Hypnosis

[ErmYeahNo]

I have been recommended to try hypnosis to help with weight loss by a medical professional which is itself has surprised me.
(I have childhood issues relating to food and counselling isn't helping)

Aibu to firstly be sceptical of it working and mainly a little bit terrified of having someone messing about with my subconscious.

Some people cannot be hypnotised anyway, but I would say that it is worth a go.

I got hypnotised first an irrational fear. The whole time she was doing it I was just thinking it was all bollocks. But weirdly, after she finished I felt instantly better. Can't really explain how though 🤷‍♀️

Are you awake and aware of what is happening whilst being hypnotised?

Yeah!! It's so strange! You remember everything! I was complaining a shopping list in my head when she was doing it 🤷‍♀️

Why don't you do a little bit of research about hypnosis? It's not exactly witchcraft, it's pretty commonplace.

If these decisions around food are being made at a sub-conscious level then counselling might well not help. Hypnosis can tap into instinctive patterns of behaviour. What's to lose?

I have done some research and I obviously know it's not witchcraft 🙄
It is still messing with your subconscious which can be dangerous.

Is it permitted generally for another person to be witness in the room at the same time?

I think another person would possibly be problematic because it's very important that you are able to focus on the person's voice without distraction. But it is traditional to record the sessions so that you go away with a recording to re-use at home.

Personally, I didn't entirely remain conscious through the whole session every time. I was so relaxed and focused on the mental images that the person was describing that I wasn't really aware of anything after they counted back from 10.

It worked like a charm, though.

I wouldn't have felt comfortable with anyone else there.

Hypnotherapy is not dangerous. You will be fully aware of what's going on (although you may nod off) and you can come out of your trance whenever you want to.

A friend of mine used hypnotherapy to give up smoking and crisps! It worked both times.

It did nothing to help me quit smoking

I had hypnotherapy a couple of years ago but for a different issue. I felt that it didn’t really help with my specific issue but I did enjoy going to the sessions as it was very relaxing and I always left feeling rejuvenated. I would describe the experience as being deeply relaxing rather than being ‘hypnotised’ as such; you are always fully aware and can stop at any time. This is just my personal experience though and others may have a different experience with it. I would say that it is definitely worth a try, but not anything to be worried about.

Find a well trained, well-qualified, experienced hypnotherapist who is insured, registered with the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register) and has been properly trained by attending a 10 month Diploma, not a weekend Certificate course!
Then arrange to meet them, any hypnotherapist worth their salt will offer you some sort of free non-obligation face to face chat, the longer the better ideally. If in that time they haven't answered all your questions, explained the process clearly to you and put your mind at ease then either they aren't very good at their job, or you just don't want to be hypnotised to resolve your weight issues.
Hypnotherapy (which is entirely different from stage/street hypnosis) is incredibly effective for weight loss, so why not at least take the next step to finding out more about it?
Hypnosis is increasingly coming into the NHS including for use during operations where patients are unable/don't want to be anaesthetised.
I am happy to answer any questions you have (I am a hypnotherapist who just happens to specialise in helping people use weight)

lose weight
FFS!!

Can I ask if you think it might help with my dentist phobia? I currently have to have it under sedation and it's expensive and inconvenient. Thanks

@Bobbi73 yes it has excellent success rates for all fears and phobias too (especially if you get a good hypnotherapist)
Like all professions, not all hypnotherapists are 'created' equal, so if you can get a personal recommendation for one that's even better.
Most of my clients come through personal referrals.

Yes Bobbi, I'm too embarrassed to say what my fear was but it sorted it right out!!

Thank-you everyone for your replies!
I've found a local place and been in touch to book an initial meeting.

The BookThief I wonder if I should try this? Have put on some weight and really struggling with food at the minute. Was reading a book recently and realised I am addicted to food. It's literally a need to get a hit, I'm not hungry. Luckily I prefer veg to chocolate,but it is still unhealthy!
Would hypnosis work well to help me?
Sorry to hijack OP. I definitly think you should give it a go.

@Whatevah yes, definitely try hypno. Ideally find a therapist who does 'parts' therapy, it has excellent success rates for anything where there is some kind of inner conflict ie, "I know I shouldn't eat this food, but I am going to anyway".
Not all hypnotherapists use this technique, (ie most 'solution focused' therapists don't) and other techniques work very well too, but sometimes for a long term solution a client needs parts therapy so if you can find a therapist who does this you'll be quids in (and they will probably help you get a resolution in fewer sessions too)

@ErmYeahNo well done on taking the first step, hopefully this will give you the resolution you seek.

Thank you!