Perhaps you've seen this scenario on TV: An entertainer—a self-proclaimed hypnotist—stands on stage, arms open, and invites people from the audience to join him in the spotlight. The hypnotist then takes out a pocket watch and slowly oscillates it in front of the volunteers' eyes. "Sleepy...you're getting v-e-r-y sleepy," he says. Minutes later, he snaps his fingers. One person starts barking like a dog. Snap! Another starts unbuttoning her pants. The audience laughs as the group on-stage gets sillier and sillier. This is, of course, the stereotype of hypnosis, which is why using it for something as serious as weight loss might sound far-fetched. But believe it or not, many people have sought out hypnotists to help them adjust their relationship to food and fitness. And many people have found great success. It begs the question: When this technique is facilitated by a medical professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, does it look like what we see on stage? Answer: Nah. "People often confound hypnotherapy with stage hypnosis for entertainment, and in reality, the two have very little to do with one another," says Samantha Gaies, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at NY Health Hypnosis and Integrative Therapy, who works with individuals who want to lose weight or heal eating disorders. Here's what clinical hypnosis is really about—and how it can help you change your lifestyle for the better. How does clinical hypnosis work, anyway? When someone is trying to make a major change in their life, like overcoming obesity, there can be a lot to think about: What foods you should be eating, how you should exercise, and where you'll feel safe enough to exercise, for example. Certain judgements or fears might get in the way of forming long-term habits that could transform a person's health. "I usually describe hypnosis to my patients by likening their current minds to a hamster wheel," says Dr. Gaies. "There's nonstop movement or thinking, yet that thinking doesn't typically get them very far when it comes to making impactful changes." So, what a clinical hypnotherapist aims to do is guide their patients into a relaxed state— yes, called a trance—using a number of techniques that vary from deep breathing to visualization. Contrary to popular belief, a trance won't have you trudging around like The Walking Dead. In fact, most of us enter a trance when we are daydreaming or doing a routine task. In these moments, our "hamster brain" stops spinning and we become less focused on our to-do list or daily stressors. Once in that trance state, Dr. Gaies walks her patients through series of exercises to help them get in tune with their desires to change. In hypnosis, you're really trying to motivate the brain to make changes. "Hypnosis is effective because it allows people the opportunity to slow down the analytical and intellectual chatter in their minds to more easily access and focus on what is deeper down and most important to them," says Dr. Gaies. In other words, hypnosis can help people tap into their subconscious brain, which largely influences our habits. "The subconscious brain is where a lot of our behaviors and motivations are," says Tony Chon, M.D., a certified hypnotherapist and general internal physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. "In hypnosis, you're really trying to motivate the brain to make changes." Does hypnosis help people lose weight right away? Hypnosis is not a magic bullet, so don't walk into a hypnotherapy session and think you'll start shedding pounds at the snap of a finger. As Dr. Gaies says, hypnosis is a tool that can help break patterns of thinking that prevents someone from developing healthier routines. It's those lifestyle shifts that will lead to weight loss over time. Most people who approach hypnotherapy are already preparing themselves to make lifestyle adjustments, such as altering their food choices or buying a gym membership, says Dr. Chon. "Oftentimes people who are struggling with weight loss or eating disorders tend to feel stuck in a cycle of overindulging or being sedentary, which is then followed by self-blame and shame," says Dr. Gaies. "This type of pattern is usually fueled by other emotions or experiences, so we [my patients and I] tend to explore those aspects of their life within the context of a session. Diet and exercise then tend to come more easily to those who engage in hypnosis since they have shifted their underlying thoughts and feelings to more helpful patterns of thinking." But if someone is entirely depending on hypnosis to achieve their weight loss goal, "that might be a little more difficult," Dr. Chon says (putting it nicely). To see lasting results, Dr. Gaies recommends multiple sessions. "As you learn how to go more deeply down, you'll feel more in touch with your wants and needs, which creates a more heightened sense of autonomy and independence." Who is hypnosis for? While there are studies that claim some people are less "suggestible", or more resistant to hypnosis, Dr. Gaies says that everyone has the potential to benefit from this type of therapy. "As long as someone is open to the idea that a deeper state of relaxation is possible and they are willing to let go, hypnosis is a fantastic tool," she says. "One fact that often interests people is that individuals who are more creative and score higher on intelligence tests can more readily reach a hypnotic state." Hypnotherapy can be helpful not only for people who want to those weight, but also for those who want to quit smoking, ease chronic pain, treat mental illness, or overcome phobias. Are there any negative side effects? For most people, there are no negative side effects. If anything, hypnotherapy might not work and the most negative thing you'll experience is disappointment. However, some doctors warn that hypnosis can be dangerous if you’re suffering from a serious psychiatric condition. If you are suffering from psychosis, an organic psychiatric condition, or an antisocial personality disorder, it's best to consult with a psychiatrist before trying hypnotherapy. What does the research say? Multiple studies show that hypnosis has helped people achieve moderate weight loss. In 1996, researchers at Oxford found that patients who received stress reduction hypnotherapy lost more weight than a control group that only received dietary advice. In 2014, scientists in Italy studied the effects of hypnobehavioral and hypnoenergetic therapy on women suffering from obesity. Both treatments improved their weight, BMI, and eating behaviors. While you can find many success stories in literature, remember that most of the individuals who made strides incorporated other weight loss strategies like consuming less calories. If you're considering hypnotherapy: Do your research. "You have to be careful in terms of who you are working with," says Dr. Chon. "Know in your state exactly how hypnotherapy is regulated because it can get kind of murky." And in booking someone, aim for a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Without trust and expertise, hypnosis could be a waste of your time, money and emotional investment." Like what you just read? You’ll love our magazine! Go here to subscribe. Don’t miss a thing by downloading Apple News here and following Prevention. Oh, and we’re on Instagram too. Adele Jackson-Gibson Senior Editor Adele Jackson-Gibson is a certified fitness coach, model, and writer based in Brooklyn.
Is hypnotherapy the secret to Adele's dramatic weight loss?
Rosa Silverman talks to the former Yorkshire nurse who helps celebrity clients shed weight, and keep it off New Year, new Adele, to paraphrase an inspirational epigram of which we’re all no doubt thoroughly sick now. Actually, there’s nothing that new about the 31-year-old singer-songwriter, but according to reports, she “continues to show off her incredible three stone weight loss;” or, depending on where you source your news, has been “parading” it on a beach in Anguilla. We could unpack the idea that a famous woman who’s lost weight is inevitably parading or showing off, rather than just, say, using her body to go about her business (or holiday). But, if you’re honest, aren’t you dying to know how she lost the weight in the first place? Not least because, a little more than one week into January, your own diet is already showing signs of strain. No-one wants to hear that Adele simply ate less and moved more. What we want is the story of a miracle diet or regime, or of a guru who has worked some species of transformative magic. Fortunately in Adele’s case, there might just be grounds to believe this. It’s been suggested the singer has worked with hypnotherapist Susan Hepburn in the last few months to achieve her dramatic weight loss, having been known to work with her in the past. Hepburn has been linked to a string of celebrity clients, but is known for being discreet and refuses to discuss whom she works with. When asked if she recently worked with Adele, she declined to comment. But what she can confirm is that her combination of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy has helped many clients lose vast amounts of weight, and keep it off.
Trying to quit smoking? Here’s how self-hypnosis could help
TV hypnotherapist Aaron Calvert explains to Lisa Salmon how hypnosis could help get you in the right mindset, along with tips to keep you on track. Want 2020 to be the year you finally quit smoking for good? More than half (56%) of smokers are trying to quit this new year, according to research by the Change Incorporated Quit Cigarettes mission – and more than half (53%) admit they’re feeling anxious or nervous about it. Stopping smoking isn’t easy. In fact, it can be very challenging – but with the right approach and support, it is possible. So if you’re already struggling or previous attempts to quit have failed, maybe it’s time to try a new approach? Smokers are up to four times more likely to quit for good if they use a combination of stop smoking treatments and support from a medical professional, rather than attempting to go ‘cold turkey’. The NHS Smokefree website (nhs.uk/smokefree) has lots of information about local Stop Smoking Services and treatments, which can include group support, nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, and even hypnotherapy. Doctor-turned-TV hypnotherapist Aaron Calvert has teamed up with Change Incorporated to help smokers get into the right mindset to quit, through self-hypnosis, mindfulness and guided breathing exercises. Studies show, he points out, that if you can stay smoke-free for seven days, you’re much more likely to be able to quit for good. “People who’ve made the decision to quit smoking cigarettes should feel incredibly proud of themselves, and the first thing for them to realise is that they’re not alone,” says Calvert. “There are loads of people all around the world planning quit attempts right now, and I hope the tips and tricks I share make it as easy as possible for people to get through those first seven days as non-smokers.” Here, Calvert explains how to use self-hypnosis to stop smoking, along with some other tips to help keep you on track… 1. Quitting through self-hypnosis “Self-hypnosis can be used to help you achieve positive changes in your life, such as quitting smoking. Find a time and place to do your session – make sure it’s somewhere quiet and that you won’t be disturbed. Find somewhere quiet and peaceful (iStock/PA) “Sit or lie down and close your eyes. Take three slow, deep breaths, holding the third breath in for three seconds. And as you breathe out, relax and sink back into the seat. Focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts drift in and out as if attached to your breathing until you’ve cleared your mind. “Now count backwards from 10 to zero, counting each number as you breathe out and focusing on a different area of your body, allowing it to relax. I start with my toes and work up to my head, but you may find you prefer doing it [from your] head down to your toes. Whatever works. “By this point you’ll be relaxed, but to help deepen that relaxation, imagine yourself in a tranquil place. I like to use a beach – picture the beach in as much detail as possible. If you hate beaches, try imagining a meadow or a garden, wherever you’d feel most relaxed. “Now you’re in that state of concentration and relaxation, you can give yourself a suggestion, to feel more confident to give up smoking, or you can visualise your reason for quitting vividly so you feel more motivated to achieve your goal. This is you-time, so use it wisely. “When it’s time to wake yourself up, simply count yourself back up from zero all the way to 10 and you’ll find yourself wide awake, feeling refreshed and re-energised. If for any reason you need to be instantly awake and alert during your session, you will be, and can naturally allow yourself to wake up. That’s it! It’s really that easy to start making positive changes to your life.” 2. Text three friends “If you’re tempted to smoke, try texting three friends and make yourself wait for their replies before you give in. By the time they’ve all replied, the temptation will have passed.” 3. Choose your support network wisely “Tell your loved ones you’re quitting, as they will not only support you but encourage and provide advice to help you. Moreover, telling people forces you to be honest, especially early on in your journey, because you have someone other than yourself to answer to.” 3. Have a plan of action “Having a plan from the outset means you’re more likely to succeed.” 4. Know your reason for quitting “It’s important to be honest with yourself – why are you quitting? Is it to save money, to improve your health or the health of those around you, or is it simply to help you smell better and look younger? Whatever your reason, find yours, write it down – and stick it everywhere you’d normally smoke, to help remind yourself why you’re making this positive change.” 5. Reward yourself “It’s easy to be over-critical of yourself when you fall back into old habits. Slipping up is normal – learn to accept it, and continue trying to quit. It’s equally important to pat yourself on the back when you succeed. Plan to reward yourself when you reach a milestone period of time without smoking – after the vital first seven days, for instance, which is worth celebrating. Doing so will help motivate you further and give you positive reinforcement.” 6. Stay away from triggers “There will be certain things in your daily routine that you associate with smoking. It might be a morning coffee, meeting with certain friends, or during your break at work. For the first few days, avoid your triggers or mix up your routine.” 7. Try straw therapy “If you’re tempted to smoke, you can replace a cigarette with a straw. Cut down a household straw and use it as you would a cigarette. So much of smoking is anchored to the hand-to-mouth action, the feeling of something in your hands and taking deep breaths. This ‘straw therapy’ can help psychologically trick your body into scratching that craving itch.” 8. Relax “Stopping smoking can make you feel more stressed than normal, so make sure you take some extra time out to relax. Whether it’s going for a run, trying some yoga or using self-hypnosis and breathing exercises, it’s important to make sure you stay on top of your game and keep motivated while you’re quitting.”
Is hypnotherapy the secret to Adele's dramatic weight loss?
Rosa Silverman talks to the former Yorkshire nurse who helps celebrity clients shed weight, and keep it off New Year, new Adele, to paraphrase an inspirational epigram of which we’re all no doubt thoroughly sick now. Actually, there’s nothing that new about the 31-year-old singer-songwriter, but according to reports, she “continues to show off her incredible three stone weight loss;” or, depending on where you source your news, has been “parading” it on a beach in Anguilla. We could unpack the idea that a famous woman who’s lost weight is inevitably parading or showing off, rather than just, say, using her body to go about her business (or holiday). But, if you’re honest, aren’t you dying to know how she lost the weight in the first place? Not least because, a little more than one week into January, your own diet is already showing signs of strain. No-one wants to hear that Adele simply ate less and moved more. What we want is the story of a miracle diet or regime, or of a guru who has worked some species of transformative magic. Fortunately in Adele’s case, there might just be grounds to believe this. It’s been suggested the singer has worked with hypnotherapist Susan Hepburn in the last few months to achieve her dramatic weight loss, having been known to work with her in the past. Hepburn has been linked to a string of celebrity clients, but is known for being discreet and refuses to discuss whom she works with. When asked if she recently worked with Adele, she declined to comment. But what she can confirm is that her combination of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy has helped many clients lose vast amounts of weight, and keep it off.
Trying to quit smoking? Here’s how self-hypnosis could help
TV hypnotherapist Aaron Calvert explains to Lisa Salmon how hypnosis could help get you in the right mindset, along with tips to keep you on track. Want 2020 to be the year you finally quit smoking for good? More than half (56%) of smokers are trying to quit this new year, according to research by the Change Incorporated Quit Cigarettes mission – and more than half (53%) admit they’re feeling anxious or nervous about it. Stopping smoking isn’t easy. In fact, it can be very challenging – but with the right approach and support, it is possible. So if you’re already struggling or previous attempts to quit have failed, maybe it’s time to try a new approach? Smokers are up to four times more likely to quit for good if they use a combination of stop smoking treatments and support from a medical professional, rather than attempting to go ‘cold turkey’. The NHS Smokefree website (nhs.uk/smokefree) has lots of information about local Stop Smoking Services and treatments, which can include group support, nicotine replacement therapies such as patches or gum, and even hypnotherapy. Doctor-turned-TV hypnotherapist Aaron Calvert has teamed up with Change Incorporated to help smokers get into the right mindset to quit, through self-hypnosis, mindfulness and guided breathing exercises. Studies show, he points out, that if you can stay smoke-free for seven days, you’re much more likely to be able to quit for good. “People who’ve made the decision to quit smoking cigarettes should feel incredibly proud of themselves, and the first thing for them to realise is that they’re not alone,” says Calvert. “There are loads of people all around the world planning quit attempts right now, and I hope the tips and tricks I share make it as easy as possible for people to get through those first seven days as non-smokers.” Here, Calvert explains how to use self-hypnosis to stop smoking, along with some other tips to help keep you on track… 1. Quitting through self-hypnosis “Self-hypnosis can be used to help you achieve positive changes in your life, such as quitting smoking. Find a time and place to do your session – make sure it’s somewhere quiet and that you won’t be disturbed. Find somewhere quiet and peaceful (iStock/PA) “Sit or lie down and close your eyes. Take three slow, deep breaths, holding the third breath in for three seconds. And as you breathe out, relax and sink back into the seat. Focus on your breathing, and let your thoughts drift in and out as if attached to your breathing until you’ve cleared your mind. “Now count backwards from 10 to zero, counting each number as you breathe out and focusing on a different area of your body, allowing it to relax. I start with my toes and work up to my head, but you may find you prefer doing it [from your] head down to your toes. Whatever works. “By this point you’ll be relaxed, but to help deepen that relaxation, imagine yourself in a tranquil place. I like to use a beach – picture the beach in as much detail as possible. If you hate beaches, try imagining a meadow or a garden, wherever you’d feel most relaxed. “Now you’re in that state of concentration and relaxation, you can give yourself a suggestion, to feel more confident to give up smoking, or you can visualise your reason for quitting vividly so you feel more motivated to achieve your goal. This is you-time, so use it wisely. “When it’s time to wake yourself up, simply count yourself back up from zero all the way to 10 and you’ll find yourself wide awake, feeling refreshed and re-energised. If for any reason you need to be instantly awake and alert during your session, you will be, and can naturally allow yourself to wake up. That’s it! It’s really that easy to start making positive changes to your life.” 2. Text three friends “If you’re tempted to smoke, try texting three friends and make yourself wait for their replies before you give in. By the time they’ve all replied, the temptation will have passed.” 3. Choose your support network wisely “Tell your loved ones you’re quitting, as they will not only support you but encourage and provide advice to help you. Moreover, telling people forces you to be honest, especially early on in your journey, because you have someone other than yourself to answer to.” 3. Have a plan of action “Having a plan from the outset means you’re more likely to succeed.” 4. Know your reason for quitting “It’s important to be honest with yourself – why are you quitting? Is it to save money, to improve your health or the health of those around you, or is it simply to help you smell better and look younger? Whatever your reason, find yours, write it down – and stick it everywhere you’d normally smoke, to help remind yourself why you’re making this positive change.” 5. Reward yourself “It’s easy to be over-critical of yourself when you fall back into old habits. Slipping up is normal – learn to accept it, and continue trying to quit. It’s equally important to pat yourself on the back when you succeed. Plan to reward yourself when you reach a milestone period of time without smoking – after the vital first seven days, for instance, which is worth celebrating. Doing so will help motivate you further and give you positive reinforcement.” 6. Stay away from triggers “There will be certain things in your daily routine that you associate with smoking. It might be a morning coffee, meeting with certain friends, or during your break at work. For the first few days, avoid your triggers or mix up your routine.” 7. Try straw therapy “If you’re tempted to smoke, you can replace a cigarette with a straw. Cut down a household straw and use it as you would a cigarette. So much of smoking is anchored to the hand-to-mouth action, the feeling of something in your hands and taking deep breaths. This ‘straw therapy’ can help psychologically trick your body into scratching that craving itch.” 8. Relax “Stopping smoking can make you feel more stressed than normal, so make sure you take some extra time out to relax. Whether it’s going for a run, trying some yoga or using self-hypnosis and breathing exercises, it’s important to make sure you stay on top of your game and keep motivated while you’re quitting.”
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