Jul 1
Hypnosis is often thought of as a sensational magic trick used for controlling minds and embarrassing people on cruise ships, so I admit I was a bit skeptical when I heard about hypnotherapy being used in ADHD management. However, I always try to keep an open mind when it comes to alternative treatments, which is why I wanted to sit down with hypnotherapist Meggie Houle to discuss the science and research behind it.
Meggie, now a certified hypnotherapist and self-hypnosis teacher, and author of Finish What You Start: Breaking out of the “Busy Mind, Restless Body” Trap to Create a Life You Love Even with ADHD, first discovered the benefits of hypnosis after experiencing a life-altering paragliding accident. She found that self-hypnosis not only reduced her stress and PTSD symptoms after the accident, but it also helped her manage her ADHD for the first time. In this episode Meggie gives us an introductory lesson into what hypnotherapy is exactly, the growing research behind it, and how she uses it to calm her nervous system in moments of stress.
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SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"I believe we are so powerful with ADHD; even though my mind was constantly working and replaying [the accident], because of my ADHD it was always looking for a solution as well. My mind was like, ‘okay you have to try it again, because otherwise, you’re going to stay scared of it for the rest of your life, always wondering if you should have tried again.’"
- Meggie Houle
"I found that hypnosis can really make changes on the subconscious mind, it can really help you tap into your power so much faster and so efficiently."
- Meggie Houle
"I love all my [ADHD] symptoms because they inform me when I’m actually not taking care of myself by getting worse, way worse."
- Meggie Houle
- Meggie had a paragliding accident due to impulsivity, resulting in a burst fracture and spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed in her pelvic area.
- Meggie Meggie experienced PTSD after the accident, feeling ashamed and not telling anyone about it, even though she was in the hospital for three weeks.
- Meggie Meggie describes experiencing the reliving of traumatic events from her past every day due to ADHD, which leads her to seek new ways to cope.
[25:55 - 29:18] Managing ADHD with Self-Hypnosis and Negativity Bias
- Meggie shares her experience with self-hypnosis, explaining how it helps her calm her nervous system in chaotic situations.
- Meggie guides clients through relaxation and self-hypnosis to access the alpha state, enabling focused attention and overcoming blocks to success.
- Meggie prefers self-hypnosis over other therapies like EFT, as it becomes an automatic response when needed.
- Meggie emphasizes the importance of self-care for managing ADHD, including ensuring adequate sleep and engaging in joyful activities to nourish the brain.
- Meggie visualizes dirty dishes to motivate herself to do them, finds it satisfying.
- Meggie shares insights on hypnotherapy for ADHD.
