Lisa Murphy Counselling & Hypnotherapy

Relationship Counselling for Guilt

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Relationship counselling for guilt is something that I get asked about a lot around this time of year. And it’s not surprising, when you look at the data. According to a recent study, the second most common time for relationships to break up is two weeks before Christmas (the number one time is, believe it or not, Valentine’s Day!) So why do so many people need relationship counselling at a time of year that’s supposed to be so full of love and goodwill? Here are a few examples that may help explain. New Year, New (Single) You As the NewContinue Reading

Hypnotherapy for anxiety

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Hypnotherapy for anxiety: 5 reasons why it’s a good choice Hypnotherapy for anxiety isn’t generally the first thing people think of when they’re looking for help with anxious thoughts and feelings. In fact, you might think of hypnotherapy as something that usually happens onstage, with various people ‘falling under the spell’ of the hypnotist and being made to do ridiculous things in the name of entertainment. And that probably makes you feel even more anxious! There’s no need to worry however, as hypnotherapy is very different to stage hypnosis, and it’s actually an excellent choice of therapy for anxiety. ReadContinue Reading

2 minute practice to help reduce anger and anxiety

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This simple daily practice will help you to reduce any anger, anxiety or stress that’s building up inside. It can be done anywhere – you could be out in public, waiting in a queue at the post office, or sitting in a traffic jam. All you have to do is develop a regular practice of checking in with your body. Just send your awareness within, scan around your body, and PAY ATTENTION to how you’re feeling. Reduce anger and anxiety Don’t leave it too late I don’t mean you should do this when you’re already at the height of anyContinue Reading

Hypnotherapy for emotional eating

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Hypnotherapy for emotional eating is often the last resort for many.  Most of the people who come to me have already been through various diet programs and weight loss groups.  They might see some success in the short term, but those emotional eating patterns just come back with a vengeance. Because – and I say this so many times I sound like a broken record – it’s NOT about the food.  We all know what we should be eating to lose weight and get healthy. It’s about our mindset, and the self-sabotage that kicks in when we try to giveContinue Reading

Counselling vs Hypnotherapy – which is best?

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As a counsellor and hypnotherapist I often get asked the question ‘which is better – counselling or hypnotherapy? There’s no real direct answer to that question because both have their own strengths. And of course, all counsellors and hypnotherapists work in their own unique way. But hopefully this blog can give you a general idea. (Here’s a video summary too): Counselling Counselling is generally sought out by people who have something on their minds that they really need to talk about. The aim of counselling is to provide a safe, confidential space in which you can talk to a professional;Continue Reading

How to meditate – beginner’s guide

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Would you like to learn how to meditate? Meditation has been shown to improve health and well-being in so many ways. Studies demonstrate that it can improve brain function, reduce cravings, strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety and anger, bring high blood pressure down, and even reduce physical pain. Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime, and it’s completely FREE. So why don’t more people do it? I think a lot people don’t bother learning how to meditate, as it can often be thought of as very mysterious or difficult in many ways. But in reality, it’s a very simple procedure. Continue Reading

Phone Therapy Sessions

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Phone therapy sessions are often overlooked in favour of face-to-face therapy; yet they can be very useful in many ways. In fact a recent study showed that telephone therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy. In this article I’ve highlighted 8 ways that phone therapy services can be helpful. Prefer a video version of this blog?  Click below for the vlog on YouTube: 8 advantages of phone therapy sessions 1. Phone therapy sessions are convenient The most obvious advantage to phone therapy sessions is that they’re convenient. You could relax in the comfort of your own home andContinue Reading

Low Self Esteem in Older Women

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Low self esteem is on the rise Low self esteem in older women – particularly around looks and appearance – is on the increase, according to a recent study. And it’s hardly surprising really, given the increasing focus on how we perceive that we ‘should’ look. Social media pressures These times of Facebook Live videos and Instagram selfies may suit the young beautiful people, but the harsh magnifying glass of social media isn’t so kind to more mature faces. All those lines and supposed ‘imperfections’ are out there for the world to see, and once you get to a certainContinue Reading

Can tea reduce anxiety?

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A cup of tea is often the first thing we reach for when we’re feeling anxious. There’s something about that feeling of familiarity that gives us a sense of comfort when everything around us is falling into chaos. Can a cuppa really reduce anxiety? You might be surprised to know that there’s actually some solid science behind it all. When we drink a warm drink, our vagus nerve is stimulated, which sends us feelings of calmness. Keep calm – it’s time for a cuppa What is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is an extremely important nerve that is involvedContinue Reading

Help binge eating with mindfulness

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Binge eating is an increasingly common problem nowadays. It can often creep up on people unnoticed, and before they know it it’s taken over their lives. What is binge eating? Binge eating disorder is the act of compulsively eating excessive amounts of food on a regular basis.  Sufferers often feel unable to stop, and lose control over the ability to regulate their food intake. Binge eating can lead to weight gain, and other health issues, both physical and mental. How can mindfulness be helpful for binge eating? A central problem with binge eating is one of disconnection: disconnection of theContinue Reading