29/07/2009 by Cathy.

“Scent of fear puts brain in emergency mode…”

Another interesting New Scientist article - looks like they have bottled the fear pheromone. Scary in itself if you think how it could be mis-used.
I wonder if you could bottle the ‘calm’ pheromone..

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17527

Posted in General Ramblings | Print | No Comments »

21/07/2009 by Cathy.

This New Scientist article is a couple of months old now. However, it is well worth posting up for those who may not have seen it. It talks about the placebo and nocebo responses - real world consequences of our beliefs and expectations.

Beware Witch Doctors  (New Scientist 16 May 2009 - Issue 2708)

The good news is that using hypnosis it is possible to break down our negative expectations and beliefs, and instill new positive expectations, which our minds will start to unconsciously motivate us towards.

Interesting and powerful stuff!

Posted in General Ramblings | Print | 1 Comment »

16/07/2009 by Cathy.

This was written by fellow Cognitive Hypnotherapist Russell Davis and is so useful I had to post it here.

“We are all unique and experience the world in unique ways. We need to make sure we are communicating in a way that the recipient understands it. The same is true when it comes to love. Are you demonstrating your love for your partner in a way that they will hear and understand it? After over 20 years of experience an American relationship counselor, Gary Chapman, identified 5 ways that we give/receive love. Here’s the thing - we tend to give love in the way we prefer to receive it – which may not be the same way as our partner. So all your efforts may be in vain and they may be feeling rather unloved. Well now you can not only understand your preferred way, but your partners as well and truly enhance your relationship. The 5 love languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation. These are anything from compliments, encouragement, affirmation and the absence of criticism or judgment. Does criticism crush you? Do you feel especially loved when someone expresses their gratitude for you?

2. Quality Time. This focused time on each other with no distractions. It includes sharing your thoughts and feelings. It could be quality activities as well which could be anything your partners wants to do together and you are willing to do as a act of love. So, take her to the ballet if you know that is something she would love do. Do you feel especially loved when someone gives you their undivided attention?

4. Gifts. These could be bought, made or found. They don’t have to cost a lot of money. Do you feel especially loved when someone gives you a gift or another tangible expression of their love?

5. Acts of Service. Doing something that is important to your partner – not what you would like to do for them. Do you feel especially loved when someone pitches in to help you or helps with the housework?

6. Physical Touch. This could be anything from a glancing touch as you go past, of a massage. Most men think this is them as it includes sex but actually for men sex is more of a physical desire not emotional. To test this as yourself: Do you like other forms of touch? Would you want to have sex with your partner if they were not communicating love with your second love language? If not, then your second is probably your first. Do you feel especially loved when someone expresses their love through physical contact.

Communicating love to your partner in their preferred love language can transform your relationship as they will feel emotionally loved and wanted. They will automatically respond and reflect that love back to you. Give it a go. See if you can identify your partners primary love language. Do something to express your love to them in that way for every day for 2 weeks. Watch the transformation unfold.”

Posted in General Ramblings | Print | 1 Comment »

02/07/2009 by Cathy.

Check out this article in the Times about the supersitious behaviour of tennis players, and a superb description by Trevor Silvester about what is going on in the brain to explain this.

http://www.questinstitute.co.uk/522/superstitious-tennis-players-demonstrate-the-mistake-our-brains-make/

Posted in General Ramblings | Print | 1 Comment »