Mark's NLP, Coaching, and more

  The Hidden Cost of Kindness: Has Gentle Parenting Gone Too Far? Over the last two decades, gentle parenting has grown in popularity, praised for its compassionate, child-centred approach. Rooted in empathy, respect, and open communication, the philosophy aims to nurture emotionally intelligent and confident children. On the surface, it seems like a positive evolution from the more authoritarian methods of previous generations. But as today’s young adults and adolescents face rising levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional fragility, it is worth asking: has gentle parenting, in its modern application, gone too far? The Rise of Gentle Parenting Emerging in the early 2000s, gentle parenting sought to create a supportive environment in which children could thrive emotionally. It discouraged punishment, encouraged negotiation, and focused heavily on understanding the child's perspective. At its best, this approach builds strong, trusting relationships. At its worst, it has i...

  The Gentle Power: How Children Can Benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong In today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, children are often bombarded with constant stimulation, academic pressures, and a myriad of extracurricular commitments. Amid this whirlwind, practices like Tai Chi and Qigong offer a refreshing, grounding alternative that can significantly support a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While often associated with older adults, these ancient Chinese practices are remarkably beneficial for children too. Their gentle, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focus on inner calm make them ideal for young minds and bodies navigating the demands of growing up. What Are Tai Chi and Qigong? Tai Chi is a form of martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and balance, often described as “meditation in motion.” Qigong , on the other hand, is an even older practice that combines movement, breathing techniques, and visualisation to cultivate and balance ...

In Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) , the three states of mind refer to different ways people process thoughts, emotions, and decisions. These are: 1. Reasonable Mind (Rational Mind) This is when a person thinks logically and analytically , relying on facts, logic, and reason. It is useful for problem-solving, planning, and making objective decisions. However, being in this state alone can make a person seem cold, detached, or overly rigid in their thinking. 2. Emotion Mind This state is dominated by emotions , leading to impulsive and reactive behaviours. Thoughts and actions are driven by how a person feels in the moment , rather than by logic or facts. While emotions are important for passion and intuition, relying only on this state can lead to irrational decisions, emotional outbursts, or self-destructive behaviours . 3. Wise Mind This is the balanced state between Reasonable Mind and Emotion Mind. It integrates both logic and emotions, allowing a person to make decisions t...

The Benefits of Hypnotherapy and CBT sessions online In recent years, online therapy has become an increasingly popular way to receive professional mental health support. With platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, therapists and clients can connect from anywhere in the world, making therapy more accessible than ever. Hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are two effective approaches that have seamlessly adapted to the virtual space, offering numerous benefits for those seeking transformation and personal growth. 1. Accessibility and Convenience One of the most significant advantages of receiving hypnotherapy or CBT online is the convenience it offers. Clients can attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or people with busy schedules. 2. Comfort and Familiarity Being in a familiar environment can enhance the effectiveness of t...

Overcoming Ornithophobia with NLP and Hypnotherapy Ornithophobia, the intense fear of birds, can be highly distressing, making everyday activities such as walking in the park or dining outdoors a source of anxiety. Fortunately, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy offer effective methods to reprogramme the subconscious mind and eliminate this phobia. NLP for Reframing Fear NLP techniques work by changing how the mind processes fear, interrupting and reshaping negative thought patterns. The NLP Fast Phobia Cure (Visual-Kinaesthetic Dissociation) : This powerful technique involves mentally stepping out of a fearful memory and replaying it in a dissociated, black-and-white format, as though watching it on a distant screen. The individual then rewinds and replays the experience multiple times, gradually replacing fear with neutrality or even confidence. Swish Pattern : This method involves replacing a fearful mental image of birds with a positive, calm one. Each time the ind...

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful methodology that focuses on understanding the connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioural patterns. Among the many tools and techniques of NLP, strategies hold a unique place as they help individuals structure their thinking and actions to achieve desired outcomes. In this blog, we will explore NLP strategies, how they work, and how you can apply them in your personal and professional life. What Are NLP Strategies? In NLP, a strategy refers to a structured sequence of internal and external experiences that lead to a particular outcome. These strategies can be understood as mental programmes or patterns that individuals use to make decisions, solve problems, and take action. By analysing and refining these patterns, we can improve our effectiveness in various areas of life. NLP strategies are based on modelling excellence—identifying successful behaviours and replicating them. The belief is that success leaves clu...