Misophonia - why the sound isn't the REAL problem!

I'm often approached by prospective clients who have tried everything - audiology appointments, counselling, ENT treatment, complementary therapy such as Hopi Ear candles or acupuncture - everything they can possibly think of to "cure" their hearing disorder. Many have discovered that nothing really works. It's an ear issue with no resolution, a neurological brain issue that still nobody fully understands.

That's why my approach is a little different. It isn't because I have some mysterious knowledge and capability that nobody else posseses - it's because I focus everything BUT the sound! Weird, right? Of course I will always ask my clients about the triggering sound(s) whether that is dog barking, snoring, people chewing, loud bassy music etc but that is about as far as it goes.

My key interest is less about the sound itself and more about the cognitive layers of perception - what does the sound represent to your nervous system? And what is driving the conditioned emotional response to the sound? These questions start to move away from physiological toward the more psychological/subconscious explanations. Put simply, why do you RESPOND to the sound with such extreme anger, rage, disgust? Why does this feeling dictate where you go, what you do and who you spend time with?

Many people with Misophonia and extreme sound sensitivity (known as hyperacusis) do avoid certain places and people. They feel isolated, misunderstood, often lonely and may struggle with depression and anxiety. They are not living their lives to the full, some to the extent that they avoid getting into relationships because they are so afraid of being triggered. Many end up wanting to move house to escape noise. Some avoid college or university because their experience of misophonia at school was so unbearable. They may feel that nobody really understands them, or perceive them as intolerant, edgy or just plain weird.

In my practice, I offer a compassionate space with a deep understanding of how Misophonia affects my clients. I also apply my knowledge and experience of working with the nervous system and subconscious mind. I am curious about my clients' early experiences, what was going on in their lives at the time the trigger started, could unresolved emotional trauma be at the root of it? It often is, although certainly not in every case. I help my clients to understand themselves at a deeper level - we examine beliefs, values and choices. The theme of control comes up a LOT! I use gentle solution-focused language to help my clients feel more hopeful, and hypnotic techniques that are safe, trauma-informed and effective.

I had a lovely client who had just finished working with me today - after 6 sessions he is already noticing less reactivity to his particular trigger (dog barking). The sessions took us into some surprising areas that he did not think were relevant but they were. He learned that he does have choices and more control than he thinks!

If you are struggling deeply and feel you have tried everything, trust me - you probably haven't. I would love to talk to you about your experience and how I could help. Here is the link to my consultation booking page - consultations are completely free of charge Work with me/contact