GUIDED MEDITATION OR HYPNOSIS

Scientific research has proven the benefits of Meditation, including its positive affects on a number of psychological disorders including anxiety (Roemer et al., 2008), depression (Teasdale et al., 2000), substance abuse (Bowen et al., 2006), eating disorders (Tapper et al., 2009), and chronic pain (Grossman et al., 2007), as well as improving well-being and quality of life (e.g., Carmody and Baer, 2008).

A recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School found that participation in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is "associated with changes in grey matter concentration in brain regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and perspective taking" (Hölzel et al., 2012).

Our founder has developed a form of meditation therapy based on her experiences in working closely with the parents and guardians of children with challenged learning difficulties, with exceptionally high levels of stress and anxiety. This tailored meditation programme is built on guided imagery and visualisation. This may include visualising a relaxing scene tailored to the individual. The process of guided meditation with personalised imagery can have positive effects on a person's state of mind.

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References:

1.Roemer L, Orsillo SM, Salters-Pedneault K. (2008) Efficacy of an acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology;76:1083-1089. [PMC ] [PubMed]

2.Teasdale JD, Segal ZV, Williams JM, Ridgeway VA, Soulsby JM, Lau MA (2000) Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 68:615-623. [PubMed]

3.Bowen S, Witkiewitz K, Dillworth TM, Chawla N, Simpson TL, Ostafin BD, Larimer ME, Blume AW, Parks GA, Marlatt GA (2006) Mindfulness meditation and substance use in an incarcerated population. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors;20:343-347. [PubMed]

4.Tapper K, Shaw C, Ilsley J, Hill AJ, Bond FW, Moore L (2009) Exploratory randomised controlled trial of a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention for women. Appetite;52:396-404. [PubMed]

5.Grossman P, Tiefenthaler-Gilmer U, Raysz A, Kesper U. (2007) Mindfulness training as an intervention for fibromyalgia: evidence of postintervention and 3-year follow-up benefits in well-being. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics;76:226-233. [PubMed]

6.Carmody J, Baer RA. (2008) Relationships between mindfulness practice and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms and well-being in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Journal of Behavioral Medicine;31:23-33. [PubMed]

7.Hölzel BK, Carmody J, Vangel M, Congleton C, Yerramsetti SM, Gard T, and Lazar SW (2011) Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter. Psychiatry Res. Jan 30; 191(1): 36-43.