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I meet so many people who have been struggling through a problem and have found themselves feeling lost and hopeless. I have decided to share a series of stories from my clients (with their permission of course) with the aim of putting positive information out into the world and inspiring hope for anyone having difficulties.

 

Chris’s sleep problem in brief:

+ 20 year history of significant sleep disturbance

+ Persistent nightmares

+ Using sleeping tablets some nights

+ Low mood

+ Assessment + 7 treatment sessions

In his words…

Describe how things were for you just before you started sessions (e.g., how long the problem had been going on for, how much sleep you were getting, how you were feeling).

I have had trouble with sleeping for years and have tried various treatments with limited success. For the last 18 months the problem has been one of waking up at 3am and not being able to get back to sleep, so an average of 4 to 5 hours sleep a night.  Worrying about the situation made it worse as I was producing too much adrenaline which ironically kept me going during the day but as bed time approached then anxiety about sleeping or rather not sleeping kicked in and the vicious circle was complete.  My partner suggested that I see a sleep therapist and that’s when I found Emma………….

 

Describe how things are for you now since ending your therapy sessions. What has changed?

I am no longer anxious about going to bed and look forward to it. I am sleeping much better. I don’t sleep continuously through the night but now understand this is normal and that it is the number of cycles that is important rather than uninterrupted sleep.

 

If you could go back and give yourself a piece of advice or support when you were struggling, what would it be?

To breathe slowly and deeply, remember the advice from Emma, think positive thoughts and stay in control knowing that it is possible to conquer the demons. It is important to be relaxed before going to bed so listening to Emma’s CD works well.

 

Is there anything you feel Emma could have improved or done differently to give you a better experience of therapy?

Not really, as Emma’s approach – explaining the science and talking things through and challenging my negative thoughts worked well for me.

 

Are there any other comments you would like to make?

Yes, Emma is very good at her job!! She is very thorough and remembers everything you tell her even weeks later which is very professional and reassuring.