Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy Blog

Every day, we make thousands of decisions, yet many of our behaviours happen almost automatically. Brushing your teeth, checking your phone after waking up, putting on a seatbelt, or making a cup of coffee often require little conscious thought. These are habits: behaviours that have become so ingrained through repetition that they are performed with minimal mental effort. Habits can work for us or against us. Healthy habits such as exercising regularly or preparing nutritiou

For decades, intelligence quotient (IQ) was considered the gold standard for predicting success. A high IQ was thought to open doors to academic achievement, prestigious careers, and financial security. While cognitive ability certainly plays an important role, research over the past several decades has shown that intelligence alone is only one piece of the puzzle. Increasingly, psychologists have recognised the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ), the ability to recogn

Gratitude is often thought of as a simple, even polite emotion, something we express when someone holds a door open or gives us a gift. Yet in psychological research, gratitude is far more than good manners. It is a powerful emotional process that can shape how we regulate emotions, relate to others, and experience long-term wellbeing. Rather than being just a fleeting feeling, gratitude can be understood as a mental habit that shifts attention away from what is lacking and t

Some places stay with you long after you leave. For me, Bali was one of them. During my trip, I found myself feeling unusually calm, present, and genuinely happy in a way that felt difficult to fully explain. There was something about the atmosphere of the island that felt almost magical: the daily offerings placed outside homes and shops, the sense of spirituality woven into everyday life, the slower pace, the connection to nature, and the warmth of the people. Like many tra

Stress is often seen as something to avoid at all costs. It’s associated with burnout, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed. But this view only tells part of the story. Not all stress is harmful. In fact, a certain type of stress—known as eustress —can actually improve performance, increase motivation, and strengthen resilience. Understanding the difference between helpful and harmful stress can change the way you approach challenges in everyday life. Instead of trying to elimina

Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of thinking that influence the way we perceive, interpret, and respond to information. They are mental shortcuts, or heuristics, that the brain uses to process complex information quickly. While these shortcuts can be helpful in many situations, they often lead to errors in judgment, flawed decisions, and misinterpretation of reality. Understanding the most common cognitive biases can help you make more informed choices, improve critic

Most adults can describe their opinions, explain ideas or discuss complex topics with ease. Yet when it comes to describing emotions, many people suddenly struggle. Instead of clearly saying “I feel hurt”, “I feel anxious”, or “I feel disappointed”, conversations often become vague or indirect. People might say things like “I think this is unfair”, “I feel like nobody listens”, or simply “I’m stressed”. In everyday language, thoughts and emotions often become mixed together.

Do you ever find yourself replaying the same conversations, imagining every possible scenario, or analysing every decision long after it’s over? Overthinking can feel exhausting, relentless, and even overwhelming. Yet it is not a flaw in your personality – it is a learned mental habit. The good news is that it can be retrained, and cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) offers practical ways to break the cycle. Why the Brain Loops Thoughts Overthinking is rooted in the brai

Psychology is one of the most fascinating and widely applied sciences, yet it’s also a field rife with misconceptions. Many beliefs about the human mind and behaviour are persistent, intuitive, and often outdated. Let’s explore some of the most common myths in psychology and what research actually shows. Myth 1: Milgram’s Obedience Experiments Proved Humans Will Blindly Harm Others When Ordered By Authority One of the most famous studies in social psychology is Stanley Milgra

Sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined. Poor sleep does more than leave you feeling tired—it affects your mood, cognition, emotional resilience, and even physical health. Understanding this connection is the first step toward building better sleep habits and supporting your overall wellbeing. How Sleep Affects Mental Health Sleep is a critical time for your brain to process emotions, consolidate memories, and restore balance in neurotransmitters and stress hormones. W

Big life changes often arrive with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Whether you are preparing for parenthood, moving abroad, changing careers, entering a new relationship, or stepping into a completely different phase of life, transitions challenge not only your practical routines but also your emotional stability. Many people focus on logistics when facing change: planning, organising, researching, and preparing externally. Yet the most important preparation often ha

It’s easy to underestimate the power of our own thoughts. We often assume that what goes on in our minds only affects our mood or emotional state. In reality, the way we think can have profound effects on our physical health, from immune function and heart health to digestion and sleep quality. Understanding this mind–body connection is a crucial step toward taking control of both mental and physical wellbeing. How Thoughts Influence the Body Our thoughts are closely linked t

Most people know what they want to do. Exercise more. Stop procrastinating. Set boundaries. Start that project. Go to bed earlier. Make healthier choices. Yet knowing what is good for us and actually doing it are often two very different things. Many clients come to therapy feeling frustrated with themselves, believing they lack discipline or willpower. In reality, motivation is far more complex than simply “trying harder”. Human behaviour is shaped by psychology, emotion, h

Ending a relationship, whether it’s been long-term or relatively brief, can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. Alongside sadness, anger, or relief, many people experience self-doubt, anxiety, and a sense of being “stuck.” It’s natural to want to move on quickly, but emotional healing takes time, understanding, and the right tools to rebuild your sense of self. While it may seem tempting to distract yourself with work, social life, or even a new relationship,

Many people dream of starting a new life in southern Spain. Sun, sea, pleasant weather, a more relaxed lifestyle, or better career opportunities – the idea that simply changing location will automatically bring a better life is very appealing. But as enticing as it sounds, in reality, moving abroad often does not automatically solve all personal problems. Some challenges are deeply rooted within us and travel with us, whether you reach the beaches of the Costa del Sol or just

For many people, saying no feels uncomfortable, awkward, or even rude. We worry about disappointing others, damaging relationships, or being perceived as selfish. So we say yes. To extra work. To social invitations. To favours we do not have time for. To things we simply do not want to do. And then we feel overwhelmed, resentful, and exhausted. Learning how to say no is not about becoming cold or unkind. It is about setting healthy boundaries while remaining respectful. Done

In case the game doesn't show here, you can open it via: https://core-values-game.lovable.app/ The Core Values Game is a calm, interactive way to explore what truly motivates you. In hypnotherapy, understanding the why behind your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is often just as important as addressing the issue itself. When your values are unclear or competing, it can create inner tension, hesitation, or a sense that parts of life are pulling in different directions. The

Psychology doesn’t have to be intimidating. Many books are written specifically for curious readers who want to understand the human mind, behaviour, and social dynamics—without diving into academic textbooks. Here’s a list of ten psychology books for non-psychologists that I can truly recommend, including a little about the authors’ backgrounds. Turns out journalists are doing pretty well in the world of explaining the mind. 1. The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson Jon Ronson is

Money touches nearly every part of our lives. From paying rent to saving for the future, financial decisions and pressures shape daily experiences and future plans. But for many people, financial concerns go far beyond budgeting or planning: they begin to affect wellbeing, mood, sleep, relationships, and overall mental health. The connection between money worries and mental health issues is real, widespread, and backed by research. Why money worries matter for mental health R

In recent months, a remarkable trend has emerged in digital policy. More and more countries, including Spain, Australia, and several other European nations, are planning or have already passed laws that significantly restrict—or even ban—access to social media for children and adolescents under 16. This decision does not exist in isolation; it reflects growing societal concern about the impact of digital platforms on young people. Spain has announced that social networks will