http://aecollegeofhypnosis.uk/, https://linktr.ee/adameason

Anglo European College of Therapeutic Hypnosis, Bournemouth (2025)

10/09/2025

Evidence based hypnosis meme of the week.

This randomised controlled trial aimed to determine how hypnotherapy treatment of urgency urinary incontinence compared with pharmacotherapy using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Scans were obtained pretreatment and 8 to 12 weeks after treatment initiation. Brain activation during bladder filling and resting functional connectivity with an empty and partially filled bladder were assessed.

After treatment, participants in both groups demonstrated marked improvement in incontinence episodes.

Successful treatment of urgency urinary incontinence with both pharmacotherapy and hypnotherapy. Results suggest hypnotherapy can be a useful tool in the treatment of urinary incontinence and potentially an alternative or adjunct to pharmacotherapy (Ketai et al., 2021).

Link to full study posted in my college Facebook group.

09/09/2025

How to Use Personality Neuroscience to Be Happier

In recent years, the field of psychology has witnessed the rise of personality neuroscience — a fascinating field that explores how brain structures, networks, and neurochemical systems shape individual differences in personality traits, behaviour, and emotional experience (Canli, 2006; DeYoung, 2010). This is naturally of great interest to me as a clinician and a trainer and educator of approaches to mental well-being. While personality has traditionally been studied through questionnaires and behavioural observation, personality neuroscience digs deeper to examine how biological processes influence who we are, and crucially; how we can harness this knowledge to improve our lives. That is, how can we practically apply the theory to become happier in our daily lives?

Happiness, long considered the ultimate goal of human life, is not evenly distributed. Some people seem naturally more optimistic and resilient, while others are more prone to anxiety or self-criticism. Personality neuroscience aims to help explain why this is the case and, importantly, how we can work with rather than against our personality biology to cultivate greater well-being.

Here today then, I'm exploring and sharing a range of evidence-based strategies that anyone can apply to use personality neuroscience to be happier, drawing on research into the brain, personality traits, and emotional regulation. Importantly, my aim is to focus on practical steps you can take in everyday life, supported by research and science.

Link to full article in the comments.

27/08/2025

Evidence based hypnosis meme of the week.

This study examined the effects of hypnosis on flow states and golf-putting performance in a small group of competitive players. The investigation utilised an ideographic single- subject multiple baseline across subjects design combined with a procedure that monitors the internal experience of the participants (Wollman, 1986). The method of intervention utilised in this study involved hypnotic induction, hypnotic regression, and trigger control procedures.

The results indicated that all participants increased both their mean golf putting performance and their mean flow scores from baseline to intervention.

Additionally, each participant indicated that they had felt the intervention was useful in keeping them relaxed, confident, and focused. Some of the golfers also reported experiencing reduced concerns about performing and more control over their putting stroke. (Pates, Oliver and Maynard, 2001)

Link to full PDF of study posted in my college Facebook group.

26/08/2025

How to Stop Living on Autopilot

“My experience is what I agree to attend to.” — William James

Being purposeful, thinking our own thoughts and stop living on autopilot is the focus of today's article. Modern living is very well engineered to move us into automatic routines: app notifications pinging, inbox going back and forth, habitual routines, seemingly mechanical diaries, evening scrolling through our phone feeds; the list goes on. Much of this can of course be useful — automaticity saves energy for more complex tasks. But when “autopilot” starts running your days, you can drift from your values, miss opportunities to learn, and feel oddly absent from your own life. I think it can help to know how to stop living on autopilot.

Today, I'm offering up a bunch of evidence-based strategies to help you shift from unconscious habit to purposeful, conscious living. Each practice is grounded in psychological research, translated into practical steps, and paired with quick drills you can apply to your life today. The goal is not to demonise habits (habits are essential) but to reclaim choice in the moments that matter, and enrich quality of life.

Link to full article in the comments.

11/08/2025

How to cool down using psychology: evidence-based ways to lower your temperature with your mind:

Why might anyone want to learn how to cool down using psychology? ... Here in the UK, we are having our 4th official heatwave of the Summer. Summer heat can be tough to cope with if you are not used to dealing with it. When air conditioning isn’t available, many of us instinctively reach for physical cooling methods — fans, cold water, wet cloths, ice packs. Those all can work well.

Today, I'd like to share there’s a surprising and useful other tool that can also help: the brain. There is a growing body of research which shows that mental techniques — imagery, suggestion, breathing, attention and simple cognitive reframes — can change how hot we feel, alter blood flow to the skin, and in some cases shift peripheral or even core temperature measurably. You really can cool down using psychology. I thought that I'd summarise the science behind those effects and offer up some practical, step-by-step psychological tools that anyone can use when you need to cool down fast (or cope better in sustained heat). All guidance offered up here today is evidence-based and — crucially — realistic about what the mind can and cannot do.

Link to full article in the comments.

11/08/2025

Explaining the Role of Cognitions in Common Problems and Hypnosis Using ABC

A simple ABC model I explain at the start of many courses to explain the role of beliefs and cognitions within the context of common problems and how that same model can be used to explain the role of beliefs and cognitions within hypnosis.

08/08/2025

Evidence based hypnosis meme of the week.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a chronic disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract that currently lacks substantially effective therapy options.

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and potential impact on FD symptoms and well-being of a fully automated gut-directed hypnosis intervention delivered via audio recordings.

FD patients were enrolled at a single medical centre and given access to a password-protected website where they completed 7 bi-weekly audio-recorded hypnosis sessions over a 3-month period. Study questionnaires including the Patient assessment of upper gastrointestinal symptom severity index, Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index, the Visceral Sensitivity Index, and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) were completed online pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up.

Intention-to-treat analyses showed significant improvement at both end of treatment and 3-month follow-up in dyspepsia severity and quality of life, as well as in gut-specific anxiety and psychological distress. 68% of treatment com- pleters reported that their FD symptoms were improved. Improvement in FD severity was significantly positively correlated with baseline PAGI-SYM total scores and BSI Global Severity Index scores.

The fully automated hypnosis audio treatment program, which requires no therapist or clinician involvement, demonstrated excellent feasibility and resulted in significant improvement in FD symptoms, quality of life and emotional well-being. The results indicate that the intervention has high potential as adjunctive therapy for FD and warrants further investigation in a randomized controlled trial. (Kingsinger, Joyce, Venu & Palsson, 2021)

Link to full PDF of study posted in my college Facebook group.

08/08/2025

Latest article: Using 'MicroActs' of Joy to Boost Happiness.

Microacts of joy is my topic today. I have found in recent times both within my clinical practice, the classroom and as a parent and in life in general, people struggle more than ever to spend lengthy periods of time engaged in psychological exercises or skills that can boost happiness. In that pursuit of happiness, many people often also look for major or sweeping changes such as a new job, new relationship, or life-changing adventures. However, today there is mounting research in psychology to suggest that happiness is not necessarily found in grand events, but rather in the small, everyday moments we often overlook.

These are what we might call microacts of joy — simple, intentional actions that generate small bursts of positive emotion and help improve our overall well-being. Today, I am sharing a range of evidence-based microacts of joy you can incorporate into your daily life to boost happiness and mental well-being, along with the psychological science that supports their impact.

What Are MicroActs of Joy?

Microacts of joy are small, intentional behaviours or experiences that generate brief moments of pleasure, satisfaction, connection, or gratitude. These acts may take only seconds or minutes but have cumulative psychological benefits when performed regularly. That is, their effects build up and enhance our happiness and well-being greatly. Rather than relying on external circumstances, microacts of joy empower individuals to create their own happiness through regular conscious, habitual behaviours.

These micro moments of joy help to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and even improve physical health through a process known as the broaden-and-build theory (Fredrickson, 2001).

Link to full article in the comments.

31/07/2025

Video: How the Prospect of Hypnosis (and Misunderstanding) In Boxing Instilled Fear!

One of my favourite boxers when I was young was Nigel Benn. In the 1990s he worked with Paul McKenna, who did not actually work with Benn on his boxing career, he provided support and assistance during a difficult period in his personal life. However, when it was suggested in the media that Nigel Benn was receiving help from McKenna who was the world's most famous hypnotist at the time, some people objected and suggested that this was somehow giving Benn an unfair advantage - it mainly shone a light on how little people knew about the reality of what hypnosis does and how it works.

31/07/2025

Latest Article - Why You Don’t Need to Be Exceptional: The Psychology of Letting Go of the Pressure to Stand Out.

When you work in fields such as mine and those related to it, saying "You Don’t Need to Be Exceptional" is seen as a crime by some. I've wanted to write about why we don't need to be exceptional for some time and today I've finally gotten around to it.

The Psychology of Letting Go of the Pressure to Stand Out - The Myth of Exceptionality

In our modern Western world where social media in particular constantly showcases the lives of high achievers, influencers, and prodigies of varying kinds, the pressure to be exceptional can feel overwhelming. So much self-improvement and personal development literature and themes seems to be focused upon a main goal of how to be exceptional. We are often encouraged to stand out, be the best, or leave a mark on the world. The message is clear: ordinary isn't enough.

Yet, paradoxically, striving to be exceptional can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth. For me and I hope for some of you reading this, it can actually be comforting and liberating to be told: you don’t need to be exceptional to lead a deeply meaningful, satisfying, and valuable life.

Today I'm exploring the psychological science behind why chasing exceptionality can actually be harmful, and how embracing ordinariness can actually be one of the healthiest and most fulfilling choices you make.

Link to the full article is in the comments.

31/07/2025

Evidence based hypnosis meme of the week.

Many breast cancer patients and survivors experience pain and emotional stress related to their disease, its diagnostic procedures, or treatment. Hypnosis has long been used for the treatment of such symptoms.

The aim of this review was to systematically assess the effectiveness of hypnosis in women with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, and in women undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy.

Databases were screened through February 2014 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of hypnosis in women with breast cancer or undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy.

Primary outcomes were pain, distress, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and hot flashes.

Thirteen RCTs with 1357 patients were included. In women undergoing diagnostic breast biopsy, hypnosis positively influenced pain and distress; RCT on breast cancer surgery found effects of hypnosis on pain, distress, fatigue, and nausea. For women undergoing radiotherapy, hypnosis combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy improved distress and fatigue. RCTs on women with metastatic breast cancer found effects on pain and distress.

This systematic review found sparse but promising evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis in breast cancer care. While more research is needed to underpin these results, hypnosis can be considered as an ancillary intervention in the management of breast cancer–related symptoms (Cramer et al., 2015).

Link to full PDF of study posted in my college Facebook group.

31/07/2025

Latest Video: Heavy Lifting - Conquering Your Mind Before The Weight!

When I teach how to employ cognitive sports psychology and sports applications of hypnotherapy, as well as looking at a wide range of evidence based applications and models, when talking about effective applications of cognitive approaches, I also refer to my own experiences and how even though I teach these topics, and have a great awareness of how to apply self-hypnosis in this environment, I have found automatic thoughts have still snuck their way into my reality and I have needed to work on them to update them and relish such scenarios rather than actually terrifying myself and weakening my own resolve!

Anglo European College of Therapeutic Hypnosis

10/09/2025

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