The First Step to Freedom

Thank you for being a part of The First Step to Freedom! Have you visited my office or had a virtual session with me over the past few months? If so I'd love to hear about your experience with cognitive hypnotherapy, EFT, smoking cessation guidance or any other service offered through The First Step to Freedom.

Your feedback and experiences are an essential part of my work, and a sure way for me to gain a deeper understanding of how I can help my clients even further.

Have you been wondering about first experiences with hypnotherapy?

Yahoo Sports contributor, Risa Sarachan tried hypnotherapy for the first time and the results were so much better than what she'd anticipated.

Risa found that she felt less anxious about small things in her day-to-day life and much more confident in general. She asked her crush out on a date and was direct and assertive when following up with contacts about career opportunities.

Looking back on her experience she said, "I find I can now maneuver away from worry and regret and refocus on the positive strengthening affirmations I conceived with [my therapist]."

It's always a joy to hear about someone who has benefitted from hypnotherapy. Using the skills and affirmations you've learned to navigate negative thoughts is what this journey is all about. Read more here:

I tried hypnosis for the first time and here's what happened When a friend gave me a gift card for a holistic healing center, I found myself strangely drawn to one particular option on the menu. I thought: Hypnotherapy ... why not?

Technology makes it easy for many of us to communicate, but it can also have a negative impact on our boundaries. For example, how many work related apps do you have on your smartphone? Do you find yourself stressing about messages, emails, and notifications even outside of work hours?

Setting your apps to do not disturb is a simple and freeing although small thing you can do for your mental health especially if you find yourself feeling anxious about work.

Depending on your role and work environment, this can be quite a challenge. But do your best to put your down time and mental wellbeing first.

Finding the right type of therapy and counsellor for you isn't always easy. That's why I offer free 30-minute phone appointments. You can ask all of your burning questions about cognitive hypnotherapy, learn a bit more about it, and determine whether me and my practice are the right fit for you.

I encourage you to visit my website and have a look around. I'd love to hear from you and help you understand more about how Emotional Freedom Technique or cognitive hypnotherapy can help you create a more positive future for yourself.

Learn more here:

The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy The First Step Starts with you

Setting concrete goals and building to-do lists and routines around them can work wonders for your wellbeing. Goal setting is a great way to stay organized and take stock of your accomplishments both big and small.

Keep your goals recorded somewhere so that you can refer back to them and make any necessary changes, or break bigger or long-term goals down into smaller, more manageable steps.

What are your goals for this week?

Looking for something to do this weekend? Take in some incredible art at Avens Gallery. This space feature over 40 different western Canadian artists. From acrylic to oils to soapstone, every art lover will find pieces to appreciate.

You can visit the gallery right in the heart of downtown Canmore on Main Street. Learn more:

The Avens Gallery | The Avens Gallery Located on Main Street, in the heart of downtown, Avens Gallery has been welcoming residents and visitors since 1986. We represent over 40 accomplished local and western Canadian artists featuring work in oils, acrylic, mixed media, encaustic, mosaics, wood cellulose, copper & steel, bronze, and soa...

Meditation can do wonders for your mental and physical health when you're feeling stressed. The magic of meditation lies in its focus on achieving balance and calm.

When you slow down your breathing and take a step back through meditation, you'll be able to have a healthier perspective on the things that are causing your stress. Take a look at more helpful tips for both recognizing and managing stress here:

Tips For Recognizing & Managing Stress | Shift Collab Stress is more complex than that headache you feel after a long day at work or the aches and pains in your joints. Here are 6 tips for recognizing and managing stess.

What does freedom look like for you when it comes to mental health? Is it having more control over intrusive negative thoughts? Maybe it's being able to manage your anxiety in the moment through easy to remember and effective calming techniques.

Those are some of the things I'd like you to keep in mind as you embark on your mental health journey. You can take a look at my videos and resources page to learn more about tailored hypnotherapy, goal setting, and more:

Videos and Resources — The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy Check out my informative videos, workbooks and useful resources! These aim to provide you with additional tools and tips that can help you to take the first step towards living your best life.

Hypnosis has been known to help with depression and social anxiety. There's even a thread devoted to hypnosis success stories on Reddit, a popular online platform where people discuss virtually every interest and hobby in the world.

Users discuss how hypnosis helped them. Many talk about how they learned to use metaphors to keep their depression at bay and feeling further and further away. Others describe their feelings of depression being lifted.

It's all about being patient with yourself as you work on change your perspective and focusing on positive thinking.

Everyone's mental health journey is unique. Some people benefit greatly from cognitive hypnotherapy while EFT becomes the go-to technique for others. That's the incredible thing about therapy. There are so many different methods to suit your individual needs and experiences.

So if you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or PTSD, I'd be happy to share more the approaches that I specialize in. Get in touch to learn more about EFT and cognitive hypnotherapy:

Cognitive Hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD — The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy Create a Positive Future with Cognitive Hypnotherapy. Get support to overcome and manage stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD. As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in the Bow Valley, I use hypnotherapy to help adults and children create a positive future, in-person or via Zoom video appointments.

Know dementia, know Alzheimer's. That's the theme for World Alzheimer's Month this year. Every September, people from around the world come together to help combat the stigma around this disease, which can be difficult to live with and hard for many to understand.

If you or someone you know is living with or affected by Alzheimer's, you can visit the Alzheimer's Disease International website to find recent reports and resources for caregivers as well as individuals living with this disease. Learn more here:

ADI - World Alzheimer’s Month World Alzheimer's Month is the international campaign from Alzheimer's Disease International that takes place every September.

Considering hypnotherapy for the first time? One of your biggest questions probably has to do with what hypnosis actually feels like.

Although everyone is different and nothing can compare to experiencing it for yourself, this article from Verywell covers the feelings of relaxation, intense focus and more that most people experience during hypnosis. Learn more here:

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like? Hypnotherapy is a treatment for addiction, and other physical and psychological problems, such as pain. It involves a different state of consciousness.

International Overdose Awareness Day is dedicated not only to ending overdoses, but also to remembering loved ones we've lost without stigma.

People affected by overdose already have to navigate the challenges of grief and loss. And the stigma only makes it harder.

You can use the International Overdose Awareness Day website to post tributes to loved ones, donate to raise awareness, and spread the word about this cause in your own community.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/qkGO50K2yUX

Your feedback matters. If you've had an in-person or virtual session with me, I'd love to hear from you.

Please leave a Facebook review and let me know if you tried cognitive hypnotherapy, EFT, performance coaching, or my smoking cessation framework.

Understanding what you found helpful and anything that you felt was missing helps me to serve you better. The First Step to Freedom wouldn't exist without people like you who are taking courageous steps on their mental wellness journeys.

Simple, effective, and an excellent way to make a lasting change. UK-based hypnotherapist Becca Teers concisely explains the benefits of cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy and why so many people find it helpful:

Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy with Becca Teers Ever thought about speaking to someone about your day to day troubles? Why not think about doing some cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy. In this video Becca...

As kids gear up for back to school, here's a mental health tip to help them through the next school year and beyond. 🎓

If they're heading back to university or high school, encourage them to find a quiet space on campus. This is a great tool for them to have if they need to take a break or destress during the day. They can even ask a guidance counsellor to help them find that sort of space on school grounds. 🏫

This can be beneficial for younger students too. If there aren't any quiet areas at school, try helping your child create this sort of safe and calming space at home. 😌

The first step to mental wellness starts with you, but I'm always here to help.

If you're looking for a new way to boost your mental health, give hypnotherapy a try. Through this method we'll work together to get you into a relaxed state. Then you'll be more receptive to positive thoughts. Ultimately, you'll be able to use that positivity to overcome negative thoughts and face new challenges head on.

Hypnotherapy can be effective for people with anxiety, depression, addiction, and even those struggling to quit smoking.

Visit my website to learn what hypnotherapy can do for you:

The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy The First Step Starts with you

World Humanitarian Day is a day of solidarity. It's a great time to consider what we can do to help others. From human rights to education to climate action, so many individuals and communities around the world need help and relief.

Today is also about honouring humanitarian aid workers who are dedicated to celebrating humanitarian aid workers around the world. These selfless individuals are focused on helping develop communities so we can reduce economic inequality and human suffering.

Even small acts of volunteerism in your own community are an excellent place to start. There's always someone out there who could use a helping hand.

Offering support to a friend or family member can be great for your mental health. By doing this you're exercising empathy and compassion. You're also strengthening a small community where friends and family can come to you for support and you can lean on them as well.

Just remember that boundaries are important. If a loved one is going through a really tough time and you can't provide the type of support they need, it might be time to support them by helping them find a mental health professional.

The same goes for you. The support you need won't always come from a friend or relative. So reach out for professional help when you need it.

Spirit of the Earth is all about relaxation. This downtown-Canmore shop prides itself on being a relaxing space.

It's the perfect place to find salt rock products, books, jewelry, and even explore gems and crystals. Spirit of the Earth also promotes the healing power of natural products. Why not pay the shop a visit the next time you're out on Main Street?

Learn more: http://ow.ly/aBSo50K2cw4

It's International Youth Day! There are so many worthy causes to learn about and support, from climate and sustainability to mental health to improved and accessible education for future generations. 🌎 🧠 🎒

This year's primary focus is ageism. Stereotypes and age discrimination create to employment, participation in politics, and more. That's why it's so important to learn about intergenerational solidarity.

Read more about these topics and the 2022 webinar:

International Youth Day 2022 | United Nations For Youth To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world needs to leverage the full potential of all generations. Solidarity across generations is key for sustainable development. We must collaborate to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “n...

Ready to de-stress?

Stress is unfortunately a part of life, but when it becomes prolonged or chronic, it's important to take action, reach out and seek help. Cognitive hypnotherapy is an effective way to help you to manage stress.

During your sessions, you'll enter a relaxed state and I'll work to gradually change your perspective and encourage positive thinking. I'll also provide you with tools and techniques for managing daily problems that are negatively impacting your mental wellbeing.

Ready to get started? Visit my website to book an appointment and learn more about the services I offer:

Cognitive Hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD — The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy Create a Positive Future with Cognitive Hypnotherapy. Get support to overcome and manage stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD. As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in the Bow Valley, I use hypnotherapy to help adults and children create a positive future, in-person or via Zoom video appointments.

"Depression is an invisible illness," writes Yuliya Osyka. An illustrator and designer, she created this 12-poster series titled Toxic Support along with psychologist Anastasia Plokhikh. The objective was spread awareness about the ways in which people misunderstand depression and more specifically, the potentially harmful things they say to people with depression.

Sometimes these platitudes are well-meaning. Someone might try to find a single reason behind a loved one's depression, believing that having a successful career and loving family means they'll never experience depression. At other times they can be accusatory and hurtful, attributing a very serious illness to attention seeking.

Osyka wanted to make these phrases visible to show people how they might make someone with depression feel. The striking colours were also very deliberate. She "intentionally chose a bright and optimistic colour palette to give illustrations a sense of cognitive dissonance with the tone of the message."

Take a look at the Toxic Support project here:

Yuliya Osyka “Toxic Support” is a self-initiated social project, consisting of 12 illustrated posters dedicated to revealing the toxicity of phrases said to someone with depression.

Have you ever taken a personality test? A well-designed test can tell you a lot. You can identify your various strengths and weaknesses and use that knowledge to better understand and navigate your career, relationships, and more.

Why not try this one out and see what makes you tick?

Videos and Resources — The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy Check out my informative videos, workbooks and useful resources! These aim to provide you with additional tools and tips that can help you to take the first step towards living your best life.

Kimberly Friedmutter is best known for helping celebrities and star athletes through hypnosis. She's also the author of "Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind To Create The Life You’ve Always Wanted," and helps financial professionals and other entrepreneurs focus on their goals and find success even in high-stress positions.

Her work is a testament to the power of hypnosis and of your own mind. "Guided imagery, healing words, and verbal repetition" are just some of the elements she uses to help clients:

✅ build positive behaviour
✅ reduce anxiety
✅ increase motivation
✅ get rid of bad habits

Learn more about hypnosis: http://ow.ly/MIHA50K17b2

A good night's sleep is invaluable to your mental health. When you're well rested, you'll have more energy and be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way on a daily basis.

Here's a tip for improving your sleep. Put your screens away at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. Electronic devices can have a negative impact on your melatonin production. And melatonin is the hormone that helps you get to sleep.

Staying off of your devices can be a challenge, since so many of us spend most of our days on our phones and computers. But unplugging will set you up for sleep success. So try putting away those devices and letting yourself truly unwind.

Learn more from Sleep Is The Foundation:

Can Electronics Affect Quality Sleep? | Sleep Foundation Want to learn more about how electronics affect sleep? Read our guide to learn about technology in the bedroom and best practices for screen time before bed.

How has cognitive hypnotherapy or Emotional Freedom Technique impacted your life?

If you've worked with me in the past and allowed me to be a part of your mental health journey, I'd love to hear more about your experience. Understanding your perspective helps me to help you better and allows me to keep improving to help others as well.

Please feel free to leave me a review and let me know what you thought of our sessions. Your feedback is always appreciated!

A mature student attending a Canadian university found that he was feeling very anxious when it came to taking exams. His anxiety made it difficult to focus and affected his performance by leading him to make mistakes he usually wouldn't have.

He turned to hypnotherapy and learned that the issues he was facing as an adult actually stemmed from the self-doubt he'd felt so strongly as a child. He reported that hypnotherapy helped him to gradually alter his thinking and improve his confidence.

Taking exams then became much easier. His grades and performance improved. Most importantly, he had faith that he had the skills, focus, and confidence to be successful in the future as well.

This is an excellent example of how hypnotherapy works to change your thinking and help you gradually build a more positive future. Is there anything you'd like to have a more positive outlook on? Let me know in the comments 👇

Eating well fuels both your physical and mental health. Do your best not to skip meals even on busy days. Not eating enough can make you irritable and of course tired.

Having lunch around the same time every day can help you remember to take a break and refuel your body with a good meal. You can also keep some healthy snacks on hand if you find yourself getting hungry in between meals.

What's on the menu for you today?

If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction or PTSD, cognitive hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can make a huge difference. Cognitive hypnotherapy is an excellent way to change the way you view things that you currently perceive as negative.

This isn't to say that positive thinking will simply make your problems vanish. Instead, hypnotherapy also allows you to tap into the power of your subconscious mind for a deeper and different approach to what you're struggling with.

EFT (also known as tapping) is another great mental health tool for handling anxiety in the moment. It uses acupressure points on the body to help you relax so you can focus.

You can learn more about these methods, their long history and how they can help you here:

Cognitive Hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD — The First Step to Freedom Cognitive Hypnotherapy Create a Positive Future with Cognitive Hypnotherapy. Get support to overcome and manage stress, anxiety, panic attacks and PTSD. As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist based in the Bow Valley, I use hypnotherapy to help adults and children create a positive future, in-person or via Zoom video appointments.