What You May Want to Know About Me
Hello, as owner of Waves of Change, and as your counselor or hypnotherapist, I think you might like to know a little about me and how I became interested in this profession. When I was a young adult I was curious about why people have such a hard time giving up bad habits. We all know what’s not good for us, but nonetheless, it’s so hard to stop some things once they are started. Why is that, I wondered, and how can we change it?
Perhaps I was influenced to be sensitive to this because in my own life, I saw friends and family struggle with negative attitudes, or with smoking and poor eating habits that they couldn’t seem to conquer. Others felt burdened by stress and phobias to the point of panic. Invariably, these wonderful people would have self-confidence issues, or suffer depression or anxiety as well. So I was personally motivated to figure out what could really help.
When I discovered all the powerful potential of Hypnosis and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – two approaches to lasting change that are often practiced together and used by psychotherapists and counselors across the country. I was intrigued. Here were the answers that would make a great difference for my loved ones. I knew I had to learn them both.
Now more than a decade later, and with the addition of a Master’s Degree in Metal Health Counseling, I am pleased to be helping clients in the Raleigh/Durham, Cary, Morrisville, and RTP communities overcome daily life difficulties. It’s tremendously satisfying to me to watch as clients transform from feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, to meeting whatever challenges they face with self-assurance. I love it when clients can be direct and clear in asking for what they want and are dedicated to working on their concerns.
My Beliefs and Commitments to You
I believe that individuals should be free, first to seek help by using methods other than medication, and only to use medication as a last resort. In many cases, approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Hypnosis, Nuerolinquistic Programming (NLP), Mindfulness Meditation, and Technology-assisted Relaxation will work as well or better than medication, but without side effects. In some cases medication may be necessary, of course. In those rare cases, I will recommend a practitioner who can prescribe medication as we continue to work together.
I’m eager to partner with you to help you accomplish your goals. As your counselor and hypnotherapist, I make the following commitments to you:
- I’ll listen unconditionally
- I’ll teach new skills in hearing and heeding your wiser inner voice
- I’ll give you new perspectives to consider
- I’ll help you learn to understand your feelings and clear your thoughts
- I’ll support, encourage, and applaud your changes
- I’ll gently but directly tell you the truth as I see it
Ann Marie Sochia, MS, LCMHC, NLP, CHT