Have you ever seen a hypnotherapist?

[CJ2008]

DH tells me all the time I do a twitch thing with my lips and sometimes I pucker my lips...

I never realize I'm doing it although there's been a few times when I've caught myself in a mirror by coincidence and it's not pretty I don't have full lips so puckering is...not good.

On top of the fact that I have a tendency to look kind of mad or upset even when I'm not...

I don't want to look like a miserable woman especially now that I'm getting older so I was thinking of seeing a hypnotherapist I can't think of what else could even begin to help with something I don't even know I'm doing.

I was wondering if any of you ever saw one, why, and if it worked for you...and did you see her/him in person? I see some offer sessions via the phone now.

 

[Tourmaline]

I saw a hypnotherapist when I was 21 for weight loss. I weighed 156 lbs at the time. I left the session feeling like nothing had happened and I felt like it was a waste of time and money. Then, three and a half months later, I ran into the hypnotherapist and I weighed 120 lbs. It dawned on me that the hypnotherapy might have had something to do with my resolve to do the stuff necessary to lose the weight. She was pretty impressed with herself, too.

 

[msop04]

I have never been, but I know several people who have been and had success. All of them were hypnotized for smoking cessation. I also know one person (my mom) who did not have success. I'm not certain of the reason, but I would venture to say it had to do with weight loss, since she has always struggled.

I have read that if you don't believe that you can be hypnotized or that it will work, then you can't be... Who knows?? I'd love to try it though. I'm very interested to hear others experiences!

 

[msop04]

I saw a hypnotherapist when I was 21 for weight loss. I weighed 156 lbs at the time. I left the session feeling like nothing had happened and I felt like it was a waste of time and money. Then, three and a half months later, I ran into the hypnotherapist and I weighed 120 lbs. It dawned on me that the hypnotherapy might have had something to do with my resolve to do the stuff necessary to lose the weight. She was pretty impressed with herself, too.

Wow! That makes me wanna be hypnotized ASAP! I've struggled with my weight my entire life... maybe it would be worth a try? Did you notice you were just eating less or exercising more?? 36 lbs in 14 weeks is drastic!

 

[Dee*Jay]

I've seen one twice now. The first time was for weight loss and motivation back in 2008 or so. I went from plump to having people regularly ask me if I was "well" (my best friend told me at one point that my head was too big for my body and someone else asked if I had developed a crack habit). Maybe it was too successful. That being said, I have no idea if it was more a mental thing (no pun intended) or if I would have achieved the same results on my own. I will say I was incredibly motivated at that time (although a torn ACL derailed that) and to this day I think of something she said to me on a frequent (maybe even daily) basis and it (almost always) prompts me to put down the fork, throw out something I'm not really enjoying, or otherwise stopping the mindless eating. I say "almost" because there are times when I hear her saying the magic thing in the back of my head and I make the conscious decision to take one more (or more than one more... ) bite, but I am very aware that I chose to take that action.

The second time was about a month ago and it was in an effort to get myself to tune out the noise from my neighbors upstairs. I won't bore you with the details all over again (I know you saw the post I made in Kenny's thread about this). Again, I have no idea if it's *really* working but I am very conscious of doing the thing I'm supposed to do to make it happen.

All in all, I would do it again.

 

[msop04]

I've seen one twice now. The first time was for weight loss and motivation back in 2008 or so. I went from plump to having people regularly ask me if I was "well" (my best friend told me at one point that my head was too big for my body and someone else asked if I had developed a crack habit). Maybe it was too successful. That being said, I have no idea if it was more a mental thing (no pun intended) or if I would have achieved the same results on my own. I will say I was incredibly motivated at that time (although a torn ACL derailed that) and to this day I think of something she said to me on a frequent (maybe even daily) basis and it (almost always) prompts me to put down the fork, throw out something I'm not really enjoying, or otherwise stopping the mindless eating. I say "almost" because there are times when I hear her saying the magic thing in the back of my head and I make the conscious decision to take one more (or more than one more... ) bite, but I am very aware that I chose to take that action.

The second time was about a month ago and it was in an effort to get myself to tune out the noise from my neighbors upstairs. I won't bore you with the details all over again (I know you saw the post I made in Kenny's thread about this). Again, I have no idea if it's *really* working but I am very conscious of doing the thing I'm supposed to do to make it happen.

All in all, I would do it again.

OMG, Dee*Jay! That gives me hope it'll work for me! Thanks for posting your experiences!!

 

[Dee*Jay]

I've seen one twice now. The first time was for weight loss and motivation back in 2008 or so. I went from plump to having people regularly ask me if I was "well" (my best friend told me at one point that my head was too big for my body and someone else asked if I had developed a crack habit). Maybe it was too successful. That being said, I have no idea if it was more a mental thing (no pun intended) or if I would have achieved the same results on my own. I will say I was incredibly motivated at that time (although a torn ACL derailed that) and to this day I think of something she said to me on a frequent (maybe even daily) basis and it (almost always) prompts me to put down the fork, throw out something I'm not really enjoying, or otherwise stopping the mindless eating. I say "almost" because there are times when I hear her saying the magic thing in the back of my head and I make the conscious decision to take one more (or more than one more... ) bite, but I am very aware that I chose to take that action.

The second time was about a month ago and it was in an effort to get myself to tune out the noise from my neighbors upstairs. I won't bore you with the details all over again (I know you saw the post I made in Kenny's thread about this). Again, I have no idea if it's *really* working but I am very conscious of doing the thing I'm supposed to do to make it happen.

All in all, I would do it again.

OMG, Dee*Jay! That gives me hope it'll work for me! Thanks for posting your experiences!!

Without going into a full blown thread-jack, she hit on something that harkens back to my childhood. I had thought of this thing often, although never placing it in this context, and when she suggested the action to me (the thing I say to myself) it all clicked into place. It was pretty amazing. Good luck!

 

[CJ2008]

You are all giving me hope

(and thanks DeeJay, I do remember the post about the noise...you really HAVE tried everything!)

I think I would be a good candidate because I'm open minded, and because I do believe in the power of the mind/mindset...I am just not sure it would work for something I don't know is happening. But I'm thinking an ethical hypnotherapist would be truthful as far as whether it could work.

Were all your experiences in person or over the phone?

 

[Dee*Jay]

My experiences were in person.

You raise an interesting point that I though of but didn't address. For me, being successful with this is making a decision to act differently and if you're not aware of the action maybe this will be a different challenge. That being said, your probably really are conscious of it to some degree and this might heighten your awareness enough. Does that make any sense?

 

[madelise]

How do you find a legitimate hypnotherapist instead of a quack?
I'd love to work on my horrible eating habits and lack of initiating anything (depression makes me very apathetic).

 

[missy]

I've never been to one but my dad who is a retired dentist used to very occasionally hypnotize friends who wanted to stop smoking or lose weight. I saw it help them but cannot remember the details as this was back in the 70's and 80's. I remember asking him about it and he said the more intelligent a person was and the more open they were to being hypnotized the greater the chances of success.

Madelise, I am guessing there must be an accreditation process and national board associated with this. Hopefully they need a degree and belong to an organization that has a list of reputable hypnotherapists? And I would also guess that some psychologists/psychiatrists might also offer this to their patients.

ETA:Here's something I found by googling. Perhaps in your region there might be something similar?
http://www.natboard.com



Good luck CJ!

 

[Trekkie]

In 2009 I saw a psychiatrist who claimed he'd be able to treat my depression and related weight gain using hypnotherapy.

It did not go well. I think I needed 5? Maybe even 6? sessions before he was even able to hypnotise me. I only went under if I was completely covered by a blanket with nothing but my head showing (so weird, I know!) and even then, I didn't go under very deeply at all. Trust issues, I guess.

At the time I was desperate and ready to try anything. I was absolutely gutted when it didn't work. I was on antidepressants until last year and the promised weight loss didn't materialise either - I now weigh significantly more than I did before I underwent hypnotherapy.

I have heard many positive stories of the benefits of hypnotherapy and wish I had one of my own to share.

My only advice would be to seek recommendations from people you know personally and to stay away from the charlatans on the phone. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[CJ2008]

My experiences were in person.

You raise an interesting point that I though of but didn't address. For me, being successful with this is making a decision to act differently and if you're not aware of the action maybe this will be a different challenge. That being said, your probably really are conscious of it to some degree and this might heighten your awareness enough. Does that make any sense?

Yes, makes perfect sense. Maybe it needs to begin there - know I'm doing it - then resolve / have a way to do something different.

 

[CJ2008]

Thanks everyone! I do think I want to give it a try - if I do I'll definitely report back.

And thanks Missy for that link - I think the last time I looked into it I had not run into that site.

Trekkie sorry to hear about your experience - gave me a glimpse also into how intimate something like that can feel - so it's so important it's with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

 

[msop04]

In 2009 I saw a psychiatrist who claimed he'd be able to treat my depression and related weight gain using hypnotherapy.

It did not go well. I think I needed 5? Maybe even 6? sessions before he was even able to hypnotise me. I only went under if I was completely covered by a blanket with nothing but my head showing (so weird, I know!) and even then, I didn't go under very deeply at all. Trust issues, I guess.

At the time I was desperate and ready to try anything. I was absolutely gutted when it didn't work. I was on antidepressants until last year and the promised weight loss didn't materialise either - I now weigh significantly more than I did before I underwent hypnotherapy.

I have heard many positive stories of the benefits of hypnotherapy and wish I had one of my own to share.

My only advice would be to seek recommendations from people you know personally and to stay away from the charlatans on the phone. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

My mom couldn't be hypnotized at all. I'm worried I may not work for me either, but it's worth a try. I think I haven't tried before because I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't work... catch 22, anyone? LOL

 

[Trekkie]

Thanks everyone! I do think I want to give it a try - if I do I'll definitely report back.

And thanks Missy for that link - I think the last time I looked into it I had not run into that site.

Trekkie sorry to hear about your experience - gave me a glimpse also into how intimate something like that can feel - so it's so important it's with someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

Thanks CJ! It was very intimate. I only went to see him because I was assured that he was the best. I ended up seeing him for a total of around 10-12 sessions but still don't really feel like I benefitted from it.

In 2009 I saw a psychiatrist who claimed he'd be able to treat my depression and related weight gain using hypnotherapy.

It did not go well. I think I needed 5? Maybe even 6? sessions before he was even able to hypnotise me. I only went under if I was completely covered by a blanket with nothing but my head showing (so weird, I know!) and even then, I didn't go under very deeply at all. Trust issues, I guess.

At the time I was desperate and ready to try anything. I was absolutely gutted when it didn't work. I was on antidepressants until last year and the promised weight loss didn't materialise either - I now weigh significantly more than I did before I underwent hypnotherapy.

I have heard many positive stories of the benefits of hypnotherapy and wish I had one of my own to share.

My only advice would be to seek recommendations from people you know personally and to stay away from the charlatans on the phone. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

My mom couldn't be hypnotized at all. I'm worried I may not work for me either, but it's worth a try. I think I haven't tried before because I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't work... catch 22, anyone? LOL

msop - If it doesn't work for you the first time, try the blanket trick! Some of us just feel too vulnerable or exposed and covering up might help!

 

[kenny]

No, and I'd never consider it.

 

[CJ2008]

No, and I'd never consider it.

Why?

 

[kenny]

No, and I'd never consider it.

Why?

Same reason I'd never consider any religion, I have no reason to turn off my brain.

 

[msop04]

msop - If it doesn't work for you the first time, try the blanket trick! Some of us just feel too vulnerable or exposed and covering up might help!

Thanks for the advice, Trekkie! I'm really considering making an appointment soon.

 

[msop04]

No, and I'd never consider it.

Why?

Same reason I'd never consider any religion, I have no reason to turn off my brain.

Ummm... hypnosis does anything but "turn off" the brain. It actually uses parts of the brain that many cannot access on their own. It has proven to help in many situations when other options have not.

You don't have to worry about "turning off" your brain... you just need to have an open mind -- besides, kenny, it deals with actual science. Now I know you can appreciate that!

Edited for typos.

 

[CJ2008]

No, and I'd never consider it.

Why?

Same reason I'd never consider any religion, I have no reason to turn off my brain.

I hear you.

I'm willing to try it mostly because I really don't see any other way I could possibly begin to address it. And I feel since it's a very specific issue - and one that DH can easily give me feedback on and see for himself - I'll know for sure whether it worked or not.

 

[CJ2008]

No, and I'd never consider it.

Why?

Same reason I'd never consider any religion, I have no reason to turn off my brain.

Ummm... hypnosis doesn anything but "turn off" the brain. It actually uses parts of the brain that many cannot access on their own. It has proven to help in many situations when other options have not.

You don't have to worry about "turning off" your brain... you just need to have an open mind -- besides, kenny, it deals with actual science. Now I know you can appreciate that!

I think this is key.

And that I have for this.

 

[kenny]

I'm pleased to have a very very very closed mind to handing my mind over to anyone.
I would not hand the keys over to anyone.

I trust my mind.
I'm satisfied with what it does.

 

[msop04]

I'm pleased to have a very very very closed mind to handing my mind over to anyone.
I would not hand the keys over to anyone.

I trust my mind.
I'm satisfied with what it does.

Then you don't have to worry about ever seeing a therapist for hypnosis or anything else. I wish I were so well-adjusted.

 

[CJ2008]

I'm pleased to have a very very very closed mind to handing my mind over to anyone.
I would not hand the keys over to anyone.

I trust my mind.
I'm satisfied with what it does.

lol THAT I'm not in agreement with

I wish I could teach my mind to behave WAY better!

But in general, I'm with you...one time I went to see a therapist who wanted to put me on antidepressants and I didn't do it...it was very scary to me to do anything that would chemically alter my brain...

 

[azstonie]

I tried it once in my late 20s when I could not lose the last 5 pounds. The session was going pretty well until the hypnotherapist brought up a camping scenario to induce relaxation. At that time, I had never been camping, had no interest in camping, and he told me I visibly flinched when it happened.

Recently I asked a psychiatrist and a biofeedback psychotherapist what they thought of hypnosis. they both said if you expect to get good results from it, you most likely would. If you were ambivalent, probably nothing.

Sounds like what Missy's dad said about it too.

I'd be open to trying it now but I would want to make a recording of the session to make sure nothing screwy went on, I'm a little like Kenny in that I would not want to 'hand over the keys.'

 

[kenny]

I'm pleased to have a very very very closed mind to handing my mind over to anyone.
I would not hand the keys over to anyone.

I trust my mind.
I'm satisfied with what it does.

Then you don't have to worry about ever seeing a therapist for hypnosis or anything else. I wish I were so well-adjusted.

FWIW in the 90s I underwent psychoanalysis.
I did EST in the 70s.

IMO, both worked swimmingly, and were very much "hand over the keys" kind of things.
Now the car goes where I want it to go.

 

[CJ2008]

I tried it once in my late 20s when I could not lose the last 5 pounds. The session was going pretty well until the hypnotherapist brought up a camping scenario to induce relaxation. At that time, I had never been camping, had no interest in camping, and he told me I visibly flinched when it happened.

Recently I asked a psychiatrist and a biofeedback psychotherapist what they thought of hypnosis. they both said if you expect to get good results from it, you most likely would. If you were ambivalent, probably nothing.

Sounds like what Missy's dad said about it too.

I'd be open to trying it now but I would want to make a recording of the session to make sure nothing screwy went on, I'm a little like Kenny in that I would not want to 'hand over the keys.'

Interesting.

I wonder if they'd allow that.

I have a feeling it would make it more difficult for me to relax though...I'd want to be able to say whatever I needed to/whatever came up...if I knew it was being recorded it may make me hold back.

 

[missy]

I'm pleased to have a very very very closed mind to handing my mind over to anyone.
I would not hand the keys over to anyone.

I trust my mind.
I'm satisfied with what it does.

Then you don't have to worry about ever seeing a therapist for hypnosis or anything else. I wish I were so well-adjusted.

FWIW I saw a psychoanalyst years ago.
I also did EST in the 70s.

IMO, both worked and were very much "hand over the keys" kind of things.
Now the car goes where I want it to go.

My aunt and uncle did EST in the 70's and somehow convinced my mom and dad to let us go one time with them (we were around the ages 6 and 8 or 8 and 10) and OMG. I hated it and fortunately my parents hated it also. LOL first and last time we ever did that. All I remember from that one visit was a lot of love talk and we were sitting in a circle and had to turn to our neighbor and look in their eyes and say we loved them or something very artificial like that. Yeah, not my cup of tea. When I say I love someone it's because I know who they are and I love them.

I'd be open to trying it now but I would want to make a recording of the session to make sure nothing screwy went on, I'm a little like Kenny in that I would not want to 'hand over the keys.'

For anyone considering seeing a hypnotherapist can you bring someone you trust with you to be there the whole time? That way you might feel more secure and comfortable and open to the experience making it more likely to be successful. Not sure if that impedes the process at all but just wondering if that might be helpful.