Weight Loss Hypnosis Services Near Me

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FAQs:

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a process in which specially trained clinicians guide individuals into a highly focused and relaxed state of mind. The Society of Psychological Hypnosis defines it as a state of consciousness involving focused attention and an enhanced capacity for responding to suggestions. According to the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), a person is not under the control of the hypnotist but instead gains access to their own innate abilities. With a relaxed mindset, a person may be more receptive to a healthcare professional’s suggestions for lifestyle or dietary changes. Clinicians who use hypnosis may offer individuals help in achieving weight loss success.

What is Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss?

In essence, hypnotherapy for weight loss is the therapeutic use of hypnosis to help facilitate changes in habits and mindset to help you change unwanted thoughts, behaviors, or emotions that may be impacting what and how you eat.  Using hypnosis to put you into a state of deep relaxation, a hypnotherapist uses different techniques to help change thought patterns, help you to understand why you may struggle to maintain or lose weight, as well as to recognize ways you might be sabotaging yourself with unhealthy choices of behaviors.

How Does Hypnosis Work For Weight Loss?

Hypnotherapy for weight loss is becoming increasingly popular. People all over the world are finding it helpful for maintaining a healthy weight in the long term. Over time, through a series of weight loss hypnotherapy sessions, with the help of an experienced hypnotherapist, you will learn how to replace negative habits, thoughts, and eating patterns with more positive ones. 

Hypnosis for weight loss works by helping you to redefine and reshape your relationship with and attitudes towards food and eating. For many, it can offer a sense of relief and lessen stress or tension around food and eating. Hypnotherapy can help you to break down attachments or unhealthy methods of coping that you may have subconsciously formed with food, helping you to recognize these unhelpful thoughts and processes. 

It can also help you to learn how to reframe your approach to weight loss. Instead of viewing the process as ‘hard’, ‘impossible’, or ‘bound to fail’, a hypnotherapist can help you to gain a clearer picture of your motivations for wanting to lose weight, helping you to become more focused and to stay motivated. 

For example, you may think you want to lose weight to ‘look better’ - but that alone may not be a strong enough motivator. Why do you want to ‘look better’ - do you actually want to feel better? Is your confidence low? Are you worrying that your appearance may be impacting your career progression, your romantic relationships, or even influencing how your children’s own relationships with food are developing? By better understanding why you want to lose weight, your hypnotherapist can help you towards achieving your goal.

Can Hypnosis Help Me Lose Weight?

When combined in a program with behavioral counseling, hypnosis for weight loss can be an effective method of helping patients lose weight and improve overall health. By reprogramming their subconscious minds to recognize hunger and satiety cues, patients who undergo hypnotherapy are more likely to make healthy choices regarding nutrition and exercise. Studies have also shown that hypnosis can positively affect how a person thinks about their body and overall self-image. Additionally, hypnosis can help those struggling with eating disorders, making it a valuable tool for many Americans.

In patients undergoing hypnotherapy for weight loss, the first hypnosis session generally consists of evaluating the client’s health history and goals for treatment. The therapist will then develop a plan of action to help the client achieve these goals through hypnosis and other therapeutic methods. Typically, the sessions will focus on creating positive beliefs about oneself and the body and strategies for living a healthier lifestyle. Each session is typically one hour long, with the client required to practice specific techniques and exercises outside of the office daily to maximize results.

However, it’s essential to remember that weight loss is a journey that requires time and dedication. While regular hypnotherapy sessions can help address certain psychological factors behind poor eating habits or negative body image, they can’t replace the need for regular exercise and good nutrition. Those who want to maximize the effects of hypnotherapy should also work closely with their doctors and other healthcare professionals to create a balanced approach to wellness. Patients serious about getting fit and staying healthy should incorporate a healthy diet and exercise plan into their daily routines.

Does Hypnosis for Weight Loss Work?

So does hypnosis for weight loss really work? Currently, there isn’t enough research to conclude whether hypnosis alone works for weight loss. That said, several studies believe it can work in combination with diet and exercise. For example, Healthline explains that one controlled trial looked at two forms of hypnotherapy versus simple diet advice for weight loss and sleep apnea. All 60 participants lost up to 3 percent of their body weight in three months but at an 18-month follow-up, the hypnotherapy group lost another 8 pounds. While the effectiveness of hypnosis is still uncertain, it may be worth trying.

How Long Does it Take to Lose Weight with Hypnosis?

One earlier controlled trial examined the use of hypnotherapy for weight loss in people with obstructive sleep apnea. The study looked at two specific forms of hypnotherapy versus simple diet advice for weight loss and sleep apnea. All 60 participants lost 2 to 3 percent of their body weight in 3 months. At the 18-month follow-up, the hypnotherapy group had lost another 8 pounds on average. The researchers concluded that while this additional loss wasn’t significant, hypnotherapy warranted more research as a treatment for obesity.

How Many Hypnosis Sessions For Weight Loss?

Managing weight can be a challenge, and sometimes we all need help to begin, stay on track, and reach our goals. Hypnosis is often referred to as a weight loss tool and can support us in making the positive choices that keep us healthy. Hypnosis is a highly effective tool to aid with weight loss, as recent studies have found that hypnosis can provide immediate and long-term changes to one's behavior and eating habits.

However, before beginning hypnotherapy for weight loss it is essential to understand that the number of sessions needed for success can vary drastically depending on one’s individual weight loss vision, motivation level, and any additional conditions or issues that may come into play. Generally speaking, hypnotherapists recommend 6 to 12 hypnosis sessions for noticeable weight loss results. During these hypnotherapy sessions, the therapist will work with the patient to put into place healthy habits such as self-affirmations, focusing on internal self-image improvements, guided meditations, and imagery focused on goals. Usually, pre-programmed suggestions are given at the end of each hypnosis session as reinforcement of positive health habits.

How Long Will Hypnotherapy Sessions Last?

Again this is really dependent on both your hypnotherapist and your circumstances. One-off services such as smoking cessation or gastric band hypnotherapy can last around two hours, while a general hypnotherapy session will usually take 50 to 60 minutes.

What is the Success Rate of Hypnosis for Weight Loss?  

According to an early 90s study, hypnosis had a 97% success rate when combined with treatments that altered cognition and behavior. In this study, the group that did not use hypnosis lost 6 lbs, while the group that did use hypnosis lost 11 lbs. Recently, a 2022 study found that participants who practiced self-hypnosis frequently lost more weight compared to those who did not. Studies on the efficacy of self-hypnosis for weight loss have found that participants who use this method often experience success. This may be because its focus on changing negative behaviors encourages people to develop healthier habits. Greater effectiveness occurs when hypnosis and mindfulness are associated with other psychological therapies in addition to diet and physical activity.

What Is Self-Hypnosis?

In basic terms, self-hypnosis is putting yourself into a highly focused state. It is commonly practiced to help reinforce new, positive habits or to break unhealthy behavior patterns. Self-hypnosis can be used alongside sessions with a qualified, experienced hypnotherapist to help reinforce new ideas and behaviors, or by yourself to try and facilitate change.

How Much Does Hypnosis Cost For Weight Loss?

The cost of hypnotherapy will, of course, vary depending on where you live and what therapist you choose. That said, the average cost is often between $75 and $125 per session. To find out how much it will cost make sure you call ahead. You might also want to check if your insurance company covers this type of therapy. Some companies cover up to 80 percent of therapy if it’s provided by a licensed professional.

Why is Being Overweight Such a Serious Problem?

Globally, being overweight and obese has become an epidemic. In 2016, over 1.9 billion adults were overweight, and 650 million were obese, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity or being overweight puts you at risk of serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Obesity can also lead to psychological problems such as low self-esteem and depression. As obesity can negatively impact one's overall well-being, making lifestyle changes to lose weight is imperative.

In order to lose weight, healthy eating, and regular exercise are often recommended. But in the end, weight loss and especially weight maintenance are only successful for 20% of overweight adults. Thus, more and more people are searching for weight loss strategies that can help them reach their goals in the long run. As an alternative to dieting and exercising, some people choose to lose weight through hypnosis. According to hypnosis practitioners, lifestyle changes can lead to lasting weight loss compared to traditional dieting.

5 Things Everyone Should Know Before Trying Hypnotherapy

Here are the five most important things you should know before seeing a hypnotherapist:

1. Hypnotherapy sessions are different from what you've seen onstage.

2. Hypnotherapy "miracles" are just a myth.

The good news is that hypnosis is safe, effective, and works very quickly compared to other types of therapy. But, hypnosis is not a magic wand and in most cases, results won’t happen overnight. Remember, it takes 21 days to create a new habit and then a minimum of 3-6 weekly, consecutive sessions to yield the best results.

3. Everyone can be hypnotized.

It’s important to remember hypnosis is a willing state. You cannot be hypnotized against your will, and working with a hypnotherapist is a co-creative process. The most common reason for failure to induce a hypnotic state is a lack of rapport with a hypnotherapist, or working with someone without proper training.

4. Hypnosis is not the same as sleeping.

Hypnosis is a heightened learning state where the body is deeply relaxed and the mind is alert. On occasion, a person may drift into sleep, but this is not the goal of the session. It is the hypnotherapist’s job to make sure the client maintains a relaxed awareness during the session and remains awake. Although the mind may drift, you should still be able to hear everything that is being said to you during the session.

5. Hypnotherapists are not doctors.

Hypnotherapy is not meant to replace medical care; rather, it is a self-improvement tool to enhance the healing process. A hypnotherapist specializes in general self-improvement and behavior modification. They are not licensed by the state as healing arts practitioners, and cannot diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions.

Some Myths about Hypnosis

Myth 1: Hypnosis isn’t real. It’s a form of entertainment.

Hypnosis isn’t a stage act or some magical act. Clinical hypnosis is a type of medical therapy that’s often used as part of a treatment plan that includes traditional medical approaches.

Myth 2: You lose consciousness or have amnesia when you’re hypnotized.

Most people remember everything that happens during hypnosis. You remain aware of who you are, and where you are and remember what happened during a hypnosis session.

Myth 3: You’re under the control of your hypnotherapist when you’re hypnotized.

Your hypnotist or hypnotherapist guides hypnosis, but hypnosis is something you do for yourself. You can’t be made to do anything against your will. You won’t reveal any information that you wished to remain secret. You don’t lose control over your behavior. Hypnosis makes it easier to experience suggestions but doesn’t force you to have certain experiences.

Myth 4: Hypnosis is nothing more than deep sleep.

Hypnosis isn’t sleeping. Some deeper forms of hypnosis could make you appear to be asleep because your body is very still and quiet, but you aren’t asleep.

Types of Hypnosis

There are a few different ways that hypnosis can be delivered:

1. Guided hypnosis: This form of hypnosis involves the use of tools such as recorded instructions and music to induce a hypnotic state. Online sites and mobile apps often utilize this form of hypnosis.

2. Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis in psychotherapy and is practiced by licensed physicians and psychologists to treat conditions including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.

3. Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis is a process that occurs when a person self-induces a hypnotic state. It is often used as a self-help tool for controlling pain or managing stress.

Hypnotherapy Techniques Used for Weight Loss

Which techniques are used can vary greatly depending on your reasons for wanting to lose weight. Some of the typical visualization techniques that may be used include: 

- Visualizing the body you want or the level of fitness/health you wish to achieve.

- Imagining how you will feel with your new look and health.

- Imagining yourself reaching that goal effortlessly.

- Seeing how much you will have improved from today.

- Imagining how energized and confident you will feel.

- Realizing that the more you exercise, the more you will want to exercise and the easier it will become to do so.

These techniques are designed to empower you so that you can take control of your choices. If you’re worried that your relationship with certain types of food is becoming unhealthy, however, hypnotherapy for food addiction could help you to break these negative thought patterns.

Through weight loss hypnosis, you can learn to enjoy the taste of healthy food and stop craving sugary, fatty foods. You should also learn to enjoy your body and not see it as a source of anxiety. By tackling those deep feelings that form the foundations of your eating habits, hypnosis for weight loss can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle and a happier mindset.

The Top 10 Reasons to Use Weight Loss Hypnotherapy

Weight loss hypnotherapy is used in a range of weight-related treatments such as binge eating and bulimia, but also helps treat trigger symptoms such as anxiety. Below are ten top reasons to use weight loss hypnotherapy as an alternative option or in support of a calorie-controlled diet.

1. Hypnosis fundamentally changes your mindset toward food

Hypnosis therapy works by placing educative suggestions into the recipient's subconscious with the sole aim of changing that person’s habits. When using this for weight loss, your therapist will change the way you focus on food, portion size, and trigger points.

2. It makes you not want to eat extra food or treats

The mind conditioning the weight loss hypnotherapy provides allows you to transition away from snacking or treating yourself to the usual cakes, sweets, or chocolates that ruin your balanced diet. Hypnotherapy works for weight loss by re-training the brain to visualize your ideal future weight and body shape. This then acts as a catalyst and in-built motivator

3. Eating the right foods becomes automatic

The power of hypnotherapy will enable you to work towards choosing the right foods upfront, not relying on fad diets, binge eating, or relying on sweet or take away food meals.

4. It motivates you to feel good about eating less. 

Hypnotherapy will enable you to choose the right portion size for your meals without the afterthought of being hungry again. Incorrect portion sizes are one of the largest contributors to weight gain.

5. Less food satisfies you more

By reducing your portion size and effectively your calorie intake, you will see a reduction in your weight. You will find that eating smaller potions not only satisfies you but makes you feel better about yourself too.

6. It promotes an overall change in mindset that includes motivation for regular physical exercise

Many clients first come for a change in mindset towards food. Once they find that they have achieved the mental outlook that a positive approach to food can achieve, a natural progression to sports or the gym soon follows and their confidence in their weight loss grows.

7. It replaces the old cycle of thinking, with a new confident and positive “can do” attitude

Many people that undertake hypnotherapy, do so unsure of what the results will be. There are no guarantees with hypnotherapy as much as there are no guarantees with a diet plan. Results will vary from person to person. However, patients use weight loss hypnotherapy very successfully, and they break their old cycle of thinking and develop a “can do” attitude without being forced into it.

8. It makes losing weight easy by rewiring the subconscious mind

Weight loss hypnotherapy is designed to get your subconscious mind to have already made the decision to eat healthy, take the correct portion size, and the correct foodstuffs, and also promote a good feeling when you do all of that. Rewiring the subconscious mind is a powerful tool for weight loss and many other habits treated by hypnotherapy.

9. Less is more becomes the new mind motto

Weight loss hypnotherapy enables you to accept that less is more. By this we mean when you first choose the correct portion size mentally but view the plate as typically far smaller than you are used to, it won’t feel different or awkward or create a mindset of thinking “That isn’t enough”.

10. The old finish your plate mentality is replaced with I don’t have to finish my plate; your appetite is fundamentally lowered on a long-term basis

As well as portion size, overeating is another form of self-abuse when it comes to controlling our weight. Weight loss hypnotherapy enables the patient to transition away from an “I see, I eat” mentality to a more controlled way of eating that responds to the body telling you it's full.

What to Expect from Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss

What actually happens during a hypnotherapy session for weight loss? Knowing what to expect can take some of the worry out of the unknown. Before you begin your hypnotherapy sessions, typically your therapist will talk through how hypnosis works, establish what goals you wish to achieve, and find out if there are any specific areas you wish to address.

During a typical session, your hypnotherapist will:

- Guide you into a state of deep relaxation.

- Once your body and mind are fully relaxed, your hypnotherapist will access your unconscious mind (the part of us that works all of the time, but that we’re not necessarily aware of, such as our survival mechanisms and innate instincts).

- They will use soothing, carefully worded scripts to explore your reasons for overeating, and suggest new ways of thinking through visualizations. You have the control to reject any suggestions you don’t feel happy with, without any guidance from your hypnotherapist. 

What Typically Happens During a Hypnotic Session

There are four stages of hypnosis: induction, deepener, suggestions, and emergence.

Induction

During this stage, you begin to relax, focus your attention and ignore distractions. Your hypnotherapist will guide you through this stage with specific techniques such as controlled breathing (breathing in over a count of seven, then breathing out over a count of 11), or progressive muscle relaxation (tensing muscles as you breathe in and relaxing muscles as you breathe out, then repeating in a certain order of muscle groups throughout your body) or focusing on a visual image.

Deepener

This stage continues the first stage, taking your relaxation and focus to a deeper level. This step often involves counting down or using similar descending imagery such as walking down stairs or slowly sinking deeper and deeper into a comfortable bed. These first two stages are aimed at easing your openness to suggestions.

Suggestions

This is the stage for actual change in experience, behavior, or perception. Your hypnotherapist will use imagery and carefully chosen language. The suggestions are usually symptom-focused (to resolve a symptom) or exploratory (to explore experiences associated with the start of symptoms). Suggested changes may be in perception, sensation, emotion, memory, thought, or behavior.

Emergence

During this stage, you come out of hypnosis. Your hypnotist may use reverse deepeners, such as giving you the suggestions that you’re climbing up stairs or counting up.

Some Risks of Hypnosis

Hypnosis done by a trained healthcare provider is a safe, complementary, and alternative medical treatment. Be aware, however, that hypnosis may not be safe for some people with severe mental illness.

Harmful reactions to hypnosis are rare, but they may include:

- Dizziness.

- Headache.

- Nausea.

- Drowsiness.

- Anxiety or distress.

- Sleep problems.

Be cautious when someone suggests hypnosis as a way to work through stressful events from earlier in life. That may trigger a strong emotional reaction.

How to Select a Hypnotherapist

First, look for a healthcare professional who’s properly trained, licensed, and credentialed in a healthcare field such as medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, psychology, social work, or nursing. This practitioner should have additional training in hypnosis and hypnotherapy techniques. 

Hypnosis should be used along with their mental health and medical training as an additional treatment tool. Ask the practitioner you intend to see about their training, credentials, and license to practice hypnotherapy. Also, ask if they’re experienced in the condition(s) you’re seeking care for.

To find a hypnotherapist near you, talk to your healthcare provider or call or search the websites of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, or the American Association of Professional Hypnotherapists.

You’ll want to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and trust. Don’t hesitate to try a different therapist if you feel a hypnotherapist isn’t the right fit for you.

Sources:

Medical News Today

Dr. Quintal

Activebeat

Cleveland Clinic

MBG Mindfulness

Very Well Mind

Hypnotherapy Directory

Healthline

Oneleaf

City Hypnosis

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.