The teaching professional is a valuable, if not always valued, member of society. As a secondary school teacher prior to turning to clinical hypnotherapy I am aware of the stresses that teachers suffer, indeed, I have worked steadily for several years covering the absence of stressed teachers. I have seen good teachers, good people, devastated by stress; don't let this happen to you.
As well as the effect on the individual, absences affect their colleagues who are called on to set work and cover lessons. Long term absence, which stress invariably is, has a serious impact on schools' supply budgets leading to a reduction of funding available for resources as well as the negative effects on pupils' learning and motivation.
By the time a teacher realises the degree of the stress they are suffering it can be too late, they are signed off, six months later their pay is halved and a year later they may find themselves out of a job altogether.
Suffering from stress is not a sign of weakness
Wouldn't it be so much better if the symptoms were picked up earlier and treatment given to head off a breakdown? The recommended treatment is for willing staff to be taught self-hypnosis. This is a simple procedure but, with practice allows staff to spend 5 or 10 minutes in a self-induced trance to allow tension to ebb away. An added benefit is that participants can really do a tremendous amount for themselves, whether it be stress relief, pain relief or enhancing their learning of that latest pearl of DFES wisdom. As self-hypnosis is carried out in private, nobody is singled out as requiring treatment, and it could transform the participants' personal lives and their performance in the classroom as well as doing wonders for the supply budget.
For Example,
Do you dread Mondays? (Nobody likes them but teachers will know exactly what I mean.)
At the start of vacations do you suffer pains as your abdominal muscles begin to relax?
Is your temper becoming shorter? Do you feel regret at your undeserved snapping at pupils?
This is not an exhaustive list and is largely drawn from personal experience and my observations of former colleagues. If you experience any of these then seriously consider hypnotherapeutic treatment to enhance your ability to cope. Once you start to recognise symptoms you are on your way to problems, get help now and take steps to head off serious problems.
As with all treatments offered, all consultations are confidential and the transmission of information is governed by a strict code of ethics; your school/LEA or other body will not be given any information* concerning any enquiries or consultations.
Self-hypnosis is a valuable tool in allowing stress to be better controlled. It can be taught to groups simultaneously, why not get together with colleagues for such a session? Would your school be willing to incorporate this as part of an INSET day/evening?
*Matters in contravention of the law of the land, contrary to provisions regarding child/ vulnerable people legislation or gross professional misconduct are excepted.
The teaching professional is a valuable, if not always valued, member of society. As a secondary school teacher prior to turning to clinical hypnotherapy I am aware of the stresses that teachers suffer, indeed, I have worked steadily for several years covering the absence of stressed teachers. I have seen good teachers, good people, devastated by stress; don't let this happen to you.
By the time a teacher realises the degree of the stress they are suffering it can be too late, they are signed off, six months later their pay is halved and a year later they may find themselves out of a job altogether.
