Trina Swerdlow

Transforming Confusion Into Personal Clarity

October 4, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

When I’m working with clients, the power of the unconscious mind never ceases to amaze me. In my nine-years of private practice, I have continually offered tools that allow people to gather strength so they can gently gaze below the “top soil” of their lives.

During this personal “excavation process,” many of my clients gain access to their important internal resources, their own buried treasures, which often contain “sparkling GEMS.” These gems can empower a person’s vital self-awareness—and a greater understanding of her (or his) life lessons and soul’s purpose.

At a very early age, I began to explore my own unconscious and “inner landscape” through art. As young as three years old, I created art. My early “work” began with crayons and paper. Eventually, these simple art materials led to paint, canvas, clay, and then to “digital abilities” offered from a computer. Little did I know, however, that for much of my life, art was much more than simply a creative passion. The truth is, unbeknownst to me at the time, my creativity was a lifeline—a kind of unconscious, “self-help” therapy, allowing me to express my emotional pain and confusion. And, thank God I found this healthy outlet for my unconscious—or you might not be reading this article. If I had sought relief from alcohol or drugs, my path could easily have taken a self-destructive turn.

Unfortunately, in my family, a multi-generational collection of skeletons inhabited our closets and frequently rattled in my artwork. For example, I created the acrylic painting (see image) in the 1970s, before I understood the depth of my childhood challenges (and before having ANY access to psychotherapy or other personal growth tools). Now, looking at the painting with “open eyes,” I see clearly that it was a powerfully dark expression of my fear, emotional pain, and confusion.

On the other hand, this painting also contains an uplifting message. If you look closely at the cloud formation between the cloaked woman and the grandfather clock, you may see a “wispy rendition” of the mythological flying horse: Pegasus.

When I created this painting, the truth is, I had absolutely no conscious awareness of painting Pegasus into the scene. And frankly, seeing the mythological symbol in the clouds still gives me chills down my back—knowing that Pegasus is a symbolic bridge…connecting the earth to spiritual realms.

In the years that followed the creation of this painting, many more of my artistic expressions were also “silent messengers,” trying desperately to get my attention and understanding. And, I’m extremely grateful that after stepping onto a personal growth path when I was 29 years old, my art and my life began to make sense. I made sense. That’s when the messages of my artwork were finally understood on a conscious level—when confusion became clarity.

The remarkable part is, as soon as I had concrete “therapeutic tools” firmly available in my personal “tool belt,” my insatiable drive to create esoteric, eerie art transformed into a passion to help others.

That’s when I first glimpsed my “soul’s purpose,” and felt a calling to become a certified clinical hypnotherapist. And now, I’m able to share with others, some of the self-empowerment tools that changed my life.

Tools I offer include: hypnotherapy, guided imagery, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), sandplay, and dream work. These self-empowering tools can serve as profound bridges that tap into the unconscious mind—the “inner landscape.”

So, if you feel a desire to increase your personal clarity and better understand your important life lessons—and soul’s purpose—then call me. Together, we can gently gaze below the “topsoil” of your life, in search of buried treasures…and sparkling GEMS.

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Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Wednesday, Oct 16, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40 (includes Weight Loss: 2-CD set). Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click: “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Finding Meaning in Endings and Losses

September 2, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Just being alive means having to face many beginnings and endings. Depending on how we handle them, both can offer us important life lessons. Since most of us have a natural instinct to avoid dealing with death, it’s no wonder that we often resort to fight-or-flight responses when we’re faced with endings and losses.

Clearly, some of us face endings more easily than others. And having strong coping mechanisms certainly helps us to fully embrace endings. At the same time, others avoid endings altogether by resorting to the “flight mode.”

In my private practice, I’ve seen this happen when a client cancels his or her last appointment to avoid saying good-bye. In this case, a full completion experience is missed—both the celebratory aspect of accomplishment, as well as the sadness that can come from closing a chapter of emotional connectedness and support.

Another way of avoiding the vulnerability of an ending is by going into the “fight mode.” Either way, avoidance keeps us from the completion that often comes from embracing the full cycle. And, the positive side of avoidance is when it is experienced as nature’s way of protecting us from being completely overwhelmed by a loss—when we simply aren’t able to handle the extent of the trauma all at once. Then, thankfully, our own natural defenses come forward to let us process the feelings at our own pace.

For example, Laura’s “fight response” to her younger brother’s unexpected death in an auto accident was to stay angry for years. Filled with blame and rage, she thought of every way that her brother “could’ve” and “should’ve” avoided the accident. During that time she simply wasn’t strong enough to accept this horrific loss and embrace her vulnerability. As a result, she withdrew from her friends and her previously active social life.

Eventually, after being nudged by concerned family members, she sought help. With support, Laura was ready to let go of her anger and deal with her loss. Her emotional floodgates opened only when she was able to face her brother’s tragic death. By embracing the various stages of the grief cycle, she was finally able to make peace with her brother and herself. By courageously facing this painful ending, eventually she was able to open to life again.

In my private practice, I sometimes hold the flashlight for clients who are embracing losses. A small book I often recommend is, How to Survive the Loss of a Love, by Harold Bloomfield, M.D., Melba Colgrove, Ph.D., and Peter McWilliams. This book guides readers through three stages of recovery:

– Shock/Denial/Numbness

– Fear/Anger/Depression

– Understanding/Acceptance/Moving On

How to Survive the Loss of a Love, refers to many types of losses and describes what loss feels like. For example, it clarifies how losses can be either subtle or dramatic. Obvious losses include the death of someone you love (including a pet), separation, divorce, or the end of an affair. Less obvious losses include the loss of a job, health, teachers, schools, safety (after being burglarized or attacked), money, friends, or even the loss of an important dream. In addition, there are losses that are related to the aging process, which include loss of youth, mental acuity, attractiveness, hair, sex drive, and loss of work upon retirement.

Oh, the complex task of being human; births and deaths, joys and sorrows filling our years. I say, thank goodness we can find other folks to paddle with as we navigate these ever-changing waters we call life.

And, that just for today we make time to appreciate the moment, our loved ones, and the glorious fresh air that surrounds us. By honoring the mystery of it all and finding meaning…we embrace the beginnings, endings, and all the precious juice in between.

Name and client details changed for confidentiality.

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Save the Date: Attend Trina’s workshop for women and men— Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—at John Muir Women’s Health Center in Walnut Creek: Wednesday, Oct 16, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40 (Includes Weight Loss: 2-CD set). Seats are limited—register today for this inspiring workshop: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

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Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal: Meditate and Journal Your Way to Better Health. Trina has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Cultivate Peacefulness…from the inside out

August 1, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Unfortunately, feeling peaceful and calm may not be a mainstay of your diet these days–especially if you’re dealing with financial pressures, health challenges, aging parents, or rebellious kids.

In my case, a stressful situation that I recently experienced erupted when a hot water pipe broke, causing a leak that was located underneath the concrete foundation of my house. Oi vey, not fun!

So, when you feel stressed, how do you respond? You might find yourself reaching for…

a) Another glass of wine

b) A cigarette

c) Super salty, deep-fried snacks

d) Excessive sweets (notice that “desserts” is “stressed” spelled backwards)

e) All of the above

Now, since joys and sorrows are both a normal part of life, it can be helpful to develop healthy “self-care tools” to navigate the inevitable stressful times.

One self-care tool that I find difficult to get along without is self-hypnosis. When I’m unable to sleep, one of my most effective relaxation techniques is practicing self-hypnosis. I teach many of my clients how to use self-hypnosis to overcome insomnia and get a good night’s sleep.

Now, let’s get real here. When many of you hear the term hypnosis, you think about the eerie mind-control scenarios from Hollywood’s depictions. Or, if you’ve seen stage hypnosis, then you probably think of a guy with a pendulum telling you to quack like a duck. So let me share with you that stage hypnosis is for entertainment, whereas hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and positive transformation.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a way to relax and calm your mind, body, and emotions in order to enter a focused state, where challenges and unhealthy habits can be explored. Because the imagination is activated, hypnotherapy is sometimes called “guided imagery.”

It might help to think of your mind as consisting of two parts—the conscious and the unconscious. Your conscious mind operates within your awareness and on a surface level, whereas your unconscious mind operates outside of your conscious awareness and below the surface.

Hypnotherapy addresses challenges and behaviors at a deep, unconscious level—below the surface—to explore issues from the inside out. And just so you know, many of my clients, after completing their first hypnotherapy sessions, express surprise at how inspiring their hypnotherapy experiences were.

What is a Positive Suggestion?

A positive suggestion is a positive statement that relates to a goal. When someone is in a deeply relaxed state during hypnotherapy, his or her unconscious mind can become open and receptive to positive suggestions. A positive suggestion is often the opposite of the self-defeating behavior that the person wants to change.

For example, when clients come to see me with a goal to lose weight, they are often receptive to these positive suggestions:

• You savor juicy fresh fruits and colorful vegetables.

• You feel satisfied after eating small portions during meals.

• You enjoy moving and exercising—and it feels great!

Finally, consider adding self-hypnosis to your “self-care toolkit.” Learn how self-hypnosis assists people to take breaks from their hectic daily routines—to stop pushing, to let go, and cultivate peacefulness…from the inside out.

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Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Expressing Your “Inner Rebel” in Healthy Ways

July 3, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

A few months ago, I wrote an ALIVE article about how an out of control “Inner Rebel” can wreak havoc on your health. I received a LOT of great responses, so I decided to delve into the topic again.

Now, before we address the challenging side of the “Inner Rebel,” here’s a question I want to re-visit: Are there any benefits to expressing the “Inner Rebel?”

Actually, yes! The Inner Rebel has some valuable gifts to offer. First, there’s a spiciness that comes from healthy levels of rebellious energy. For example, if we think of a rebellious teen, we might picture someone who is coming into his or her own by “breaking out of the box” of the role he or she played within the family. This time of individuating from one’s family is normal and healthy—so that teens eventually fly from the nest—surviving, thriving, and uniquely expressing who they are on their own.

Similarly, adults who positively embrace their rebellious energies may be expressing their unique creativity and life purposes. For some, this requires “swimming against” an ancestral or societal current—in a quest to courageously pursue an important goal or dream.

For example, in his early career, musician Quincy Jones rebelled against allowing racism to stop him from expressing his creative talents. As you may know, in the 1950s, many hotels were not yet integrated. Sadly, for a person of color, getting a “traditional” hotel room while traveling…wasn’t an option. In fact, one night while on tour, the only place Quincy and another African American musician could find to sleep was in a funeral parlor—amidst a bunch of caskets! Whew!

Meanwhile, if Quincy hadn’t rebelled against society’s racist ignorance by continuing to push onward, he would’ve missed the opportunity to realize his dreams and thrive! And, we’d have missed enjoying decades of his amazing work, including 27 Grammy Awards and celebrating him as the first African American to win the “Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award” (in 1995).

Thank God Quincy had the strength—and a courageous “Inner Rebel”—to successfully navigate the challenges of his time and fulfill his life purpose. Plus, he helped pave the way to increased equality for others!

Now, in my private practice, I work with a lot of clients who have strong “Inner Rebels.” Some are creative souls who want tools and support while they continue to pursue their goals and dreams. Others are people who come to see me seeking tools to stop smoking or overeating. Unfortunately, in some of these cases, health crises are the motivators.

Clearly, when the “Inner Rebel’s” behavior includes self-destructiveness, it expresses a dark side. For instance, the dark side of “rebellious teen” energy can be the feeling of indestructibility—such as, thinking that he or she can drink and drive (without dangerous consequences), text while driving, or function on little sleep—all while eating and drinking “super-sized” junk food.

Many of us remember our own impulsive “teen years” and are grateful to have gotten through them. On the other hand, some folks stay stuck in their teenage behaviors and chronically struggle with their “Inner Rebels” who continually impact their health in negative ways.

Now, let’s shift our focus, and explore an “overview” that includes descriptions of rebellious energy being repressed, expressed constructively, or expressed destructively. It helps to think of rebellious energies in terms of a continuum.

Qualities of repressed rebelliousness can include the following: an avoidance of taking healthy risks, living a constricted life, and feeling energetically frozen.

Qualities of constructive rebelliousness can include the following: taking calculated risks in life, living adventurously (yet mindfully), feeling free-flowing energy, and experiencing fear (when it’s appropriate).

Qualities of destructive rebelliousness can include the following: taking unhealthy/dangerous risks in life, feeling “indestructible,” acting impulsively (without weighing consequences), and feeling fearless.

The good news is that there are many tools available to help balance an “Inner Rebel” to create healthier responses to life. Feel free to call me to set up an appointment to discuss this further and hear about the tools I offer. I work with many clients who are learning to appreciate their spiciness and playfulness—while finding healthy ways to express their “Inner Rebels.”

To receive Trina’s FREE newsletter “Transformational TIPS for Mindful Living,” sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Ready to Kick Your Smoking Habit?

June 1, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Throughout the day, if you’re a smoker, you probably savor stealing a few precious minutes away from your hectic tasks for a cigarette break. These important “Me-Time Moments” can feel like a decadent reward and a revitalizing treat. However, are you aware that the chemicals in cigarettes include arsenic, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide? Yep, the World Health Organization reminds us that a cigarette is the only consumer product that kills its consumer when it is used as directed.

Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that over 400,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses in the United States each year—more than from auto accidents, HIV, fire, illegal drugs, alcohol, suicides, and homicides combined.

On a positive note, did you know that after you stop smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, your health benefits begin within minutes and your:

• Blood pressure and heart rate drop 20 minutes after quitting

• Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal after 12 hours
• Lung function and circulation improve within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting

• Shortness of breath and coughing decrease one to 9 months after quitting
• Sense of smell returns and food tastes better

• Risk of heart disease drops to half the risk of a smoker—one year after you quit

A Client’s Success Story

I smoked 20-30 cigarettes a day for 32 years and was the really ‘chemically addicted’ type of smoker. I’d tried everything to quit—gum, patches—but was convinced I did not have the willpower to ‘overcome the beast.’ My allergist referred me to Trina for help in quitting. Trina provided me with four great tools to achieve my victory over nicotine.

First and foremost were the visits under hypnotherapy to important places deep inside myself. In this very relaxed state, I reconnected with those in my life who have loved me the most. This inner work provided me a source of courage to stand up to my addiction and to nurture the health-loving and smoke-free person inside of me.

Second was a self-hypnosis CD to use at home so I could revisit the empowering thoughts and refocus my courage. This CD was very helpful in the first and second week after quitting when cravings were at their worst.

Third was the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that included tapping an acupuncture meridian point while at the same time verbalizing the self-belief that I am healthy and stronger than nicotine.

Fourth, Trina made herself available by phone and e-mail the first week for once a day, ‘in-the-moment,’ moral support and encouragement. Likewise, in our first strategizing session, we identified several close friends of mine who could also offer support.

My allergist recently showed me that, since quitting smoking, my lung function is normal again and has improved 30% from when I smoked. And, just a few months after quitting, I am biking up Mount Diablo—something I could not have dreamed of awhile back.”

—John

Customized to meet your needs, my comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program consists of a minimum of four private sessions that include support and cutting-edge tools to assist you in quitting smoking. In addition, the strategy will address how to transform destructive (smoking) “Me-Time Moments” into constructive (smoke free) “Me-Time Moments.”

Finally, when you’re ready to “kick the smoking habit” and receive the benefits of a smoke-free life, call me and we’ll strategize your customized plan. This courageous phone call could be a life-changing gift.

Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40. Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285-5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. To receive Trina’s inspiring FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living.” Sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Connecting to Our Timeless Touchstones

May 6, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

I initially heard about this month’s central topic when the publisher asked the contributing writers to submit “nostalgic” photos of ourselves from the 1960s. My first thought was, “Oh no, what the heck can I offer that will be interesting and not be depressing to our readers?”

You see, I had an extremely tough childhood. As a result, most of the snapshots that I have of me, in my family photo album, aren’t exactly “playful and carefree.” So, now you probably understand why I wasn’t thrilled by the request to submit a photo of myself from the sixties. However, after hearing Eric’s sincere enthusiasm, I decided to see if I could come up with something.

Hesitantly, I retrieved my childhood photo album from the highest shelf in my bedroom closet. I wiped the dust off the aging cover and sat down with it cradled in my arms. I took a deep breath and slowly opened it. As I leafed through the first few pages, I remembered the heaviness that my tiny heart had carried each day.

Then, I turned another page and there it was, a snapshot of me during the sixties that I’d completely forgotten about; a “nostalgic” childhood photo that I actually felt good about sharing in Alive. Yay—mission accomplished!

As you can see in the photo, I’m playing dress-up and having a bit of fun, expressing my “old soul” nature. Now, let’s fast forward and begin to “connect the dots” of this photo with my work today. In my private practice, many of the “stress reduction” referrals that I receive from doctors and psychotherapists, are people who also had challenging childhoods. For this reason, during early conversations with new clients I often ask, “What external resources in your childhood made you feel safe and lovable?”

In my own case, without a doubt, my greatest external “childhood resource” was my Grandma Rose (thus the inspiration for my dress-up ensemble). Whenever I looked into her big brown eyes, I felt deeply, unconditionally loved.

Over twenty years ago, when I first stepped onto a personal growth path, I reconnected with how important Grandma Rose was to me as a child. I got in touch with how much of her unconditional love I still carry in my heart. After identifying Grandma Rose’s vital impact on me, I decided to make a doll to honor her (unfortunately, she’d already passed away).

In a local craft store, I found a small, blank canvas, pre-sewn doll. I painted Grandma Rose’s portrait on the face and added silver hair. Then, I decorated the doll’s plain canvas dress with large red roses. Thinking about Grandma Rose brings a smile to my face and warms my heart.

And, that response is why I encourage my clients to emotionally reconnect with their early sources of love and security. Because, being in touch with our positive “childhood anchors” often helps us feel more securely rooted in our lives today (yes, caring neighbors, pets, and teachers count).

Finally, if you are interested in nourishing and strengthening your positive resources, call me to discuss the tools I offer, which include hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and dream work. These self-empowerment tools have helped many of my clients connect to their “timeless touchstones” and helped them to remember that they are lovable and not alone.

Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285-5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. To receive Trina’s inspiring FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living.” Sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Ready to Release Stress? Then Let Your Fingers Do the…”Tapping”

March 29, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

It’s April and here we are again…income tax time. Oi vey, if you’re like me, gathering your tax info together for your accountant is not one of your favorite tasks. Not only is it a tedious endeavor, but in this tough economy, it can be stressful to see the “bottom lines” as far as income and expenses are concerned. Can you relate?

So, instead of simply drumming your fingers on your desk to release pent-up stress, you might want to consider adding EFT to your “self-care” tool kit. Now, in case you’ve not heard of it—or seen it featured on Dr. Oz’s website — EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique.

The good news is, EFT is a simple tool to learn, and for many people, this technique is a powerful way to reduce stress. EFT consists of gentle fingertip tapping at specific places on the body that align with a person’s acupuncture meridian points. So, the acupuncture meridian points are stimulated without the use of needles.

To give you a bit of historical background, Stanford engineer Gary Craig developed EFT to assist people in reducing or clearing emotional pain and negativity that may have fueled their fears and self-destructive behaviors. Now, after teaching clients how to use EFT on themselves for the past nine years in my private practice—I must admit—I am a big fan of this tool. For this reason, I often teach EFT to people who want to release an unhealthy habit such as nail biting, cigarette smoking, or overeating.

For instance, I taught EFT to Richard (a fifty-year-old man) whose medical doctor referred him to me after Richard’s weight escalated to an unhealthy level. During our first session, Richard confessed (while staring at the floor) that he’d been eating fast food—a super-sized cheeseburger, fries, and a shake—multiple times throughout his week (for the past several years). Then, most every evening, after supper, he’d watch TV while nibbling foods … that were drenched in salt, fat, and sugar.

I explained to Richard that overeating high levels of salt, fat, and sugar can create addictive cycles. For example, former U.S. Food and Drug Administrator David Kessler, M.D., explains how foods high in salt, fat, and sugar alter the brain’s chemistry by creating a release of powerful chemicals, such as dopamine and natural pain-killing substances called opioids. Surprisingly, these are the very same chemicals that are released when people are addicted to alcohol, cigarette smoking, and drugs.

After Richard gained a clear “intellectual understanding” of why his unhealthy food cravings had gotten out of control, we addressed his junk-food addiction during two EFT sessions. Between sessions, Richard used EFT on his own. He was surprised and delighted when EFT’s tapping methods helped him move past his cravings — without reaching for the habitual junk foods. Richard was no longer “a puppet” of his unhealthy cravings! As a result, Richard was pleased to see his weight begin to go down, while his energy levels and self-esteem … began to go up!

In addition to weight loss, when doctors or psychologists send referrals to me, I often teach my clients how to use EFT for the following personal challenges:

Stress
Cigarette smoking
Insomnia
Anxiety
Life transitions: career change, empty nest, or retirement

Finally, if the idea of adding EFT to your stress-reducing “repertoire” sounds appealing, then call or email me today. After all, you might be surprised to find that EFT’s tapping — to release pent-up emotions and unhealthy habits — is much more productive than simply drumming your fingers on your desk. In fact, after experiencing the gifts of EFT, you just may be happy that … you let your fingers do the “tapping!”

Name and client details changed to protect confidentiality.

To receive Trina’s FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living,” sign-up on her website: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com.

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Is Your “Inner Rebel” Wreaking Havoc on Your Health?

March 6, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Do you sometimes feel baffled by your own unrestrained behaviors and your need for immediate gratification? For example: when a craving for junk food hits, you catch yourself thinking, “Hey, ya only live once!”

Meet…the “Inner Rebel.”

Now, you probably know a fair amount about good nutrition, but you may find yourself repeatedly making poor food choices. And, I’m not talking about an occasional splurge—I’m talking about frequent over-consumption of unhealthy foods. Eventually, for many who get stuck in the over-consumption cycle, health challenges can begin to crop up, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Sadly, many of us receive “wake-up calls” that are delivered to us via health crises. Can you relate? If so, then your “Inner Rebel” may be wreaking havoc on your health.

Now, before we address this challenge, here’s a question to consider: Are there any benefits from expressing the “Inner Rebel?”

Actually, the Inner Rebel has some valuable gifts to offer. First, there’s a spiciness and enthusiasm that come from healthy levels of rebellious energy. For example, if we think of a rebellious teen, we might picture someone who is coming into his or her own by “breaking out of the box” of the role he or she played in the family. This time of individuating from one’s family is normal and healthy—so that teens eventually fly from the nest—surviving, thriving, and expressing who they are…on their own.

Meanwhile, adults who positively embrace their rebellious energies may be expressing their unique creativity and purpose. For some, this requires “swimming against” an ancestral or societal current—in a quest to courageously pursue an important dream or goal.

For instance, in her early career, Oprah Winfrey rebelled against being demoted from her job as a news anchor, after being told she “wasn’t fit for television.” If Oprah hadn’t rebelled, we would’ve missed the opportunity to enjoy years of her inspiring talk shows. Thank God Oprah had the guts to successfully swim against that early turbulent current!

However, the dark side of “rebellious teen” energy can be the feeling of indestructibility. For instance: thinking that he or she can drink and drive (without dangerous consequences), text while driving, function on little sleep—all while eating and drinking “super-sized” junk food. Whew!

Many of us remember our own impulsive “teen years” and are grateful to have gotten through them. On the other hand, some folks stay stuck in their teenage behaviors and chronically struggle with an “Inner Rebel” who continually impacts their health and their relationships in negative ways.

So, let’s shift our focus now, and explore an “overview” that includes descriptions of rebellious energy being repressed, expressed constructively, or expressed destructively (see diagram). It helps to think of rebellious energies in terms of a continuum.

If you look at the far-left category of the diagram, you’ll see “Repressed.” Qualities of repressed rebelliousness can include the following: an avoidance of taking healthy risks, living a constricted life, feeling energetically frozen, and intensely fearful of…”what will people think?”

Next, if you look at the middle category of the diagram, you’ll see “Constructive.” Qualities of constructive rebelliousness can include the following: taking calculated risks in life, living adventurously (yet mindfully), feeling free-flowing energy, and experiencing fear (when it’s appropriate).

Now, if you look at the far-right category of the diagram, you’ll see “Destructive.” Qualities of destructive rebelliousness can include the following: taking unhealthy/dangerous risks in life, feeling “indestructible,” acting impulsively (without weighing consequences), and feeling fearless.

The good news is that there are many tools available for taming an “Inner Rebel” to create healthier (and more balanced) responses to life. Feel free to call me to set up an appointment to discuss this further and hear about the tools I offer. I work with many clients who are learning to appreciate their spiciness and playfulness — without allowing their “Inner Rebels”…to wreak havoc on their health.

To receive Trina’s FREE newsletter “Transformational TIPS for Mindful Living,” sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

The Gift of Savoring the Present Moment

February 5, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Living mindfully asks us to awaken and learn to be aware in each moment. We practice tuning in to life with all of our senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching…and listening with our hearts.

By contrast, when we lack mindfulness, we continually struggle with disappointments in our lives and miss out on simply being in the moment. Isn’t it amazing how much time many of us spend thinking about the future or the past—ironically missing the most important moment…now.

So, let’s explore mindfulness, as it relates to drinking a cup of tea or coffee. We’ll imagine staying fully present during the beginning, the middle, and the ending of the experience.

For example, let’s picture ourselves being present while standing in line, alone, at our favorite coffee house (beginning). We’re waiting to place our order and pay for our beverage. While waiting, we smell the delicious coffee fragrances and curiously notice the people around us.

Next, we receive our hot drink and sit down at a table to sip it (middle). As we inhale the steamy scents and savor the taste, we breathe deeply. We enjoy the warmth beneath our fingers, as we gently grasp our cup. While listening to the coffee house noises, we glance out the window to see what’s going on outside.

Later, we take the last sip of our warm beverage (ending). We stand up, stretching a bit, before mindfully tossing our empty cup into the recycle bin. We leave, feeling grateful and satisfied. So, there you have an example of being aware during different stages…and embracing the present moment.

By contrast, the opposite of mindfulness is being asleep in our lives. We may be tuned in to our minds (thoughts), but we may be asleep when it comes to our bodily responses—or our emotional responses.

For this reason, it’s easy to resist natural stages—especially endings—and feel disappointed (like after our beverage is gone), rather than embracing a moment of gratitude. Meanwhile, if we focus only on our negative responses to the ending stage, then we miss enjoying the pleasurable warmth of the tea or coffee in our stomachs.

In addition, if we are prone to possessing exceptionally high or “perfectionistic” expectations, then we will undoubtedly struggle with all three stages—the beginnings, middles, and endings. On this path, life will never measure up to the “perfect fantasies” in our minds. As a “recovering perfectionist” myself, practicing mindfulness is an important tool that I continue to be grateful for in my daily life.

In 1979, Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn developed the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Since its introduction, MBSR has become a complementary holistic method offered for a variety of health challenges. Studies researching MBSR’s effectiveness have shown that, for a majority of participants, pain-related drug use decreased, whereas activity levels and feelings of self-esteem increased.

For this reason, during private sessions, I teach clients how to reduce stress by becoming more mindful. When we’re listening, our somatic or bodily responses offer important messages. Unfortunately, when these messages are ignored, the symptoms often become louder and may include an escalation of pain in an attempt to get our attention.

We might think of pain (emotional and physical) as nature’s way of sounding a warning alarm. Frozen or stuck feelings and memories can create a sense of dis-ease in the mind and the body. When left unaddressed, these painful memories may eventually manifest in the form of stress-related diseases.

Finally, when we practice staying present — during beginnings, middles, and endings — we tune in to our mind-body wholeness. By doing so, we “gift” ourselves and savor…the many precious moments of our lives.

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Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Monday, February 11, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40. Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”

Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.

Knock, Knock…Who’s There?

January 14, 2013 by Trina Swerdlow Leave a Comment

Change is not a welcome guest in many of our homes. In fact, when change comes a-knock-in’, some of us lock the door and hide under the bed. Meanwhile, the longer we try to resist change—the louder the knocking becomes. Sound familiar?

Whether we like it or not, our lives are always changing. Let’s face it, as long as we’re still breathing, we’re a “work in progress.” So the truth is, we humans are continually changing on numerous levels that include mind, body, and spirit. This may sound simple and straightforward, but the tricky part is keeping up with our own transformational process (without taking refuge under our beds).

Since stress management is often a goal of my clients, the topic of “transitions and change” comes up a lot in my private practice. In fact, I see people at a variety of ages and stages in their lives. Some clients are in the midst of change in their professional lives. For example, they are changing jobs, exploring new career paths, or retiring.

I also work with clients who are in the midst of change in their personal lives. They may be transitioning to a single lifestyle after a divorce, or after the death of a spouse, or after their children go away to college and leave behind…an empty nest. Clearly, transitions come in all colors, sizes, and textures. Can you relate?

Meanwhile, if we look closely at the various transitions each of us faces in a lifetime, we’ll see a common thread: that feeling of disorientation and resistance to the change at hand. “What will happen next?” and “Will I be okay?” can be common questions swirling in our minds when we’re in the midst of a life change. Unfortunately, these turbulent energies are a vital part of the change process.

When my clients are in the throes of change, I clarify that uncertainty, confusion, and disorientation are natural feelings during these times. For example, after one of my clients, Karla, was laid off from her job, she initially felt angry. As a result, she tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep, as her mind tried to process her underlying feelings of shock, confusion, and sadness.

I explained to Karla that change is a process. In the interim stage of transition—the period between two events—it’s natural to feel a variety of emotions, including heightened vulnerability and increased anxiety. The truth is, this interim stage can be the hardest part of change. We have left the known and familiar—but we haven’t reached our destinations yet. Thus, our lives and IDENTITIES are in limbo.

For a couple of months, I worked with Karla regarding her grief process and her fear of expressing her vulnerability to her family and close friends. Being the eldest of five girls, Karla had always seen herself as “the strong one” and admitted to feeling ashamed of her current “shaky” emotional state.

During our work, Karla courageously released some of her emotional “armor” and integrated her vulnerability into her sense of self. As a result, she felt closer to her loved ones and experienced deeper emotional connections. And, with her new sense of internal balance, she landed a job that was more fulfilling than the job she’d lost.

Nevertheless, no matter how we frame it, a major life transition can feel scary. After all, who likes to be in the midst of uncertainty? I know I sure don’t. However, transitional times often encourage us to move beyond who we think we are—enabling us to own and integrate more parts of ourselves.

So, the next time change comes a-knock-in’, let’s consider opening the door and offering it a comforting embrace. By doing so, we’ll expand our depth with the addition of each new part of our selves that we s-t-r-e-t-c-h into. Then, as we continue to move forward, we’ll nourish our ever-changing lives…with courage and compassion.

Name and client details changed to protect confidentiality

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Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.