In the early 1900s Pierre Janet was perhaps the first to document his use of hypnotherapy to address anorexia based on the fact that hypnosis was effective in treating underlying problems of self-confidence, low self-esteem stress, and depression. These days, Newsweek, Pediatric Nursing, and University of Maryland Medical Center are reporting how hypnosis has been a successful part of a program for anorexia treatment. Hypnosis has the potential to not only strengthen self-confidence but it can help those under stress learn to cope better. Reduced stress levels contribute to healthier eating habits, improved body image, and greater self-esteem.
A 1988 article in the International Journal of Eating Disorders noted three basic elements to successful hypnotherapeutic treatment for anorexia; body relaxation, reducing external sensory stimuli, and suggestions that inspire behavioral changes. Hypnotic World anorexia scripts include all these elements and more.
Because of the paradoxical nature of the disorder this anorexia hypnosis script uses a combination of direct and indirect suggestions. Because of the need for control in this group, indirect and permissive suggestions are more effective. Indirect suggestions enhance rather than challenge the patient's need for control. This script also engages a sense of control through visualization of the metabolic "control room."
Clients are invited to "achieve a state of mastery over the most intricate functions of mind and body." Indirect therapeutic suggestions are also aimed at providing a safe and comfortable environment to enable the client to gain weight. Indirect suggestions also help to restructure the client's attitude toward food and help them complete any unfinished developmental tasks.
This anorexia hypnosis script also engages positive visualizations designed to associate food with pleasant memories to increase consumption. The metaphoric imagery of the control room offers clients a visual way to influence metabolic changes to increase the amount of fuel delivered to the organs. The idea of controlling micro functions like increased blood flow and desires for healthy food is an ideal way to redirect the client's focus on acquiring control. On a different scale imagery is also engaged in this anorexia hypnosis script to improve self-perception for example experiencing a body with "curves in just the right places."
Direct suggestions are aligned with maintaining a healthy body and increasing food intake. More general suggestions that inspire the client to feel better and better every day enhance their sense of effectiveness in the world helping them feel less out of control. This hypnosis script also uses positive post-hypnotic suggestions for healthy nutrition and positive self-image.
The script uses the direct access to the subconscious available during hypnosis to plant ideas designed to help clients overcome their resistance to change. The underlying emotional conflicts that contribute to the development of eating disorders are subjective. The general goal of this hypnosis script is to help patients develop feelings of control or even mastery over their thoughts and actions.
Given the high hypnotisability of most eating-disordered clients the use of hypnosis is very appropriate for counteracting anorexic symptoms, strengthening the ego, and restructuring cognitive behaviors. Hypnosis is an effective adjunct to any treatment program for anorexia enabling clients to experience success quickly and without complication. Each happy, successful client is a living breathing recommendation for your services and our scripts.