Hypnosis and Weight Loss

Most people don't realize that 88% of what the mind deals with is handled by the subconscious mind, and only 12% is handled by the conscious mind. The subconscious mind consists of things like personality, self image, habits, memory, and beliefs. So if you're trying to change a habit such as overeating, wouldn't it make more sense to use our subconscious mind than our conscious mind? That's where hypnosis comes in.

Hypnosis is much more than a parlor trick or magic act. The American Heritage Science dictionary’s definition of hypnosis is “an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion." Current research suggests that hypnosis is actually a wakeful state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, with diminished peripheral awareness.

If you're like most people, you enter a hypnotic state on a frequent basis. Have you ever "zoned out" in front of the TV or computer? Have you ever driven to work or to a friend's house, and when you get there you can't seem to recall the last five or ten minutes of your drive? That's because you had entered a hypnotic, trance-like state.

The subconscious mind, when used properly, can be a very efficient and effective tool for creating lasting changes. The subconscious mind does not have the ability to judge right from wrong, or good from bad. Most importantly, it doesn't know the difference between what's real and what is not. Positive statements and visualizations are accepted by the subconscious as reality.

So how do weight loss and hypnosis work together? And is weight loss through hypnosis really possible? Absolutely. Hypnosis and weight loss can lead to better food choices and increased exercise, which results in weight loss.

Say for example, you repeatedly tell your subconscious mind, while in a hypnotic state, that you enjoy eating healthy foods and exercising. Your subconscious mind accepts that fact as reality - even if it's not - and begins to influence the conscious mind. So you start reaching for an apple at the next staff meeting, rather than a donut, and you're not really sure why. Or you buy a new workout DVD on a whim, without really planning to. That's your subconscious mind at work, putting those thoughts and suggestions to work for your benefit.

If you want to lose weight by hypnosis, the first step is to find a licensed and certified hypnotherapist in your area. Review her credentials and certifications, ask for references, and ask questions:

What is your experience with weight loss and hypnosis?

How long have you been practicing? You want to choose a therapist that is experienced and keeps current with new techniques and trends.

What is your area of expertise? Some therapists focus on smoking cessation, others on anxiety - you want to find a therapist that really focuses on weight loss.

How many sessions will it take to see results? A series of weekly meetings is often the strongest course of action. It can take as few as three, but usually 6-8 sessions are required to get the new messages embedded into your subconscious mind.

How much do you charge? Cost per session will vary, but expect to pay at least $75+ per session. If cost is an issue, you may want to try self hypnosis for weight loss, which is considerably less expensive but may not yield the same results. You can purchase self hypnosis CDs at bookstores and download self hypnosis audiobooks at iTunes.

Will I receive recorded sessions to listen to at home? Some therapists will record the hypnosis and weight loss sessions, which you can then listen to a few times a week while at home. This helps to reinforce the messages and will produce quicker results.

Once you find a hypnotherapist that you feel comfortable with, your first meeting will typically be a consultation. There is often an underlying reason why you are overweight - self esteem issues, control issues, etc. A good hypnotherapist will try to determine what your underlying causes are and focus on changing those during the sessions. The therapist will ask a lot of questions too see what negative patterns and messages your subconscious mind is currently working with, which will help her determine what positive messages will work best during your hypnosis sessions.

The first actual hypnosis session will be pretty straight-forward: you'll relax in a chair and focus on the therapist's voice. She will walk you through a guided meditation which takes you into a deep state of relaxation and hypnosis. At this point, the hypnotherapist will focus on your weight loss issues, removing limiting beliefs and planting powerful suggestions - you enjoy eating healthy food, you enjoy exercising, you're a strong and determined person, etc. - deep in your subconscious mind.

During the session, your thoughts may wander. That's ok, let them go where they will, then gently pull them back to focus on the therapist's voice. Your subconscious mind is hearing every word the therapist is saying. When you come out of hypnosis, you'll typically feel refreshed, as if waking from a peaceful nap.

Hypnosis and weight loss is not for everyone, but if you have an open mind and willing to try a new tactiv, hypnosis and weight loss can be a very effective combination and is definitely another weapon in the weight loss arsenal.

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