Menopause: Strategies for Mental Wellness

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman's life that brings about significant changes physically, emotionally and psychologically. As the body transitions into menopause, which is said to be for any number of years for any one individual, it is essential to allow yourself to be supported to navigate these changes effectively. The time leading to this stage can be many years for some individuals, and it involves a unique journey of a multitude of symptoms for each person. By prioritising your mind, body and soul, you can enhance your mental health and well-being during this transformative period with much-needed support. There’s no need to feel alone in this process, it’s a sign of great strength to seek professional help and support to work through it all.

I have gained a deep understanding of the physical and mental effects caused by hormonal changes, as well as a strong awareness of the common life challenges faced during this period. Fibroids are a prevalent physical condition affecting many women, often leading to pain and discomfort. Although therapy does not directly treat fibroids, it can assist in managing symptoms and the emotional stress associated with them. Understanding Fibroids and Their Challenges Fibroids are benign uterine growths that cause significant discomfort. This condition impacts individuals with uteruses when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Consequently, a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus (womb), often including the cervix, and sometimes the ovaries or fallopian tubes, which can trigger early menopause.

Therefore, selecting womb-preserving alternatives such as Myomectomy (removing fibroids through open, laparoscopic/keyhole, or hysteroscopic techniques

Menopause counselling explores various aspects and provides help and support with the following:

I have experience working with clients experiencing menopause.

My curious nature drove me to complete a degree in integrative clinical hypnotherapy with a blended approach in a variety of therapeutic techniques, which has proven a successful way to help clients identify and behavioral traits associated with Cognitive Bias. combined with various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This broad skill set allows clients to release emotions in a safe environment, enabling each client to move forward without carrying the burden of past traumas. Hypnotherapy can successfully treat cognitive biases such as anxiety and chronic pain, reducing them by 70%, depression, and negative thought patterns.

• Rebuilding self-confidence, particularly regarding the ageing body and societal expectations.

• Developing healthy habits related to sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

• Exploring feelings of loss about the end of childbearing and other identity changes.

• Supporting the exploration of unresolved childhood trauma or previously unaddressed mental health issues.

• Exploring sources of pleasure and embracing new avenues of sexual expression.

• Seeking new opportunities and goals for the upcoming phase of life, with guidance in this endeavor.

• Changing the way you think and communicate with yourself about your body, fostering support and acceptance instead of resistance.

• Understanding your mother's experiences and the relationship you have had with her, and how this may affect your own menopausal journey.

Menopause and Integrative Counselling Therapy

​Counselling for menopause provides a supportive environment to explore emotional and psychological changes such as anxiety, low mood, identity shifts, and relationship stress, utilising therapies like CBT and hypnotherapy to create coping strategies for symptoms and life transitions. This helps women regain confidence and discover a new purpose in midlife. It addresses not only hormonal effects but also underlying issues, aiding in reshaping self-perception, managing stress, and establishing healthy habits for this new life stage, often complementing medical treatment. Building a healthy

relationship is essential for both personal happiness and emotional stability. When self-love or self-worth is lacking, it can create a ripple effect that negatively impacts interactions with others. Individuals who struggle with self-esteem often find themselves trapped in cycles of negative thoughts and feelings, which can manifest in their relationships, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a sense of disconnection. Hypnotherapy emerges as a powerful tool in nurturing self-connection and promoting a more positive self-image. Approximately 60% of individuals grapple with negative self-talk, which can significantly hinder their ability to form meaningful and lasting bonds with others. This internal dialogue often undermines confidence and can lead to avoidance of social situations or difficulty in expressing emotions, further isolating the individual. At its core, menopause counselling therapy offers a unique pathway for personal growth and healing. This therapeutic approach encourages individuals to explore the depths of their unconscious mind, where many of their beliefs about self-worth and relationships reside. Addressing these deep-seated issues, counselling can help individuals reframe their perceptions and cultivate a more positive self-image. As a result, they become better equipped to engage in healthy