Category: Anxiety

Anxiety • By Guillermo Castañeda Sr., Professional Hypnotist 0 Comments

La Hipnosis en las Fobias

 

Las fobias son conocidas como miedos “exagerados” que pueden (y a menudo ocurre) incapacitar a quien la sufre, de tal modo que no puede llevar una vida normal.

 

Es clasificada como un trastorno de ansiedad y se refiere a situaciones, objetos o seres que en realidad no representan una amenaza real.

 

El Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales V (DSM-V) la clasifica dentro de los problemas de ansiedad.

 

Hay una serie muy grande de disparadores de las fobias, que van desde situaciones, como ocurre en la fobia social, en donde la persona no puede relacionarse efectivamente, no puede acudir a sitios donde se reúnan dos o más personas.  De hecho, pudiera llegar a presentar ataques de ansiedad, de pánico y hasta posiblemente trastornos físicos.

 

Los animales, gatos, perros, etc., y por supuesto los insectos, son uno de los motivos que, con frecuencia, llegan a provocar una fobia. Hay aproximadamente 470 tipos de fobias.

 

Es muy importante señalar que existe una diferencia muy grande entre un miedo y una fobia, en una fobia el miedo es más allá de toda proporción, impide por completo que la persona pueda acercarse de cualquier forma a la situación que la produce, logrando con ello inmovilizarla.

 

Existen varias estrategias para enfrentar el trastorno, por ejemplo, la terapia cognitivo conductual, terapias basadas en un acercamiento gradual al motivo y otras.

 

Sin embargo, la hipnosis ha demostrado una efectividad muy grande en la resolución del problema, en lo que respecta a los tiempos de recuperación la hipnosis ha demostrado que es una terapia sensiblemente más rápida, por lo que se le conoce como una terapia breve.

 

Es importante apuntar que, si bien la hipnosis es más rápida, no basta con una sesión, se requiere de cumplir con un protocolo, a fin de lograr los resultados esperados y abundo en el concepto.

 

Un sujeto en hipnosis siempre estará consciente, que la hipnosis es un estado de profunda relajación, más allá de la meditación, en donde se establece una comunicación con la mente subconsciente y se pueden reprogramar hábitos, sentimientos, conductas, emociones, y siempre con la aceptación y consentimiento de la persona.

 

Si gusta más información sobre la hipnosis, no dude en llamar nuestra oficina (915) 209- 1234.

 

Sinceramente,

Guillermo Castañeda, Hipnotista Profesional

Anxiety Confidence Coping • • By Zoe Olivo, MA, LPC-A Supervised by Guillermo Castañeda, LPC-S 0 Comments

Feeling Like an Imposter? The Impact of Imposter Syndrome and How to Cope with It

Feeling Like an Imposter?

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome and How to Cope with It

“I’m not good enough to be here.”

“What am I doing here?”

“Will they notice I don’t belong here and fire me?”

“I’m a fraud. Everyone will know.”

I

f you have these thoughts, chances are that you may be dealing with Imposter Syndrome. This phenomenon includes thoughts and feelings of self-doubt and incompetence that continue despite having background knowledge, experience, and accomplishments important to the position.

A person impacted by this phenomenon won’t believe they earned their success through their own merits and worry that their peers or employers will come to the same realization. Minor errors at work just reinforce this perception of yourself.

Imposter syndrome can impact anyone in any position or profession. Possible causes of Imposter Syndrome include: parental rearing or childhood environment, personality traits, current mental health status, new expectations and responsibilities, institutionalized racism, and gender bias.

Now that there is an understanding of what Imposter Syndrome is, we’re going to break-down the five types of Imposter Syndrome, the impact of Imposter Syndrome, and how to reduce the impact on your life.

The 5 Types of Imposter Syndrome

The Perfectionist

If Imposter Syndrome shows up in this type, the person may focus on how things are done to the point that perfection is expected of themselves in every area of their life. Additionally, they will not acknowledge the hard work they’ve invested and may criticize themselves for any errors, seeing them as failures.

The Natural Genius

The Natural Genius type will appear in people who spend their lives easily picking up new skills and believe new information and processes should be understood easily as well. This relates to Imposter Syndrome when they begin to have difficulty with tasks because they feel that competent people would not have any difficulty with these tasks.

The Soloist/Individualist

In this type of Imposter Syndrome, the person believes that they should be competent enough to not need help from others with tasks. If they are not able to successfully complete those tasks individually, they feel like frauds.

The Expert

This type will be observed in people who believe that they should have all the knowledge they need internally. If they are not able to answer questions or find out they were not aware of certain knowledge, they feel like failures.

The Superhero

The Superhero type often appears in people who connect competence to their capability of succeeding in every role they take on in their lives. Imposter Syndrome comes in if they are unable to successfully fulfill role demands and expectations.

This is merely an introduction to the five types of Imposter Syndrome, and we hope to elaborate on them in a future blog.

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

            Imposter Syndrome can leave a lasting impact and overbearing burden on a person if they are not able to cope with the phenomenon. Since people are experiencing these thoughts of self-doubt and incompetence, they end up working harder than they usually would and placing higher expectations on themselves – leading to mental health issues and, ironically, poorer work performance. These thoughts of self-doubt and incompetence fuel anxiety, depression, guilt, and stress. The combination of these mental health symptoms then leads to a lack of sleep and inability to focus. If these symptoms are not worked through using effective coping skills, it can lead to other psychological and physiological symptoms.

How to Reduce the Impact of Imposter Syndrome

Sometimes our frequently used coping strategies may not work with certain phenomena, including Imposter Syndrome. There are plenty of ways to work through this self-doubt, including:

  • Discussing your feelings and thoughts with your peers, friends, coworkers, family, and mentors.
    • They may be feeling something similar and can provide insight on how they worked through the experience.
  • Recognizing your experience, knowledge, and competence.
    • It takes a lot of work to get where you are in your position or profession, and you would not have been able to get there by doing nothing.
  • Challenging your self-doubt.
    • It’s important to question whether the facts support the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself.
  • Avoid comparing yourself with others around you.
    • We are all unique in our own ways and comparing ourselves is not an accurate comparison.
  • Seek help if your symptoms worsen.
    • It can be hard to do this on our own and there is nothing wrong with needing help from a therapist, church leader, etc. to help you work through it.

Imposter Syndrome can be a difficult phenomenon to work through, especially when it feels so real and scary. However, it can be worked through if you have the right tools at your disposal. You are competent. You have the experience for the position you’re in. You’ve proved to your peers time and time again how you’re deserving of the role. Now, all you must do is allow yourself to believe it as well.

My hope for you is to see your worth in your role, profession, or position. If you would like more information, please contact our office at: (915) 209-1234.

                        Kindly,

                                 Zoe Olivo, LPC-Associate Supervised by Guillermo A. Castañeda, LPC-S

Anxiety Depression Hypnotherapy Self-improvement By Guillermo Castañeda Sr., Professional Hypnotist 0 Comments

La Tiranía de Las Emociones

 

Como seres humanos somos seres sujetos a emociones, de hecho, nuestro cerebro se divide en tres, la primera fase de este es su parte primitiva, que se le llama cerebro reptiliano, debido a que lo compartimos con los reptiles, esta parte del cerebro funciona preparándonos para el ataque o la huida, esta es carente de emociones, entenderemos entonces que el cuento de Peter Pan es sólo una fantasía, porque los reptiles, en ese caso, el cocodrilo no podría odiar al Capitán Garfio. Entonces, esta región del cerebro es totalmente carente de emociones.

 

La segunda estructura del cerebro es lo que denominamos el cerebro límbico o emocional, que participa en la función de la memoria, el control de las emociones, las motivaciones, diversos aspectos de la conducta, el aprendizaje, de hecho en la supervivencia.  Su anatomía incluye el fondo de saco, el hipocampo, la circunvolución cingulada, la amígdala, la circunvolución del hipocampo y partes del tálamo.

 

La tercera estructura es lo que denominamos el neocórtex, que representa lo que llamamos popularmente la materia gris, que es una concentración enorme de neuronas y en donde se procesa principalmente la inteligencia, teniendo una acción muy especial el lóbulo frontal.

 

Es importante aclarar que la división que he hecho de las diversas estructuras del cerebro es sólo teórica, porque en la práctica existe una interrelación muy estrecha entre ellas, por lo que una sin las otras no podría funcionar.

 

Pero vamos a concentrarnos en las emociones, nosotros seres humanos procesamos emociones como amor, miedo, ansiedad, tristeza, euforia, alegría, rabia, enojo y otras más, esto es por supuesto muy humano, completamente normal, pero ¿Qué ocurre cuando estas emociones se desbordan y se vuelven incontrolables? Entonces es cuando nos sentimos perdidos, nos desconectamos del mundo.

 

¿Cuántas veces hemos tenido la sensación de perder el control a consecuencia de cualquiera de las emociones mencionadas? Parece sencillo, de hecho, muchas personas a nuestro alrededor rápidamente nos aconsejan: Ya, tranquilo, domínate, no pasa nada, no exageres, Etc.

 

¿Pero de verdad es tan sencillo recuperar otra vez el control? Si respondemos sinceramente esta pregunta la respuesta, por supuesto, es no.

 

¿Qué es lo que nos lleva a perder el control?

 

Lo primero es la producción de una serie de mediadores químicos que produce nuestro cerebro, lo que genera un disparo emocional fuera de control, se producen mensajes a través de diversos caminos neuronales, sin dirección. Nuestra frecuencia cerebral predominante se ve alterada. Es el momento en que debemos pensar en solicitar ayuda profesional, que nos pueda devolver la calma, la cual debe ser proporcionada por una persona calificada, preparada para poder entender y ayudar en el manejo de las emociones.

 

En este proceso juega un papel muy importante nuestra mente inconsciente, que es donde se almacena la información de toda nuestra vida, la que almacena toda la información recibida incluso desde el periodo fetal, con la característica de que nuestra mente inconsciente no juzga, no califica, no comprende el humor, simplemente almacena información y esta información nos genera emociones que no alcanzamos a comprender y que obviamente impactan nuestra vida, lo cual explica el título de este escrito.

 

¿Qué pasa cuando sólo sentimos, pero no comprendemos el por qué?

 

Se generan emociones como la ansiedad, la tristeza, el miedo, etc. Y recurrimos a diversas instancias, como platicar con un amigo, con un médico, con un ministro religioso, cuando el profesional calificado sería un consejero, un psicólogo o un hipnólogo, quien nos ayudará a entender el origen de dichas emociones y a través de su guía poder controlar sus manifestaciones.

 

Si gusta más información sobre la hipnosis, no dude en llamar nuestra oficina (915) 209- 1234.

 

Sinceramente,

Guillermo Castañeda, Hipnotista Profesional

Anxiety Counseling Depression Emotional Wellness Lifestyle Mental Health Self-Care Self-improvement Stress By Stepp, Ph.D., LPC, LCCC, CART, CGSC 0 Comments

The Tummy & Brain Connection

What is the one thing that is most annoying when it comes to thinking your stomach?

        Is it doctors saying that you are overweight? Or family members commenting on your weight which in turn makes you feel terrible about yourself? Or is it not feeling good about how you look? How does this make you feel? How does this change your appetite? What about your health overall?

It’s common to struggle throughout the years to a point in which we don’t even want to hear the word “stomach” ‘tummy’ or even look at it. Maybe this has been the case for you or perhaps not.  However, our stomach is an important part of us.

Well, what would you think if I told you that your stomach is attached to your brain and affects your mood? For some of us, it may concerning to hear that since it may impact the way we treat it.

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Anxiety Lifestyle Mental Health Self-Care By Counseling of El Paso 0 Comments

Treat Yourself Like a Plant: Four Steps to Well-Being

Humans don’t come with an instruction manual, but there are things that we can all do that have been proven to keep us physically and mentally healthy. 

 

I do NOT have a green thumb, but I do know the basics of how to keep a plant alive and growing. Therefore, I’d like to explain how to engage in self-care in a way that is easy to remember: treat yourself like a plant.

 

  1. Get some sunlight.

Just like plants need sunlight, so do we!  It is widely known that Vitamin D comes from milk and some foods, but did you know it also comes from sunlight?

In fact, 15 minutes of sunlight exposure at least 3 times per week can give us enough Vitamin D to make up for what is missing in food.

Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation and helps all types of cells grow!  It makes our bones stronger, lowers blood pressure, and helps us sleep better. (We all know what consequences we suffer if we don’t get a good night’s sleep—grumpiness, grogginess, overeating, bad decision making just to name a few!)

Additionally, according to researchers at BYU, the availability of sunlight has a big impact on our mood.

During seasons where we get less sunlight, humans experience more mood and emotional problems and disorders.

On the other hand, days with plenty of sunshine helped increase positive mood which means the release of “feel good” hormones and chemicals in the body. Just remember to wear your sunscreen!

 

  1. Drink plenty of water.

According to the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water.

Skin is 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: at 31%. It only makes sense to drink water if much of our bodies, and most especially the brain, are made of water!

A 2014 study concluded that habitual water drinking facilitates clear thinking and helps with alertness. It also could benefit mood and confidence.

For example, drinking enough water can clear up skin problems, which can give self-confidence and vitality. There is such a thing as drinking too much water though, so be careful and don’t go overboard with it.

 

  1. Get some fresh air and activity.

Some plants do well indoors, and some plants thrive in the outdoor elements of wind, rain, and snow.

I’d like for you to imagine though that you are a plant that happens to benefit from the fresh air.  Imagine the slight breeze that moves you and gives you chance to interact with other plants.

Studies have shown that spending time outdoors and in nature can induce calm, decrease depression, and stave off anxiety.

There is a treatment called Ecotherapy, where you spend a prescribed amount of time outdoors and in nature to treat depression.

The benefits of being around nature and green plants is also very grounding.

Grounding is a natural way to combat anxiety because it helps us live in the moment.

Since you are out of the house, it may even give you a chance to do some light socializing–waving at neighbors, saying good morning to passersby.

This even light amount of social interaction has great benefits for the brain. It keeps loneliness at bay and can improve overall mood.

 

  1. Ensure that you are getting proper nutrients and minerals.

Have you ever seen those commercials for plant food or soil?  They show flowers that grow without the MiracleGro and some that do.

The difference is, with the plant food, the flowers grow bigger and are more resilient and the ones that grow without it are still pretty, but puny and weaker.

The same goes for our bodies!  If we ingest junk food or fast food, sure our bodies will survive.

We won’t go hungry and we will live.  But if we eat high quality, nutritious food and take our vitamins, our bodies will not just be surviving and functioning, they will THRIVE.

Also, have you ever noticed how you feel after you eat a large fatty and not-so-nutritious meal? Or what it feels like if you drink too much alcohol?

That is not fun at all. Like a plant, your brain functions best when it gets nutrient rich soil and plant food.

Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress.

 

So, there you have it.  Four simple strategies to keep your mind and body happy and healthy…like a plant!

Anxiety Growth Hypnotherapy Lifestyle Resilience Stress Management • By Guillermo Castañeda Sr., Professional Hypnotist 0 Comments

Resilience: An Anxiety Vaccine

“People experience increased stress and concern in times of crisis as we are currently facing.”

– Dr. Asim Shah, professor and executive vice president in Menninger’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.

A word that has gone viral in our society is anxiety, keeping in mind that anxiety is needed and adaptive in supporting us and preserving life, along with fear, anger, sadness, or happiness.

Until a few years ago, it was estimated that 20.6% of the world’s population suffered from anxiety. A recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association shows that Americans are suffering from anxiety.

The survey found that four out of 10 suffer from anxiety when they think they may become seriously ill or die, five out of 10 Americans experience anxiety about getting coronavirus and six in 10 suffer from anxiety because family members get the virus. In addition, individuals may be overwhelmed with concerns about uncertainty of the next paycheck, increased bills and increase in social isolation.

Considering now, that when we experience a sleep interruption and change in appetite, we find ourselves more irritable or sensitive. When it comes to anxiety, the most recurrent manifestations of anxiety are shortness in breathing, palpitations, headache, back pain, catastrophic thoughts and other symptoms, and managing them is not always easy.

If this is the case, the important thing to keep in mind is to observe these changes and address them promptly by seeking professional support, so that it does not adverse impacts on yourself or your family.

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Anxiety Counseling Depression Individual Therapy Self-improvement Stress By Counseling of El Paso 0 Comments

Five Signs That Tell You It’s Time to See a Therapist

As a mental health professional who has been in the field for a while, it’s been interesting to observe why and how people end up in my office seeking guidance. The following is a list of indicators that may be signaling to you it could be time for you to seek support from a mental health professional.

  1. Your loved ones are noticing that you are different. Sometimes, we are not able to look at ourselves objectively…that is we can’t clearly see how we behave sometimes. It is like when you look into a mirror and only see certain flaws or spots in your face or body but can’t quite see the whole picture.  Those around us, specifically our loved ones, hold a special perspective of ourselves and can see different aspects of ourselves that we are not able to.  If loved ones, people who see us every day, or people who interact with us often notice unusual or “not typical” behaviors and point it out, they might be signals that mean we need some extra help from a therapist. They may tell you that they are concerned about things like substance abuse, irritability, mood changes, isolation, or your daily routines.
  2. You feel a sense of emotional discomfort that has lasted longer than 2 weeks. You’ve made it this far into life with all you’ve got, but sometimes, life can become daunting or unmanageable.  If you feel any sense of apathy, sadness, nervousness, worry, or uncertainty that has been unmanageable or if you’re noticing behavior changes like not wanting to engage in relationships, snapping back at others, feeling like you don’t want to do anything, not finding pleasure in old hobbies, or changes in your appetite, it might be time to take a closer look at yourself.  When these “signals” come up for longer than two weeks it might be time to get Read more
Anxiety Hypnotherapy Self-improvement • • • By Guillermo Castañeda Sr., Professional Hypnotist 0 Comments

7 Types of Anxiety: Not all Anxiety is the Same

Anxiety is a totally normal response in daily life, it is a conditioned response that distinguishes us from inanimate objects. For example, when we feel hungry we have a feeling of anxiety, which preserves life.  The same is the case when an animal threatens us.  We tend to flee or defend ourselves, but when anxiety is shown disproportionately to the stimulus that caused it , or when it comes up for no apparent reason is when we are faced with a pathological situation.  Typically, this is when we seek and need help.

Usually the first answer is to go to anxiolytics, methods to reduce anxiety.  However, it is very important to find out the real triggers of anxiety so that we can feel and manage own our emotions again. That’s when we require the assistance of a professional. Anxiety of this kind deteriorates the quality of life; the world becomes a threat.

These manifestations can last a long time and/or present themselves intensely, leading to panic attacks and anxiety.  Many times, this can lead to an in individual to visit the emergency room in a hospital, where, of course, they do not discover physical problems.

Symptoms that usually occur include, but are not limited to:

  • Feeling nervous, agitated or strained
  • Feeling imminent danger, panic or catastrophe
  • Increased heart rate
  • Accelerated breathing (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Problems concentrating or thinking about anything other than the current concern
  • Having trouble falling asleep
  • Having gastrointestinal problems
  • Having difficulty controlling concerns
  • Having the need to avoid situations that create anxiety

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