The link between hypnotherapy and eating disorders being cured is a strong one. Many people who have sought an effective way to treat an eating disorder, without the side effects that drugs may cause, have found their answer in hypnotherapy eating disorders treatment.  

What is hypnotherapy treatment?

In order to understand what is meant by the term hypnotherapy eating disorders treatment, we must explain the broader concept of hypnosis:

• The word hypnosis comes from the Greek word “hypnos,” meaning “sleep.” Hypnosis is when a therapist uses exercises to help the client become very relaxed; this state of deep relaxation is called “trance.” When in the trance state, a person is very focused, and is also highly receptive to ideas, images, and suggestions -- as long as what is being suggested goes along with what they desire to achieve.

• Through hypnosis, the therapist helps people learn to control their own state of awareness; this new understanding will help them change their own actions and thoughts from negative ones to positive ones.

The word hypnotherapy means that hypnosis is used to help a person overcome a very specific problem that they are experiencing; hypnotherapy is very successful in helping people:

• Change their behavior

• Overcome bad habits

• Transcend their fears

In hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment, a specially trained and certified doctor called a hypnotherapist uses hypnosis to help a person overcome an eating disorder, including:

• Anorexia

• Bulimia

• Binge eating

• Comfort eating

What usually happens during hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment sessions?

• During the first visit of hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment, the therapist will typically get to know you; the therapist will want to know about your history and why you have come for help.

• The therapist will explain to you how hypnosis works, and how hypnotherapy eating disorders treatment will help you.

• During the next few sessions, you will be directed through specific hypnotherapy eating disorders relaxation techniques. You will probably do hypnosis exercises involving suggestions on how you can change your behavior.

• As you advance in the treatment, you will learn how to perform self-hypnosis, so that you can help yourself anytime, anywhere, without the need for a therapist or special sessions.

• You may be given a tape or CD of exercises for relaxation to use at home so that you can continue your hypnotherapy eating disorders treatment.

How can hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment help you?

Hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment has a high success rate, and is beneficial in many ways:

• It helps you figure out the psychological origins of your behaviors so that you can deal with the emotional aspect of your problem.

• It will break the negative behavior pattern and institute new, positive eating habits and attitudes.

• It will help you improve your self-image, self-esteem and confidence.

• It helps you establish a connection between your mind and your body’s natural rhythms.

• It will give you back control over your lifestyle and nutrition.

Hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment works for:

• Anorexia: by helping you feel better about yourself and your body.

• Bulimia: by giving you control over your own life.

• Binge eating: by helping you escape the urge to overeat.

• Comfort eating: by helping you figure out what need you are trying to satisfy through food, and then showing you how to meet that need without food.

What else do I need to know before I pursue hypnotherapy and eating disorders treatment?

• First of all, it is crucial that you receive a definite diagnosis of your eating disorder before you undergo hypnosis; without an accurate diagnosis, hypnotherapy can actually make your symptoms worse.

• Hypnotherapy usually involves 4 to 10 sessions, each about one hour in length.

For more information about eating disorders and treatment, please see our home page.  To learn about cognitive analytic therapy eating disorders treatment, follow the link provided.