Mark's NLP, Coaching, and more

  How NLP Can Support Motivation and Lifestyle Change After Weight-Loss Injections Such as Mounjaro Weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide),  Wegovy (semaglutide),   and other GLP-1–based medications are increasingly being used to support weight reduction. For many people, these medications significantly reduce appetite and food noise, making it easier to lose weight in the short to medium term. However, a growing challenge emerges when the injections are stopped . Appetite returns, old habits can reappear, and motivation may fall away quickly. From an NHS and NICE perspective, this is not a failure of the individual, but a predictable gap between biological intervention and long-term behaviour change . This is where approaches such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) , used responsibly and alongside medical care, can offer valuable psychological support. The NHS and NICE Perspective: Long-Term Change Requires More Than Medication NICE guidance on obesity...

  In the age of social media and online communities, “dry begging” has become an increasingly recognised behaviour. It’s subtle, often unintentional, and frequently comes from a place of genuine need or emotional overwhelm. But despite its quiet nature, dry begging can have a significant impact on relationships, self-esteem, and mental wellbeing. This blog explores what dry begging really means, why it happens, how it affects both the giver and receiver, and healthier alternatives you can start using today. What Is Dry Begging? Dry begging refers to hinting , implying , or suggesting that you need help—financial, emotional, or practical—without directly asking for it. It often looks like: “Ugh, I wish I could afford that right now…” “My day has been awful. Would be nice if someone cared.” “I haven’t eaten yet; money is so tight.” The goal is rarely manipulative. Instead, people who dry beg often feel: embarrassed to ask directly afraid of rejection unworthy of h...

  Tai Chi and Qigong in Cardiac Rehabilitation  Restoring Strength, Confidence, and Calm For anyone recovering from a heart problem — whether that’s a heart attack, bypass surgery, or heart failure — rehabilitation is a vital part of getting life back on track. Most cardiac rehab (CR) programmes focus on aerobic and resistance training, education about healthy lifestyle changes, and emotional support. But what happens if the gym feels intimidating? Or the exercises feel too strenuous? That’s where Tai Chi and Qigong — particularly the Shibashi form — are starting to make a real difference. 🌀 What exactly are Tai Chi and Shibashi? Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is a slow, flowing sequence of movements originally rooted in martial arts. It’s often described as “meditation in motion.” The gentle transitions, coordinated breathing and relaxed posture build strength, balance, and calm focus. Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is a family of ancient Chinese exercises that also combine mov...

Overcoming Kinesiophobia:  How Tai Chi and Mindfulness Help You Move Without Fear Understanding Kinesiophobia Kinesiophobia is the fear of movement — particularly the fear that physical activity will cause pain, re-injury, or harm. It’s common after accidents, surgery, or chronic pain conditions. While the original injury may have healed, the mind can still associate movement with danger. This creates a powerful protective response where muscles tighten, breathing becomes shallow, and activity levels drop. Over time, avoidance leads to deconditioning, stiffness, and increased sensitivity , creating a vicious cycle: the less we move, the more we hurt, and the more fearful we become. Kinesiophobia isn’t “all in the head.” It’s a real and measurable psychological barrier affecting physical recovery, confidence, and quality of life. But there is hope — and it often begins with gentle, mindful movement. How Tai Chi Gently Rebuilds Confidence in Movement Tai Chi, often described as “ m...

  Cannabis Psychosis and Hypnotherapy: Understanding the Risks and Finding Recovery The number of people in the UK experiencing cannabis-related psychosis has risen sharply in recent years. What was once seen as a mild or “natural” relaxant has, for some, become a trigger for serious mental health difficulties. At the West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre , we provide specialist hypnotherapy for cannabis addiction, anxiety, and psychosis recovery , helping clients to regain control, confidence, and emotional balance in a calm and confidential setting. What Is Cannabis Psychosis? Cannabis psychosis occurs when cannabis use triggers symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, or delusional thinking . This is most likely to happen when people use high-strength cannabis products (such as “skunk”), start using at a young age, or use it daily. Studies published in The Lancet Psychiatry show that daily users of high-potency cannabis are five times more likely to experience ...

  How NLP and DBT Can Work Hand-in-Hand to Aid Recovery By West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre, we recognise that every person’s path to recovery is unique. Emotional healing rarely follows a straight line, and sometimes combining complementary approaches can make the journey smoother and more effective. Two such approaches— Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) —can work beautifully together to help people regain balance, confidence, and emotional control. DBT: Building Stability and Emotional Awareness DBT was originally developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to support people who struggle with intense emotions or self-destructive patterns. It blends cognitive-behavioural methods with mindfulness and acceptance practices , helping individuals to develop emotional stability and resilience. The core DBT skills include: Mindfulness – becoming aware of thoughts and feelings without judgement. Distress Tolerance ...