to ask if you've ever been hypnotised ?

[Ilovefoodtoomuch]

Name changed as I have discussed with a few friends and don't want to be recognised on here asking about it...

Have you ever been hypnotised for a phobia, fear, anxiety, to give up smoking, food issues etc ? I mean properly hypnotised. Not for a stage show, but to help with a problem.

I am thinking of seeing a local hypnotist who claims to be able to perform a hypno gastric band, as well as re programme the mind to tackle food issues, and the things that go with it. Overeating, getting comfort from food, and generally not making food such a big thing for me.

I'm sceptical but intrigued. I have tried every diet, slimming club, you name it I've done it. I am a self confessed foodaholic, I love food, I enjoy food, but I am sick of being fat. I have absolutely no will power at all. Before anyone says diet and exercise etc, if it were that easy fore I wouldn't have been fat for all my adult life.

Just want to know if anyone's tried it and whether it worked for you ?

Does that include follow up sessions too?

I had hypnotherapy after I had an acute panic attack. The sessions continued for several weeks. I couldn't pinpoint the cause of the panic attack, however once my thoughts became calm and more ordered, I finally divorced my abusive husband. I hadn't made the connection between abuse and anxiety, it wasn't suggested to me in my sessions. The sessions were the only place in over 20 years where I was able to relax and order my thoughts, and eventually a little bit of me came back. I've never felt the need to go back but wouldn't hesitate if I began to feel anxious again.

I did hypnotherapy CDs to cut down on my drinking - I'd got into a habit of drinking every day and wanted to cut back. I've always been fairly cynical and non-woo but I was pleasantly surprised - it really helped. I also went to a one-day course organised by the same person, with lots of other people, which included several hypnotherapy sessions, and that also helped. Its several years later, and I still only drink at weekends.. But, as others have said, I'd be tempted to find a proven CD/online person at least initially - it wouldn't cost very much to dip your toe in the water that way.

I have had hypnosis for a fear of spiders - it was years ago now and I'm still not scared of them. I used to be petrified, utterly terrified. Now I can glass-and- card them outside without a problem.
Also had hypnosis for anxiety which helped.