Art Therapy Interventions & Clinical Hypnotherapy
Recently I worked with and completed a project with world renowned Art Therapist Pamela Hayes. Based in Los Angeles, California, like me Pamela is also a trained Hypnotherapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
With her background in Hypnotherapy I was eager to work together and complete this project in Art Therapy. I wanted to see how together we could incorporate and marry these two therapeutic disciplines together, without taking away any of the strengths of either therapy, whilst at the same time creating a Superpower technique that incorporates the very best of both.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication. Within this context, art is not used as diagnostic tool but as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing and distressing.
Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.
Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.
People have been relying on the arts for communication, self-expression, and healing for thousands of years. But art therapy didn't start to become a formal program until the 1940s.
Different people will have different experiences of arts and creative therapies, but in general they aim to:
*allow you to communicate thoughts and feelings that you find difficult to put into words
*help you make sense of things and understand yourself better
*give you a safe time and place with someone who won't judge you
*help you find new ways to look at problems or difficult situations
*help you to talk about complicated feelings or difficult experiences
*give you a chance to connect with other people.
For thousands of years, cultures and religions around the world have incorporated the use of carved idols and charms, as well as sacred paintings and symbols, in the healing process. The establishment of art therapy as a unique and publicly accepted therapeutic approach only took place recently, in the mid-20th century. The emergence of art therapy as a profession arose independently and simultaneously in the United States and Europe.
The term “art therapy” was coined in 1942 by British artist Adrian Hill, who discovered the healthful benefits of painting and drawing while recovering from tuberculosis.
Margaret Naumburg, Hanna Kwaitkowska, Florence Cane, Edith Kramer, and Elinor Ulman were five influential writers of the 1940s who made significant contributions towards the development of art therapy as a recognised field.
Margaret Naumberg (May 14, 1890 – February 26, 1983) was an American psychologist, educator, artist, author and among the first major theoreticians of art therapy. Prior to working in art therapy, she founded the Walden School of New York City.
Hanna Kwaitkowska was a Polish ceramics sculptress, art therapist, and child and family psychiatrist. She was the first person to document and conduct research in family art therapy practices.
Florence Cane (September 28, 1882 – 1952) was a notable American art educator whose ideas influenced the field of art therapy.
Edith Kramer (1916–2014) was an Austrian social realist painter, a follower of psychoanalytic theory and an art therapy pioneer.
Elinor Ulman taught in the Art Therapy Program from 1971 to 1988 and was an honorary life member of the American Art Therapy Association. She was founder, editor and publisher of The Bulletin of Art Therapy (now The American Journal of Art Therapy).
Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, colouring, or sculpting to help people express themselves artistically and examine the psychological and emotional undertones in their art. Clients can "decode" the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often found in these art forms, which should lead to a better understanding of their feelings and behaviour so they can move on to resolve deeper issues.
Clinical Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for the treatment and alleviation of a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. Hypnosis allows the subject to experience deep levels of relaxation and altered states. And so helps to reduce levels of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, addiction, chronic pain, self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
Combining the two therapies is an exciting new project that I am working on, using Art Therapy Interventions within Clinical Hypnotherapy sessions.
Working with Pamela, what soon became apparent was that both therapies; art therapy and clinical hypnotherapy, have intricate and delicate nuances and niches within them, separate to the other. And yet these differences lend themselves to spark and completely enhance the other.
For example, very often at the start of a hypnotherapy session the client is taken to a safe place using hypnosis. They are guided by the Hypnotherapist, under hypnosis, to their safe place. And then the client can return to this safe place at any moment during the session when they may feel the need to feel more secure, protected, and safe.
And in Art Therapy the client is asked to draw their safe place.
A perfect way to start a session using the best of both therapies is as follows;
The client draws a safe Place
Guided visualisation of the Safe Place, based on the client’s drawing
With the help of the hypnotherapist the client visits their Safe Place during Hypnosis
The client can then use all of these three techniques themselves, after the session, at home.
Many of the techniques can only be used with the help of and under the guidance of a well-qualified and experienced art therapist and / or Clinical Hypnotherapist.
However, some of the techniques used in therapy sessions can be used safely and simply by the client once they return home.
The Art Therapy & Clinical Hypnotherapy project is ongoing and I will be excited to share more with you at a later date...
In the meantime get your crayons, paints, and colouring pencils at the ready!!
Have a go at drawing:
Your safe place
Your happy place
Your adventurous place
Thank you,
Rebecca Jones (M.A. Dip PCH)
Clinical Hypnotherapist | Consultant | Author
London | Manchester | Paris | New York
Rebecca Jones | London & Manchester UK | USA | UK | Worldwide | Clinical Hypnotherapy | Mentoring | Therapy | Consultancy | Training
Addiction | Trauma | Anxiety
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
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Deansgate Manchester
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Is your drug taking linked to depression and anxiety?
Drug addiction can cause and lead to depression and anxiety.
And drug taking may also be a result of depression and anxiety.
If you would like to seek help over an addiction (alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc) then please do not hesitate to get in touch;
London | Manchester | Worldwide
Top Tips To Beat Depression & Anxiety What is depression? Depression is classified as a mood disorder. Depression is much more than feeling unhappy, sad or down for a couple of days. Many people experience periods of feeling down. However, when you are depressed you feel constantly sad for weeks or months, rather than just a couple of days. Depression is a low mood that can last for a long time, even years, and affects your everyday life. In its mildest form, depression can mean being in low spirits. It does not stop you leading your normal life but makes everything so much harder to do. Life can seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal. A major difficulty and obstacle for people suffering from depression is the fact that some people think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. Therefore, it is important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness and not imaginary or made up. It is real. The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery. Depression can affect all aspects of our lives including relationships, work and careers, family, leisure time, home life, and more. It can also affect pre-existing health conditions. Conditions that can get worse due to depression include: arthritis, asthma, cardio vascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and so on. However, feeling sad at times is a normal part of life. Upsetting events happen to everyone. But, if you’re feeling down or hopeless on a regular basis, you could be suffering with depression. Depression is considered a serious medical condition that can get worse without proper treatment. Depression & Anxiety: Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. Please see my related articles on Anxiety and PTSD. There can also be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains. There are also some specific types of depression: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season, e.g. when it is dark in Winter. Prenatal depression – depression that occurs during pregnancy. This is sometimes also called antenatal depression. Postnatal depression (PND) – depression that occurs in the weeks and months after becoming a parent. Postnatal depression is usually diagnosed in women, but it can also affect men. And the symptoms of depression can be experienced differently among men, women, and children. What causes depression? Sometimes there is a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on. People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason. Treating depression: Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, therapies, and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression. Clinical Hypnotherapy is a powerful form of therapy which is used for treating depression with extremely successful results. It allows clients to fully overcome their depression and anxiety, and make a full and rapid recovery enabling them to live happy, positive, and fulfilled lives once more. Beating depression; As well as Clinical Hypnotherapy, many people with depression also benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking / drugs, and eating healthily. Joining a support group or attending group therapy sessions can also be very worthwhile. They can help you gain a better understanding about what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your experiences with others in a similar situation to you can be very supportive. The importance of social connections and support can never be underestimated. Lifestyle changes can also be an effective way of becoming more positive in your daily activities. Here are some lifestyle changes that you can make today to beat depression and anxiety: 1. Exercise: Even a half-hour daily walk can make a big difference. But for maximum results, aim for 30 - 60 minutes of aerobic activity on most days. 2. Social support: Strong social networks reduce isolation. Isolation is a key risk factor which can cause depression. Keep in regular contact with friends and family, join an evening class, take up a new hobby, or volunteering which is a great way to get social support and help others too! 3. Nutrition: Eat well. Eat small, well-balanced meals throughout the day. Keep your energy up and minimise the sugar crash and mood swings. 4. Sleep: Sleep has an extreme and very strong effect on mood. Sleep deprivation can cause and increase irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Get enough sleep each night, (7 to 9 hours is preferable). 5. Reduce Stress: Make changes in your life to reduce stress. Too much stress can cause and increase depression. Spend some time to look at the aspects of your life that cause you stress, e.g. work overload, poor relationships, finances, poor health, etc, and then find solutions to reduce their impact. A coach or mentor can help you with this. 6. Therapeutic Techniques: Some types of therapy, such as Clinical Hypnotherapy, also teach you practical techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and employ behavioural techniques to beat depression. Therapy can also help you work through the root cause of your depression, helping you understand why you feel a certain way, what your triggers are for depression, and what you can do to stay healthy. Finding the right therapist for you: A key factor to consider when choosing a hypnotherapist or coach is your connection with this person. The right therapist will be caring and a supportive partner in your treatment and recovery. How to choose a therapist: Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good therapist. Your friends and family may have some good ideas, and always ask to see reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Your G.P. doctor may also be able to provide an initial referral. Depression medication may be the most advertised treatment for depression, but that does not mean it is the most effective. Depression is not just about a chemical imbalance in the brain. Although the 'Happy Chemicals' inside our brains can and should always be used and improved! This can be done using Clinical Hypnotherapy, without medication. (see my previous article on Happy Chemicals). Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine and Oxytocin are the 4 main Happy Chemicals in our brain that we can learn to develop, increase and use throughout our daily lives to enhance and improve our mental well-being. Learn how to do this using Clinical Hypnotherapy! Medication may help relieve some of the symptoms of moderate and severe depression, but it does not cure the underlying problem, and therefore it is not a long-term solution. Antidepressant medications also come with side effects, and withdrawal can be very difficult. Always seek the help and advice of your G.P. if you are feeling unwell. If you are wanting a safe and successful treatment for beating depression and anxiety, then Clinical Hypnotherapy may be something that you choose... And please remember that help and support is always available for you. Please do not suffer in silence... Thank you, Rebecca Jones
The Happy Chemicals Inside Your Brain, & How to Find them!
Many of us are fortunate in that we have always been naturally happy and positive. However, many people are not. So why is it that some people are always a glass half full person, when others around them are not? Instead, why are some people always a glass half empty person, negative, and sad? When others always seem to be so very happy with their lot in life? And on a more serious level, why are some people suicidal, or suffer from anxiety, PTSD, trauma, or depression?
Clinical Hypnotherapy allows us to look at this in greater detail and to make the necessary changes if we want to be happier in life.
Neuroscience and neurochemistry show us how we can train our brain, learn how to reprogramme our brains easily, and to train our brains to make us happier, and to be happier every day, day in day out.
We can do this on a scientific level, using biochemistry, our brain chemistry, with our very own chemistry set which already exists inside our heads! We don’t need anything outside of us to do this. We can simply tap into the inside of our own heads to do it.
Read on to find out more...
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system.
Neurochemistry is the study of chemicals that control and influence the physiology of the nervous system.
We have 2 brain systems; the limbic system, and the cortex;
The two brain systems;
The limbic system is a network of structures located below the cerebral cortex. It is associated with motivation, emotion, learning and memory. The limbic system is composed of 4 main parts; the hypothalamus, the amygdala, the thalamus, and the hippocampus. Stimulation of the limbic system can also trigger emotional behaviour such as aggression.
The cortex is the outer layer of the neural tissue of the cerebrum of the brain. The cerebral cortex is made of up highly packed neurons and is responsible for higher thought processes, including thinking, perceiving, sensation, memory, speech and decision-making. It is the most important part of the brain because it is what makes us human.
Your brain releases ‘Happy Chemicals’ which reward you with good feelings when you do something which your brain recognises or associates an action as something good for your survival.
There are 4 main ‘Happy Chemicals’. These are;
Endorphins; The pain-masking chemical linked to pain perception. Endorphins are Opioid Neuropeptides and peptide hormones. There are at least 20 types of endorphins in the body. Such neurotransmitters transmit electrical signals across synapses within the nervous system. They are linked to euphoria and determination. It promotes well-being and evolved for our survival. Laughing, crying, exercising (the runner’s high), and stretching all release this chemical. As does eating chilli peppers, chocolate, having a massage, and having sex. Endorphins are similar to opiate drugs such as morphine, but are in fact much stronger. The hypnothalamus requests the release of these hormones which have an analgesic effect in the body. Endorphins relieve pain, stress, and boost happiness.
Dopamine; The goal-achieving chemical. A neurotransmitter. Dopamine releases energy to help us achieve what we want in life. It is based on motivation. It is what motivates us. It is not only for the high-achievers in the world though. We all have it!! It is linked to the anticipation of happiness, rather than the actual feeling of happiness per se. It is linked to reward-motivated behaviour. Thus it is heavily linked to addictions. The dopamine released during a kiss has the same effect on the brain as taking heroin or cocaine. Moreover, Parkinson’s disease is one illness associated with a deficit in dopamine.
Serotonin; The Leadership chemical. A neurotransmitter. Serotonin is released when you feel safe and have a good level of self-respect. Ways to increase your levels of serotonin include enjoying being in the moment and where you are, as well as taking pride in your achievements and successes, no matter how big or small they are. Moreover, by learning to surrender control (as we can actually control very little in our lives – Life is unpredictable), and learning to react and respond appropriately to life’s events. Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression and anxiety, amongst other symptoms. Levels of serotonin can be increased by a healthy diet (including eggs, cheese, salmon, nuts & seeds), good sleep, Vitamin D and plenty of sunshine.
Oxytocin; The chemical of Love. It is responsible for feelings of affection and attachment. It is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It is released when people snuggle up or bond socially, as well as being released during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is associated with trust and belonging. If your trust has been betrayed, you will hold back which can leave you feeling like you don’t belong. One can build up more trust by being trustworthy oneself, having a pet and building rapport and connection, building trust with strangers, or even having a massage. These all stimulate the release of oxytocin.
However, oxytocin can also strengthen negative, painful or stressful social memories. This is one reason why childhood trauma and painful memories can live long into the future, well after the event itself.
By being more aware of our ‘Happy Chemicals’, and how to access them, we are able to increase and elevate them at will, and on demand, as and when we need them.
Using Clinical Hypnotherapy, we can reprogramme our unconscious minds to trigger and release these good feelings and chemicals naturally, thus avoiding the need to rely on external triggers such as drugs, medication, or other harmful substances and addictions in order to feel good and happy.
Clinical Hypnotherapy allows us to tap into our brains, and to discover and learn how to use these ‘happy chemicals’ more easily and readily in our everyday lives...
The theme this year is suicide prevention. I have worked with many clients who have experienced & suffered from suicidal thoughts. Help and support is available.
Check out the resources below including WAIT and Tea & Talk.
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Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | Manchester | New York
Harley Street Therapy Clinic | Harley Street | London W1
Mansion House | Queen Vic St. | London EC4
Milton Hall | Deansgate | Manchester M3
Fifth Ave Therapy Clinic | 347 Fifth Avenue | New York City | USA
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | Manchester | New York
Harley Street Therapy Clinic | Harley Street | London W1
Mansion House | Queen Vic St. | London EC4
Milton Hall | Deansgate | Manchester M3
Fifth Ave Therapy Clinic | 347 Fifth Avenue | New York City | USA
Harley Street London & Deansgate Manchester UK | Hypnotherapy Therapy | Paul McKenna Dr. Richard Bandler Rebecca Jones | Paris London Manchester New York | Worldwide Clinical Hypnotherapy | International Hypnosis | Harley Street Therapy Clinic London & Deansgate Manchester UK | Addiction Trauma Anxiety | Eating Disorders Acute Anxiety Depression OCD Anorexia Bulimia Binge Eating Disorders Trauma PTSD Addiction Social Anxiety Disorders Panic Attacks Stress Fear Phobia Mental Health Drugs Alcohol Cocaine Addiction | 2019 | 2020 | Fifth Avenue Therapy Clinic | Manhattan | New York | USA | Mansion House | The City | London | Worldwide
Harley Street Therapy Clinic | Harley Street | London W1
Mansion House | Queen Vic St. | London EC4
Milton Hall | Deansgate | Manchester M3
Fifth Ave Therapy Clinic | 347 Fifth Avenue | New York City | USA
Work in The City? No time for yourself? Check out the 5* Reviews;
Living in Manchester? Have your therapy with me in the heart of the city centre on Deansgate.
Working in the City of London? Instead of seeing me on Harley Street you can choose to have your therapy with me at Mansion House, right next door to Bloomberg, & in between Bank & St. Paul's.
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in Manchester, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | Manchester | New York
Work in The City? No time for yourself? Have your therapy with me at Mansion House, right next door to Bloomberg, & in between Bank & St. Paul's.
Harley Street Therapy Clinic | Harley Street | London W1
Mansion House | Queen Vic St. | London EC4
Milton Hall | Deansgate | Manchester M3
Fifth Ave Therapy Clinic | 347 Fifth Avenue | New York City | USA
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | Manchester | New York
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | Manchester | New York
Harley Street Therapy Clinic | Harley Street | London W1
Mansion House | Queen Vic St. | London EC4
Milton Hall | Deansgate | Manchester M3
Fifth Ave Therapy Clinic | 347 Fifth Avenue | New York City | USA
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | New York
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | New York
I work with high-profile clients, both in New York, in London, & around the world.
Whoever you are, and whichever continent you live in, we are all only human, and we will all suffer from stress and strain at some point in our lives - some more than others.
Look after your mind and your mental health - It's the only one you will get!!
Please read my latest 5* Reviews and Testimonials here;
Follow the link below;
Paris | London | New York
Addiction | Trauma | Anxiety | Specialist
Depression | PTSD | OCD | Drug & Alcohol Addiction | Trauma | Stress | Insomnia | Anxiety | Panic Attacks | Social Phobias | Eating disorders | Fears & Phobias | Addiction | Trauma | Anxiety | Social Anxiety Disorder |
If you feel you need urgent assistance please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I am here to help.
Ring; 07487524996
Email; info@paris-st-cloud.com
Please be assured that all my clients are treated with the utmost respect and discretion.
There is discreet access to my clinic and rooms.
Upon arrival you will be welcomed into the main hallway, and greeted by our reception staff. You will then be directed to the waiting room, where refreshments are available.
If preferred, I will personally come and meet you in the foyer to bring you to my rooms.
Hotel and chauffeur services are also available to ensure your appointment day runs with complete ease.
Please ask for more information when booking your appointment.
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