Reframing Pain: Cognitive Techniques with Hypno-CBT®
I think obviously, when we're in pain we do more shallow breathing. So if you can breathe more into your diaphragm and you know, put your hands on your belly and just feel the breath pushing the hands, that's quite grounding as well.
Pain is something we all face, whether it's physical or emotional. But what if there was a way to see it differently? In this episode of 'The Hypno-CBT Podcast', Kathy Carter from Arrive Therapy invites listeners to rethink their approach to pain management using cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, or Hypno-CBT®. Kathy explains that pain isn't just a physical sensation; it's a complex mix of memory, imagination, thoughts, emotions, and neurological signals.
By understanding this, we can start to manage pain more effectively. Kathy dives into the idea of the pain-distress cycle, where negative thoughts can amplify our pain. She suggests keeping a diary of your feelings and thoughts about pain to spot harmful patterns. By identifying these patterns, you can start to change how you respond to pain. Relaxation plays a crucial role in managing pain, and Hypno-CBT® offers effective techniques for this.
Kathy walks through exercises like tensing and relaxing muscle groups from your feet to your shoulders. She also shares a visualization technique: imagine placing your pain in a balloon and letting it float away while practicing deep breathing. These methods can help ground you and reduce the intensity of pain. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice for anyone dealing with pain.
Whether you're struggling with chronic pain or looking for ways to handle emotional distress, Kathy's insights provide a new perspective. Tune in to learn how cognitive techniques can help you take control of your pain and improve your quality of life.