News Archives from 2015 |

17th December 2015
Blue Monday
Blue Monday is the name given to the third Monday in January. This falls next on Monday 18th January in 2016. It reflects a feeling of post-Christmas blues, the return to work or school, the cold dark nights and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. The idea is that by doing a small, or large act of kindness for others on that day, it can make us feel good when we help other people – friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues at work. I agree with this, but I also believe that we should think about being kind to ourselves and to acknowledge how we feel, think and behave. Perhaps it’s time to deal with that issue that we have ignored for too long and start to make the positive change in our lives that we deserve?
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be”.
Blue Monday
Blue Monday is the name given to the third Monday in January. This falls next on Monday 18th January in 2016. It reflects a feeling of post-Christmas blues, the return to work or school, the cold dark nights and the arrival of unpaid credit card bills. The idea is that by doing a small, or large act of kindness for others on that day, it can make us feel good when we help other people – friends, family members, neighbours or colleagues at work. I agree with this, but I also believe that we should think about being kind to ourselves and to acknowledge how we feel, think and behave. Perhaps it’s time to deal with that issue that we have ignored for too long and start to make the positive change in our lives that we deserve?
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be”.

Women2Web
In addition to seeing clients during November and December, I attended several sessions of the excellent “Women2Web” programme which includes workshops, networking and practical sessions designed to support women running their own small businesses in Worcestershire. I attended sessions on topics such as “Business apps” and “Safer social media” and I found them all really useful, interesting and fun. I am not hooked on IT for IT’s sake, but much more importantly in terms of what it can do for my business to save me time, make things more efficient and customer focussed and ultimately help me to improve my own work-life balance. In addition to the subject content of the sessions, I always find the opportunity to network with other people so helpful and inspiring as we are able to share ideas and good practice with each other.
In addition to seeing clients during November and December, I attended several sessions of the excellent “Women2Web” programme which includes workshops, networking and practical sessions designed to support women running their own small businesses in Worcestershire. I attended sessions on topics such as “Business apps” and “Safer social media” and I found them all really useful, interesting and fun. I am not hooked on IT for IT’s sake, but much more importantly in terms of what it can do for my business to save me time, make things more efficient and customer focussed and ultimately help me to improve my own work-life balance. In addition to the subject content of the sessions, I always find the opportunity to network with other people so helpful and inspiring as we are able to share ideas and good practice with each other.

National Council for Hypnotherapy
I also attended some professional networking events recently. I have been involved in setting up a “National Council for Hypnotherapy” peer group meeting for other therapists in Worcestershire and Warwickshire. If you are a therapist and would like to join us at our meetings during 2016 please get in touch with me.
I also attended some professional networking events recently. I have been involved in setting up a “National Council for Hypnotherapy” peer group meeting for other therapists in Worcestershire and Warwickshire. If you are a therapist and would like to join us at our meetings during 2016 please get in touch with me.

Evesham Natural Health Centre
Fellow therapists at Evesham Natural Health Centre asked me to give a talk recently. Most of them focus on physical therapies and I was able to tell them a bit more about my background and training. They now understand more about hypnotherapy and coaching and what it is I do with clients in my room at ENHC. I enjoyed sharing this information with colleagues and explaining to them that I get great satisfaction from working with clients and helping them to make positive changes in their lives.
Fellow therapists at Evesham Natural Health Centre asked me to give a talk recently. Most of them focus on physical therapies and I was able to tell them a bit more about my background and training. They now understand more about hypnotherapy and coaching and what it is I do with clients in my room at ENHC. I enjoyed sharing this information with colleagues and explaining to them that I get great satisfaction from working with clients and helping them to make positive changes in their lives.
Finally, this month, I would like to wish you a peaceful and merry Christmas and a happy New Year

6th November 2015
Do you feel stressed?
On 4th November 2015 it was National Stress Awareness Day. Just think for a moment, are there stresses in your life that are holding you back and causing you unwanted physical or emotional symptoms? Sometimes there are so many things going on that we just don’t seem to have the time to think about finding ways to reduce the tension, anxiety and stress in our lives.
At work there may be redundancies taking place, relationship conflicts between colleagues or concerns about the reputation of the business. At school or college there may be pressure of exams or course work, peer pressure, inspections and budget reductions. At home you or a member of your family, may have relationship difficulties, you may be coping with illness or be managing caring responsibilities for other people, due to their age or disability. And now Christmas is getting closer and there is so much you want to get done by then.
You are not alone and you have a right to prioritise your own health and well-being so that you feel calmer, happier and more relaxed. Contact me and we can work together to help you to focus on what you DO want to happen and not what you don’t want to happen.
Do you feel stressed?
On 4th November 2015 it was National Stress Awareness Day. Just think for a moment, are there stresses in your life that are holding you back and causing you unwanted physical or emotional symptoms? Sometimes there are so many things going on that we just don’t seem to have the time to think about finding ways to reduce the tension, anxiety and stress in our lives.
At work there may be redundancies taking place, relationship conflicts between colleagues or concerns about the reputation of the business. At school or college there may be pressure of exams or course work, peer pressure, inspections and budget reductions. At home you or a member of your family, may have relationship difficulties, you may be coping with illness or be managing caring responsibilities for other people, due to their age or disability. And now Christmas is getting closer and there is so much you want to get done by then.
You are not alone and you have a right to prioritise your own health and well-being so that you feel calmer, happier and more relaxed. Contact me and we can work together to help you to focus on what you DO want to happen and not what you don’t want to happen.

Milton Erickson
Milton Hyland Erickson was an American psychiatrist and psychologist specializing in medical hypnosis and family therapy. He once said “People do not come into therapy to change their past but to change their future”
Milton Hyland Erickson was an American psychiatrist and psychologist specializing in medical hypnosis and family therapy. He once said “People do not come into therapy to change their past but to change their future”

19th October 2015
Packtypes Course
I attended an enjoyable and interesting course last week. It was based on a pack of cards designed by Will Murray and is a fun way to help people to become more self-aware. Also allows you to understand other people, respect the differences and appreciate the dynamics. This simple but powerful tool, can be used by people in business, or with family and friends, and in many other environments and has been used by all ages. It provides people with a way to take control of their own attitudes and to increase their confidence, openness, motivation and aspiration.
To find out more go to www.packtypes.com
Packtypes Course
I attended an enjoyable and interesting course last week. It was based on a pack of cards designed by Will Murray and is a fun way to help people to become more self-aware. Also allows you to understand other people, respect the differences and appreciate the dynamics. This simple but powerful tool, can be used by people in business, or with family and friends, and in many other environments and has been used by all ages. It provides people with a way to take control of their own attitudes and to increase their confidence, openness, motivation and aspiration.
To find out more go to www.packtypes.com

The Society of Stress Managers
Following my talk to the SSM in May 2015, a summary of my talk was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Stress Management.
Then in early October, I attended the AGM of the SSM in Derby.
I am honoured to say that at that meeting, I was elected as a Director of the SSM. This is a great opportunity for me to continue to learn from other experienced hypnotherapists.
I will do all I can to support colleagues on the Council of Management and the members of the SSM.
Following my talk to the SSM in May 2015, a summary of my talk was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Stress Management.
Then in early October, I attended the AGM of the SSM in Derby.
I am honoured to say that at that meeting, I was elected as a Director of the SSM. This is a great opportunity for me to continue to learn from other experienced hypnotherapists.
I will do all I can to support colleagues on the Council of Management and the members of the SSM.

28th September 2015
I have always liked autumn and it can be a great time to make a fresh start.
“Stoptober” is a 28 day NHS campaign to encourage people to give up smoking during October. Evidence shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to give up for good. Hypnotherapy is often used to help clients achieve the behavioural change needed to stop smoking. As a registered member of The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) the UK regulator for complementary therapists, I can help you to stop smoking. All you need to do is to get in touch and make an appointment.
I have always liked autumn and it can be a great time to make a fresh start.
“Stoptober” is a 28 day NHS campaign to encourage people to give up smoking during October. Evidence shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to give up for good. Hypnotherapy is often used to help clients achieve the behavioural change needed to stop smoking. As a registered member of The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) the UK regulator for complementary therapists, I can help you to stop smoking. All you need to do is to get in touch and make an appointment.
26th August 2015
Did you know that “Hypnosis” comes from the Greek word “Hypnos” meaning sleep? Hypnosis is “a natural and enjoyable state of heightened awareness frequently associated with relaxation.” However, contrary to what some people think, you are not asleep when you are in a hypnotic trance - you remain completely in control and can choose to open your eyes and stop at any time. Most clients don’t want to however, because they find it a very enjoyable and relaxing experience
Did you know that “Hypnosis” comes from the Greek word “Hypnos” meaning sleep? Hypnosis is “a natural and enjoyable state of heightened awareness frequently associated with relaxation.” However, contrary to what some people think, you are not asleep when you are in a hypnotic trance - you remain completely in control and can choose to open your eyes and stop at any time. Most clients don’t want to however, because they find it a very enjoyable and relaxing experience
Dorothy M Neddermeyer said “Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it”.
Hypnotherapy can help us to learn, to see things differently and to appreciate that we have options. We are free to choose our attitude and the way that we deal with events in life.

I think that Buddha was right when he said “The mind is everything. What you think, you become”.

24th July 2015
In addition to hypnotherapy sessions, I also offer coaching sessions to help you, your employees, your friends and family members. Some of the things that coaching can be used for includes:
* Putting together a life plan, understanding our aims and goals
* Finding ways to reduce stress in our lives
* Building and fulfilling a work/life balance
* Improving our ability to relate to others
* Improving our self-awareness, self-discipline and motivation
* Improving our health and well-being routines and sporting performance
It is amazing how good it feels to be listened to empathetically and to be given support and time to explore issues that really matter to you.
If you are a manager, coaching can be used in a work context to:
* Motivate and inspire people
* Improve people’s skills and help them to learn
* Get the most out of people, improve productivity and achieve targets
* Enable people to work more effectively as a team
* Encourage people to think differently and “outside of the box”
* Improve people’s confidence and self-esteem
* Support people through major change and restructures
* Help people to recognise their own transferrable skills
If you would like to know more please get in touch to discuss your needs
In addition to hypnotherapy sessions, I also offer coaching sessions to help you, your employees, your friends and family members. Some of the things that coaching can be used for includes:
* Putting together a life plan, understanding our aims and goals
* Finding ways to reduce stress in our lives
* Building and fulfilling a work/life balance
* Improving our ability to relate to others
* Improving our self-awareness, self-discipline and motivation
* Improving our health and well-being routines and sporting performance
It is amazing how good it feels to be listened to empathetically and to be given support and time to explore issues that really matter to you.
If you are a manager, coaching can be used in a work context to:
* Motivate and inspire people
* Improve people’s skills and help them to learn
* Get the most out of people, improve productivity and achieve targets
* Enable people to work more effectively as a team
* Encourage people to think differently and “outside of the box”
* Improve people’s confidence and self-esteem
* Support people through major change and restructures
* Help people to recognise their own transferrable skills
If you would like to know more please get in touch to discuss your needs

George Eliot once said “It’s never too late to be what you might have been”.
Here are a couple of anonymous sayings that I find quite inspiring...
“One of the simplest ways to stay happy is to let go of all the things that make you sad”
“You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind”
In addition to my professional hypnotherapy and coaching qualifications, my professional insurance cover and the fact that I abide by professional codes of ethics, I have also obtained an Enhanced DBS Certificate this month (what used to be called a CRB check) .
Here are a couple of anonymous sayings that I find quite inspiring...
“One of the simplest ways to stay happy is to let go of all the things that make you sad”
“You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind”
In addition to my professional hypnotherapy and coaching qualifications, my professional insurance cover and the fact that I abide by professional codes of ethics, I have also obtained an Enhanced DBS Certificate this month (what used to be called a CRB check) .

16th June 2015
I first heard the saying “There is no failure, only feedback” on a management training course and it is another one of the NLP pre-suppositions that I mentioned last month. It reminds me that we can choose our attitude in life. Even though things don’t always work out the way that we want them to, we should ask ourselves what we have learned from them. If we think about all experiences as learning experiences, then it becomes easier to take a step backwards from time to time, to look at the big picture and consider how we might do something differently next time in order to improve things and to achieve success
I first heard the saying “There is no failure, only feedback” on a management training course and it is another one of the NLP pre-suppositions that I mentioned last month. It reminds me that we can choose our attitude in life. Even though things don’t always work out the way that we want them to, we should ask ourselves what we have learned from them. If we think about all experiences as learning experiences, then it becomes easier to take a step backwards from time to time, to look at the big picture and consider how we might do something differently next time in order to improve things and to achieve success

Henry Ford once said “If you always do what you’ve always done, then you will always get what you’ve always got”. In your home life, relationships or at work, do you feel as if you are constantly hitting your head against a brick wall, that you are always making the same mistake, or that something is obviously the fault of that “difficult” colleague? If so, then hypnotherapy or coaching can help you.
A simple but important thing to remember is that knowing exactly what you DO want and focusing on that, is a good help towards achieving it. Is there anything that you would like to change about how you think, feel or behave?
Since expanding the business, Jo Hand – Hypnotherapy & Coaching, a few months ago, I have seen several clients at Alcester already. In addition I continue to see clients at Evesham too.
A simple but important thing to remember is that knowing exactly what you DO want and focusing on that, is a good help towards achieving it. Is there anything that you would like to change about how you think, feel or behave?
Since expanding the business, Jo Hand – Hypnotherapy & Coaching, a few months ago, I have seen several clients at Alcester already. In addition I continue to see clients at Evesham too.

20th May 2015
World No Tobacco Day is organised by the World Health Organisation and held on the 31st May. The theme for 2015 is to stop the illicit trade of tobacco products, as illegal tobacco products cause many problems including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. If you would like to know more about how I can help you to stop smoking, please get in touch.
World No Tobacco Day is organised by the World Health Organisation and held on the 31st May. The theme for 2015 is to stop the illicit trade of tobacco products, as illegal tobacco products cause many problems including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. If you would like to know more about how I can help you to stop smoking, please get in touch.

On 15th May I attended a meeting of the Society of Stress Managers. I gave a talk about “NLP Coaching”. NLP stands for
- Neuro – the mind and how we think about the world
- Linguistic – how we use language and how it affects us
- Programming – how we sequence actions to achieve goals
- the map is not the territory
- a person is not his or her behaviour
- people have all the resources they need to bring about change and success
- every behaviour has a positive intention

Relax and get ready for your holiday!
Over the years I have noticed adverts encouraging us to lose weight and get our bodies into shape before a holiday, but what about our minds? I know how difficult it can be if you have a busy job, caring responsibilities, exams or other stresses in your life, to slow your thoughts down, learn to let go and to focus on yourself – even for a few days. And yet this is a really helpful thing to do. It can help you in the short term to relax and enjoy a holiday with loved ones without worrying about what is going on elsewhere without you. In addition, in the longer term it can help you to think about things in a different way, to put things in perspective and to improve your health, well-being and work-life balance.
The Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) states that “Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours”. It goes on to say that “Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal”.
Over the years I have noticed adverts encouraging us to lose weight and get our bodies into shape before a holiday, but what about our minds? I know how difficult it can be if you have a busy job, caring responsibilities, exams or other stresses in your life, to slow your thoughts down, learn to let go and to focus on yourself – even for a few days. And yet this is a really helpful thing to do. It can help you in the short term to relax and enjoy a holiday with loved ones without worrying about what is going on elsewhere without you. In addition, in the longer term it can help you to think about things in a different way, to put things in perspective and to improve your health, well-being and work-life balance.
The Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) states that “Hypnotherapy is a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours”. It goes on to say that “Hypnotherapy may be found to be helpful for those seeking relief from a range of problems and is used alongside a person’s own willpower and motivation to seek a desired goal”.

30th April 2015
The chairs in my room at Evesham Natural Health Centre are Poang (from IKEA). Very comfortable, ideal for getting into a relaxed state.
Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right". In hypnotherapy, we help clients to notice that the way that we think affects the way that we feel, and that the way that we feel affects our behaviour. If we make just a small change, it can have a big impact.
I have joined the Society of Stress Managers and have been asked to speak at their next meeting on the subject of "NLP Coaching as a management and therapeutic tool".
You can now find me on LinkedIn.
The chairs in my room at Evesham Natural Health Centre are Poang (from IKEA). Very comfortable, ideal for getting into a relaxed state.
Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you are right". In hypnotherapy, we help clients to notice that the way that we think affects the way that we feel, and that the way that we feel affects our behaviour. If we make just a small change, it can have a big impact.
I have joined the Society of Stress Managers and have been asked to speak at their next meeting on the subject of "NLP Coaching as a management and therapeutic tool".
You can now find me on LinkedIn.

21st March 2015
National Council for Hypnotherapy “Extravaganza”
I attended a conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London last weekend. It was a great opportunity to keep learning, to be inspired and to network with colleagues.
Did you know that…
Everyone creates their own version of reality
We are not our thoughts – they are transitory and disappear
In addition to physical needs like food and sleep, we all have emotional needs which need to be met in balanced ways
Research shows that self-control can help us to be successful, happy and healthy
A thought has no life of its own – it is our reaction to a thought that fuels it
National Council for Hypnotherapy “Extravaganza”
I attended a conference at the Royal Society of Medicine in London last weekend. It was a great opportunity to keep learning, to be inspired and to network with colleagues.
Did you know that…
Everyone creates their own version of reality
We are not our thoughts – they are transitory and disappear
In addition to physical needs like food and sleep, we all have emotional needs which need to be met in balanced ways
Research shows that self-control can help us to be successful, happy and healthy
A thought has no life of its own – it is our reaction to a thought that fuels it

23rd February 2015
This month, I have expanded JO HAND - Hypnotherapy & Coaching to a second location - Alcester Health Centre in Fields Park Drive.
I will continue to see clients at Evesham Natural Health Centre too.