Break Loops to Conquer Stress: Dr. Sprouse's Path to Happiness

Susi Vine is joined by Dr. Gary Sprouse, a retired primary care physician who now uses hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming to help people reduce stress and access their “happy place.” The author of ‘Highway to Your Happy Place: A Roadmap to Less Stress,’ Dr. Sprouse describes “stress blindness,” distinguishes stressors from stress responses, and outlines “happy place” rooms, such as gratitude, pleasure, anticipation, fulfillment, that you can decorate as you desire. He explains how perceptions arise from a “perspective prism” and how reframing can transform trauma, panic, and low self-esteem to end cycles of overwhelm and victimhood. Dr. Sprouse pokes holes in the prevailing addiction disease model, sharing his “stress reducer loop” concept that recognizes coping mechanisms and resolves the source of stress to help his patients successfully free themselves from the habits that sabotage their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Inside this episode: 02:41 From Western Medicine to Neurolinguistic Programming 05:13 Stress Blindness Explained 06:53 Defining Stress 08:23 Finding Your Happy Place 12:33 Gratitude and Perspective 14:49 50 Point Wake Up! 15:36 Perspective Prism Model 21:31 Reframing Trauma with Hypnosis 23:56 Victim to Creator Mindset 26:41 How the Brain Stores Fear 28:53 From Trauma to Growth 29:50 Rethinking Addiction Models 31:39 Stress Reducer Loops Explained 36:55 Addressing Stress to Break Loops 39:13 Three Types of Loops 39:34 Self Sacrifice Trap 42:11 Control and Lifeguard Story 44:53 Stress Ingredients Framework 48:13 De Lumping Overwhelm Resources: Connect with Dr. Sprouse online at thelessstressdoc.com and stay tuned for his new books coming soon: Highway to Your Happy Place, Mile Marker 2 and a book describing his new approach to addiction called New Outcomes, The Stress Reducer Loop. Dr. Sprouse recommends ‘The Power of Ted’ book Search all episodes of Happified by topic at happifiedlife.com, and join the conversation in the Live with Less Stress facebook group. The information in this podcast, or in any linked materials, are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any specific health problem, and it is not a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. The content of this podcast is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. It provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects that are deemed reliable at the time of production. Always consult with your health care provider so that they can address your specific situation with all the information and knowledge they need in order to provide the fullest extent of medical support that you require. Be well, and thrive!