Unlike smoking cessation, which I normally treat in one session (unless further ones are required), those seeking to lose weight won't see an immediate result, therefore it's a good idea to have follow up sessions. However, there is no hard and fast rule to this. Some clients just want some motivation to get started on a fitness plan, and providing they have some back-up in the form of a hypnosis CD or MP3 of the availability of further sessions should they be required, then one session can sometimes be sufficient.
Losing weight is not easy, and clients should realize that the weight isn't going to drop off overnight. As a hypnotherapist we are giving them the suggestions that they need in order to eventually reach their goal weight, however some clients lose several pounds initially and then after a few weeks see no difference on the scales and think they've failed. When this happens it is because their body has reached a plateaux whilst it is adjusting to the changes. A client probably won't see that though, and will revert back to the old ways. Making them aware of this possibility can avoid that pitfall.
There can be a number of reasons why someone is overweight, therefore it is important we take a full case history and explore the habits and the secondary gain attached to you. Possible reasons include:
• Overeating
• Snacking between meals
• Lack of exercise
• Drinking sugary drinks or alcohol
• Thyroid problems
• Eating the wrong sort of food
• Hormonal Imbalance
Some people insist that they eat very little and have plenty of exercise but still can't lose weight. In that case we could ask them to keep a food diary for a couple of weeks or ask them what they believe is the cause of the weight gain. This will usually bring forward some useful information. Most people have no idea what they eat through the day and can’t remember what they had to eat yesterday.
If a person is able to visualize themselves as having lost weight then that is a good indication that their subconscious mind has accepted the hypnotists suggestions. We can ask the subconscious mind to give the client a date by which he or she will know that the weight is starting to come off, then ask them to project their mind to that particular date and look back to see which were the most important steps taken to achieve this goal. I know this sounds strang if you have never been hypnotized but it works and help you to gain a better thought pattern for the weight loss.
If, after the first session, no improvement has been made in the client's lifestyle we may need to look at what the secondary gain is and address that issue. If you are comfort eating, then we find out why you need to comfort yourself and what is it that you are not happy with?
For example, and this go’s for both men and women ...but let say a woman may start to gain weight because of changes in her life style (not getting the same amount of exercise because she's stopped working or now has a new family ). If her partner starts telling her she's over weight then she could feel miserable and eat to make herself feel better. This is a no win situation unless she can find a more satisfactory way of comforting herself.
Some people deliberately allow themselves to gain weight as a protective mechanism - i.e. to avoid being attractive because they are afraid of being in a relationship - others may use food as a punishment or a reward; breaking the habits of a lifetime can be challenging when psychodynamic forces are involved - but as people helpers we need to work through these issues to enable our clients to regain control.
Weight loss Hypnotherapy is not a one session therapy and you must be prepared to go through a number of sessions to make the changes within the sub-conscious mind to change the negative habits. If you’re ready then Hypnotherapy can help you make the changes. Hypnosis will help to let go of old thinking and old unwanted past issues and help you to move forward with your life.
Ron Thompson ACCHT