Eating disorders

Hypnotherapists provide support during Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) 21 – 28 February 2012 highlights how the therapy can help clients deal with the emotional issues that often underlie these debilitating conditions.

It is estimated that 1.6 million people are affected by eating disorders in the UK*

Eating disorders, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating, are often an outlet for a range of emotions including anger, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. Such responses can be caused by a variety of factors: a general inability to cope, psychological trauma, bereavement or difficult relationships. Eating disorders can develop as a coping mechanism in response to these stresses.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) tackles these conditions by reducing anxiety and helping clients to regain a sense of perspective; once anxiety is under control many troublesome symptoms are alleviated, including unhelpful behaviours associated with food.

This highly effective form of therapy can help clients overcome conditions such as eating disorders that are caused by, or made worse by, inappropriate responses to stress. The therapy encourages positive thinking by helping clients to focus on solutions to problems, rather than dwelling on the problems themselves.

SFH differs from earlier forms of therapy by encouraging clients to formulate a positive image of their problem-free future rather than analysing the cause or symptoms of problems from the past. Clients usually find their ability to cope improves and motivation, confidence and self-esteem are all restored. Once they have a better perspective on life they can regain control and a healthy relationship with food.

The Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (AfSFH) has been established to promote the benefits of the Solution Focused approach to improving mental well-being so the public are more aware of this valuable resource.

Local Hypnotherapist Sharon Dyke has seen at first hand how the Solution Focused approach has helped clients regain control of their thinking: “It’s amazing how so many conditions improve simply by reducing anxiety. Many clients are simply not aware that their negative thought processes cause or exacerbate their problems. It’s so rewarding being able to help them visualise their problem-free future. Once they can visualise it, their mind can find subconscious ways of making their preferred future a reality.”

Sharon Dyke is a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist practising in Taunton Call 07766250113 to book a free initial consultation.