As we cautiously welcome the end of this lockdown and come out, blinking, into the sunlight, many of us are carrying the weight of just what the COVID pandemic has done to us and may be fearful of what the future may hold.
For some, the defining legacy of the pandemic has been one of loss: the loss of someone dear, the loss of a job or business, the loss of a sense of identity, or simply – but also difficult to bear – the loss of social connections and of routine.
The witnessing of others’ grief on such a large scale may also have contributed to trauma. There may also be guilt: guilt at surviving when others have not, guilt at the possibility of having unknowingly passed on the virus to others, the guilt of still having a job when so many have lost theirs.
For others, life has become increasingly challenging on a day-to-day basis as we’ve struggled to cope with impossible situations on the front-line of the pandemic and, at home, the difficulties of balancing work demands with the needs of family.
Throughout, most people have experienced periods of isolation and loneliness and increased anxiety as once-familiar routines, people and places have been perceived as a threat to our safety. You may have developed habits that, whilst initially serving to distract or comfort, have resulted in unhealthy weight gain, dependence on alcohol, online gaming (or shopping), and TV. Most people have found their sleep has been disrupted, sometimes for significant periods, and many have experienced depression as the world has looked increasingly bleak and one’s sense of control has diminished.
In short, this pandemic has had a devastating effect on many people’s mental health.
This is a very good time to get some help. If you would simply like to experience deep relaxation, I have made a couple of free recordings Hypnotherapy For Stress And Anxiety and The Pool Of Healing. These can be listened to regularly to support you as you emerge from lockdown.
If you are looking for more specific, tailored mental health support, I can help you manage anxiety and stress, depression, insomnia and unwanted habits and offer both hypnotherapy and IEMT. Both are excellent for dealing with trauma, addictions, unhelpful and limiting beliefs.
When I work with people face-to-face, I ensure my practice is COVID-secure. This means that all surfaces that have been touched are disinfected between clients, social distancing is maintained and we sit at least 2m apart, masks are worn and hand sanitiser provided.
I also offer online therapy. This is ideal for those who wish to work with me but cannot get in to York. I have found that some people even prefer to relax at home in a familiar environment. The process and benefits of the therapy are essentially the same whether it is face-to-face or online.
For more information or a chat about how I can help, please contact me. 
