Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can be helped using light or deep relaxation (hypnosis), and NLP to change the problem behaviour. In most instances, the client finds themselves in an emotional spiral from which, regardless of what they think, they can’t find any relief. It’s useful to remember that the actual grinding of the teeth is at the end of a behavioural sequence. Prior to teeth grinding, the individual has to think and feel a certain way to create a state that then results in the activity that creates “the problem”.
In many instances, the individual then finds that they are endlessly anticipating the problem, thinking in the same way, feeling the same, and then exhibiting the same problem behaviour. Every day becomes like “Groundhog Day”, which can frequently lead to a feeling of helplessness. As if this wasn’t bad enough, teeth grinding can often result in physical dental problems and, of course, a lack of proper restful sleep.
I have helped many people with this, including one client who had actually bitten through the mouth guard supplied by her dentist whilst sleeping, and another client whose jaw had locked up so much that he had problems even eating. Both these clients were also great examples of “anticipated anxiety”. Of course, anxiety ALWAYS requires the individual to be focusing on the future (problem) possibilities rather than relaxation, which is always about ease in being in the here and now. The combination of NLP, hypnotherapy, and other tools works really well to change the old “problem pattern” of behaviour, so that the client can begin to feel substantially better. The client with the locked jaw problem was amazed at how relaxed he felt even during the very first session.
“I came to you because I had trouble with my teeth grinding. I didn’t want to spend any more time, energy, or money on getting new mouth guards for the rest of my life. After my initial session with you, I immediately felt better that night. I no longer worry about where to put my head on my pillow to avoid grinding my teeth. As the week continued I looked forward to going to bed, and got myself readier earlier, and earlier. I didn’t fear eating as much because the pain in my teeth had gone away, along with the tension in my neck and shoulders.
I’m a new mom, with very little time and energy and patience for methods that take too long and don’t promise any changes. You’re simple method helped me to get better rest which dramatically changed how I existed during the day. I am no longer a zombie-like mother, but I’m alert, present, and have more energy.
Thank you so much Nick!”
Loredan