Therapy
Get connected with yourself
Once again we were lucky to have Lois
Skilleter and Sam Lofthouse offering therapy
taster sessions at the DDN conference.
Here Lois offers some self-help tips
G
et connected: what a great theme for a conference! Networking and
support groups are invaluable ways to build our confidence and
meet like-minded people – and getting connected with ourselves is
another very valid interpretation of this theme.
Learning to know yourself, to be able to read physical, mental and
emotional ‘symptoms’ and to work out what our body/mind/spirit is
trying to tell us, is a really important aspect of living a fulfilling life. Being able to
help yourself is so empowering, so here are a few self-help tips to help with some of
the common issues we as therapists encounter so often.
Meditation and mindfulness are really
‘in’ at the moment, and for good
reasons – they’re an excellent way to deal
with stress and anxiety. Mindfulness is
simply a form of meditation in which we
stay ‘in the moment’, recognising that
the past is over and done with, and the
future has not happened yet. The only
time we have is the ‘now’, and that is
where we need to try to live. So to help
you to be in the moment:
Mindfulness is
simply a form of
meditation in
which we stay ‘in
the moment’.
• STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, being aware
of the cold air entering your nostrils and the movement of your chest and
abdomen as the breath moves down into your body. Pause for a few seconds,
then exhale slowly, being aware of the warm air leaving your nostrils. Keep your
focus on the breath: If a thought comes into your mind, notice it and then let it
go. Continue for a few more breaths and notice how you feel.
• LOOK AROUND YOU. Don’t engage with anything but just make a mental note
of what you see. Now close your eyes, and check what sounds you can hear
around you, including the sound of your own breathing. Move your awareness to
your sense of touch; now your sense of smell; and finally, your sense of taste.
• TRY AND MAKE SMALL EVERYDAY TASKS MINDFUL. So for instance, when
washing up, how does the water feel on your hands? Listen to the sound of the
tap running and look at the patterns the water makes.
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Massage and acupressure can be used to help with various minor discomforts and
to support your everyday life. Being able to ease discomfort is a useful skill to have
and can empower you to help yourself.
• FOR A HEADACHE: sit still and breathe deeply. Place the middle fingers on