Channel 4 Television Series Shows Hypnosis for Weight Loss
Supersize vs Superskinny
Article by Paul Douglass, MIAPH
In a recent episide of the Channel 4 television series Supersize vs Superskinny, presenter Anna Richardson was shown having hypnotherapy for weight loss.
This programme, has not surprisingly, caused lots of people to contact us to see how hypnosis and hypnotherapy can help with weight loss.
There can sometimes be a little bit of confusion caused by the fact that 'hypnotherapy' is often used to describe what is actually quite a wide range of different types of therapy.
So I have written this page to try to shed some light on why there are different forms of hypnotherapy available, and how they can help with weight loss, and eating issues in general..
Suggestion Therapy
Suggestion therapy, is the form of hypnotherapy that we might traditionally expect to have when we visit a hypnotherapist.
In suggestion hypnotherapy the person having the hypnotherapy simply listens to the 'suggestions' that are given by the therapist using hypnosis.
This can be done as a one-to-one hypnotherapy session with the therapist, or, because the person having the therapy doesn't usually have to say anything during the actual hypnosis part of the session, it can often be done using something like an mp3 download, a tape, or a CD.
One important thing to bear in mind though from the TV programme, is that if you read the Channel 4 website account of the hypnotherapy session, it pays particular attention to the subject of childhood memories...
 She hears about the idea of focused attention
and reduced anxiety levels which may unlock
early childhood memories and help isolate them and then deal with them.
Channel 4
This programme seems to acknowledge, at least in part, the ways that childhood experiences can shape our adult lives, something which many programmes like this often don't do.
Suggestion therapy, either as a one-to-one session, or as a download can do a lot to help someone control their eating habits in the short to medium term.
However, it must be said, that to help in the long term, the person usually needs to address the real issues behind the weight or eating issues problem.
For example, if someone is overweight because they 'comfort eat', then there is clearly a reason why that person needs to 'comfort eat'... maybe they find their life stressful, or perhaps again, an issue from the past is influencing them... albeit unconsciously.
Resolving the Root Cause
In the situation where someone is comfort eating for example, the best long term help is to resolve the root cause of the problem... to resolve whatever issue from the past is causing that person to overeat.
This is where I would use a therapy known as 'pure' hypnoanalysis.
'Pure' Hypnoanalysis
'Pure' hypnoanalysis is a very effective, and relatively quick therapy (which can often be completed in as little as 6 - 8 sessions), where the aim is to resolve the root cause of the problem. Once the root cause of the problem is resolved, the 'symptom' (in this example comfort eating) disappears.
While 'Pure' hypnoanalysis does take a bit longer than something like suggestion therapy, the benefit that can be achieved through it, can be life changing.
Which Type of Hypnotherapy is Best for You?
If you have an issue with weight or eating, and if one-to-one therapy is something that you're considering, then the best thing to do is to arrange an initial consultation with a hypnotherapist in your area.
The initial consultation is a good chance for you to meet with the therapist, and have a good chat with them about the kinds of problems you are experiencing, and for the therapist to explain to you the ways that they can help you.
If you have an initial consultation with a therapist that practices both Suggestion Therapy and 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis, then they will be able to explain to you in more detail these two types of hypnotherapy.
Not all hypnotherapists do practice both though... (to practice 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis takes specialist training), but if you would like to find a hypnotherapist in your area who is trained in 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis, why not use our FREE find a therapist service. We'll help you to find a hypnotherapist in your area who is qualified to practice 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis.
If you'd rather try something like a MP3 download (in the comfort of your own home!) then you'll find there are lots available, including our own Successful Weight Loss Hypnosis session.
Have a think about which you'd like to try... contact me (using the form below) if you have any questions, or if you'd like to see anything else covered here.
Paul
Paul Douglass MIAPH Acc. D.Hyp. Adv.
Avon Hypnotherapy
February 28th, 2008
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