Is Weight Loss Hypnosis Too Good To Be True? By Michele P. Rousseau
limming down with hypnosis sounds so simple. You relax; the hypnotist speaks; and the excess pounds simply melt away, right? The truth is, natural weight loss was, is, and always will be a matter of calories in versus calories out. More calories must be burned than consumed. With or without hypnosis, in order to lose weight, we must all eat less, exercise more, or both. Hypnosis, however, allows these behaviors to become more
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enjoyable and easier to accomplish, making it more likely that re- cipients will continue these healthier habits for the long term. In fact, several studies showed that more weight was lost by those receiving hypnosis along with behavior modification—and the weight stayed off for a longer duration as well—than by those who underwent behavior modification alone. Because behaviors are driven primarily by the subconscious mind, no matter how strong the conscious will might be to exercise and eat healthier, as soon as one’s focus is taken off of her weight loss plan, she immediately returns to the established patterns and habits set up in her subconscious mind.
So, how does one lose weight with hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a very relaxed state of consciousness that allows new information to easily take root in the subconscious, thereby transforming old beliefs and thought patterns that no longer serve well. Accessing the subconscious through hypnosis allows the hyp- notist to communicate a client’s consciously chosen beliefs to the subconscious mind in order to increase the chances of success and the ease with which a goal is accomplished. For example, if the sub- conscious believes that “weight loss is hard,” “healthy food is bor- ing,” and “exercise is draining,” then it will find ways to create those experiences. Through hypnosis, beliefs such as these can be replaced with “I enjoy eating nutritious foods” and “exercise is fun and ener- gizing,” and so these chosen beliefs become the new experiences for the hypnosis client and the weight loss process is then perceived in a much more positive way. Weight loss seems to come easily, which it does, not because fat is magically melting off the body, but because there is no more subconscious resistance when it comes to making the necessary lifestyle changes that are required for weight loss and maintenance.
With hypnosis, eating well and exercising come to feel more
natural and desirable than previous unhealthy habits. Cravings for fatty or sugary foods are replaced with a desire to choose healthier foods and to eat appropriately sized portions. Old habits of spend- ing evenings on the computer or weekends watching television are replaced with the desire to take walks, ride bikes, go dancing, or engage in other active, calorie burning, pursuits. There’s a popular misconception that hypnotists have control
over their clients during hypnosis and therefore can make them do anything. The truth is that hypnotists can not compel a person to exercise and eat well if she does not truly want to change her behavior. One has to have a desire to make positive lifestyle changes in order for the hypnotic suggestions to remain in the subconscious, otherwise the subconscious will resist and reject the suggestions and return to its previous beliefs and habits.
Hypnosis for the purpose of weight loss is not a passive process.
It takes cooperation and participation. Successful hypnosis clients are open to receiving hypnotic suggestions and, of course, they are committed to making appropriate behavioral changes outside of the hypnotist’s office.
When seeking a competent hypnotist, those who promise such
things as rapid weight loss with little to no lifestyle change should be avoided. In fact, it’s important to check credentials before working with any hypnotist. Currently, in Connecticut, hypnosis is an unli- censed and self-regulated practice requiring only state registration; therefore it’s important to ask before hiring a hypnotist where they received their training (if they received any formal training at all), if they have experience using hypnosis for the purpose of weight loss (or whatever goal hypnosis is being sought for), and whether they belong to a professional association which requires its members to adhere to high standards of practice. For those wanting to lose weight by living a healthier lifestyle,
but who are finding it difficult to give up their old habits and em- brace healthy eating and exercise, hypnosis can be a powerful tool.
Michele P. Rousseau, is a certified hypnotist and personal life coach in Middletown, CT who can be reached at 860-704-9054 or visit
www.micheleprousseau.com. See ad on page
ON THE PATH OF HEALING
Auriculotherapist, Aromatherapist level 1 ~ Also Offering Usui Reiki & Lightarian Classes ~
Information at
www.onthepathofhealing.com Carol Hipkins • 860-413-3592
NaturalNutmeg.com 43 LightarianTM Usui Reiki Master/Teacher Reiki Master/Teacher
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