Winter evenings invite us to slow down. The light fades early, the air turns still, and something in us begins to reach for rest. But unwinding isn’t just about switching off—it’s about letting go. And that part often needs more than quiet. Here are three ways to help your mind actually release, especially when the season calls for restoration: #1. Create a transition, not just a ritual. Lighting a candle or making tea is lovely—but if you’ve rushed into it straight from emails or errands, your nervous system might still be bracing. Unwinding begins with a shift in pace. Try closing the day with intention: change your lighting gradually, move slowly between rooms, or narrate the change aloud (“That’s enough for today”). The body responds to cues. Give it one. #2. Choose sensory cues … [Read more...] about Unwinding Isn’t Passive: 3 Ways to Help Your Mind Actually Let Go
Mental health and mental illness
3 Things Often Forgotten When Creating a Calming Routine
Winter Evenings at Home: 3 Things Often Forgotten When Creating a Calming Routine As the winter evenings draw in and the air turns quiet, many of us feel the pull to slow down. We light candles, make tea, and try to create a sense of calm—but sometimes, even with the best intentions, something feels missing. Here are three things we often forget when setting up a calming evening routine at home—especially in winter, when the need for emotional warmth and sensory restoration is at its peak. #1. The transition matters more than the ritual. It’s easy to focus on the “what”—the bath, the book, the herbal tea. But the nervous system responds most to *how* we arrive. If we rush from task to task and then expect instant calm, we’re asking too much of ourselves. A gentle transition—closing … [Read more...] about 3 Things Often Forgotten When Creating a Calming Routine
Introducing Guided Relaxation to Children: Gentle Tools for Calm
Children feel the world deeply. Their nervous systems are still learning how to respond, regulate, and rest—and the pace of modern life doesn’t always make that easy. Guided relaxation offers a gentle way to help children feel safe in their bodies, supported in their emotions, and soothed by rhythm and story. But how do we introduce it without pressure? Without turning calm into another task? Here's some tips that should help. If you have any other tips, leave them in a comment. Tip #1: Begin with Presence, Not Performance Guided relaxation for children isn’t about getting them to “do it right.” It’s about offering a moment of emotional safety—where they can simply be. That might look like lying together on the settee with a soft blanket and a story told in a slow, calming voice. It … [Read more...] about Introducing Guided Relaxation to Children: Gentle Tools for Calm
Case Study: Hypnotherapy for Diabetes Management
Background Our 55-year-old client was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a year ago. They struggled with managing blood glucose levels, stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A hypnotherapist (Louise) was sought, to complement their medical treatment and improve their overall well-being. Initial consultation Louise conducted a thorough assessment of their lifestyle, stress levels, and diabetes management challenges. A thorough explanation of hypnosis was provided, in addition to the opportunity to ask questions and experience hypnosis. Session 1: Stress Reduction and Conditioning The primary goal of this session was to reduce stress, which is known to elevate blood sugar levels². The hypnotherapist used progressive muscle relaxation techniques and guided imagery to help them achieve … [Read more...] about Case Study: Hypnotherapy for Diabetes Management
Understanding Self-Worth, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Love
In the journey of personal development and mental well-being, terms like self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-love often come up. While they are interconnected and sometimes used interchangeably, each concept has its unique significance and impact on our lives. Understanding these differences can help us cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves and improve our overall quality of life. In this article, we will delve into the definitions of self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-love, explore how they are similar and different, and discuss practical ways to enhance each aspect. Whether you're looking to boost your own sense of self or you're a hypnotherapist looking to support your clients in their personal growth, this comprehensive guide will provide … [Read more...] about Understanding Self-Worth, Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem, and Self-Love
Is hypnotherapy right for me?
Hypnotherapy, a therapeutic technique that employs hypnosis to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility, has been a subject of intrigue and debate within the medical and psychological communities. As individuals seek alternative methods to address their health concerns, many wonder, "Is hypnotherapy or hypnosis right for me?" This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity on the matter, drawing upon the latest insights and expert opinions. Understanding Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy utilises the hypnotic state to encourage positive changes in an individual's behavior, emotions, and thoughts. It is often considered for conditions such as anxiety, stress, phobias, and habit disorders. However, it is suitable for a huge variety of physical, psychological, emotional, … [Read more...] about Is hypnotherapy right for me?
Always thinking the worst?
Do you often imagine the worst possible outcome of a situation? Do you worry excessively about things that are unlikely to happen? Do you feel anxious and stressed about the future? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing a kind of cognitive distortion known as catastrophising. What is catastrophising? Catastrophising is a type of negative thinking that involves exaggerating the probability and severity of negative events. For example, if you make a mistake at work, you may think that you will lose your job, ruin your reputation, and never find another job. Or if your partner is late for a date, you may think that they have been in an accident, cheated on you, or left you for someone else. What is the impact of catastrophising? Catastrophising can have a … [Read more...] about Always thinking the worst?
FAQs
What happens in a consultation? Your consultation is a relaxed, confidential space where we’ll explore your needs, set clear goals, and discuss how hypnotherapy or guided wellness sessions might support you. Occasionally, hypnotherapy may not be the right fit at that moment. If that’s the case, I’ll explain why and offer a helpful next step—whether that’s future support through Hypnotic Universe or a recommendation to another trusted service. How much does a session cost? Pricing varies depending on the type of session or programme—whether it’s one-to-one hypnotherapy, a guided relaxation class, a confidence-building workshop, or something else. Just get in touch and I’ll be happy to provide details tailored to what you’re looking for. How long is a session or class? It … [Read more...] about FAQs
Free relaxation audio download
Hi all, we have a free relaxation audio here for those who'd like to introduce more stress management activities into their hectic lives. I hope you enjoy the download and have a beautiful, relaxing weekend! Download below: https://hypnoticuniverse.org/shop/free-special-place-relaxation-audio/ … [Read more...] about Free relaxation audio download
Case study: overthinking and anxiety
You are about to read a mini case study that shows how I use hypnotherapy to help people achieve their goals. If you have any questions about this case study, feel free to leave a comment. Meet John* John is a 35 year old software engineer who lives in the north of England with his wife Lisa and their 3 children; F (6), M (4) and M (3). John has some traits and behaviours which he was now feeling thoroughly miserable about: He has always been a perfectionist and a worrier. He spends hours analysing every detail of his work, his relationships, and his life. He constantly questions his decisions and doubts himself. He also imagines worst-case scenarios and worries about things that might go wrong. This makes him feel anxious, stressed, and unhappy, especially since his … [Read more...] about Case study: overthinking and anxiety
