Helping you heal, transform and awaken to your true potential.
Are you ready to release old patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour that keep you suffering?
Do you feel a desire to discover your greater Self and experience more of the stillness, joy and freedom which are your natural state?
Do you have the motivation and courage to seek help on your inner journey of transformation and awakening?
Hi, I’m James Hands, founder and director of Awaken Therapy, based in Queensland Australia. I have trained in and developed a range of powerful modalities to make your trauma healing journey as safe and manageable as possible.
I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections; in person, in writing, in podcasts and in courses.
- Books, audio programs, online courses
- Holistic Psychology, Psychotherapy
- Clinical, Spiritual Hypnotherapy
- Individuals, couples, groups, community
Through my podcast my goal is to provide ongoing support, helping you heal, transform and awaken to your true potential.
Episodes
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
The residue of childhood trauma
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
Sunday Aug 11, 2024
In today's episode I discuss level confusion, focusing on the gap between our current adult psychology and where our early trauma or wounding may have occurred. Trauma is just experience that hasn’t been fully digested. When triggered, we regress to that stuck part of us, whether it’s from age five, three, or even in the womb. Therapy allows us to proactively dive into these levels, not just stay at the surface. It's essential to resolve deeper issues by getting to their root cause. Always seek professional help for this challenging but rewarding inner work, aiming for a happier, freer life.
✨I'm triggered! An online course helping you surf out the waves of being activated✨
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/Im-Triggered-Online-Course
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections.
I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways.
I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Is someone in your life a narcissist? Learn how to manage that complex relationship.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Are you struggling with a narcissistic person in your life? This episode offers insightful strategies on managing relationships with narcissists, who are in reality driven by fear not love
Learn how to respond with balanced compassion, set firm boundaries, and manage expectations without seeking resolution. Discover the importance of protecting your emotional wellbeing through visualisation techniques and understanding the limitations of narcissists.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections.
I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways.
I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Unpacking narcissism from a psychological and spiritual perspective.
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
In this episode, I delve into the concept of narcissism, often misunderstood and frequently misused and overused in our conversations these days. I explore narcissism from both psychological and spiritual perspectives, discussing how it manifests as extreme self-absorption, lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviours. On a spiritual level, I discuss the journey of moving towards or away from our true essence, which is inherently connected to love and unity. This exploration helps us recognise these traits within ourselves and understand narcissism as a form of separation from our true self, driven by fear and isolation. Join me as we unpack narcissism, aiming for a deeper understanding and a more connected sense of self.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
Visit my website to purchase
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections.
I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways.
I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
How to stop getting stuck in your trauma and identity as a victim
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
In this episode I delve into the better and worse ways of viewing our childhood experiences and traumas. Often, we can get very locked into our childhood trauma and our identity as victims. This can make it difficult to move forward and heal. By focusing on both better and worse perspectives, we can break out of that stuck mindset.
We naturally compare our situation to others who had it better, which can sometimes leave us feeling worse about our own experiences. On the flip side, acknowledging that others had it worse can help us appreciate our resilience, but it can also lead to minimising our own pain. Finding a balance between these perspectives is essential for true healing. Healing is a continuous journey, and it's important to approach it with compassion and patience.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
✨Visit my podcast channel to listen without ads✨
https://jameshandsawakentherapy.podbean.com/
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections.
I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways.
I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Why we keep recreating our trauma
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
In this episode I explore how we might unknowingly recreate our trauma. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned trauma expert said, “Traumatized people tend to feel numb and not alive, and they can make themselves feel alive by exposing themselves to the same situations that caused their terror.”
Our body and mind adapt to trauma, creating a state where abnormal feels normal. This means that when we find ourselves in healthier situations, they can feel wrong or uncomfortable. We tend to seek out what's familiar, even if it's unhealthy, because our system has adjusted to it. This can lead to self-sabotage and difficulty accepting better circumstances.
Mentally and psychologically, we internalise unhealthy messages and build belief systems around them. Over time, this becomes our normal. It's a deep-seated issue where we might push away the positive and actively seek out the negative. Our whole conditioning adapts to trauma, making it feel right and normal.
To overcome this, we need to bring love and compassion into our lives. It's about learning to tolerate better energy and love, which is ultimately the answer. Let's access higher energy by thinking about love, whether it's people we love, pets, places, or things. Connecting to that sense of love can help us heal and move forward.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
Visit my website to purchase
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections.
I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways.
I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
The flight response to childhood trauma
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Sunday Aug 04, 2024
Here we are again, delving into the next chapter of our trauma reaction series. We've already looked at the pleasing and freezing responses, and today, we're focusing on the flight or perfectionist reaction to childhood trauma. These are automatic responses that kick in when we face significant threats, leaving us with no choice in how we react.
The flight response involves retreating or disengaging from a situation. It's an active form of energy, driving us to escape from danger. However, when dealing with ongoing trauma, such as prolonged childhood stress, this response can become stuck, leaving us in a perpetual state of flight. This can show up as chronic hyperactivity, overthinking, and perfectionism. People with a flight reaction may become excessively busy, workaholics, or perfectionists, constantly striving to avoid deeper pain or emotions. This response can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviours, ADHD-like symptoms, and a relentless drive for perfection, all in an attempt to feel safe and avoid emotional discomfort.
In this episode, I share practical techniques to help manage and calm the flight response, including deep breathing, connecting with nature, Qigong tapping, and shaking exercises. These tools are designed to help bring you back to the present moment, reconnect with your body, and reduce the stress and hyperactivity associated with the flight reaction.
Let's work together to find a sense of calm and groundedness amidst the chaos.
✨I'm triggered! An online course helping you surf out the waves of being activated✨ https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/Im-Triggered-Online-Course
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections. I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways. I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
The freeze response to childhood trauma
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
Saturday Aug 03, 2024
In this episode, I delve into the "Freeze" response, also known as the camouflage reaction. An automatic and instinctive survival mechanism, the freeze response can be triggered when escape or resistance is impossible. I explore how this reaction can manifest in various ways, from numbing out and dissociating to excessive sleeping or withdrawing socially. Join me to gain a compassionate understanding of the freeze response and find hope in the journey to healing and recovery.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible.
I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections. I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways. I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this podcast is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
The fight response to childhood trauma
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Welcome back to our series on trauma reactions. Today, we're diving into the fight reaction. We've covered flight, freeze and please in previous videos and now we're focusing on the fight response. This one can be particularly challenging, especially if we get stuck in it. We'll unpack this in detail and explore it through hypnotherapy, addressing the root causes to help ease these defensive reactions.
Think of the fight response like a cornered animal – loud, aggressive, and protective. It's the blunt instrument of our defence mechanisms, sometimes necessary for survival. It can manifest as assertiveness, boundary-setting, strength, courage, and leadership. However, if trauma is prolonged and overwhelming, this reaction can become chronic, leading to controlling, demanding, and even bullying behaviours. In therapy, bringing a loving awareness to these vulnerable places is key.
However, it can be challenging to work with someone deeply entrenched in this reaction. But if you're here, you're likely capable of facing this, using that inner strength for personal growth.
For more on self-hypnosis and guided practice, check out my Power of Mind audio program.
Thank you, and all the best on your healing journey.
✨The Power Of Mind – Healing Through Self-Hypnosis✨
https://www.awakentherapy.com.au/the-power-of-mind
I'm James Hands, Holistic Psychologist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and creator of Awaken Therapy. I have trained in and developed various powerful modalities to make your healing journey as safe and manageable as possible. I know the courage and persistence required for profound change, so I offer patient, caring support in all my connections. I believe you deserve to have access to powerful, effective tools, techniques and supports in timely and affordable ways. I have committed myself to providing you with a variety of affordable tools and courses, which you can access without having to wait. Each course is filled with practical education, powerful tools and accessible aids you can begin to use right away.
Disclaimer: this episode is for education and information purposes only. It does not constitute individual advice and the information contained may not be applicable or appropriate for everyone. If you need support, consider seeking individualised support from a qualified health professional.