Abingdon Hypnotherapy

Do you struggle to swallow or talk when stressed - read more here on the Hypnotherapy Directory

Fear of swallowing - it's more common than you think Penny Ling discusses how hypnotherapy can help those struggling with a fear of swallowing.

Why being solution-focused is better than talking about problems.

We all have that one friend or a family member who loves to focus and talk about all the things that are wrong. Talking about a problem can be cathartic and getting it off your chest is a relief sometimes. But learning to be solution-focused puts you in a completely different part of your brain.

When we are negative, our attention stays focused on the negative. Once you shift how you think to deal with any problems, you feel much more in control and less anxious.

I use the solution-focused approach in my therapy to help people find their own solutions to their problems. Whether that’s beating a habit or addiction, to feeling more confident dealing with bosses and colleagues.

You can be in control thanks to the tools I teach. Find ways of moving forward with the help of the therapy. Add in hypnotherapy, this helps us imagine these plans and teach our mind to respond differently.

There are no problems - only solutions.

Find out more from Penny Ling Therapies, Kingsmoor Clinic, Kingston Bagpuize, OX13 5AP or online at www.oxford-hypnotherapy.co.uk

Do you fear that you’ll be found out? That the bosses will catch you out and you’ll end up being booted out? Do you struggle to speak up in meetings and fear being judged by your colleagues? Well, welcome to imposter syndrome.

I help people gain more confidence to perform their jobs better. Because they no longer worry all the time that they are no good, or will be “found out” they stand a greater chance of enjoying their work and being promoted for their achievements.

Using a wide range of tools and being future-focused, I help people use their imagination in a more positive way.

Stand up and talk in front of others. Build up the confidence to hold your own space. Feel confident to ask for a pay rise. Not worry about other people’s attitudes and judgements.

Abingdon Hypnotherapy updated their address.

Therapy is anything that makes you feel good. My therapy is painting - here's my latest - Tricolour Juxtaposed #68. It's called 68 because it was 1968 when I first started playing with the ideas first chalk on blackboard, then crayon, felt tip pen and inky. Now oil and gilt.

It doesn't matter if it's GCSE's or accountant exams, being stressed about something that could change your whole life makes it more likely you'll fail. See my video in the hypnotherapy directory.

Hypnotherapy for Exam Stress and Anxiety | Exam Nerves - Hypnotherapy Directory Hypnotherapy for exam stress can offer practical relaxation and coping techniques when feeling under pressure. Find a hypnotherapist for exam nerves.

You don't have to suffer from anxiety, make an appointment with me today.

"I wish I had had these sessions with Penny a long time ago, she has helped me so much" ~Deborah The sessions I’ve had with Penny and the tools she has given me to cope with my anxiety have been invaluable, I feel more relaxed and positive than I have for a long time. I wish I hadn’t left it so long to seek help.

Great review for my book - Driving Me Crazy - overcome the fear of driving.

fullersman5 - 5.0 out of 5 stars. Driving test passed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2022

"My daughter has been worried about driving for years. She read Penny’s book which focused her mind. Today she passed her test first time,, aged 28. Well worth reading this book."

"The session was very relaxing and it helped my daughter for the long term. She was also taught various techniques to help her. I would strongly recommend Penny as she is warm, friendly and trusty professional."
W.K. Didcot

April is Stress Awareness Month

From absenteeism to presenteeism to relationships at work and at home. Recognising the signs of stress should be taken seriously in the workplace.

Spotting stress in others can be difficult because everyone experiences it in different ways.

Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine are all topics my clients have brought up recently as circumstances which are worrying them. Placed on top of difficulties in the workplace - the changes made because of the pandemic are causing all kinds of problems.

In the last week alone, I have worked with two separate women whose stories are almost identical. Both have been working from home and now have to work in an office three days a week. The changes they have experienced have caused great stress, which has left both of them unable to swallow. This in term means they are not eating and losing weight.

Their inability to swallow has been checked out by doctors and they have experienced cameras down their throats, only to be told “It’s in your head”.

I see on average about 10 to 20 clients a year with either this problem, or the opposite end - irritable bowel syndrome. Both result from the fight and flight mechanism of the body not wanting to digest as they flee the stressor.

Using the tools and techniques I use when working with clients helps them to relax, take back control and not worry about their health on top of all the other problems.

Do you have exams this summer?
Are you feeling very anxious about taking them?
Did you know that anxiety can hinder memory and lower grades?
Do you know that there is something you can do about it?
By joining the exam stress programme, you’ll learn about how your anxiety, thoughts and behaviours are preventing you achieve your goals.

You’ll learn tools and techniques which will help move you towards controlling your stress levels. It can help with sleep, focus and changing habitual behaviours.

It’s suitable for all ages, from GCSE, A level, undergraduate, graduate and PHD levels. It’s ideal for accountants, IT engineers and medical students.
Using a wide range of tools and techniques from all different backgrounds, including the Pomodora technique, NLP, mindfulness and self-hypnosis, you’ll learn to turn the dial down on exam anxiety.

The average number of sessions needed are 6, so if you or a family member have exams in the summer, best book your initial consultation by the end of March/first week in April.

Don’t take my word for it - here’s what medical student Lindsay had to say:
“Invaluable Exam Preparation”
"Penny is fantastic at what she does. I cannot thank her enough for her help. Over the course of 6 sessions, she helped me develop both my exam confidence and a new attitude of confidence and positivity, which has significantly benefitted many areas of my life that I didn’t even realise had the potential for improvement. Hypnotherapy with Penny has taken me from an anxious and under-performing medicine hopeful, to scoring in the top decile of the UKCAT (Clinical Aptitude Test). I am thrilled to discover that I can still reach my potential after many years of poor results caused by my anxiety. I have already recommended Penny to friends and family and would not hesitate to work with her again!”

Great results with my phagophobia client

"Overcoming Phagophobia (fear of swallowing) through hypnotherapy with Penny Ling" ~Sabina I was experiencing phagophobia (fear of swallowing) for 3 months before I came across Penny Ling's hypnotherapy service. It was a very dark, uncertain, and fearful time for me because I had lost the ability to eat a normal meal or drink any liquids. Doctors and GPs were not able to help me either be...

First Aid for mental health – FB

Penelope Ling therapies has partnered up with JP International training, who provide first aid for mental health courses for business and educational establishments.

The syllabus for Level 2 includes:
• What is First Aid for Mental Health?
• Identifying mental health conditions
• Providing advice and starting a conversation
• Stress
• Mental health conditions
• Drugs and alcohol
• First Aid for Mental Health action plan
• First Aid for Mental Health in the workplace
Penelope Ling therapies have partnered up with JP International training, which provide first aid for mental health courses for business and educational establishments..
Once staff have passed their training, then any of the employees can be referred to Penelope Ling Therapies to help them with their problems*. Therapy is bespoke to each individual and can include a wide variety of different tools and therapies based upon brain-based therapeutic practices.

See: https://www.facebook.com/jpinternationaltraining
And: https://www.facebook.com/KingsmoorClinicHypnotherapy

*Mental illness such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and psychosis need to be addressed by psychiatrist through your GP.

Thanks Steve for the great testimonial

"A great experience and positive results" ~Steve I started seeing Penny to address some anxiety and stress issues that I was having. I was in quite a low place and totally at a loss as to what to do. So I thought why not give this a try and I am so glad I did. Penny has a calm confident manner which makes you feel comfortable discussing your circu...

Thanks for your votes -Hypnotherapist-oftheyear2021-22

Still goody bags available at the Kingsmoor Clinic open day. Come and say hello to all the therapists.

A little Sunday Funday

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness month

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Penelope Ling Hypnotherapy Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. There are different types of IBS, depending on your main symptom. It's known by a variety of other names, including spasti...

Interview with Therapy Search

The Therapy Search | Interview with Penny Ling | Find Out About Hypnotherapy We chatted with the lovely Penny Ling from Oxfordshire Hypnotherapy to discuss all things hypnotherapy, mental health, and self care.Get in touch with Penny ...

To understand some sleep problems, it’s good to understand the brain and what it’s up to.

Light levels influence our sleepiness and wakefulness, the blue light of morning keeps us awake, going for a walk in the morning can help us recalibrate. In the evening, keep lighting levels low and use filters on your blue screens.

Start the wind down at least an hour before bed. Turn off overhead lights, read a book or magazine - as long as it's not work related.

Then listen to my MP3 - Relax to sleep well. Just send me a message so I can send you the link.

and
Wednesday March 10th is National No Smoking Day, to bring awareness to giving up smoking to improve your mental health. Traditionally people smoked to either fit in - 14-year-olds behind the bike shed, or 20 something’s down the pub, or to reduce stress. Though smoking creates more mental health issues than it solves. Increases in blood pressure, heart disease, and lung disease.

A meta-analysis in 2014 found that improvements in mental health, such as reduced depression and anxiety, occurred when a person stopped smoking. The findings from over 160,000 people suggest that people who quit smoking are likely to have improved mental wellbeing and quality of life.

In my book “Driving Me Crazy - Overcome the fear of driving”, I brought to light research carried out on the frequency of panic attacks in those who smoke. So those who fear that we may take their coping mechanism away by using hypnotherapy to change the habit or reinforce being a non-smoker need not worry. By giving up, they decrease their chances of feeling anxious.

As part of your preparation, and to maximise effectiveness, visualise all the positive aspects of stopping smoking. You’ll know the most important gains for you - everybody is different. Imagine the benefits of being fitter. Imagine smelling much nicer, and the benefits that come along with that. What are you going to spend the money you save on? One client of mine wanted to save the money up to take his mother on holiday to Pompeii. By focusing on the end result, it can help motivate you to stay a non-smoker. My aunt when she gave up in the 1970s put all the money she spent on ci******es into a jam jar and after a year bought herself a whole new set of outfits.

It’s also useful to get family and friends onside, perhaps save the money up and take everyone out for dinner when we are allowed out of lockdown. Remember that our sense of taste improves after a few weeks, so wait a month before you book a meal and you’ll enjoy it even more.

When you have your appointment for stopping smoking booked into your diary, you can plan ahead. Make sure you throw out your ashtrays and ci******es. Try not to smoke beforehand. It’s much better to come freshly showered and not smelling of stale to***co - it will remind you! Put fresh linen on the beds.

March 4th is World Book Day, first set up to encourage children to read books.

Books always surrounded me as a child and today I possess a vast library of books, so much so, I am selling or giving away some as I have so many. I was also a fast reader and showed a talent for reading in front of an audience - something I still do today as a hypnotherapist. The most puzzling thing is that I’m dyslexic, and most people believe that dyslexics have trouble reading. There are a multitude of variations of dyslexia - mine is all about hearing how to spell words correctly, and the structure of language. My brain finds it difficult to distinguish between sounds such as the letters D and J, or M and N. Words like Adjustment, for example in my brain sound like Ajustment - the D is silent. Knowing this means you can find ways of getting around it.

When I challenged myself to write a book, I read tonnes about dyslexia and tools to help write. One book suggested I find myself a mentor, and a cousin of mine was happy enough to volunteer. A professional author gave me tips on software to help. I experimented and came up with a structure which suited me.

So this is how I write a book. First, I come up with the idea at the heart of the book and then I create a mind-map of all the relating topics. I then use a software called Scrivener to create the structure from the mind-map.

I then dictate into a Word document. I run this through ProWritingAid software and correct the spelling and grammar here. Then once I’m happy so, I print it out and read it out loud. I then ask friends to read it and give me feedback. Once I’m happy with the final draft, I submit it to an Editor. I’m lucky that I used to work for a newspaper and have editors as friends, who are very helpful.

The result was “Driving Me Crazy - Overcome the fear of driving”. Available on Amazon.

If you were to write a book - what subject would you choose?

March the 1st is national self injury awareness day


Self-injury is a coping mechanism where someone inflicts harm - usually physical pain - on themselves to deal with emotional pain.

The self-inflicted injuries are often cutting the skin, because of physical pain is often easier to deal with than the emotional pain. It only provides temporary relief, but it does not deal with the underlying issues.

Sometimes a person makes cut themselves, others may bang their heads against walls. Some pull out their hair, others pick their skin, or burn themselves with ci******es. Ingesting chemicals or overdosing also fall into this category.

But self-injury is only one small part of the self harm process to escape from one’s miserable existence. You can include eating disorders, risky behaviour like shoplifting and sexual behaviours and smoking or alcohol and drug abuse.

So why do people self injure?

They are often 2 routes to self-injury. Extreme stress - feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. It could be because of the pressure put on them by exams. Stress at work becomes overwhelming and you’re afraid that you’ll lose your job or your house. It could be part of bullying, or the drive to be considered “the best” and judging yourself continually. Someone may feel abandoned or uncared for by the people in their lives they feel should be more supportive. They feel alone, lost, disconnected.

Covid has put a great deal of pressure on people, especially the younger generation who may not have the learned coping mechanisms.

If someone you know is using self-injury as a coping mechanism, just telling them to stop will not be very effective. The usual route out of self-injury is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). This is a combination of CBT mixed with mindfulness. It can give people the coping mechanisms which are healthier and less harmful. But as I am predominantly a hypnotherapist, I know that hypnosis can really help with the emotional distress with none of the negative effects self-injury causes long term. It’s gentle soothing and can help you develop positive habits and build confidence. It can help you take a step back and think about the situation more rationally.

For more information, either see my website at:
oxford-hypnotherapy.co.uk

or go to lifesigns.org/siad/

Impostor Syndrome can strike anyone at any time.

Have you experienced that sense of being found out?

Whether a student is quite capable of knowing a subject, but one small hic-cup or bad exam result throws them into a tail-spin and they're convinced they are going to be thrown off a course.

Or perhaps you've been employed as a manager but feel out of your depth and don't think your team take you seriously. Impostor syndrome can ruin a perfectly good career.

Many of the tools I use, can help overcome self-doubt and build confidence. NLP, Self-hypnosis, Solution-focused, mindfulness, CBT, visualisation can all help move you away from feeling a fraud and allowing you to perform your job properly.

Impostor Syndrome - Penelope Ling Hypnotherapy Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash Impostor syndrome is the name given to a certain form of insecurity around one’s abilities and knowledge. An assumption that others know much more than you and you’ll get found out. Maybe you’ve recently accepted a promotion within an organisation, or have star...

My online talk about Exam Stress and the tools to help you relax and perform better went well today. Working with Oxford colleges on Microsoft teams is really easy. The students were lovely and appreciative. Hope they enjoy my MP3.