True You Hypnotherapy

12/30/2025

As the year draws to a close, a unique quiet settles over us, inviting reflection. This season is a collective pause—a moment to measure our growth not in milestones achieved, but in wisdom gained.

Every challenge we faced was a lesson. Every ending cleared the way for a new beginning. As we stand on the threshold of the new year, let's move beyond resolutions and set a clear intention—a way of being that will guide our path forward.

Explore these ideas more deeply and embrace the coming year with an open heart. Read the full reflection on the blog today.

www.trueyouhypnotherapy.com

True You Hypnotherapy is based on the belief that hypnosis can be employed as a powerful tool in dealing with a variety of human ailments and issues. We offer techniques to teach your subconscious mind to maintain a positive focus and diminish mental images of fear producing, self defeating thoughts...

12/19/2025

A Holiday Reflection: Embracing the Coming Year
As the year draws to a close, a unique quiet settles over the world. The days shorten, the air grows still, and we are invited to turn inward. This season is more than just a collection of holidays; it is a collective pause, a moment to reflect on the path we have walked and to contemplate the one that lies ahead. It is a time to measure our growth not in milestones achieved, but in wisdom gained and consciousness expanded.
In my work exploring the depths of the human mind, I have learned that our greatest transformations often begin in these moments of stillness. We spend so much of our lives in motion, striving and doing, that we can forget the profound power of simply being. This holiday season, I encourage you to gift yourself moments of quiet reflection. Ask yourself not what you have accomplished, but who you have become.
Every year leaves its imprint on our Souls. It brings with it lessons disguised as challenges, and opportunities veiled as endings. Think back on the moments that defined your year. Consider the times you felt tested, the situations that pushed you to the edge of your comfort zone. These are not failures or setbacks; they are the curriculum of your personal evolution.
Pain is a powerful teacher. It strips away the non-essential and forces us to confront our deepest truths. When we face adversity, we are given a choice: we can allow it to harden us, or we can use it to cultivate compassion for ourselves and for others. Each challenge overcome builds a reservoir of resilience within us. Each moment of vulnerability we navigate with grace deepens our understanding of the human condition.
Look back with gratitude, not just for the joyful moments, but for the difficult ones. Thankful for the experiences that revealed your strength, the people who mirrored your unresolved patterns, and the endings that cleared the way for new beginnings. This is the alchemy of consciousness—turning the lead of hardship into the gold of wisdom.
During this season of gathering, we are reminded of our profound interconnectedness. We are not isolated beings navigating life alone. We are part of a vast, intricate web of consciousness, each of us a vital thread. Your thoughts, your energy, and your actions ripple outward, touching countless others in ways you may never fully comprehend.
When you choose kindness, you send a frequency of compassion into the collective field. When you heal a part of yourself, you contribute to the healing of the whole. This is not a metaphor; it is the fundamental nature of reality. We are all connected. The love you give to another is a gift to yourself. The forgiveness you offer clears a space for grace to enter the world.
This understanding carries a beautiful responsibility. It calls us to be mindful of our impact and to recognize the sacredness in every interaction. Whether with family, friends, or strangers, see each person as a fellow traveler on this journey of awakening. Honour their path, even if it differs from your own. In our shared humanity, we find our greatest strength and our deepest sense of belonging.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the air is filled with a sense of possibility. It is a blank page, an unwritten chapter in the story of your life. Instead of making resolutions born from a sense of lack or self-criticism, I invite you to set a clear intention.
An intention is different from a goal. A goal is a destination; an intention is a way of being. It is the energetic quality you wish to embody as you move through the year. Perhaps your intention is to live with more courage, to embrace more joy, or to cultivate deeper peace.
To set your intention, find a quiet moment. Close your eyes and connect with your breath. Ask your higher self: What quality will most serve my growth and the growth of those around me in the coming year? Listen for the answer that resonates in your heart. It may be a single word, a feeling, or an image.
Once you have your intention, write it down. Place it somewhere you will see it every day. Let it be your guide and your anchor. When you feel lost or uncertain, return to your intention. Let it reorient you to your true north.
The coming year is an opportunity to live more consciously, to love more deeply, and to become a more authentic expression of who you truly are. Embrace it with an open heart and a courageous spirit. The universe is conspiring in your favour, and you are ready for the magic that awaits!

Sending Love this Holiday Season,
Laurie McDonald, Clinical Hypnotherapist

11/09/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQzg9fHElng/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

09/26/2025

From the desk of Laurie McDonald, Clinical Hypnotherapist;

Dealing with Other Peoples Jealousy

When another's insecurity leads them to lie or undermine you, remember that their behavior is a reflection of their own internal struggle, not your worth. It's a painful experience, but your focus must remain on your own well-being.

Protecting your peace is not selfish; it is necessary. Here is how you can navigate these challenging dynamics:

Recognize the Pattern: See the behavior for what it is—a symptom of deep-seated jealousy and insecurity. This understanding helps depersonalize the attacks. You are not the problem; their perception of you is the trigger for their unresolved issues.

Set Firm Boundaries: Limit your engagement. You do not have to absorb their negativity. This may mean creating emotional distance or, if necessary, physical distance. Politely disengage from conversations that become accusatory or manipulative. A simple, "I'm not comfortable with this conversation," can be a powerful tool.

Do Not Defend or Explain: Engaging in their drama only fuels the fire. You have no obligation to justify your existence or your success to someone committed to misunderstanding you. Your truth does not require their validation.

Anchor Yourself in Your Reality: Surround yourself with people who see and value the real you. Keep a record of your achievements and positive feedback. This reinforces your self-worth when someone is actively trying to tear it down.

Your energy is a precious resource. Choose to invest it in your own growth and peace, not in managing someone else's toxicity.

Prioritize your well-being today. You deserve to be surrounded by support, not suspicion.

09/24/2025

Subject: Find Your Calm in a Strange New World

Preheader: Master modern stress and rediscover your balance with powerful techniques.

True You Hypnotherapy, LLC

It feels like we’re navigating a strange new world sometimes, doesn't it? The 21st century has brought incredible advancements, but it has also introduced a unique set of pressures. We're constantly connected, bombarded with information, and expected to keep pace with a world that never seems to slow down. This relentless pressure can lead to persistent feelings of stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and out of control.

If you feel like you're just trying to keep your head above water, you are not alone.

The Modern Stress Epidemic

Today’s stress isn't just about big, isolated events. It's the constant hum of notifications, the pressure to be productive, and the endless comparison on social media. This chronic, low-grade stress can have a profound impact on your mental and physical well-being, affecting everything from your sleep and concentration to your relationships and overall happiness.

Many of us try to push through it, hoping it will disappear. But what if you could do more than just cope? What if you could take back control and create a new, lasting sense of balance?

A New Way to Find Balance

Hypnotherapy offers a powerful and effective path to managing the stress and anxiety of modern life. Unlike simply treating the symptoms, hypnotherapy works with your subconscious mind—the part of you that runs your automatic responses and deep-seated beliefs.

By accessing this powerful part of your mind in a state of deep relaxation, we can:

Reframe Anxious Thoughts: Change the negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety, replacing them with calm and constructive ones.

Release Built-Up Tension: Teach your mind and body to let go of chronic stress that you may not even realize you're holding onto.

Build Inner Resilience: Equip you with internal resources to handle future challenges with confidence and composure.

Hypnotherapy helps you rewrite the script, transforming your automatic reaction to stress and creating a new foundation of inner peace. It's not about erasing challenges; it's about empowering you to navigate them with a clear and centered mind.

Practical Tip: The 3-Breath Reset

When you feel stress rising, try this simple technique.

Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, feeling your belly expand.

Hold your breath for a count of four.

Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six, releasing all the air.

Repeat this three times. This small action can interrupt the stress cycle and bring you back to the present moment.

Ready to Create Your New Balance?

You don't have to navigate this strange new world on your own. If you're ready to move beyond managing stress and start mastering it, hypnotherapy can provide the tools you need to build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Discover how you can reclaim your calm and find your true self again.

Explore Our Hypnotherapy Programs at trueyouhypnotherapy.com]

09/15/2025

Sunday.
Night special

09/15/2025

08/29/2025

04/04/2025

Recognizing Red Flags in Friendships: A Hypnotherapist’s Perspective

Friendships, when healthy, can be one of the most fulfilling relationships you’ll have in your lifetime. They enrich our lives, provide a sense of connection, and support us during highs and lows. But not all friendships are created equal. Sadly, some relationships can turn toxic without us realizing it, leaving us drained and questioning our self-worth.

As a therapist, I often see how subtle signs of unhealthy friendships escape notice until emotional harm has already occurred. Today, I want to discuss some common red flags that might indicate trouble in a friendship and offer guidance on how to protect your emotional well-being.

Red Flags in Friendships

1. Jealousy
When a friend is unable to celebrate your successes or views your accomplishments as a threat, that’s a significant red flag. Jealous friends may downplay your achievements or shift focus back onto themselves when you share good news. While envy is a common human emotion, repeated expressions of jealousy impact trust and undermine the foundation of a healthy friendship.

Ask yourself: Does my friend support and cheer me on, or does their response make me feel guilty or undeserving of my success?

2. Control Over Your Conversations
Healthy friendships should feel like a safe space where you can express your thoughts without judgment. But if a friend dictates what’s acceptable to talk about or silences topics they don’t like, they’re exercising control. For example, they may dismiss your problems with comments like, “I don’t want to hear that again,” or steer conversations to center on themselves.

You may feel hesitant to speak freely in these situations, which is a sign that your friend isn’t respecting the equal balance of the relationship.

3. Gaslighting
Gaslighting in friendships is a subtle form of manipulation. It occurs when one friend convinces another to doubt their own memory, feelings, or experiences. For instance, a gaslighting friend might claim, *“You’re making a big deal out of nothing”* or *“That didn’t happen the way you remember.”*

Over time, gaslighting can erode your confidence in your own judgment. If you frequently feel confused or “off” after interactions with a friend, it’s worth examining whether gaslighting could be at play.

4. Showing Insecurity Around Their Spouse
Some friendships take a turn for the worse when a friend becomes insecure about how their spouse interacts with you. They might accuse you of inappropriate intentions, make sarcastic remarks, or create unnecessary tension. This kind of behavior reveals deeper insecurities, and while it may stem from something unrelated to you, it becomes your emotional burden to carry.

A healthy friendship involves trust—not only between you and your friend but also within their relationships. It’s not your responsibility to reassure someone who projects their insecurities onto you.

5. Always Taking, Rarely Giving
Friendships should feel reciprocal. If you are always available to support a friend through their challenges but find them noticeably absent when you need them, the relationship may be one-sided. This imbalance can leave you feeling neglected and used, rather than valued and appreciated.

6. Undermining Your Confidence
Passive-aggressive digs, backhanded compliments, and constant criticism—even when framed as “teasing”—chip away at self-confidence over time. For example, a friend might say, *“I could never wear that, but it works for you, I guess,”* or comment that something you’re proud of wasn’t “that impressive.” Constructive feedback is valuable in any relationship, but a steady stream of negativity is not.

Step 7. Encouraging Harmful Behavior
True friends encourage our growth and well-being, even when it means pushing us out of our comfort zones. However, a toxic friend may pressure you into unhealthy or unethical behaviors. Whether it’s unhealthy coping mechanisms, impulsive decisions, or abandoning your own moral values, a friend who leads you down destructive paths doesn’t have your best interests in mind.

The Role of Self-Respect
Why do we sometimes stay in friendships long after recognizing these red flags? More often than not, it’s because we doubt our own worth or fear being alone. This is where self-respect becomes a critical tool.

Self-respect is the foundation of all healthy relationships. It allows you to set boundaries, advocate for yourself, and walk away from toxic dynamics. When you respect yourself, you align your connections with your values and needs. You start to recognize that you deserve friendships in which you feel supported and validated—not diminished.

It’s also important to cultivate self-awareness and self-appreciation. When you value yourself, you’re less likely to seek validation from external sources, making it easier to step away from relationships that don’t nourish you.

What Can You Do if You Notice These Red Flags?

Step 1: Identify the Pattern
Pay attention to the behaviours that make you feel uncomfortable, dismissed, or hurt. Journaling your interactions with a friend can clarify patterns that might otherwise feel like isolated incidents.

Step 2: Initiate a Conversation
Sometimes, people are unaware of how their actions affect others. If you feel safe, have an honest conversation. Use “I” statements, like, “I feel hurt when my feelings are dismissed,” to express your emotions without sounding accusatory.

Step 3: Set Boundaries
Communicating what you will and won’t tolerate is essential. Setting boundaries is not about punishing others but protecting your mental and emotional space. A friend who respects you will adapt; a toxic friend may continue testing your limits.

step 4: Evaluate the Friendship
If a friend chooses not to respect your boundaries or fails to take responsibility for harmful behaviour, it may be time to re-evaluate the friendship. Remember, ending a toxic friendship is not an act of cruelty but an act of self-care.

Step 5: Prioritize Relationships That Feel Good
Amid this process, take time to appreciate the healthy friendships in your life. Gravitate towards people who make you feel seen, heard, and valued. These are the individuals who deserve your energy.

Friendship should be a source of joy, not pain. Recognizing red flags such as jealousy, control, or gaslighting is the first step toward ensuring healthy and enriching relationships. You deserve to form bonds grounded in mutual respect, trust, and kindness.

Remember, prioritizing yourself and your needs isn’t selfish. It’s an investment in your emotional well-being. By honoring your own worth, you create space for friendships that uplift you and enrich your life. Take it from me—as a therapist and as someone who has seen countless people flourish after letting go of what no longer serves them, you are worthy of relationships that feel good. Always

honouring the self.

Laurie McDonald
Clinical Hypnotherapist