While there little scientific evidence to prove hypnosis works for weight loss, some who have tried it believe it helps. The idea behind hypnosis, which has been used for centuries, is that while you are hypnotized, you are more responsive to external ideas and suggestions. These can include behavioral changes to diet, which may help you to lose weight. Find a qualified practitioner who has experience in hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Different Results for Different People
Some people are more easily hypnotized than others. And, like many alternative therapies, what works for one person may not work for someone else. However, if you have tried dieting and exercise, hypnosis done by a qualified professional, may be just the thing to get your eating habits back on track again.
Psychological Issues
The Path Foundation looks for the psychological causes of weight gain and focuses on positive affirmations. Clients are put in a state of trance and are "reprogrammed" using empowering and positive suggestions. The clinic also supplies a CD and tapes series to take home with you for reinforcement. The first series of CDs focuses on the physical body and targets the endocrine system and thyroid gland. The idea is to help speed up your metabolism and then reprogram the subconscious to choose healthy foods. The second series rejuvenates mind and body, while the third targets behavior patterns, including eating and exercise.
Individual or Group Sessions
Melissa Roth, founder of the Alabama Hypnotherapy Center, is a certified hypnotherapist and doctor of hypnotherapy. She is also a certified member of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners, the American Board of Hypnotherapy, the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association, the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, and the National League of Medical Hypnotherapists. She works individually and with groups, and also has CDs tailored to suit the individual.
Emotional Eating Issues
Lorri Heller works out of two centers in Birmingham: Irondale and Pelham. She focuses on permanent weight loss and addresses issues related to emotional eating, such as low self-esteem and guilt. She tries to "retrain" your mind to eat when you are physically hungry, and stop eating when you are full. Heller is certified in Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Gestalt Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming. She is president of the Birmingham chapter of the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Find Other Professionals
To find other qualified hypnotherapists in your area, contact the American Association of Hypnotherapists. The organization, founded in 1980, has a comprehensive list of members throughout the country.
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