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Hypnosis for Weight Loss

    The effectiveness of hypnosis for weight loss has been well-documented. For example, one study at the University of
Connecticut, reported in the Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology in June 1996, found that patients in their study lost
an average of six pounds without hypnosis, but when hypnosis was added to the program, patients' weight loss nearly
doubled---to almost twelve pounds.  The study also happily concluded that the benefits of hypnosis for weight loss
increase "substantially" over time.

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
    Individuals who want to lose weight are unique in the issues that arise when they participate in hypnotherapy; in a few
cases, the issues at hand are simple and the desired weight loss results can be accomplished by using hypnosis to
empower the subject to make simple behavioral changes.  Motivating people to exercise and to modify their eating habits
are all part of the process.
   In other cases, hypnotherapy becomes more complex, depending on the emotional issues that surround it. When this
happens, the therapy can take another turn and the emotional issues must be addressed hand-in-hand with eating
habits.  For example, if you're a stress eater, we'll have to address the stress.

ARE YOU "BLOCKED" TO WEIGHT LOSS?
    A few individuals seem to be "blocked" and even though they might be participating in excellent programs like Lindora,
Curves or Jenny Craig, the weight somehow refuses to come off.  In these cases, simple behavior modification with
hypnosis won't work; we need to address the subconscious reasons for hanging on to weight, and this can be done gently.
   A large number of chronically overweight people, women and men both, have suffered past trauma and were never able
to resolve their emotional pain---except by overeating. For example, one child with an alcoholic parent who never kept food
at home learned to hoard food and binge when food was available, therefore overeating became a means of survival. As
many as 3 in 5 people have experienced some form of sexual abuse, and overeating may be their only coping strategy for
"stuffing" feelings of rage. The origins of chronic obesity can be varied, unique and extremely painful, but once deep grief is
expressed, the hypnotherapy client is able to experience an emotional and physical "lightness" like never before.

Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss

Your personal hypnotherapy session for weight loss may include:

  • Developing a written plan for new behaviors and options

  • Hypnotically experiencing your body as fit and light and developing detailed inner images of your future success

  • Hypnotic rehearsal of new behaviors, like ordering vegetables in a restaurant or saying "no" to old habits and
    unwanted people

  • Overcoming "perfectionism"

  • Developing a relapse plan

  • Becoming hyperaware of the needs and sensations of your body

  • Learning to care for the body and meet its needs with love and self-respect

  • Learning to take "baby steps" to insure success for the long term

  • Classic hypnotic suggestions to encourage new behavior like, "Does this food belong in my body, or does it belong
    in the trash?"

  • Building self-esteem and worth

  • Personalized cassette tapes to listen to between sessions

  • Training in new ways to deal with stress without overeating, including drinking water, deep breathing, and reaching
    deep states of relaxation with guided imagery.

How can hypnosis be used to solve
my problem?

Please call 818/347-8120 to discuss
your situation over the phone, or
e-mail susanshaw@socal.rr.com