Anxiety & Stress
Worry, overthinking, work pressure and the physical tension that can build over time.

Talk it throughThe Stephen Therapy Blog · Straightforward, Useful Reading
I write about the questions people often bring into a conversation: why the mind keeps repeating a pattern, why sleep becomes difficult, how work pressure follows you home and what may help you begin thinking differently.
You do not have to read everything. Begin with the subject that feels most familiar and take what is useful to you.

“Start with what sounds familiar.”
Sleep · Anxiety · Confidence · Work · RTT
Featured Article
One of the most-read subjects on my website, and one I understand from lived experience, not simply from reading about it.
Difficult managers, constant change, high workloads and the pressure to carry on can follow you long after the working day has ended. This article looks at what that stress can feel like and some practical ways to begin responding to it.
Read the ArticleWhy this subject matters to me
“After 35 years working in Stockport, I understand that work pressure does not always stay at work.”
Popular Articles
These are some of the subjects readers already return to most often.
A closer look at the thoughts, beliefs and repeated patterns that can sit outside our everyday awareness.
Read the Article Sleep & InsomniaWhy trying harder to sleep can sometimes increase the pressure—and how hypnotherapy may form part of a wider approach.
Read the Article Understanding TherapyAn introduction to two different ways of working, where they may overlap and why one approach will not suit everybody.
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Choose the area that comes closest to what you have been thinking about.
Worry, overthinking, work pressure and the physical tension that can build over time.
Self-talk, people-pleasing and learning to recognise that your thoughts and needs matter too.
Sleep pressure, unhelpful routines and what happens when bedtime becomes something you begin to fear.
When you do not quite feel like yourself, everyday habits have changed and getting started feels difficult.
Difficult managers, workplace stress, career decisions and working out what you want to do next.
Plain-English explanations of hypnosis, personalised recordings and the ideas behind the way I work.
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Some articles have been online for several years. I review their wording, sources and links over time so that what you read stays accurate and useful.
Where an older article discusses a service I do not currently offer, I will make that clear and signpost readers to appropriate support.
The full list
Newest first. Take whichever one sounds closest to what you have been thinking about.

If you have lived with anxiety for years, it can start to feel like a failure or a personality flaw. It is neither. Understanding what long-term anxiety does, and why it persists, is the first step towards changing it.

Most men don’t set out thinking they need to talk about their mental health, but the topic of men and mental health is becoming increasingly important.

Men’s health and wellbeing matters and as we celebrate Men’s Health Week from June 10th to 16th, 2024, it is the perfect time to shed light on an often-overlooked topic: men’s mental health.

In today’s fast-paced world, many stressed-out workers are caught in a vicious cycle of poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and escalating stress levels.

The vagus nerve connects the gut and the brain and plays a part in how the body settles after stress. A plain explanation of what it does and why it matters.

Civil Service stress at work is no small feat—especially on the front line. It’s a role with great responsibility and an increased risk of experiencing significant stress and even burnout.

Hey there! Let’s talk about something that hits home for many professionals—the art of keeping things under wraps.
Lets talk about Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy, Inhale… exhale… Each breath you take is a whisper of life, a moment to cherish.

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist offering RTT Therapy with over three years of experience of coaching individuals firstly I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless transformations in my clients.

Stoptober differs from typical campaigns; it is a beacon of hope for those seeking lasting change.

In our human existence, control is a thread woven through our lives from childhood to adulthood.

Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to shake off those feelings of self-doubt, low confidence, and an ever-present belief that you’re not good enough?

Hello, and welcome to my Stephen Therapy blog! If you’ve ever pondered the question, Why am I always stressed?

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), commonly known as social phobia, is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions worldwide.

As the time approaches for your children to leave for university, you may find yourself grappling with a mix of emotions – pride, excitement, anticipation, and a lingering sense of anxiety and loss.

Pain Management is a normal part of human existence. Whether physical or emotional, we all experience pain at some point.

In our fast-paced, highly competitive world, the desire to excel at work and climb the professional ladder often drives individuals to push their limits.

Good morning! Welcome to the beautiful world of quieting the mind and embracing the magic of meditation!

Are you a job seeker over 50 and currently unemployed? In the ever-evolving landscape of the UK job market, 2023 presents unique opportunities and challenges for individuals over 50.

An introduction to Rapid Transformational Therapy and how it is used with people experiencing low mood and depression, written for anybody considering it.

Individuals often encounter various therapeutic approaches and practitioners in pursuing mental and emotional well-being, which can sometimes be confusing.

In today’s competitive business landscape, nurturing a thriving work environment is essential for staff retention and overall company well-being.

Sleep often changes after 50. What tends to shift, why bedtime can become something you dread, and how hypnotherapy fits alongside the rest of your routine.

Have you been living with anxiety for years, feeling trapped by its grip on your life? If so, you’re not alone.

Loved ones’ words and life’s journey can leave a lasting impression, shaping us with memories.

Our mindset is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, values, and culture. Furthermore, there are also factors such as family, friends, and society that can affect it.

Are you at a point in your life where self-employment is an exciting idea? Do you dream of starting your own business or perhaps a side hustle to supplement your income?

Mindfulness means paying attention to the here and now, and with practice, you can change the composition of the brain and help with feelings of associated anxiety and stress.

If you are seeking career advice and you are over 50, I’m thrilled to be here sharing some pearls of wisdom with you today.

If you feel stuck in your current job or unsure about your long-term goals, mind mapping is a simple visual way to think through what you actually want next.

Research has shed light on the connection between our gut and mental health in recent years.

Have you ever wondered why some traumatic experiences from your childhood continue to affect you even though you have tried to move on?

As men age, they embark on a journey that involves many emotional and psychological changes.

Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Like you’re not smart enough, successful enough, or attractive enough?

Your Mindset can change and in the blog, I will teach you how the Rules of the Mind can help you to realise change is possible.

Aerophobia is a learned response rather than a lack of courage. What the fear of flying can feel like, where it often begins, and how hypnotherapy approaches it.

So, the world is slowly crawling back to offices after 18 months of Covid-induced hibernation.
Reading can be a useful beginning
You do not need to diagnose yourself or choose the perfect service before contacting me. Tell me what has been happening and ask anything you need to ask.
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