Finding a hypnotherapist or other ideas

[sashh]

I wave been having a lot of investigations recently, colonoscopy I was fine, X-ray fine, CT just about fine keeping my eyes closed.

What I should have already had are an MRI - of my brain so my head will be far into the machine and endoscopy for which I was sedated but I apparently tried to pull the endoscope out.

I think it is a combination of feeling I am not in control of my body and claustrophobia.

The radiographer at the MRI was fantastic and we did things in stages but I only got so far. Apparently some people look at the machine and say 'no'.

Anyway I was wondering what I could do to undergo these tests.

Many years ago my mother who had smoked 40 a day for 30 years had one session of hypnotherapy and never smoked again.

I am open to other suggestions. I have used EFT but I can't do that (it involves tapping your hand on various body parts).

So how do I find someone who can help?

I did ask the GP yesterday and he said they can't give out suggestions, which I suppose is fair enough. The other thing is that I am on a low income and can't afford many sessions.

So wise Mumsnetters can I have your recommendations?

Oh I'm in Wolverhampton and I don't have a car so somewhere local or where I can get to by train / tram.

Closing my eyes while I'm moving into the machines helps me too.

Other ideas: Ask to lie on the MRI bed so you go in feet first. I think of the machine sounds as out of tune house music tracks, and practice deep breathing while listening and concentrating on not moving. I'm a SCUBA diver and also practice visualising a healthy coral reef and dives I've done. It's all distraction but it works for me so that I relax enough to finish the test

I cannot recommend hypnotherapy enough. I used it to help with brain MRI anxiety. I could barely go in the machine the first time I had one done. Now it’s no big deal, I can open my eyes in there, actually find it quite relaxing!

Look into solution focused hypnotherapy, it’s the more science based rather than woo woo side. There is an Association for Solution Based Hypnotherapists where you should be able to search for someone. Most therapists can work remotely now, so you aren’t limited to only those local to you.

I would simply make sure that whoever you choose is professionally accredited, with insurance and DBS, all the usual stuff. There’s a few local to me who post on Facebook groups who, unfortunately like any therapists, can just whack up a website and say they offer whatever services. They absolutely bonkers with no proper professional accreditation and support. Going through the association means you know you’re getting someone who has the training and experience and all their ducks in a row.

I agree with PP about solution focused hypnotherapy (I am one!)

You would need a few sessions before you go for your next MRI because this is something you actively work on. It’s not suggestions being planted in your mind.

You can find a list of hypnotherapists at hypnotherapist.org.uk.

Thank you all.

Try @eyesopenwideawake- she’s a fantastic hypnotherapist and could definitely help you with this

Thank you I have PMed her.

Just in case anyone else is looking for hypnotherapist, @eyesopenwideawake did a fantastic job.

I have just got home having had a brain MRI and according to the staff, who were lovely, I did very well. I did also bribe them with biscuits.

That’s great @sashh😀