We take a look at a commonly misunderstood approach and how it can help during menopause
For women and those with uteruses, menopause signals the end of reproduction as the last egg is released. Despite it being a totally natural process, it can cause some unwelcome symptoms including brain fog, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, mood swings, hot flashes and even a loss of confidence.
Everyone will be affected differently, with some struggling with debilitating symptoms and others experiencing only mild changes. For those finding menopause difficult, reaching out for support can help. This may look like speaking to your doctor and trying HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and/or seeking holistic support through nutrition and other therapies.
In an interview with Happiful, Dr Louise Newson discusses how we can work with healthcare practitioners to get the support you deserve during perimenopause and menopause.
A tool we’re keen to shine a light on is hypnotherapy, a tool that may feel shrouded in mystery, but one that could offer the support you need.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is an approach that works with your subconscious to encourage positive change. A hypnotherapist will guide you into a state of deep relaxation, and it’s in this state that our subconscious becomes more open to suggestion.
Using different techniques, hypnotherapists can then help to uncover underlying blocks or issues, bring about behavioural change and even encourage more helpful ways of thinking. When the work has been done, your hypnotherapist will bring you out of your relaxed state.
Unlike stage hypnosis which appears as if it’s making people do things they aren’t aware of, hypnotherapy is very different. Throughout the process, you remain in control and can pull yourself out of relaxation whenever you want. While you’ll feel deeply relaxed, you’ll be awake and aware of what’s happening.
Learn more about what really happens in a hypnotherapy session in this video.
How can hypnotherapy help with menopause symptoms?
Thanks to its versatile nature, hypnotherapy can help with a number of menopause symptoms, both physical and mental.
“As hypnotherapy involves the use of therapeutic techniques with hypnosis where it is believed that the subconscious mind is directly engaged, it can be of enormous benefit to those needing support with some of the thoughts and emotional issues that menopause brings.” Explains hypnotherapist Laura Hawkins, Dip. Hyp., Adv.DPLT, DPLT, GQHP, B.Ed. Hons in her article Menopause - what isn’t talked about.
In terms of some of the physical symptoms hypnotherapy could help with, hot flashes can be explored by hypnotherapists helping to lower the perception of heat to make them less intense. Sleep disturbances can also be helped by encouraging relaxation and changing any thought patterns leading to wakefulness.
Many people find hypnotherapy effective in relieving anxiety and low moods too. During hypnosis, positive thought processes can be suggested to help develop emotional resilience and coping skills. This can be helpful if you’re noticing mood changes or an increase in anxiety during menopause.
Finally, hypnotherapy can help to build up self-confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes the process of menopause can cause people to feel a loss of identity which can shake confidence. Encouraging a more self-compassionate approach and positive mindset, hypnotherapy can help you feel like you again.
“Hypnotherapy equips women with valuable tools to navigate the challenges of menopause. By fostering a positive mindset, enhancing emotional well-being, and promoting relaxation, hypnotherapy enables women to embrace this transition with resilience and grace.” Explains Claire Williamson, Hypnotherapist Dip Cp, Dip Hyp, LHS MSC in her article, Hypnotherapy for the menopause journey.
Interested to learn more? Get in touch with a hypnotherapist today to start your journey.
