Mark's NLP, Coaching, and more

Weaving Stories into Tai Chi for Rehabilitation When you’re teaching Tai Chi in a rehabilitation setting, the focus often starts with the physical — posture, alignment, breath, balance. But the heart of the practice goes much deeper than that. One of the most powerful ways to reach your students — especially those recovering from injury or illness — is through story . Why Stories Help Healing We are all storytellers at heart. Stories shape how we see ourselves and how we make sense of change. In rehabilitation, where students may be rebuilding trust in their bodies or confidence in their movement, stories can turn exercises into meaningful experiences. A good story does more than entertain — it helps people feel connected , motivated , and hopeful . It invites them to see their recovery as a journey, not a battle. Making Movements Meaningful Tai Chi already gives us a rich language of imagery — White Crane Spreads Wings , Wave Hands Like Clouds , Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain. When...

Understanding the Importance of the Emotion Mind in DBT At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre , many of our clients come to us looking for ways to better understand and manage their emotions. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, low mood, or relationship difficulties, it often feels as though emotions take control before logic can step in. This is where the principles of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) can be particularly helpful. While hypnotherapy works at a subconscious level to promote calm and clarity, DBT offers a practical framework for recognising how our emotions influence thoughts and actions. One key concept within DBT is the Emotion Mind — a state we all experience, but rarely stop to understand. What Is the Emotion Mind? The Emotion Mind is the state we enter when our feelings take over . Our emotions influence how we think, what we say, and how we behave. Logic often steps aside, and our reactions become led by the intensity of the moment. When we’re in Emotion Mind, we mi...

At West Midlands Hypnotherapy Centre , many of our clients come to us after trying other forms of help such as counselling, CBT, or medication. They’re often determined to make a change, yet something seems to keep pulling them back to old habits, fears, or physical symptoms. This isn’t because they don’t want to get better — it’s often because something deeper is happening beneath the surface. One of the most overlooked factors in the healing process is what therapists call secondary gain . What is Secondary Gain? Secondary gain refers to the hidden benefits or protections that a person receives from their symptoms or struggles. These benefits are rarely conscious, but they can be powerful enough to keep a problem in place — even when the person sincerely wants to change. For example: Someone living with anxiety might avoid stressful events or expectations. A person with chronic pain may receive care, attention, or time to rest that their busy life doesn’t otherwise allow. ...

Benefits of tai chi and qigong  over gym sessions and aerobic classes   When we compare Tai Chi and Qigong with gym sessions or aerobic classes , the benefits often stand out most clearly for people managing chronic medical conditions or recovering from illness. Both approaches have value, but the focus and outcomes are quite different. 1. Safety & Accessibility Tai Chi and Qigong are low impact, joint-friendly, and adaptable to almost any health condition. Movements can be done standing, seated, or even with support. In contrast, gyms and aerobics can be higher impact, which may aggravate pain, fatigue, or mobility issues. 2. Gentle Rehabilitation The slow, mindful pace of Tai Chi and Qigong makes them ideal for rebuilding strength and confidence after illness or injury. They promote circulation, breathing, and gentle stretching without the strain often experienced in traditional workouts. 3. Balance & Fall Prevention One of the stro...

The Surprising Healing Power of Swearing: A Joyous Rebellion of Words Inspired by Bill Bailey’s “Remarkable Guide to Happiness” I recently read Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness and was particularly struck by the unexpected joy in his chapter on swearing. Bill, ever the witty observer of life, writes about swearing not with shame or censorship, but with celebration. He reminds us that swearing — when done right — is not just a verbal release, but a deeply human, almost poetic act. It’s cathartic. It’s visceral. And, as it turns out, it might even be good for us . This got me thinking. Could there really be healing benefits to a well-timed expletive? Swearing as a Pain Reliever It turns out, there’s robust scientific evidence to support what many of us instinctively know: swearing can actually help us cope with pain. In a now-famous study from Keele University, psychologist Richard Stephens asked participants to submerge their hands in ice-cold water. Those who were al...

Title: Moving from the Inside Out: Understanding Motivation in Tai Chi & Qigong for Chronic Conditions By Mark Peters When supporting people with chronic medical conditions to begin or maintain an active lifestyle, one of the most important—yet often overlooked—factors is motivation . Not just whether someone is motivated, but why they are. In the world of health behaviour change, we often distinguish between two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic . Both can play a role in encouraging participation in activities like Tai Chi and Qigong , but the balance between them often determines long-term success, especially for those managing ongoing health challenges. Extrinsic Motivation: Starting from the Outside Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures . For example: A doctor recommends more exercise. A physiotherapist sets a rehab goal. A family member signs someone up for a class. There's a certificate or prize at the end. Soc...

  Title: Polycontextural Logic and Its Application in Christina Hall’s NLP Model In the evolving field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) , the way we think about language, perception, and meaning is constantly expanding. One concept that adds remarkable depth to this process is polycontextural logic —a framework that challenges traditional binary logic in favour of multiple, co-existing truths . While this idea comes from philosophical cybernetics, it has profound application in NLP—particularly within the model advanced by Christina Hall , co-developer of NLP and former president of The Society of NLP. With Christina Hall’s succession management , the new leadership of The Society of NLP continues to foster innovation and preserve the integrity of this multidimensional approach to human experience. (Visit thesocietyofnlp.org to learn more.)  NB - This is seperate to the work of  Richard Bandler and John Lavelle who co-own SNLP What is Polycontextural Logic? Origi...

  🌀 Hypno-Zempic: The Imaginary Jab That Might Actually Work? We live in an age where weight loss trends are as common as TikTok dances—and just as fleeting. Enter Ozempic , the diabetes drug turned "fat jab" phenomenon, hailed by many as a miracle weight-loss injection. But what if there was a needle-free way to get results? What if the real power was already in your mind? Say hello to Hypno-Zempic —our completely imagination based, side-effect-free, mind-powered alternative to injectable weight loss solutions. 🌀✨ 🧠 The Power of Suggestion (and Humour) Let’s be clear: Hypno-Zempic isn’t real (yet 😉). But the power of the mind ? That’s legit. Hypnotherapy has been used for decades to help people quit smoking, conquer fears, reduce stress, and yes—even address eating behaviors and weight loss. Instead of poking yourself with a pricey pen, imagine being gently guided into a relaxed state where your subconscious starts craving... salads . Where you say no to sugar not b...

  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...