HYPNOTHERAPY FOR EATING ISSUES

Loss of Appetite

Feelings of depression, anxiety and stress can play a major role in how we experience appetite. In the ‘stress response’, all bodily functions that are not necessary to our immediate survival are suppressed. This includes the immune system, reproductive system, sleep and digestive system. If we are running from a bear, for example, we do not need to use up vital energy by fighting of viruses, or digesting our breakfast. The digestion is significantly affected by stress. If we become depressed, it is likely that our appetite might all but disappear. Again, this was useful in primitive times when food may have been very scarce. With depression comes a lack of motivation to look after ourselves, including eating.

Hypnotherapy can help to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and the associated symptoms such as a lack of appetite. We can help you to return the the ‘relaxation response’ where our mind and body can function in a more balanced way.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorder. There are also other less easily definable disorders affecting eating, that may include symptoms of these three. These disorders can have a huge physical, emotional, psychological and social impact, and can be extremely detrimental to a person’s well being. Hypnotherapy can help by reducing and managing stress and anxiety, by improving confidence and self-esteem, and by allowing the brain to switch of the stress response and thereby reducing the need for compulsive feelings and behaviours.

All clients are treated with great care and sensitivity, as we work to gently bring about positive changes to improve your levels of happiness and confidence. By learning how to relax and switch off the stress response, you will regain more intellectual control and be able to make the best choices for your well being.

Emetophobia (fear of vomiting)

Emetophobia is a surprisingly common type of anxiety disorder that can have a significant impact on what, where and indeed whether we are able to eat. It can include fear of being sick oneself, or fear of seeing others vomit. Sufferers will often have avoidance measures, which might include not eating in public, not visiting hospitals, staying away from family and friends who are ill, avoiding young babies and children, following a strict (sometimes very restricted and unhealthy) diet, and not taking medications which might upset the stomach. Emetophobia can sometimes be triggered by a general build up of stress, or by a specific traumatic incident (often involving sickness).

Hypnotherapy is very effective at reducing stress and allowing the intellectual part of the brain to reassess unhelpful beliefs and patterns of behaviour. We will work to gently build your confidence and teach you relaxation techniques, so the fear will reduce and eventually disappear. Hypnotherapy helps you to move forward positively, supporting you to create changes that will improve your levels of happiness and wellbeing in all areas of your life.