Lilly reported 60% reduction in negative self-talk and improved work confidence.

These sessions are more in depth and can usually help with people who also want to start a new business or a career change then the ARC program which is focused mainly on a mindset issue only. The sessions are 2 hrs each but have self catch ups with the clients with homework to do, access to books for self help and much more..

Recent Research:
A 2023 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found negative thinking patterns correlate with reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex and increased amygdala activation, suggesting biological bases for negative mindset maintenance.

Depression

A mental health disorder that has characteristics of persistent sadness feelings, lack or loss of interest and this can impair daily functioning.  It affects the well-being of clients both psychologically and physically through neurobiological actions.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

    • Restructuring and challenging the cognitive patterns of negative thoughts.
    • Reframing and restructuring the engagement in activities by increased reward.
    • Creating effective techniques for the client to solve any problem that occurs.
 

Hypnotherapy Techniques:

    • Create future visualisation reframed into a positive mindset
    • Time-line or Age regression to address the root causes.
    • Training self hypnosis techniques for ongoing management during and after sessions.
 

Psychotherapy Tools:

    • Creating a journal to record mood changes and the stimulus to that.
    • Breathwork/Pranayama exercises to change levels of motivation.
    • Setting up schedules that help regulate activity vs sleep hygiene.
 

Usually these treatments per studies have shown effective improvement when combining therapies and multiple methods. The difference is 60-70% response rates from integrated therapy compared to 40-50% for only one modality treatment.

Case Study showing results:
A client Lauren, 34-single mother  presented major depressive disorder following a job loss which was her main income. The developed symptoms after this event included erratic insomnia, withdrawal from social activities, and constant negative self-talk.

In the field many will recommend 12 weeks or sessions of CBT combined with hypnotherapy, and the client will  develop coping strategies and experience significant symptom reduction.

With myself we guided her through this issue with the ARC program which consisted of 3 X 2 hrs session so cutting off 6 weeks/sessions worth of therapy.

Due to this, integrating her back to normal life, removing sleep deprivation and insomnia while invigorating her to apply for jobs which she was successful with and improving her socialisation skills.

Recent Research:
A 2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified a specific neural circuit in the lateral habenula region linked to depression, suggesting new therapeutic targets. The research demonstrated how stress affects this circuit, potentially explaining why some individuals are more susceptible to depression.

OCD

A chronic mental health condition that causes unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or compulsions/rituals driven to perform.  Usually they do this to reduce their high anxiety.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy:

    • ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) a technique that slowly exposes clients to anxiety triggers while preventing typical avoidance responses.
    • Restructuring cognitive patterns to remove negative thoughts/behaviours
    • Covert Sensitisation pairs unwanted behaviors with unpleasant imagined consequences
 

Hypnotherapy Techniques:

    • Reframe the client’s subconscious mind from being triggered by obsessions or compulsions into a focused, relaxed state.
    • Suggestion therapy to address these deep down behavior issues, emotions, or repressed memories.
    • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour.
 

Psychotherapy Tools:

    • Using the SUDS (Subjective Units of Distress Scale) this scale measures how much distress someone experiences. Then due to the results you can help the people identify and track their feelings over time.
    • Using thought stopping methods and reframing them in the conscious.
 

These treatments effectiveness usually improves when combining multiple approaches. However CBT therapy using the ERP technique has proved highly successful by statistics and is used in the medical profession.

Case Study showing results:
Penelope, a primary school teacher, age 28, presented with severe contamination fears and hand-washing compulsions that unfortunately exacerbated during the Covid Pandemic, washing 30+ times daily until hands bled.  It also affected the pupils she taught and had complaints from parents.

Usually recommended is the CBT technique and ERP therapy over 16 weeks, however with my ARC program over 3 sessions/6 weeks equivalent in the field, she reduced washing hands to 5-6 times daily and developed a healthy coping mechanism using breathwork and self meditative methods.

Recent Research:
2023 study in Nature Neuroscience identified specific neural circuits in the orbitofrontal cortex linked to compulsive behaviors in OCD. The research highlighted potential new therapeutic targets for treatment.

Relationships - Marriage

Common relationships issues in Marriages include the breakdown of communication and conflict avoidance.

The issue of trust and infidelity violations occur quite highly with clients. Disagreements with finances. The balance of work and life. Lastly the issue of sexual concerns and intimacy changes.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

    • Restructuring of relationship beliefs and cognitive thought patterns relating to this
    • Training in communication skills and to address conflict avoidance
    • Activation for shared activities via changed behaviour addressing the work/life balance.
 

Hypnotherapy approaches:

    • Challenge the emotional issues by visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affects the marriage
    • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify relationship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.  .
    • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved marriage
 

Psychotherapy approaches

    • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the marriage. .
    • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both partners in the marriage.

Treatment typically combines multiple modalities for optimal outcomes. Success rates increase with early intervention and consistent practice of learned skills taught to the client from the practitioner.

Case Study:
Zara and James were married 8 years, sought therapy for communication issues and emotional distance. James worked long hours and also his work included travel while Zara felt neglected. To address this we used the Life Empowerment Coaching programme which was charged for the couple and split up differently to a singular client only.

With the clients together and singularly and due to online services if one partner was away on business we could arrange a regular schedule for sessions.

Through CBT and hypnotherapy techniques the couple addressed:

    • Negative thought patterns about each other’s intentions
    • Childhood attachment patterns affecting current behavior
    • Stress management and emotional regulation
    • Quality time prioritisation
 

Recent Research:
A 2023 study in Journal of Clinical Psychology found integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT) combined with mindfulness reduced relationship distress by 45% compared to traditional CBT alone. Sample size: 124 couples.

Relationships - Pre-engagement Dating

Common presenting issues in relationships pre engagement include attachment insecurity twinned with the fear of commitment.

Communication is key to avoid common issues that come up with difficulty expressing needs and setting clear boundaries. One partner will have conflict avoidance or the need to excessive conflict which also is deeply rooted in mismanagement of communication styles.

This fear of vulnerability affects relationship progression and usually the emotional connection affects a recurring pattern of choosing emotionally unavailable partners. This in turn brings up past relationship trauma which then develops into the fear of betrayal, issues with emotional or physical intimacy. Lastly added to this is the modern day social media or digital trust access.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

    • Restructuring and challenging of relationship beliefs and cognitive distorted patterns relating to this
    • Training in communication skills and to address conflict avoidance
    • Creating effective techniques for the clients to solve any problem that occurs in the relationship..
 

Hypnotherapy approaches

    • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved  relationship to engagement or potential marriage
    • Challenge the emotional issues by anchor installation visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affect relationships.
    • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify relationship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.  .
 

Psychotherapy approaches

    • Exploration of attachment history from previous relationships which affect the current one.
    • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the relationship.
    • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both partners in the relationship.
 

An appropriate case study:

This was mainly an attachment-based on Relationship Anxiety

Client Profile

    • Zoe (28) and Sean (31)
    • Dating for 1.5 years
    • Primary concern: Recurring conflicts about commitment and future planning
 

Presenting Issues

    • Zoe exhibits anxious attachment patterns
    • Sean shows avoidant tendencies
    • Frequent arguments about relationship progression
    • Communication breakdown during stress
 

So the methods used here to help them overcome these issues was a mix of psychotherapy, CBT and Hypnotherapy together as a couple and individually.  This was 7-8 sessions and was part of the Life Empowering Coaching programme.

Treatment Outcomes and Progress Markers

Short-term Goals

    • Improved communication patterns
    • Reduced conflict frequency
    • Enhanced emotional awareness
    • Better stress management in relationship
 

Long-term Goals

    • Secure attachment development
    • Healthy relationship patterns
    • Stable commitment levels
    • Sustainable intimacy
 

Recent Research Findings:
A 2023 study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that couples who received integrated attachment-based therapy showed significant improvements in:

    • Relationship satisfaction (67% improvement)
    • Communication patterns (58% improvement)
    • Conflict resolution (45% improvement)
    • Emotional intimacy (52% improvement)

Relationships - Family

Common issues within relationships in regards to family are firstly the parent-child conflicts especially during adolescence.

Sibling rivalry and competition for parental attention which can also lead to communication breakdown between family members.

An underlying issue is intergenerational trauma and its impact on hierarchy and more. In our busy lives we have a key responsibility in work-life balance that affects the dynamics of the family, where boundaries need to be set.

For blended family integration challenges do occur and cultural differences in mixed cultures.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

    • Restructuring the cognitive thought patterns of negative family narratives
    • Experiments to test behaviour response to family assumptions
    • Training for future productive communication skills
    • Creating frameworks for problem solving family conflicts
 

Hypnotherapy Approaches:

    • Regression or time line therapy to identify root causes of family patterns
    • Future life progression to visualise desired family dynamics
    • Reframing and resolution therapy to solve internal conflicts.
    • Empty Chair which addresses unresolved family conflicts, practising difficult conversations, process grief or loss within the family
 

Psychotherapy approaches:

    • Narrative therapy techniques to get an overall concept of family conflicts and how to solve them
    • Family systems therapy which uncovers roles and how each member affects the family as a whole.
    • Emotional validation to understand and respect perspectives of feelings

Case Study: “The Ali Family”
Consider a blended family where Katie (38) and Muhammad (42) are married, bringing together their children from previous marriages: Katie’s daughter Poppy (14) and Muhammad’s sons Abdul (12) and Abu (9).

Key issues:

    • Poppy feeling displaced and showing resistance to new family structure
    • Competition between siblings for parental attention
    • Communication challenges between step-parents and stepchildren
    • Cultural integration (Katie’s British background vs Muhammad’s Islamic heritage)
 

Treatment Timeline:

A typical therapeutic intervention might span:

    • 3 months of weekly sessions
    • Monthly follow-up sessions for maintenance
 

Recent Scientific Research:
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Family Psychology examined the impact of digital technology on family relationships.

Research highlighted how in family relationships:

    • Family meal times with reduced screen presence showed improved communication quality
    • Shared digital activities could either strengthen or strain family bonds depending on implementation
    • Parent-child relationships benefited from scheduled “tech-free” time

Relationships - Friendship

Common presenting issues in friendships are when interpersonal bonds are broken. Communication breakdowns happen a lot via misunderstandings, expectations or different styles of this. Which can lead to conflict or creation of distancing from.

Trust violations and betrayals lead to confidence that becomes broken or loyalties are questioned  leading to difficulty of maintaining vulnerability in future relationships and friendships. Lastly boundary issues including respecting personal limits and this can lead to resentment or codependent dynamics.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Approaches:

    • Restructuring and challenging of friendships beliefs and negative thought patterns about friendships
    • Training in communication skills and to address boundary setting.
    • Creating effective techniques for the clients to solve any problem that occurs in the friendship..
 

Hypnotherapy Interventions:

    • Regression guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current and identify friendship patterns and perhaps issues from childhood that they are triggered or affected by in adulthood.
    • Challenge the emotional issues by anchor installation visualising the clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma, internal conflicts that affect friendships.
    • Guided imagery using future life progression or coaching to a path of goal setting for an improved  friendship
 

Psychotherapy Techniques:

    • Create values with guidance linked to outcomes of achievement for both clients in the friendship.
    • Setting up schedules that are tracked weekly and help encourage long term commitment to the friendship.
    • Exploration of attachment history from previous friendships which affect the current one.
 

Relevant Case Study:
A 15 year friendship between Claire and Emma experienced a serious rift. Emma had shared Claire’s personal information within their wider social circle network.  Claire withdrew and felt betrayed, while Emma minimised her interactions with Claire which led to

    • Trust issues
    • Avoidance of communication
    • Anxiety and emotional withdrawal from future friendships
    • Impacting their shared social network circle.
 

So the Treatment Goals to counteract these issues.

    • Creating healthy boundary setting and develop these overtime
    • Communication skills improvement of when to share or not with a wider network.
    • Rebuild trust gradually and process past hurts to avoid future issues
 

Recent Scientific Research:
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Social Psychology examined the role of digital communication in friendship maintenance and conflict resolution. The research suggested that:

    • Face-to-face conflict resolution was more effective than digital methods
    • Regular in-person contact strengthened friendship bonds more than purely digital interaction
    • Mixed-mode communication (both digital and in-person) showed optimal results for friendship maintenance.

Relationships - Business

Common business/relationship issues that come up are communication breakdowns. These are the misinterpretations of messages between departments and individuals. Poor feedback and cultural and generational communication gaps due to non-structured integration. The power dynamics in business do cause many issues due to the conflict of authority and leadership struggles. Hierarchy team tensions and this causes decision making imbalances. Trust and boundary issues with breaches of professional boundaries, confidentiality concerns, lack of transparency over business etiquette and broken commitments and promises.

The Therapeutic Methods I would use are the following for individual sessions and for leadership beliefs:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

    • CBT sessions separate with both executives
    • Assessment of communication styles with executives and individuals
    • Techniques to deal with stress management
    • Goal setting utilising the SMART ideology
 

Hypnotherapy Interventions:

    • General hypnotherapy technique for anxiety reduction
    • Boundary setting workshops including role playing exercises
    • Using relaxation induction ideals
    • Future vision sessions to help prevent conflict resolutions and anchoring.
    • To counter past conflicts regression or time line therapy
 

Psychotherapy Techniques:

    • Examine how people speak, respond and play roles
    • Identify problems, improve performance and create effective solutions within a system theory context
    • Understanding power dynamics
 

Due to business ideology as it involves many clients/individuals and team goal setting with risks.

Risk management is key so the ethical considerations are confidentiality in group settings, power dynamic awareness and cultural sensitivity. Legal protection is also vital moving forward so clear contracts, professional insurance and documented protocols and supervision protocols must be made clear.

Case Study:
Tech Startup Leadership Conflict-this programme was created Ad-hoc at a special business rate

A tech startup which was rapidly growing was experiencing tension between its CEO and CTO leading to decreased productivity and dysfunction with departments. The conflict came from unclear roles, communication styles and boundaries.

The presenting issues in this case was a breakdown in communication between the technical and business teams. Rising staff turnover and thus creating a decreased team morale. Furthermore the financial impact on company growth

Outcome after therapy program intervention:
After 3 months a 40% improvement in project delivery times. Established clear communication and increased team satisfaction which reduced staff turnover by 60%

Recent Scientific Research:
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour (note: as my knowledge cutoff is April 2024, please verify this citation) found that workplace relationships significantly
impact organisational success.

Key findings:

    • Strong workplace relationships increase productivity by 21%
    • Positive team dynamics reduce stress-related absences by 35%
    • Effective leadership relationships correlate with 27% higher innovation rates

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy): Is a broad ideology for treating your mental health issues via conversations with myself as a professional therapist. This in turn helps you understand your feelings, behaviours, relationships and life hurdles to overcome.As the therapist in person but mainly online creates a safe confidential space where you talk about the following: 

  • Past experiences and how or why they affect your present behaviours. 
  • Develop with guidance from myself the practitioner on how to cope with difficult scenarios. 
  • Learn insightful knowledge of your thinking and behaviour patterns. 
  • How to break through your trauma and emotional difficulties. 
  • Why and how to improve your relationships and communication skills.

therapeutic methods

Hypnotherapy
A practitioner guides the client to reframe their subconscious mind from being triggered into a focused, relaxed state to address deep down behavior issues, emotions, fears and phobias or repressed memories. 

Life Coaching
A talk therapy that focuses on achieving personal/professional goals via guidance by the coach. Who uses questioning techniques and accountability frameworks.

Meditation Methods
An ancient vedic technique which guides the client to a focused attention practice to help their attention via visualisation .

Breathwork/Pranayama
Originates from the Ancient Vedic tradition with breathing controlled exercises. These breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, box breathing, and deep diaphragmatic breathing relieve stress, anxiety and much more.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming)
A skill from Hypnotherapy that focuses on the connection between language, learned behavior, and neurological processes. These techniques included anchoring, reframing, and modeling.

Timeline Therapy
A practitioner challenges emotional issues by visualising their clients personal timeline. The client is guided through their memories to resolve past trauma that affects current behaviour.

Regression
A practitioner guides clients via the Hypnosis state to recollect past memories/experiences to address their current issues that they are triggered or affected by.  . 

RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy)
Combines hypnosis techniques such as NLP and psychotherapy to identify and reframe the root cause of psychological issues

Past Life Regression
A practitioner uses this hypnosis technique which originates from Ancient Vedic culture to explore supposed memories of previous lives, incarnations and see the links to the client’s current life.. 

Future Vision Coaching
A practitioner uses multiple hypnosis techniques to allow the client in that state to see a detailed vision of their desired future and the path to achieve this with advice and an action plan.

Future Life Progression
A practitioner would use this hypnosis technique exploring potential future scenarios. This helps clients with their decision-making and motivation to fulfil goals and the right path. .

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
A practitioner uses this Hypnosis technique that identifies and focuses on changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.  This helps create a new path for a client less triggered and affected by emotions, language and situations.   

Imaginal Exposure Therapy
A Hypnotherapy and visualisation technique that slowly exposes clients to feared situations through imagination. Used for anxiety/trauma and fear and phobias..

Covert Sensitisation
A practitioner uses this Hypnotherapy technique that pairs unwanted behaviors with unpleasant imagined consequences. Used for addiction and habit breaking.

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
A practitioner uses this Hypnotherapy/CBT technique that slowly exposes clients to anxiety triggers while preventing typical avoidance responses. Primary treatment for OCD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a branch off Hypnotherapy that identifies and focuses on changing your negative or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.  The idea is that thoughts, feelings and our current behaviours are interrelated. The CBT therapy helps  

  • Detect negative or distorted thinking patterns that cause you distress when triggered. 
  • Develop solving skills for your problems that come up in difficult situations
  • You learn coping strategies for practical use
  • You create achievable goals with work towards them 

 

CBT is effective for conditions you suffer or feel debilitated with like anxiety, depression, PTSD, fears and phobias as it creates tools and strategies that you will use between sessions and after therapy sessions.  

It has a more structured focus on goal setting and achievement than talk therapy alone such as life coaching etc. 

Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis: I guide you into a relaxed safe space online into a mind trance state which allows suggestibility and to become more receptive to suggestions implanted within your subconscious mind.

The subconscious is 5% of the mind but controls 95% of the conscious mind. 

This in turn via the Hypnosis sessions alters your mind to the outcome of actions outside of the trance state, by reframing or reprogramming the triggers of clients with issues such as Anxiety, Motivation, Depression, Negative Thought patterns, Relationships etc. 

During my Hypnosis sessions I guide you into a trance-like state while you are always still maintaining full awareness. You always will remain in control and cannot be made to do things against your will.  

In this state you become open and aware of your thoughts, memories, regressions which then I help with guidance get reframed or reprogrammed so now you are now not triggered by issues while out of trance state in your day to day lives.