Since I first shared my personal journey to healing CFS, I have gotten a lot of inquiries from people with chronic illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. I thought I would dedicate a post to explaining how I use Depth Hypnosis to support the healing process for CFS/ME and other chronic illnesses.
In Depth Hypnosis there is an understanding that when someone has a problem that goes unresolved on a spiritual level, it becomes a problem on a mental level. When someone has a problem that goes unresolved on a mental level, it becomes a problem on an emotional level. When someone has a problem that goes unresolved on an emotional level, it becomes a problem on a physical level. This understanding has been supported by many studies on trauma and its effects on physical health.
With this understanding, Depth Hypnosis treats physical illness and pain as though it were a map which points to the places where someone has unresolved problems or trauma. Some of the underlying things that commonly surface for CFS/ME sufferers either as a cause or as a result of chronic illness are:
Disconnect or misunderstanding of what their purpose or needs are (presents in depression, anger)
A lack of boundaries around those needs (anger, frustration, relationship problems)
Various traumas or misguided understandings from childhood or young adulthood resulting in a state of power-loss
Dissociative behaviors
Negative thinking patterns (with origins both before and after illness)
Self-criticism/perfectionism
Self-sacrificing behaviors
Resistance to healing or restorative care AND/OR:
Trying many new healing and restorative practices without dedication or commitment
Cycling energy in draining emotional and mental processes such as anxiety
I take a holistic approach to these presenting problems through inquiry, somatic-based regression hypnosis (letting the body and presenting symptoms guide us to the root causes and introducing resolution and healing at the root), mindfulness training, feedback and suggested approaches to various lifestyle modifications, and the careful introduction of gentle movement and physical strength building. Occasionally, I will also employ suggestion hypnosis to help clients who are deeply impeded by certain symptoms like pain or difficulty sleeping.
Treatment length varies widely among clients depending upon their level of illness, their relationship to illness, and their relationship to healing. I recommend beginning with weekly sessions with the possibility of spacing them out more as progress is made. For those that are unsure or doubtful about finding resolution with Depth Hypnosis, I always say, "You will make progress. I can't promise that you will be 100% cured, though that is a possibility. But, I do promise that you will make progress and gain valuable insights on your healing journey and will be in a better place than when you started."
If you would like to make an appointment to see whether Depth Hypnosis would be a good fit for you, contact me or book a free 20 minute phone consultation.