I feel like half of what I do on this blog is confess that I’m not actually all that healthy. I have vices and lots of them although lately two of them have really been bothering me…Diet Dr. Pepper and Chocolate. I consume them multiple times a day.
I’ve tried frivolously to cut them both out cold turkey but the fact of the matter is they are addictive substances and my willpower is less than strong when it comes to these two things. So, I’ve been researching ways to get some help…(acupuncture, hypnosis, etc). Turns out there is a hypnotist in my area that deals with addictive tendencies and I was curious. I have never been hypnotized or even ever seen anyone be hypnotized but I was “open” to the idea of…probably out of desperation. So I called and setup an appointment.
The appointment became with some questions about me, my personality, this “addiction”, etc. I tried to explain it as clearly as I could. Next she explained the process. She explained it as she was going to “reprogram” my subconscious in such a way that would leave me not feeling as though I need it, therefore not feeling deprived when I don’t eat or drink either of them. To be perfectly honest, sounded a little cheesy but I went with it. Next came the actually hypnosis…
I sat in a big plush chair, legs reclined and closed my eyes and took deep breathes. She talked very calmly and relaxing to me and tried to get me more relaxed. This went on for a while then she started providing “suggestions” to my subconscious that would somehow leave me not craving these two things. I was fully aware and awake the entire time.
After the session ended, I wrote her a check and left, feeling very much like I just threw my money away. This all happened a few days ago.
To date, I have not had any chocolate or Diet Soda BUT I have had cravings but when I go to pick them up, I really don’t feel the need to eat it or drink it. It’s weird. I don’t know if it’s because I’m such a cheap person that if I do, I would have completely thrown away my money. I don’t even want to try them for fear that it will reignite my lack of willpower.
Do I think it worked? I don’t. I think what worked is writing her a check. I think the fact that I spent money on this is making my mind tell every other instinct that “You will make this work..You will not give in. We paid for willpower.”
Would I suggest it to others? No but I was curious and now I can say I think It was a waste but I had to tell you about it because when it comes down to it. The only thing that works is hard work and self control and I realize that more now than ever. It’s not fun, it’s not easy but it’s the only way to make changes stick.
Have you ever tried something like this that didn’t work?
interesting! i’ve never tried hynotherapy of any type, but sometimes if something (anything) is in your mind that may be half the battle??
I’m trying to catch up on everything. Hypnotherapy changed my life, too. 😉 Thank you for that! And I swear, we’re cut from the same cloth when it comes to men. 😀 I love it!
http://www.curo.net
This is so fun (except that you had to pay for it)! I think it’s cool to try new things b/c you never really know. I am a big fan of acupuncture, in spite of the fact that lots of people think it’s pointless. Open minds, right?
There are actually numerous studies that have been published regarding the effectiveness of hypnosis in the treatment of various issues (including using brain imaging technology as well as anecdotal data). As with any type of therapeutic intervention with the abstract aspects of the brain (talk therapy, music therapy, art therapy, etc.) it is on the part of the participant to follow through. Are you sure it’s not the “habit” of having chocolate or Diet Dr Pepper vs. an actual physiological response (ie. tasting it, smelling it when thinking about it) craving? The only way it would not work is if you were not in a completely relaxed state (meaning your limbs feel heavy, your breathing significantly slowed, almost like in a dream-like state). If you are not truly open to the idea and trusting of the person hypnotizing you, it could be that you weren’t truly under. Having been hypnotized once myself and told that the rest of the day I would be focused on the task at hand, I am speaking from experience it will work. Go back and re-evaluate your “cravings” and see if you are feeling a difference. Either way you accomplished what you were looking for.
Interesting. I have honestly never even considered going to a hypnotherapist, and would definitely consider myself a skeptic. Whenever I think of it, it reminds me of the movie Office Space, and I can’t take it seriously.
I appreciate your honesty. I feel the same about hypnosis (I’ve had it done before) I love how you say “I’m cheap” haha! I would do the exact same thing!
This is so interesting. I have always been curious about hypnosis. I think it is cool that you gave it a try!
My parents forced me in to hypnotherapy when I was a teenager because they thought I was hiding something. I wasn’t. All they found out was I am scared of heights. It was such a waste of time and their money.
That’s so interesting, I would love to try this out!
haha ok this made me laugh, I think that there are cases where it does work. My mom tried to quit smoking for years and finally after hypnosis had a new thought pattern of I am not a smoker and it worked for her. I have tried it as well, but didn’t really see any benefit
I personally had quit smoking hypnosis under very talented Bayden Slachter from Yarraville Hypnotherapy . I decided to quit after I got married as my wife didn’t like my habit. I contacted him online and then we start session, and with the result came up, my wife is so happy now. I had a great experience with Bayden Slachter.
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I really like your post and experience means how you come across with the addiction . Hypnotherapy Method is now a new way of treatment that helps in various health issues such as quit smoking , weight loss etc