OVERCOME BULIMIA WITH HYPNOTHERAPY
Bulimia is a common eating disorder characterized by binge eating and compensatory purging including self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or other behaviours such as fasting or excessive exercise. One of the few things experts agree on when it comes to bulimia is that the disorder itself is a paradox. Bulimia sufferers focus on controlling the body to compensate for uncontrolled binges to gain a much needed feeling of self-esteem. However exerting control over the body is a poor substitute for the ability to have true control in life.
In the early 1900s Pierre Janet was perhaps the first to document his use of hypnotherapy to address eating disorders 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 treatment of eating disorders. 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 bulimia; body relaxation, reducing external sensory stimuli, and suggestions that inspire behavioural changes.
The general goal of the hypnotherapy sessions are to help clients develop feelings of control or even mastery over their thoughts and actions and remove their resistance to change.
Given the high hypnotizability of most bulimic clients the use of hypnosis is very appropriate for counteracting bulimia symptoms, strengthening the ego, and restructuring cognitive behaviours.
BULIMIA IS AN ADDICTION
Addicted to the internal chemicals released during the binge and purge this feeling of high has been equaled to a Cocaine high. Talk therapy talks about it, and generally, clients have patterns they use to distract, diffuse and confuse others away from the true problem...
This is why many therapists are now referring clients to hypnosis sessions and then if needed, clients go back into therapy afterwards for other issues.
Bulimia is an OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) related response to a mind that has been depleted of resources.
Treating the family: The family has lived with this mindless assault on its essential core values through the whole process, and in a very conscious way. Even the thought of mentioning the family “anger” over the disruption due to an eating disorder has been regretful, discouraged in the past. “We don’t want to have the client feel any blame, shame or responsibility” for what has transpired here. So where does all the pain, fear, anger and family dysfunction go, when the bulimia leaves?
The family needs help, the mother needs help, the other members of the family that have given up ground to the voracious appetite of the disorder needs help.
