Malaysian Society of Neurosciences - Associate Member (MSN685/A)

The main concern of Malaysian Society of Neurosciences (MSN) was to give structure to the working together of the various professionals within the neurosciences, as well as to have an official body to represent the professions. As the number of professionals in some of the neuroscience specialties such as neuropathology and neuro-paediatric were very small, it was felt that an umbrella body to encompass the various neuroscience specialties would be more workable. It's my honor to be part of MSN.

Sleep disorder-Insomnia therapy in Malaysia (Neurofeedback method)

Sleep Difficulties Have a Variety of Contributors 
Many complex factors contribute to sleeplessness and insomnia including stress, anxiety, trauma, and habitual over-thinking resulting in abnormal brain wave function.

Why am I Tired All of the Time? 
Until recently, insomnia was studied from a behavioral perspective, but as this problem grows, new research and insights have been discovered. Recent studies suggest that in cases of insomnia, the brain is unable to process information properly due to cortical hyperarousal. This creates abnormal brainwave function.

Restore Sleep Naturally
By retraining the brain and improving brainwave function in those key areas affected by insomnia, the brain is rewarded through neurofeedback for creating healthier patterns. As the brain learns new responses, new patterns and pathways develop improving brainwave function as you begin to sleep better, longer.

Does Neurofeedback Work? 
Clinical studies have shown neurofeedback to be an effective, drugless, natural approach to insomnia, especially for people who have struggled for years. If you are ready to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep, for improved energy, health and wellbeing, then it’s time to relax and reward your brain.


Why Does Neurofeedback Work? 
Neurofeedback takes advantage of the brain’s ability to change itself through a process known as Neuroplasticity. It utilizes the same learning process that occurs whenever we acquire a new skill. The brain learns by forming connections between nerve cells and utilizing important pathways that connect different locations in the brain. The more frequently you utilize these pathways the better the brain becomes at performing the associated task. In psychology, this type of leaning is called “Operant Conditioning”. It is a type of learning in which responses come to be controlled by their consequences. Quite simply, Neurofeedback offers the perfect learning conditions, since it facilitates awareness of when the brain is producing healthier brainwave patterns, provides reinforcement for the positive change and multiple opportunities to provide practice during a training session.

How do I start with neurofeedback?
A comprehensive assessment is where neurofeedback therapy begins. The assessment allows me to determine whether a client’s brainwave patterns are different from normal. Based on your brainwaves analysis results, we then create a restorative plan of care. Each assessment provides me with neurofeedback training protocols. These protocols are designed to retrain the brainwave patterns towards better pattern. The result of rebalancing these brain waves improve health, healing and functionality for lasting results.


Contact us if you would like to do a brainwaves analysis assessment. 
Kindly note that this is not a medical diagnostic but merely provides additional information for your brain to run more efficiently and sleep better. 
The price of this assessment is RM190 (Report will be provided).



Source:
https://braincoretherapy.com/brainwaves/

(原创文章)梦的洗涤：改善你的抗压力

梦，是种虚无的存在，隐于日常的睡眠之中，当中迎来的影响、声音又或是感觉，既真实又飘缈。究竟要如何以梦出发，逐步改善身心的抗压力呢？

Q：为什么我几乎每晚睡眠不好，又多梦？

A：我们每天都会经历好几回梦，这与脑电波以及睡眠阶段有关，实属正常的生理状态。你记得梦的原因或觉得梦感的原因，泰半和你的潜意识认知有关。你越在乎你多梦的感觉，你的梦就会衍生更多。梦境时呈现的脑电波原本就是和潜意识状态相同的电波，这就是为什么这时很容易会不知不觉让自己陷入“负面型自我催眠”的状态，早上越来越打不起精神来，误解自己多梦导致睡不好。

Q：日有所思夜有所梦是真的吗？

A:梦与情绪是息息相关的。除了心态方面，个人饮食习惯、生理因素与情绪因素也确实会引致多梦的问题。简单来说，梦境就是一种身体自行调整情绪的过程，只要你学会了如何自己孵梦，你也可以激发并提升我们与生俱来的抗压力能力。

孵梦step by step

1）准备好一支笔与能画能写的彩绘簿。

2）睡觉前，在彩绘簿上写下以下讯息：“今晚我会睡得很深、很平静。我的潜意识会让我梦见那些引致我面对目前人生难题或阻碍的想法、信念与习惯。当我早上一起床，我会记得所有的梦境故事。”

3）当你躺上床睡觉时，在内心里不慌不急并暗自默念重复：“我会做一个清晰的梦境并记得所有的故事”。注意：切记，不要过度期待会做梦，要以平常心看待。

4）当你清醒后，把所有的梦境以画与书写方式记录下来。如果没有梦境，你也可以把早上起床后心理所浮现出来的情绪和想法给记录下来。

不需要担心你的梦境与你期许的答案或事件不符。最主要的是要透过梦境去把那些潜意识里各种矛盾和困难所造成的负面情绪进行抒发。或许你并不会马上就做梦以及看到效果，但随着你的努力与练习，你会发现一天一天过去后，随着你的彩绘簿变得越来越丰富，你的抗压力也会变得越来越强。延伸而来的成果就是个人情绪自然而然地变得更加平稳、安心。  

简练而言，个别梦境里的意识讯息可以透过对梦境有研究的心理咨询工作者进行更进一步的解释与疗愈。你会发现当你透过心理或催眠治疗的方法去针对性治疗梦里浮现的问题根源后，疗愈效果必定事半功倍。让梦来洗涤你我的身心状况，以更佳的状态去迎接全新的一年吧！

Citta Bella （2017年1月刊）：http://cittabella.my/post/2017/jan/soul/makeadream

(Guest Lecturer) Introduction to Clinical Hypnotherapy @ Southern University College

Introduction to clinical hypnotherapy for university students. 

Special thanks to counseling psychologist for inviting me.

Stress is often referred to as the silent killer and for good reason. Stress is a common issue among university students. Clinical hypnosis is known to be a powerful stress reduction tool, it is also very useful for test and performance anxiety. 

Thus, I am glad to have a chance to share this powerful and effective tool.

AHPM Executive Committee 2016

Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners, Malaysia (AHPM). Guiding the hypnotherapy industry towards professionalism and acceptance by the government of Malaysia and Malaysians.

Hypnotherapy is a powerful healing tool that had been stigmatized for too long depriving the public of a valuable and effective treatment modality. AHPM's goals are to dispel the myths and create greater awareness about the possibilities of the mind to heal the body.

The Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners, Malaysia (AHPM) is registered under the Registrar of Companies, Malaysia (Registration No: 0778-11-WKL) on the 21 February 2011. AHPM is a member of The Federation of Complementary and Natural Medical Associations, Malaysia (FCNMAM). FCNMAM is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia.

Quit Smoking Service in Malaysia - Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation.

The efficacy of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation is well documented. However, due to relapse rates and side effects, hypnotherapy is gaining attention as an alternative treatment option. The aim of this one-center randomized study was to compare the efficacy of hypnotherapy alone, as well as hypnotherapy with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), to conventional NRT in patients hospitalized with a cardiac or pulmonary illness.

Results
Hypnotherapy patients were more likely than NRT patients to be nonsmokers at 12 weeks (43.9% vs. 28.2%; p = 0.14) and 26 weeks after hospitalization (36.6% vs. 18.0%; p = 0.06). Smoking abstinence rates in the HNRT group were similar to the H group. There was no difference in smoking abstinence rates at 26 weeks between “self quit” and participants in any of the treatment groups. In multivariable regression analysis adjusting for diagnosis and demographic characteristics, H and HNRT were over three times more likely than NRT participants to abstain at 26-weeks post-discharge (RR = 3.6; p = 0.03 and RR = 3.2; p = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion
Results of this randomized controlled trial reveal that Hypnotherapy is more effective than NRT in improving smoking abstinence in patients hospitalized for a smoking-related illness, and could be an asset to post-discharge smoking cessation programs.
Message from Hiro Koo: Feel free to email me ([email protected]) to know more about quit smoking treatment. Or text message me (0167154419 - Hiro) to know more about hypnotherapy service to quit smoking in Malaysia.


Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229913002100

都会佳人Citta Bella | Life Magazines 生活杂志 - 2017年1月刊Bella Soul 之《梦的洗涤》

接下来我都会陆续在佳人Citta Bella | Life Magazines 生活杂志 - Bella Soul单元分享心理催眠相关贴士。2017年1月刊，我分享了如何运用梦来增强抗压力。

如果想要进一步分析你的梦境以达到疗愈效果，欢迎联络我。

按此阅读详文

Hypnotherapy to quit smoking in Malaysia

Your hypnotherapist will talk to you through hypnotherapy process that will transmit to your subconscious to increase your motivation for quitting and change your previous smoking habits. Contact us to prevent an early death.

Natural Way To Quit Smoking Proven To Work in Malaysia - Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy, a form of psychotherapy, is a powerful way to let go of bad habits, get to the core of triggers that can be affiliated to your emotions and explore your consciousness. Through guided meditation, visualization, relaxing music and deep breathing this form of therapy will put you in a state of trance says Mayo Clinic. Your hypnotherapist will talk to you through this process that will transmit to your subconscious to increase your motivation for quitting and change your previous smoking habits.

Imagery or visualization is commonly used in hypnotherapy for smokers who want to kick the habit. Your therapist may ask you to picture how easier it will be to breathe without smoking.

In a study, conducted at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of California-San Francisco, researchers found that hypnotherapy was just as effective as conventional methods of smoking cessation. A sample size of 286 participants were randomly divided and received either hypnosis or standard behavioral counseling to quit smoking for two 60-minute sessions along with three 20-minute follow-up calls to discuss the sessions. The results showed that hypnosis was helpful for smokers who had a history of depression or struggled with other psychiatric conditions.

The relaxed state and a therapist's discussion of the series of skills for coping with nicotine withdrawal symptoms is one of the many alternative therapies that has gained national recognition and acceptance. "This study provides much-needed evidence that hypnosis is indeed a very helpful treatment," said senior researcher in mental health at SFVAMC, clinical professor of psychiatry at UCSF and lead author of the study Timothy Carmody.

Retrieved from:

http://www.medicaldaily.com/5-natural-ways-quit-smoking-proven-work-246408

How to Overcome Insomnia in Malaysia - CBT | Hypnotherapy Treatment | Drug-Free Approach

Common causes of insomnia
Sometimes, insomnia only lasts a few days and goes away on its own, especially when the insomnia is tied to an obvious temporary cause, such as stress over an upcoming presentation or a painful breakup. Chronic insomnia, however, is usually tied to an underlying psychological or medical issue.

Psychological problems and emotional distress. Anxiety and depression are two of the most common causes of chronic insomnia. Other common emotional and psychological causes include chronic or significant life stress, anger, worry, grief, bipolar disorder, and trauma.

Medical problems or illness. Many medical conditions and diseases can contribute to insomnia, including asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux, kidney disease, and cancer. Chronic pain is also a very common cause of insomnia.

Medications. Many prescription drugs can interfere with sleep, including antidepressants, stimulants for ADHD, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone, high blood pressure medications, and some contraceptives. Common over-the-counter culprits include cold and flu medications that contain alcohol, pain relievers that contain caffeine (Midol, Excedrin), diuretics, and slimming pills.

Sleep disorders. Insomnia is itself a sleep disorder, but it can also be a symptom of other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and circadian rhythm disturbances tied to jet lag or late-night shift work.


When to seek professional treatment 
If you’ve tried the insomnia self-help strategies above and are still having trouble getting the sleep you need, a doctor or sleep disorder specialist may be able to help.
Seek professional help for insomnia if:

• Your insomnia doesn’t respond to self-help 
• Your insomnia is causing major problems at home, work, or school 
• You’re experiencing scary symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath 
• Your insomnia occurs almost every night and is getting worse 

Bring a sleep diary with you. Your doctor may be able to diagnose an illness or sleep disorder that's causing your insomnia, or refer you to a sleep specialist or cognitive behavioral therapist.



Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Insomnia

CBT is aimed at breaking the cycle of insomnia. Poor sleep tends to lead to stress and anxious thoughts about not being able to sleep. This in turn leads to stress and tension, which leads to poor sleeping habits, such as the use of sleeping pills. This leads to worsening insomnia and so on.

In addition to improving sleep habits, CBT is aimed at changing thoughts and feelings about sleep that may be causing stress and contributing to your insomnia. A therapist may also recommend sleep restriction therapy, whereby you initially shorten your sleep time. The idea is that by limiting the time you spend in bed to the number of hours you actually sleep, say from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., you'll spend less time awake and more time asleep. As your sleep efficiency increases you'll gradually start going to bed earlier and getting up later until you reach your optimum sleep schedule.

Clinical Hypnotherapy for Insomnia
It is important to contact your GP if you are experiencing a sleep disorder. They will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and advice, as well as being able to rule out any underlying medical conditions. At this stage your doctor may recommend a special treatment or service, such as hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy focuses on understanding and changing patterns of behaviour. Though the cause of the problem will vary for each individual, there are many conditions that may increase the risk of developing a sleep disorder. Certain psychiatric disorders, sleep deprivation, various medical conditions and medications, as well as previous trauma are thought to be underlying causes of sleep disorders.

Hypnotherapy has been used as a way of altering and reconditioning negative patterns of behaviour for many years. Hypnotherapy for sleep disorders will do this by seeking out the root cause of the problem and altering the individual’s perception of it. Many sleep disorders are fuelled and worsened by issues that can be effectively treated with hypnotherapy, such as stress and anxiety. Usually it is not the situation itself that causes stress but the way we react to it. By inducing a state of deep relaxation, the hypnotherapist will be able to gain access to the unconscious mind. The hypnotherapist will target the negative thought patterns, teaching the individual how to manage the feelings and view them in a positive perspective.

A clinical hypnotherapist may use a combination of the techniques mentioned, or they may think you will benefit from just one. To achieve the most effective outcome, the practitioner will consider your concerns. After this, they will tailor the treatment to your personal circumstances.


Message from Hiro Koo: 
We have succefully treated many patients who suffering insomnia. They were treated with clinical hypnosis combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and EEG biofeedback method. If you’ve had insomnia for a long period of time, if you have tried sleep medications and haven’t had significant relief, or if there’s no obvious medical or psychiatric cause you’re aware of, then it’s likely you’ll want to address your concerns about the sleep disturbance as well as habits you’ve developed over time that will perpetuate insomnia. Clinical hypnotherapy combined with CBT and EEG biofeedback training method might be your key to improve your symptoms. 
Our unique drug-free approach will help you sleep better from today onward. 
Contact us now for more info.




Source;
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/cant-sleep-insomnia-treatment.htm
https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/choosing-cbt-insomnia-specialist
http://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/sleep-disorders.html

Lose weight with Hiro Koo, Hypnotherapy in KL Malaysia

Please read the article below: 
Successful behavior change in obesity interventions in adults: a systematic review of self-regulation mediators. 
This is the first systematic review of mediational psychological mechanisms of successful outcomes in obesity-related lifestyle change interventions. Despite limited evidence, higher autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation skills emerged as the best predictors of beneficial weight and physical activity outcomes; for weight control, positive body image and flexible eating restraint may additionally improve outcomes. These variables represent possible targets for future lifestyle interventions in overweight/obese populations. 

Our Neuro-hypnotherapy & Hypno-Band Service aligns with the statement above. 
Our therapy will enable you to: 
1) Improving your motivation level 
2) Better self-efficacy & self-regulation skills 
3) Reprogramming your subconscious mind to achieve your ideal body image 
4) Flexible eating restraint 
Thus, we ensure you a long term result instead of short term result. 

科学家综合并检测了1404个瘦身研究成果报告后的结论是：发自内心的动力，自主自愿和自控能力的提升才是瘦身最有效方法。想要长久的瘦身效果则不能忽略维持良好饮食习惯与外在形象的重要性。或许你尝试了许多瘦身产品与法则，然而显而易见的瘦身秘诀绝对是你“潜意识”之心态。 相关科学研究：
http://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0323-6

Tourette Syndrome and the potential impact on education in Malaysia

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON EDUCATION 

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is difficult for some teachers to understand because every student has different symptoms, which can change, wax, and wane. Some teachers may not be well informed about strategies and techniques for recognizing the needs of students with TS, or the most effective teaching approach. Besides the tics, many common co-occurring conditions can be impairing, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), handwriting difficulties, sensory integration or sensory processing disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and social skills deficits.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS IN SCHOOL SETTINGS 
Educators and families should be aware of signs that may point to underlying symptoms of the common conditions that co-occur with TS. It is important to recognize the signs so that the additional support in school can be provided for students with Tourette Syndrome or other Tic Disorders. The following are common indications that additional support may be necessary:

Difficulty attending or staying at school 
• A collaborative and positive working relationship with the school can assist in an honest discussion to determine why this may be occurring and then developing a proactive/positive plan to help.

Behavior issues at home or school 
• Focusing on when, where, and why behaviors are occurring will decrease the chance of making assumptions and punishing the child. The Tourette Association provides several resources geared toward addressing challenging behaviors at school and strategies for these difficulties.

Significant reluctance to completing work in school and/or homework 
• This could be a sign that the child has difficulties in the following areas: handwriting difficulties, problems with memory, processing delays, or difficulties with organization. It may also be due to fatigue, which can increase tics and symptoms of other disorders and make focusing more difficult. A meeting with appropriate school staff (such as the teacher, counselor, or others working with your child) to discuss why this is occurring can be helpful. An initial evaluation, or re-evaluation may be necessary to determine if specific skills deficits are the reason for this.

Dropping grades
 • It is common for students with tics and co-occurring conditions to receive good grades in elementary school and then experience a decline in the grades in middle and high school. An updated education evaluation/assessment will assist in determining if hidden symptoms may be responsible and assist in identifying appropriate supports.

Increase in tics, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive behaviors 
• This may be an indication that a meeting with school staff is needed to discuss any changes that may be increasing anxiety. Discussions should include difficulties with peers and specific teachers or support personnel.

Difficulty socializing with peers 
• Screen for social language deficits, as they are common difficulties for students with TS that can severely impact peer interactions and friendships. The use of social stories may not be effective because students with TS often know what to do and say, but are inconsistently able to perform as they know they should and are sometimes capable of doing.

Loss of interest in preferred activities 
• Consider the environment to determine if there is something or someone increasing anxiety. It may also be due to some obsessive-compulsive behaviors related to attempts to achieve perfection.



Retrieved from:
Tourette.org


Further reading: Treatment for Tourette Syndrome in Malaysia
http://www.newmindcentre.com/2015/03/testimonial-tourette-syndrome-treatment.html

Integrated Chinese Medicine and Mental Health Services in Malaysia 马来西亚中医与心理治疗综合疗法

Madam Low is currently attached to the largest integrative wellness centre in KL, Malaysia. She has acquired nearly 30 years of traditional chinese medicine as well as counseling (She worked as school counselor before) experience. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach is used alongside with my mental health services because:

1) Free, drugless and Safe: 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is really safe and no side effects. We believe in holistic and natural healing method.

2) Body and Mind Connection: 

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that our mental health status can be affected by our body state.This is similar to one of the psychology concepts which is psychosomatic issue. Psychosomatic issue revealed that your emotional states can really lead to physical symptoms, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) etc. Traditional Chinese Medicine able to address this psychosomatic issue by used alongside with my practices such as neuro-hypnotherapy,  EEG biofeedback training, psychotherapy, life coaching and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) etc. We provide an explanation in a holistic view of the body and mind connection.

3) Listen: 

Madam Low initial consultation is really practicing the theory of basic counseling skill which is "listening". Not only listen to your problem but also listen to your whole body. Most of my patients enjoy her TCM practices as she is an empathetic practitioner. 

4) Focus on the Core Issue: 

Madam Low and I closely monitor and discuss patient's case history to find out the core issue of their problem. By addressing the core issue, we able to provide a long term solution but not a short term relief. We treat the whole person but not only symptoms.

5) Tailored Service: 

The integration of psychological hypnosis with acupuncture, Gua Sha (scraping sha-bruises), chinese herb and EEG biofeedback training is as an avenue for dealing with mental health related problem. Madam Low explained to me that TCM practice addresses the spiritual disharmonies to deal with mental health related issue. By combining our services, we found it works for many patients.

Maybe some of you might skeptical about whether it is research proven method. 

According to an article in the Psychology Today, the Author Leana Wen M.D. mentioned:

Research important? Of course. But research is done on populations, and the TCM treatment is of individuals. It has taken me a while to accept that I may not always be able to explain why—but that the care should be for the individual patient, not a population of patients.

年末了，人总是会不自觉地回顾过往的时光……对我而言，是时候感激一些生活与工作上的伙伴了。自2013至现在近2017年间，我都在KL这所最大型中西自然疗法综合诊疗中心中看诊，刘医师正是其中一位与我并肩努力的伙伴。刘医师亦师亦友，这些年来我不时都会与她讨教及合作，更因此习得如何运用中医心理学等中医疗法原理与中医师配合我的临床催眠，脑波反馈训练与心理治疗。刘医师有近30年的中医与辅导经验，她曾经执教并担任学校辅导老师，好学尽责的她也曾经和临床心理师学习了不少心理咨询技巧来帮助学生。她是位非常有爱心的医师，我真的很感激她这些年来的教诲与鼓励。刘医师，谢谢你！

Tip of the day: Respond by NOT and calm down yourself

Respond to the thought only after you've taken some time to observe and reflect on it. When people have a lot of trouble with chronic worry, they tend to rush into action, reflexively, without any reasonable review of the evidence, as if that thought were a blowtorch that someone had just applied to their feet. Instead, follow this rule: don't just do something, stand there.

Train yourself to respond NOT, in this way:
1. Notice you have a thought
2. Observe and review the thought
3. Then take whatever action you deem beneficial



Resource:
http://www.anxietycoach.com/anxietysymptoms.html

You can’t change everyone

Remember, you can’t change everyone. Don’t make it your mission to fix them.

But you can choose to change yourself.

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.

You can always help yourself, you can always push yourself to be a better person to inspire those around you. 

Mandatory Course for Hypnotherapy Practitioners Malaysia

All the Association of Hypnotherapy Practitioners Malaysia (AHPM) members is concentrating on the T&CM quiz and working on the case study from the Code of Ethics perspectives. 

I am the committee member who is appointed as one of the speakers. 

My topic is about what needs to be aware of from the business practice, what acts that a practitioner needs to take note and etc. 

Very interactive workshop and thank you to all the members for active participation.

14-day gratitude challenge - You will notice more of the good things in the world

We need gratitude more than ever

When we’re feeling discouraged, alone, anxious, or angry, it’s hard to be grateful.

We know we’re supposed to feel grateful. It’s Thanksgiving-time after all. But you may be having a hard time tapping into gratitude right now.  Our country is in turmoil, leaving us with a heaviness that’s hard to shake. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed with personal problems. Or perhaps you’re struggling with the extra work, financial hardship, or family turmoil that the holidays can bring.

Gratitude doesn’t always come easy

Sometimes we have to work at feeling grateful. But it’s a worthwhile practice.

There are a lot of good reasons to make a daily gratitude practice part of your life. According to Happify, people who practice gratitude regularly “experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.”

Practicing gratitude is simple, quick, effective, and free. There aren’t many things that can claim that!

Gratitude brings us back to the present

Instead of worrying about the future, gratitude reminds us of the here and now. Gratitude helps us focus on what’s good, on what’s working rather than what’s not.

Gratitude shifts the focus from problems to positives. When we focus on the good things in our lives, we train our brains to look for the positives. So, by practicing gratitude we will notice more of the good things in the world. Our problems don’t disappear, but they can feel more manageable.

A gratitude challenge

Even when you think gratitude might be helpful, it can still be hard to get started. The following gratitude journal prompts can help spark some ideas. Start small and gradually challenge yourself to find something to be grateful about even in life’s challenges. Write as much or as little as you want, but do try to be consistent so you begin to build the habit.

For the next 14 days, answer the question: “I am grateful for ____________” using each of these prompts. And feel free to add your own and keep the practice going after you’ve done the 14 listed.

1. Something in nature
2. A person
3. Something I can see
4. A hobby
5. Something I only do at the holidays
6. A gift I’ve been given
7. Something about my health or body
8. Something I’ve done to help others
9. A possession
10. A happy memory
11. Something that keeps me safe
12. Something that makes my life easier
13. A talent
14. A favorite food

If you take the 14-day gratitude challenge, I’d love to have you add your answers in the comments below. I hope you find it to be a beneficial exercise for bringing more hope and contentment into your life.

Source: http://blogs.psychcentral.com/imperfect/2016/11/practice-gratitude-journal-when-discouraged/

（非药物治疗方法）如何治疗急性焦虑发作或惊恐发作Panic Attack Treatment Malaysia

如果你在日常时刻经常会面对以下其中一些临床表现症状，可得多加注意了：

• 突然感到强烈不适、
• 胸闷、
• 气透不过来的感觉、
• 心悸、
• 出汗、
• 胃不适、
• 颤抖、
• 手足发麻、
• 濒死感、
• 失去控制感、
• 反复出现强烈的惊恐发作，伴频死感或惊慌感
• 发作可无明显原因或无特殊情境。
• 还有一部分人会在某些特殊情境发生以上症状；如拥挤人群、商店、公共车辆中发作（这点就是广场恐怖症伴发惊恐发作Agoraphobia with Panic Attacks）。

你也可以尝试做做以下的自我测试，看看你是否有以上的症状
（欢迎把分数记下来，并email告诉我分数）：Panic & Agoraphobia Scale

常见导因：

第一点：生理层面

生理层面引致的惊恐反应（自律神经失调）；当你本应该放松时，身体却被错误的激活惊恐模式。（就好比说你在广场里应该放松购物，但心脏却因不安而开始心跳加速）

第二点：脑部神经系统问题

脑里的化学作用出了状况，这可能是基于食物的选择或重金属超标等问题引起。

第三点：潜意识（空间方位感）出错

潜意识状态对身边事物的空间方位感认知出错，因此导致去到人多的地方时激起内心里潜意识层面的害怕反应。

第四点：心理状态诱发

个性、抑郁、哀伤或感情问题等等。通常病因和患者个性与处理情绪的方式有关。

Hiro Koo给你的话：

身体生病了，我们知道尽早看医生疗效较好；那心理生病了，也要尽早求医。

我可透过特殊的检测方式来了解你的导因，然后推荐你适合的治疗方法。

我们的处方是非使用药物的治疗方法：

针对导因第一点：我们可以透过脑波反馈疗法EEG biofeedback training来调理生理层面因素。

脑波反馈疗法能帮助我们学习自我控制的能力，但它并不能直接作用于我们。这疗法需要有专科训练的治疗师来进行。通过反复的训练，可以改善自己的自律神经状态。

针对导因第二点：脑部神经系统问题，可以透过头发重金属检测与营养调整来改善。只要吃对食物和做适当的份量调整，你其实也可以改善你的脑部神经系统状态。

针对导因第三点：潜意识（空间方位感）出错，我们可以透过合格注册的催眠师进行催眠治疗法来改善潜意识的认知与减少无意间诱发的害怕反应。

针对导因第四点：我们会透过心理建设与教育，让你认识问题的来源（就好像车子坏了，你得找出是哪个零件出了问题才能对症下药）。继而再透过心理治疗技巧，让患者走出负面的心理状态。

如果你还有任何疑虑，欢迎联系我咨询更多详情。

Insomnia Treatment in Malaysia

Insomnia Meaning:
Insomnia is a lack of sleep due to insufficient sleep quality or quantity. The insomniac’s major complaint is awakening during sleep, followed by difficulty falling asleep. An insomniac may sleep but experience poor sleep quality, also known as nonrestorative sleep. As a result of a lack of quality sleep, impairments are experienced in social and occupational functioning.

The three types of insomnia are sleep insomnia involving difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance involving awakening during sleep, and late insomnia involving early morning awakenings. Insomnia can be episodic lasting for a period of one month within 3 months, or persistent lasting longer than 3 months. Recurrent insomnia is two or more episodes within a year. Insomnia disorder is one of the major three groupings of sleep disorders under DSM-5, together with hypersomnia and arousal disorders.


Insomnia Symptoms:
The DSM-5’s major criteria for a diagnosis of insomnia, in brief, are (APA, 2013):

1. Dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality, with one or more of the following symptoms: difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, early-morning awakening 
2. The sleep disturbance causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, educational, academic, behavioral, or other important areas of functioning 
3. The sleep difficulty occurs at least 3 nights per week, is present for at least 3 months, and despite adequate opportunity for sleep 
4. The insomnia does not co-occur with another sleep disorder 
5. The insomnia is not explained by coexisting mental disorders or medical condition

Insomnia is a precursor to, and comorbid with, a number of mental and medical disorders. To ensure proper treatment, DSM-5 recognizes that one or more disorders may be present at the same time. A medical condition such as chronic pain or mental disorder such as breathing-related sleep disorder may be the cause of the insomnia. However, DSM-5 does stipulate that the insomnia should be clinically significant on its own to warrant a diagnosis.


Insomnia Treatment:
Medication is the most commonly used treatment for insomnia. A class of sedatives called hypnotics is typically prescribed. Benzodiazepine has a high risk of side effects and long-term dependence, and therefore is recommended for short-term use. Nonbenzodiazepines are more commonly prescribed today but still have a risk of side effects and are habit forming. Doctors will first try non-drug approaches to treat insomnia. These may include mind relaxation exercises and avoiding stimulants before bedtime such as caffeine. Despite the complications, insomnia worsens when patients go off medication for insomnia.

Psychotherapy approaches (Such as CBT-I) include stimulus control to teach the association between the bed and sleeping, sleep restriction to restore sleep regulation, and cognitive restructuring to address anxiety-related thoughts that lead to a lack of sleep (Mitchell, 2012).
While almost half of us report being kept awake by stress or worry, increasing evidence suggests that a large proportion of chronic, long-term insomnia is caused not by environmental factors but by the very worry we feel about getting our prescribed eight hours. In short, this sleep performance anxiety – our worries about getting enough sleep – is stopping us from getting the sleep we need. Thus, sleep performance anxiety issue should be addressed first during the therapy session.
Study also finds that those highly suggestible to clinical hypnosis can have deeper sleep after hypnotic suggestion.


Message from Hiro Koo:
Our psychological hypnosis approach will combine psychotherapy and clinical hypnosis methods to deal with your insomnia problem. First, we will do an initial consultation (Include brainwaves analysis method) to find out the root cause of your insomnia problem. After that, we will recommend the most helpful method to deal with your insomnia. Please drop me an email if you need more info: [email protected]



Source:
http://www.theravive.com/therapedia/Insomnia-Disorder-DSM--5-780.52-(G47.00)
http://www.healthista.com/want-better-sleep-worry-less-about-how-much-youre-getting/

为何失眠？如何治疗失眠？何谓睡眠表现焦虑？ | 无药无副作用 | 马来西亚

来中心找我看诊的病人里，有50%以上都面对失眠问题。

或许是基于“催眠”二字出发，让人觉得对治疗睡眠问题来说是最理想的选择吧！因此，很多人都是因失眠问题来向我寻求解决方案。当然，我并不是指这想法是错误的，许多研究与实例亦证明临床催眠疗法确实对治疗失眠问题颇好。

从失眠者的脑波层面，我察觉到他们大多都面对焦虑与压力相关问题。

（脑电波检测并不是根据心理学诊断手册DSM的方法来操作的，我们有独特的解读脑波科学方法。当然脑波检测也不属于Diagnosis，而是让我更好的了解病人的潜意识状态的方法。）

而绝大部分面对失眠问题的病患都有着情绪管理相关问题。

睡眠问题大多来自于饮食习惯、工作压力与人际关系。

因此，在我让他们理解相关问题并协助他们进行情绪和心理层面调整后，问题都会得到极大的改善。

此外，也有一部分的人是因为“睡眠表现焦虑”症状而无法入睡。

什么是“睡眠表现焦虑Sleep Performance Anxiety”症状呢？

这是一种”担心睡不着“的心理状态；就好比说你平时能够顺畅地说话，然而一上台你就因为害怕而开始口吃和忘词的道理相同。整体的状况其实并不是你无法睡着，而是你心中害怕睡不着（就好比说害怕上台说不出话）然后就因而变得真的就睡不着了（就好像上台后真的说不出话来了）。

那么怎么改变这个问题呢？

如果说告诉自己不要害怕就能不焦虑了，那么世界上也不会有人面对任何问题了（开玩笑）。打个比方说，你害怕上舞台演说，那你应当怎么解决呢？

方法只有一个：做好心理建设，并且不断的练习，最终方才能掌握舞台演说技巧。睡眠表现焦虑的问题也一样。

所以说如果你面对的是睡眠表现焦虑问题，却一直使用药物来解决问题，那么你会发现成效或许颇为有限。这是因为真实的问题来源和你的心态有着绝大的关系。

药物是不会改变你的心态的，因此它的效力是有所局限的。它或许能让你镇定下来，却不一定能让你不再害怕。

再问一问你自己，如果你害怕蟑螂或壁虎，你又会如何解决呢？是选择逃避还是寻求帮助呢？

你要的不是每次都靠别人打死蟑螂，而是学习如何与之共处在同一个世上啊。

如果你愿意，心理治疗配合催眠疗法将帮助你克服你的失眠问题。

临床催眠配合心理治疗法能帮你改善你的心态，然后在运用你的潜意识让你放松，继而轻松入睡的。

有更多疑问，欢迎email我咨询更多：[email protected]