Is Therapy for me?

Therapies come in all shapes and sizes, as do therapists and people who seek therapy. As a qualified hypnotherapist I love trying all sorts of therapies, some for relaxation and some as a treat for some 'me time'. But there are other times in our lives when certain issues or thoughts start to come to our attention more than we would like them to. At other times issues can cause us to change our behaviour and habits without us even realising. It's at these times when therapy becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. I once was very privileged to attend a workshop in London led by Naomi Fell, the American psychologist who published her research and conclusions on Validation Therapy. Its purpose was to train staff in the skills to understand what people with dementia were trying to convey when their usual powers of communication were interrupted with the illness. Dementia is a cruel illness which robs people of their intellect. Occasionally they can become upset, almost disturbed and out of character. As if they are re-living an experience. Validation therapists are trained to go into the experience with them and guide them safely to a conclusion. Although it can be a frightening experience for the person and I have to say, for the therapist as well sometimes, they can find a peace afterwards that is hard to quantify. Almost a relief. It is finished! So why am I rambling on about Naomi Fell and her Validation theory? Well her research led her to believe that, we do, throughout our lives, lock issues away deep in our subconscious minds. And often that's the best place for them. But, and here's the rub, her evidence demonstrated that at some point, it will come back to the forefront of our minds or our conscious mind as we refer to it. And when it does, we are forced to deal with it because of the effect it has on us and our day to day lives. And although her therapy was geared towards helping people with dementia cope with these recurring thoughts and problems, her advice was for us all. Her recommendation? Deal with issues when you can and while you are still able to. Because some day, you might not be as able, but they will rear their heads. Maggie Senior therapist Bee Yourself Hypnotherapy