Unhelpful Thinking and Hypnotherapy

 


How many times have you heard the advice: ’Just think positive’? It’s the ‘just’ part that bothers me the most. If changing negative thinking was a simple as just thinking positively, wouldn’t everyone do that?

The act of challenging negative thinking is tough because it requires an individual to reappraise how they believe things are. It means having to change position in the our mental argument. We become fixed on a way of thinking and it shapes our expectations.

Giving up what we have spent time mentally building and then admitting acknowledging there are more useful ways to think about things, is not easy. Take one look at a social media post about politics and you will get all the evidence you need to support just how difficult it is for people to consider a different point of view!

Positivity has to be grounded in reality if it is to begin to change negative thinking. No amount of me thinking positively is going help someone run a marathon this afternoon, but using it to support a training programme is very likely to help someone maintain a confidence in their ability to complete their goal.

In most cases, negative thinking shows itself as a rant and is a good pressure valve for the stresses of the day. We let off steam and know that we are thinking irrationally, but that’s okay in the short-term. However, failing to return to a more positive and rational tone is a sign that negative thinking has taken hold.

In day to day circumstances, when we think negatively it would be useful to ask ourselves: Is this a really useful way to think right now? It may be the perfect way to think about the situation in a different context, but right now?

Would could ask ourselves: Will this matter by the weekend? It may seem hugely important now, but will it matter so much later? Does the situation justify this level of negative emotion? Perhaps you are feeling negative about something else and this is just the pressure valve for that?

Perhaps we should consider the negative thinking as a symptom, and seeking to resolve the causes rather than just focusing on the ‘thinking symptom’.

What's The Solution?

Analytical Hypnotherapy (Hypnoanalysis) aims to resolves the negative obstacles that lead to negative thinking. Rather than controlling symptoms, Hypnoanalysis works through the causes of emotional problems allowing people to behave more positively. 

Everyone is welcome to come along for a free, no obligation, initial consultation. We can discuss how Hypnotherapy could help you.

David treats clients at Oundle Osteopaths and Kettering Osteopaths You can call/text him to book a free initial consultation on 07429 522 723 or visit www.ketteringhypnotherapy.com

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