How much do sessions cost?

Individual sessions are £70 for evening appointments and £65 for daytime sessions (10am-4pm). I also offer various package deals including a 6-session pre-pay for £390, 8-session block for £500, and specialized plans for phobias (£325) and trauma (£390). The initial discovery consultation is £50.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I use evidence-based approaches including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), neuroscience principles, solution-focused hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EFT techniques.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some issues like phobias can be addressed in as few as 5 sessions, while more complex issues may require 8-12 sessions or more. We'll discuss this during your discovery consultation.

Can you treat phobias without exposure therapy?

Yes, I can reduce phobias and fears without the need for exposure. We work together to desensitize the feelings around the phobia and build confidence using specialized techniques.

Do you offer both face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, I provide therapy sessions both in-person at my Swindon office and online to accommodate different preferences and circumstances.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of treatment that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Using neurolinguistic programming, we identify the root cause of trauma and help the brain process information differently to reduce emotional responses.

What symptoms can trauma therapy help with?

Trauma therapy can help with phobias, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, distorted self-image, interrupted emotional functioning, increased sensitivity to threat perception, flashbacks, and depression.

How does trauma therapy work?

We use neurolinguistic programming to identify the root cause of trauma and allow the brain to process information in a different way to reduce emotional responses. We also utilize guided relaxation in sessions to reduce anxiety, which drastically speeds up the healing process.

Where are trauma therapy sessions held?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, SN25 4YE. We are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm and Friday 8:30am - 6pm.

Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. It can significantly impact daily life through psychological symptoms like intense anxiety, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and behavioral avoidance of certain foods, places, or situations.

What are the symptoms of emetophobia?

Symptoms include intense anxiety at the thought of vomiting, persistent intrusive thoughts, catastrophic thinking, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and avoidance behaviors such as not eating certain foods, avoiding restaurants or social events, and constantly checking food safety.

How do you treat emetophobia without exposure?

We reduce the effects and triggers of emetophobia using the NLP rewind technique and hypnosis, mental rehearsal and desensitisation. This approach allows you to overcome the fear without being exposed to triggering situations, enabling you to lead a life without constant fear.

Where can I get emetophobia therapy?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire or online. Our office is located at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, Swindon, SN25 4YE. We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm. Contact us at 07359 071210 to book a consultation.

How much does therapy cost?

Discovery Consultation costs £50, Daytime sessions are £65, and Evening sessions are £70. We offer various pre-pay packages with discounts for NHS, blue light workers, and teachers.

Do you offer face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, we offer both face-to-face sessions at our Swindon location and online sessions via secure video conferencing platforms.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be charged at the full session rate.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, allowing sufficient time for effective therapeutic work.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

We use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, combining elements of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and neuroscience to help clients achieve their goals.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and goals. Many clients see improvements within 6-12 sessions, though this can vary.

Do you treat phobias?

Yes, we specialize in phobia treatment using proven hypnotherapy techniques. We offer a specific Phobia Reduction Plan for £325.

What is a Discovery Consultation?

A Discovery Consultation is an initial 50-minute session where we discuss your needs, explain our approach, and determine if our services are right for you. It costs £50.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we offer discounts for NHS workers, blue light workers (police, fire, ambulance), and teachers. We also have pre-pay packages that offer savings.

What are your opening hours?

We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm, and Friday 8:30am-6:00pm. Weekend appointments may be available by arrangement.

The Hidden Impact of Hot Weather on Antidepressant Efficacy and the Crucial Role of Hydration

Gary Smith
Jun 18
3 min read

Updated: Aug 5

Many people underestimate how much weather affects our physical and mental well-being. Seasonal changes can notably impact how effective medications are—especially antidepressants. As temperatures climb, understanding how hot weather influences these medications and why proper hydration is important becomes essential.

The Physiological Effects of Heat

Heat stress causes several physiological responses in the body, including increased heart rate and altered blood pressure. For those taking antidepressants, these responses can change how the body absorbs and processes these medications. For example, as body temperature rises, metabolic rates can increase by as much as 10 percent. This means drugs may break down and be eliminated faster, potentially reducing their effectiveness.

Additionally, hot weather often leads to dehydration, complicating how antidepressants work. Many antidepressants can cause side effects such as dry mouth and urinary retention, which may become worse if you are dehydrated. For instance, individuals on SSRIs may find that dehydration decreases the medication's effectiveness, leading to a 20-30 percent drop in their ability to manage symptoms.

Close-up view of a water bottle beside a sunlit outdoor table — Hydration is crucial for mental health in hot weather.

Common Side Effects of Antidepressants

Understanding the side effects of antidepressants is vital in grasping how hot weather impacts their efficacy. Many antidepressants can result in drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. During extremely hot days, these effects can combine with high temperatures to decrease physical activity levels. For example, around 50% of individuals taking antidepressants report feeling more lethargic in hot weather, which can worsen depressive symptoms and lead to an overall decline in mental health.

Additionally, certain types of antidepressants, such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), can hinder the body's temperature regulation. This could increase the chances of heat-related problems, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Consequently, those on these medications should be especially careful under hot conditions.

The Importance of Hydration

Staying properly hydrated is essential for everyone, but it becomes even more significant for people on antidepressants. When the body has enough water, it functions better, which can enhance the effectiveness of medication. For example, studies have found that drinking enough water can improve the effectiveness of antidepressants by up to 20%.

In hot weather, drinking sufficient fluids—ideally water—is crucial. The body loses fluids through sweating, and dehydration can happen quickly. Symptoms like weakness and fatigue may not be apparent until dehydration becomes severe. Mild dehydration can lead to feelings of lethargy that can be similar to the side effects of antidepressants.

Eye-level view of a refreshing glass of water with lemon — Staying hydrated helps optimize mental health.

Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated in Hot Weather

Make Drinking Water a Habit: Aim to sip water regularly during the day, not just when you are thirsty. Consider carrying a water bottle with you.
Enjoy Flavorful Hydration: Enhance the taste of your water by adding slices of fruits like lemon, lime, or cucumber, making it more appealing to drink.

Staying mindful of hydration can help ensure that antidepressants function effectively, maximizing their mental health benefits.

Impact on Mental Health Recovery

Recovering from mental health issues involves many factors, and environmental conditions, including weather and hydration, significantly affect this process. In hot weather, the combination of dehydration and side effects from medications can hinder progress for people working to improve their mental health.

Furthermore, adequate hydration can positively influence mood and cognitive performance. Research shows that even slight dehydration can lead to mood swings and decreased mental sharpness. For example, individuals may experience a drop in cognitive function of up to 10% due to a lack of adequate hydration. By prioritizing hydration, individuals can not only benefit physically but also enhance emotional stability and resilience.

High angle view of a refreshing summer landscape with lush greenery — A refreshing view of nature can enhance mood and encourage hydration.

Understanding the Connection Between Weather and Mental Health

The relationship between weather and mental health is complex. Seasonal changes can affect mood and energy levels. For instance, longer days and increased sunlight can boost serotonin levels, while extreme heat can lead to irritability and fatigue.

Hot weather can also lead to social isolation, as people may avoid outdoor activities. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression. Understanding these connections can help individuals take proactive steps to manage their mental health during seasonal changes.

Closing Thoughts

Recognizing how hot weather impacts antidepressant efficacy is vital for those managing mental health conditions. As temperatures rise, paying attention to hydration becomes increasingly essential. By ensuring proper fluid intake, individuals on antidepressants can optimize their treatment, boost their physical well-being, and support their mental health journey.

As we navigate the complexities of mental health, considering all influencing factors—especially often-overlooked elements like weather and hydration—is crucial. Proactive steps can help people enjoy warmer days while maintaining their mental wellness.

Staying informed and vigilant about hydration can greatly enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.