Miss_E_Came_for_Therapy

Miss E came to therapy for weight loss wanting to lose 2 ½ stone in all. She is 29 and came out of a failed relationship 6 months ago. She is now ready to look for another partner but she is scared as her previous partner of 6 years was very controlling and almost seemed to want her stay overweight. She had struggled with her weight since she was 12 or 13 and her parents badgered her about being unattractive and eating too much. She has tried many diets but always seems to put the weight back on after a while. She is going on an all girls' holiday in 3 months and hopes to have lost the weight by them. This essay will examine and assess Miss E’s issues as presented in the case notes provided. It will also examine any further questions that need to be explored in order to establish a fuller picture of her situation. Whether Miss E’s goal regarding her desired weight loss is realistic in the timeframe will also be deliberated. In addition any negative beliefs she may have that could be affecting her self-esteem and self-image, which may well be at the root of her behaviour and her relationship with food, need to be considered. The ethical therapist must be certain there are no medical issues or contradistinctions that may render hypnotherapy unsuitable. Finally, a course of treatment will be suggested and described for Miss E. Before any treatment can be initiated a detailed medical history from Miss E needs to be established to check that she is in general good health and to see whether she had visited the doctor regarding her weight where any conditions that could explain the difficulty to lose weight, for example, a thyroid problem have been ruled out. Furthermore, some medications can increase weight gain, for example, steroids, antidepressants (which would be of vital importance) and some contraceptives. If Miss E is already on any prescribed weight-loss drugs (or indeed other drugs) then the hypnotherapist will need to get permission from the client's GP before working with her (such information would be logged on the notation form). Another question to answer is: Is 2 ½ stone in 3 months a realistic and healthy weight loss target' A healthy weight loss is set at approximately 2lbs a week. A time scale of 3 months at this level would result in losing 26lbs, Miss E has a desire to lose 36lbs. This level of weight loss is a little unrealistic, such expectations could lead to disappointment and dissolution when this level of weight loss isn’t achieved and this could lead to failure. A more realistic weight loss would therefore need to be discussed with Miss E. As hypnotherapists aren’t medics or nutritionalists, Miss E could be pointed towards such experts to help her develop an exercise and eating plan. The role of the hypnotherapist will be to encourage and motivate a desire to successfully adhere and maintain such a plan. High levels of motivation are essential if treatment is to be effective for Miss E. Motivation to lose weight can be measured on a scale of 0-10 where 10 is extremely motivated. It has been proposed that if the answer is below eight, further inquiries must be made to see why she has come for hypnotherapy at this time. A reason for a low motivation could be that Miss E has tried many times to lose weight and failed; talking through the hypnotherapy process could strengthen her belief and motivation. During the initial consultation it would also be advisable to determine if the client has previously used hypnotherapy for weight loss as this could impact on success. It is here that explanations of what hypnosis is and how it works would be discussed with the client in order to address any reservations that Miss E might have. This session would be an opportunity for her to ask any questions and make an informed decision of whether he wishes to progress. It would also give the therapist chance to check with a supervisor and gain second opinion on any issues they were unsure of. Let’s now assume that indeed Miss E is indeed overweight and overeating; the aim is to find out why and how we can resolve it. There are a multitude of reasons for overeating and attempts must be made to establish Miss E’s reasons. In the initial interview, a detailed history of her relationship with food and dieting needs to be investigated. This could start by exploring her family background, relationship with her parents and any siblings as well as friends and any relationships. Questions might focus on- what mealtimes were like within the family, were there rules attached to the consumption of food when Miss E was a child' There are various causes of overeating that tend to apply to most overeaters: To lessen unpleasant experiences. Some people eat because it is associated with alleviating unpleasant experiences; this could stem for example from when we are toddlers and given a sweet after an injection. Counter to this is eating as an association to pleasant activities, it is difficult to think of a celebratory event that doesn’t involve food as one of the key events: Christmas, birthdays, Independence Day. This links to eating for entertainment which is also evident in scenarios such as going to the cinema or meeting friends for lunch. Reward: Quite often, food is used to reward positive behaviour so that when a child is perhaps given sweets for being good, they will learn to associate feelings happy with eating sweet things. As adults we may say thanks with chocolate or wine. Fear: Hadley and Staudacher suggest a common fear is ones sexuality. If you are unattractive to your preferred sex, you don not have to worry about the problems, opportunities and decisions a relationship can bring. They are cautious to promote the idea that overweight automatically makes that person sexually unappealing but they do caution that you are not enticing or seem receptive, if your attractive self is literally buried. Furthermore, it is unfortunate that our society does reward the thin and ridicule the fat. To replace love: From birth food is closely linked to nourishment, security, love and physical contact. It is no surprise that eating may be an ultimate desire for absent kindness and physical contact. To gain attention: physical largeness gains attention, even though this attention may be negative. You are noticed. During the consultation with Miss E discussions would include what she thinks her reasons are for her weight problem/over eating. Miss E may have on reflection an insight into her overeating (in cases where this isn’t the case, regression work may be needed). It is possible that this would include more than one reason and probable that it would have started in childhood. The case notes nod to the possibility that it manifested itself when Miss E was 12 or 13.What happened around this time in her family' What was her relationship with her parents like' It seems from the information given that her parents were not positively supportive regarding the weight issue as she states that they “badgered her” with regard to her “being unattractive and eating too much”. Other factors that appear to have reinforced or perpetuated these eating habits include fact that Miss E stayed with her “controlling” boyfriend for six years, what did she mean that in her view he “almost seemed to want her stay overweight'” In light of the aforementioned, it appears that the reasons for Miss E overeating include, to lessen unpleasant experiences, to replace love and as a response to fear. Furthermore, the behaviour seems to be, in part, tied up with her ex-partners over-eating reinforcing behaviour. It would be important to consider these apparent triggers to her destructive eating habits and the role food has in her behaviour. It seems that the eating is essentially symptomatic of a particular event/s or internal feelings; where food just happens to be a manifestation of this. For example the root of her behaviour could be how she feels inside, her self-esteem or her interpretation of the world around her. Others who feel this same sense of dissolution or low self-esteem may self- harm in other ways such as not eating, cutting or taking drugs. It is therefore vital to also consider such issues, rather than just focusing on the historical relations with food, as food may merely be a victim of the real underlying issues. The food issues may be effectively managed, only to be replaced by another destructive behaviour that is a result of the underlying problem. Once such issues are uncovered then the therapist is in a position to address them as well as working on the key issue that brought Miss E to treatment – healthy eating and weight loss. It is hoped however that resolution of any underlying issues may naturally assist in weight loss behaviour coming into fruition. In Miss E’s case it is likely that she needs self-esteem and confidence screeds in her treatment plan. It is suggested that screeds will include confidence and self-esteem with links to food and emotional satisfaction, whereas other screeds will be based on healthy food choices and weight loss. It might be that is important for Miss E to see some weight loss before other issues, the first script will then be based on weigh loss. Scripts could therefore centre on the emotional satisfaction or stress release attached to food. Any identified eating triggers would be incorporated into the script but responses to the triggers will suggest new positive actions to deal with such triggers. Hadley and Staudacher (2001) describe a client who succeeded in long term weight loss by replacing his usual snack with jogging six city blocks whenever he needed a change in activity or a relaxer. There should be work done on building up Miss E’s confidence and self-esteem and efforts be made to encourage her to reflect on all the positive aspects of her life and the positives that there will be in the future (how wonderful she is going to feel on her holiday, what an amazing time she will have and how much better she will feel with a body that is positively nourished). Suggestions should also attempt to move Miss E away from the negative feelings she has about her self and her weight. It can also be useful to devise a chart or table for the client to fill acknowledging eating patterns: when (e.g. stressed) where (e.g. watching telly) and why (e.g. to relax); they are most likely to overeat. Such a technique also highlights the ‘danger areas’ of overeating to the client. Further suggestions may focus on increasing the appeal of healthy food choices and the enjoyable feelings and opportunities such food choices lead to. Affirmations can be very powerful, but easy to implement strategies, to help increase self-esteem. It is advised that Miss E could use such affirmations on a daily basis and as a means of creating continuity between sessions. Miss E should reward herself with preferably non food treats when goals are reached in order to reinforce progress, perhaps every fortnight. Miss E also needs to be informed that at certain points in her menstrual cycle, it is possible for weight to fluctuate a few pounds. Knowing this could avoid any upset. It would also be prudent to explore any hidden agenda that may be contributing to Miss E’s eating habits as this can affect the motivation to lose weight and in turn the success of hypnotherapy. Possible hidden agendas could include serious uncovered traumas such as abuse but in the case of Miss E in that she “has tried many diets but always seems to put the weight back on after a while” and “is now ready to look for another partner but she is scared” suggests that it is more likely to be due to such relationship issues. Being in a controlling relationship would be an unpleasant experience, especially if her partner possibly used food to keep her overweight, unattractive, and therefore to keep her unavailable to others. This overeating could have been used to avoid conflict with her partner. Furthermore, she may have an unconscious ambivalence about starting a new relationship (that may be equally controlling) and is keeping herself overweight, unattractive and in her opinion an undesirable catch. Her parents openly criticised her appearance and she possibly has had a childhood filled with conflict and has developed low self- esteem as a result. Miss E may want someone to love her, such as her parents or her partner, so will give herself love through food. Again this could lead to a feeling of loss. Something which could prove more obstructive is the potential for severe trauma related unresolved emotions to be uncovered – where eating is one of the coping mechanisms employed. Weight could be used as a protection against the world and when weight is lost, such issues may be triggered. In cases where serious issues, perhaps, abuse or rape are uncovered the therapist needs to speak to their supervisor and it is likely the client will be advised to seek further treatment; perhaps a psychotherapist. It would be hoped the treatment could successful progress by enhancing Miss E’s self-esteem, advising on ways of handling overeating triggers as well as increasing the appeal of healthy foods as well as reducing quantities of food in general, especially unhealthy amounts of fatty and sugary foods that lack nutritional value. References Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills – Module six: Leeds Trinity, Hadley. J and Staudacher. C (2001) Hypnosis for Change. New Delhi: New Age Books Bibliography Murphy, Dr Joseph (1988) The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind. Berkshire Pocket Books. Hadley. J and Staudacher. C (2001) Hypnosis for Change. New Delhi: New Age Books Karle, H.W.A. and Boys, J.H. (2010) Hypnotherapy: A Practical Handbook, Second Edition. London: Free Association Books. Appendix 1 Treatment: Scripts and affirmations How many sessions: The number of sessions is difficult to pre-determine and is dependent on weight loss progression and the wellbeing and feelings of Miss E. However I would encourage at least 6 sessions in order to work on weight loss and esteem issues as well as to monitor if weight loss is making consistent and steady progression. Personalised inductions and screeds The inductions, deepeners and screeds should be based on information gleaned at the initial interview. As a result it needs to be relevant and personalised to the individual client, Miss E. It is important to obtain an individual understanding of her specific problems in order to write appropriate suggestions. The following scripts have deemed Miss E to be primarily kinaesthetic and more receptive to a permissive style. Affirmations: • I eat only when my body needs food • I choose to eat healthy foods • I enjoy healthy foods • I eat like a fit and healthy person • I effortlessly eat and enjoy food that support my new weight • I stay on track with ease Script 1: Healthy eating and weight loss Check for likes and dislikes of any food, more importantly allergies or moral/religious/lifestyle reasons for not eating a particular product. What I’d like you to do is simply make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can. It’s okay to adjust your comfort at any time. If you at any point find yourself becoming uncomfortable, you can change your position. If you notice any spots in your body where you are carrying the tension, make the decision to let go of that tension. ...... Take a nice deep breath and relax......start by concentrating on your breathing and.... my voice......outside noises will start to become irrelevant just discard them regardless of what you hear from now will only serve to relax you even further..........notice each breath in and each breath out......as you exhale release any tension and any stress from your body and mind.......just let it go.....feel each breath going through your body continuing the process of relaxation....... As you concentrate on your breathing you know this time is for you.....relaxing deeper and deeper......no one needs anything from you...... this time is just for you.....you find yourself beginning to feel wonderfully relaxed….tension in your body is melting away….just drift….relaxing every muscle in your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes….relax your head and neck feel any tension there dissolve.....As you sit/lie there and listen to my words, with your eyes closed, feeling your hands there on....allowing my words to relax you as your breathing becomes regular and peaceful you let yourself begin to drift away into a kind of sleep. ........allow yourself to drift...... as your body becomes heavier from your head to your neck to your shoulders warmly down your arms into your fingertips this warmth and relaxation now travels down your back......soothing warmly around to your stomach..........all the time gently breathing in............and out.........this brings you into an even deeper state of relaxation with every breath you inhale….. feel your body is drifting, floating, deeper and deeper down.....you are relaxed.........deeply relaxed.....the wave of relaxation is down, down, down all the muscles in your legs right to the tips of your toes.......notice how very comfortable your body feels.............This beautiful feeling of tranquillity lulls you into a deeper state of relaxation.......enjoy how very good this feels.....so peaceful and calm........your whole body feels soothed........ you have allowed yourself to become completely and totally relaxed..........you whole body feels soothed and calm. As your body grows more relaxed and heavier, so too can you listen to me as you sink into a deeper state of relaxation..... all you need to do is listen to my voice……Sometimes we find ourselves paying attention... to the most relaxing things. So you can sit/lie there...in that chair/bed here...listening with your subconscious mind, while your conscious mind remains very relaxed and peaceful. In front of you, you notice a beautifully carved staircase with 10 steps that lead down to an even more beautifully carved door. Behind this door is a place of safety and calm….you can feel a strong sense of this calmness and have a desire to descend the stairs and enter this special place, when you begin to descend the steps you will feel more and more content and relaxed as you approach the beautiful carved door.....as you walk down the steps you will softly sink further and further into a deeper and deeper state of detached relaxation..... comfortable and content you start to descend …10…Taking your first step down…feeling calm and relaxed... …9... Feel smooth banister... …8... notice how very good this feels.... …7...Feeling more deeply and deeply relaxed as you take another step down... …6... …5... …4...drifting into a complete state of relaxation …3...as you approach the door you feel a sense of warmth and safety... …2...so relaxed… …1...stepping down you are by the door..... You reach out and open the door…stepping through…. you drift deeper still….. you are in your special place, where you feel so very comfortable and relaxed... you feel secure here.. and you can come to this place whenever you wish to as long as it is safe for you to do so… here in your special place you can relax completely and let your thoughts just drift away… they just drift away…you see a beautiful garden and a wave of contentment and happiness fills you….the sun is shining…..gently warming your skin… the light breeze….makes the perfect temperature…..you now feel even more comfortable and relaxed…The grass is soft and springy beneath your feet…..as you walk you notice the flowers…beautiful so many varieties and colours… the grass is of a lush green……you notice the soft and delicate fragrance of the garden……the light breeze rustles the leaves…..the subtle sounds are all around you …..birds singing….branches gently swaying……you can hear the beck at the bottom of the garden gently cascade…each sound…each colour… each sensation relaxes you more…..comforting as you drift deeper……every step you take become heavier… a lovely contented tiredness fills you….you find a small clearing just for you… the sun is warming and relaxing… the sounds are comforting…..you sit down in a spot that is comfortable and supporting….the ground is soft….you feel safe…peaceful…and comfortable…calm…fills you as you mind drifts and fades…. And as you lie there looking up past the trees into the blue sky, that calm, blue sky, relaxing more and more, you feel lighter and lighter, and in a very safe and pleasant way you begin to feel as if you’re drifting, drifting, drifting, floating, floating. You’re very calm and peaceful, it’s a pleasant, safe sensation, As you go deeper and deeper into relaxation, even deeper and deeper down with every breath you exhale, all the sounds fade away in the distance. ……..As your body grows more relaxed and heavier, so too can you listen to me as you sink into a deeper state of relaxation..... all you need to do is listen to my voice…… So you can sit/lie there listening with your subconscious mind, while your conscious mind remains very relaxed and peaceful. You can relax peacefully...while you try to be aware...of the exact meaning of the words you hear... Trigger Now next time... yes the next time you come to see me I will say the words RELAX NOW to you 3 times one after the other in just that way... and if it is safe for you u to do so and only if it is safe for you to do so you will find that when I say the words for the first time... you will immediately find yourself in a relaxed state. just as relaxed as you are now...RELAX NOW.....when I say the words a second time.... you will go even deeper into this wonderful state..... RELAX NOW and when I say it for the third time you will go even deeper still deeper into relaxation more deeply relaxed than you have ever felt before RELAX NOW....RELAX NOW...RELAX NOW.... (I would repeat this paragraph twice more) You have begun a positive approach to obtain the slim, healthy, attractive body, which you desire. You have chosen hypnosis as a positive means to attain this goal, because hypnosis is a great aid in permanently changing your emotional reactions to food and eating. You realise that hypnosis is a new positive approach in attaining and maintaining the size and weight that you desire. …Visualize yourself as the slim, attractive, healthy person, visualise yourself at the exact weight and size that you desire to be. Because you are at peace and relaxed, you can be successful at reaching any goal, at eating a diet that supports and nourishes your body….imagine yourself…. healthy…vital and full of energy….your skin is fresh…your muscles feel taught and lean….your body has been fed with healthy fresh foods…now your body is in total shape…any negative eating patterns are changed into healthy eating patterns…… You are now going to eat the way nature intended, eating only when you have physiological need for food and at no other time; not only now, but for the rest of your life….. your body will tell you of these times…. Become aware of your whole body, see your body as a wonderful organism,……you want to provide it with healthy foods and plenty of water and plenty of fresh air so that it works smoothly and beautifully. Imagine a basket of nourishing foods… the fruits the vegetables…..the colours look beautiful , refreshing and clean. You enjoy the taste of fruits and vegatables…fresh..cool..clean and crisp Eating them makes you feel full of vitality…you are excited about exploring new cleansing, nourishing and mouth-watering fruit and vegetables……….Lean meats (not for veggis)…..and wholesome produce…You no longer desire fattening and unhealthy foods in large quantities…they make you feel bloated and lethargic…..instead you are satisfied on a small amount of such foods, a slither of cake or a fun size chocolate bar is enough to satiate any sweet or starchy carb craving…..cravings for such foods are replaced by cravings for fresh fruit, vegetables, lean meats and pulses…. any food that is nourishing and supportive of a healthy body……eating between meals is rare, you are satisfied on nutritious and nourishing meals…….any snacks are healthy ones that support a healthy diet….., perhaps a banana or a handful of nuts after an enjoyable exercise session. Imagine yourself (insert name)…. don’t you look and feel fantastic, see how happy and carefree you are, see that smile on your face, isn’t wonderful.. see yourself in social situations, exercising, eating healthily and enjoying life. Bring this image up as often as you can, every day. Now if you go to a restaurant maybe when you go on holiday you find that you naturally choose the healthier option and all the other food just does not affect you in quite the same way….any such foods satisfy you in a small and just become the occasional treat for a healthy balanced diet… . You are amazed at how easy it is to change your food habits and you can be so very proud of yourself. Whenever you think of eating, you only eat if your body needs food…..you chose foods that compliment a healthy balanced diet….you eat the right amounts…your body will tell you when you have had sufficient.. You are not only going to reach your ideal weight, but you will find it very easy to maintain. You will be thirsty for water each day; you will have a desire to move your body in some way every day. You will find time to exercise regularly every week. You exercise when your body needs it, just like you eat when your stomach is truly hungry. You are motivated more now than ever to create the most positive life for yourself, changing any poor eating patterns into good eating patterns…..you feel wonderful and feel a vital energy that flows through your body and mind….allow these positive feelings to grow stronger and stronger everyday……….. … As you continue to relax feel a sense of peace flow through you....... enjoy these positive feelings of confidence and keep them with you long after this session is completed, for the rest of this evening, tomorrow and beyond. Regardless of the stress and tension that may surround your life, you remain more at peace, more calm and confident ........ Now it is time for you to come back to normal awareness having experienced this deep feeling of relaxation....... you know at any time you can return to this state of relaxation and contentment. I will count from 1 to 10 you will be feeling relaxed, aware and totally refreshed when I reach 10 and only when I reach 10 will you want to open your eyes....... I will start to count, there is no rush... 1.....you are starting to become aware now of the (floor/chair/bed) beneath you 2.....the everyday noises are coming back to you now 3....coming up 4..relaxed and refreshed 5... 6... 7...nearly there 8...feeling good 9....and 10....you can open your eyes Welcome back!! Mainly wrote myself but also used statements directly and verbatim from: Allen, P.R. (2004) Scripts and Strategies in Hypnotherapy: The Complete Works. Camarthen: Crown House Publishing Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills –module four: Leeds Trinity, Hadley. J and Staudacher. C (2001) Hypnosis for Change. New Delhi: New Age Books Script 2: Self-esteem and weight loss Here I may well go straight to the RELAX NOW TRIGGER and go to the safe place before implementing the suggestions. Here however there is included a PMR deepener and special place…… What I’d like you to do is simply make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can. It’s okay to adjust your comfort at any time. If you at any point find yourself becoming uncomfortable, you can change your position. If you notice any spots in your body where you are carrying the tension, make the decision to let go of that tension. ...... Take a nice deep breath and relax......start by concentrating on your breathing and.... my voice......outside noises will start to become irrelevant just discard them regardless of what you hear from now will only serve to relax you even further..........notice each breath in and each breath out......as you exhale release any tension and any stress from your body and mind.......just let it go.....feel each breath going through your body continuing the process of relaxation....... As you concentrate on your breathing you know this time is for you.....relaxing deeper and deeper......no one needs anything from you...... this time is just for you.....you find yourself beginning to feel wonderfully relaxed….tension in your body is melting away….just drift….relaxing every muscle in your body from the top of your head to the tips of your toes….relax your head and neck feel any tension there dissolve.....As you sit/lie there and listen to my words, with your eyes closed, feeling your hands there on....allowing my words to relax you as your breathing becomes regular and peaceful you let yourself begin to drift away into a kind of sleep. ........allow yourself to drift...... as your body becomes heavier from your head to your neck to your shoulders warmly down your arms into your fingertips this warmth and relaxation now travels down your back......soothing warmly around to your stomach..........all the time gently breathing in............and out.........this brings you into an even deeper state of relaxation with every breath you inhale….. feel your body is drifting, floating, deeper and deeper down.....you are relaxed.........deeply relaxed.....the wave of relaxation is down, down, down all the muscles in your legs right to the tips of your toes.......notice how very comfortable your body feels.............This beautiful feeling of tranquillity lulls you into a deeper state of relaxation.......enjoy how very good this feels.....so peaceful and calm........your whole body feels soothed........ you have allowed yourself to become completely and totally relaxed..........you whole body feels soothed and calm. As your body grows more relaxed and heavier, so too can you listen to me as you sink into a deeper state of relaxation..... all you need to do is listen to my voice……Sometimes we find ourselves paying attention... to the most relaxing things. Sometimes we find ourselves adding numbers, which are numbered nicely... And one wonders sometimes, why you two that. So you can sit/lie there...in that chair/bed here...listening with your subconscious mind, while your conscious mind remains very relaxed and peaceful. You can relax peacefully...while you try to be aware...of the exact meaning of the words you hear...and of all the changes that occur there...in your thoughts, sensations or awareness...as I speak here. In front of you, you notice a beautifully carved staircase with 10 steps that lead down to an even more beautifully carved door. Behind this door is a place of safety and calm….you can feel a strong sense of this calmness and have a desire to decent the stairs and enter this special place, you begin to decent the steps descend the steps, you will feel more and more content and relaxed as you approach the beautiful carved door.....as you walk down the steps you will softly sink further and further into a deeper and deeper state of detached relaxation..... comfortable and content you start to descend …10…Taking your first step down…feeling calm and relaxed... …9... Feel smooth banister... …8... notice how very good this feels.... …7...Feeling more deeply and deeply relaxed as you take another step down... …6... …5... …4...drifting into a complete state of relaxation …3...as you approach the door you feel a sense of warmth and safety... …2...so relaxed… …1...stepping down you are by the door..... You reach out and open the door…stepping through…. you drift deeper still….. you are in your special place, where you feel so very comfortable and relaxed... you feel secure here.. and you can come to this place whenever you wish to as long as it is safe for you to do so… here in your special place you can relax completely and let your thoughts just drift away… they just drift away…you see a beautiful garden and a wave of contentment and happiness fills you….the sun is shining…..gently warming your skin… the light breeze….makes the perfect temperature…..you now feel even more comfortable and relaxed…The grass is soft and springy beneath your feet…..as you walk you notice the flowers…beautiful so many varieties and colours… the grass is of a lush green……you notice the soft and delicate fragrance of the garden……the light breeze rustles the leaves…..the subtle sounds are all around you …..birds singing….branches gently swaying……you can hear the beck at the bottom of the garden gently cascade…each sound…each colour… each sensation relaxes you more…..comforting as you drift deeper……every step you take become heavier… a lovely contented tiredness fills you….you find a small clearing just for you… the sun is warming and relaxing… the sounds are comforting…..you sit down in a spot that is comfortable and supporting….the ground is soft….you feel safe…peaceful…and comfortable…calm…fills you as you mind drifts and fades…. And as you lie there looking up past the trees into the blue sky, that calm, blue sky, relaxing more and more, you feel lighter and lighter, and in a very safe and pleasant way you begin to feel as if you’re drifting, drifting, drifting, floating, floating. You’re very calm and peaceful, it’s a pleasant, safe sensation, As you go deeper and deeper into relaxation, even deeper and deeper down with every breath you exhale, all the sounds fade away in the distance. ……..As your body grows more relaxed and heavier, so too can you listen to me as you sink into a deeper state of relaxation..... all you need to do is listen to my voice…… So you can sit/lie there listening with your subconscious mind, while your conscious mind remains very relaxed and peaceful. You can relax peacefully...while you try to be aware...of the exact meaning of the words you hear... Trigger Now next time... yes the next time you come to see me I will say the words RELAX NOW to you 3 times one after the other in just that way... and if it is safe for you u to do so and only if it is safe for you to do so you will find that when I say the words for the first time... you will immediately find yourself in a relaxed state. just as relaxed as you are now...RELAX NOW.....when I say the words a second time.... you will go even deeper into this wonderful state..... RELAX NOW and when I say it for the third time you will go even deeper still deeper into relaxation more deeply relaxed than you have ever felt before RELAX NOW....RELAX NOW...RELAX NOW.... (I would repeat this paragraph twice more) You are ready to make positive changes in your life…to recognise that you have the confidence…to make new and good things happen because you deserve good things….. Negative emotions have no place in your life…….they hold you back…….they prevent you from being the person that you want to be……the good…intelligent…kind and worthy person you are…….you are a unique and special person…You are the product of all your experiences as you continue to learn more each day about the wonderful ability that you do have to use learning in a positive and forward looking way that tells you inside your perfect inner mind that…..I can…I will….I want you to repeat these words….saying to yourself deep inside where they will take immediate and lasting effect…..imbedding now into the deepest part of your subconscious….becoming an integral part of your very being……Repeat these words three times within yourself….I can….I will x3…..I am the equal of every personx3…Each day I am getting better and betterx3… You look back…to events of childhood….teens….early twenties…..events which have shaped you and made you the special and unique person you are…..recognise that you can be selective in memories and interpretations you choose to keep and place value upon….reject anything that has caused you harm…they have no value to you now….cast them away…they are over and you can move on….things now happen the way you want them to happen….in ways which are positive….and enhancing….you have all you need to be successful…..happy…..relaxed…..positive attitudes lead to positive habits…. Unhealthy eating habits that didn’t work for you, leading to extra weight were perhaps ways of creating a security blanket, a sense of comfort, and a sense of being whole and complete are now in the past,…….you responded this way because of various emotional worries……. Now you are going to be able to imagine other ways of dealing with situations and expressing emotions safely without the need for food. You now have the creative ability to choose the most positive way of responding in all situations….. You could read a book….. listen to your favourite music……enjoy spending time with friends…..take a walk around the building….the park…..exercise, you do anything that you really enjoy. This becomes an effective means of lowering tension…..coping with feelings of loss or insecurity… Eating is only necessary to satisfy and nourish your body. You only eat to satisfy real hunger, with healthy food choices, and you stop eating when your stomach is no longer hungry….your powerful unconscious has ways of finding healthy ways of coping….you no longer worry about what other people think of you…you respect and love yourself….because you respects and love yourself….you eat in a way that nourishes and respects your body….every day you are feeling more and more comfortable within yourself…… … As you continue to relax feel a sense of peace flow through you....... enjoy these positive feelings of confidence and keep them with you long after this session is completed, for the rest of this evening, tomorrow and beyond. Regardless of the stress and tension that may surround your life, you remain more at peace, more calm and confident ........ Now it is time for you to come back to normal awareness having experienced this deep feeling of relaxation....... you know at any time you can return to this state of relaxation and contentment. I will count from 1 to 10 you will be feeling relaxed, aware and totally refreshed when I reach 10 and only when I reach 10 will you want to open your eyes....... I will start to count, there is no rush... 1.....you are starting to become aware now of the (floor/chair/bed) beneath you 2.....the everyday noises are coming back to you now 3....coming up 4..relaxed and refreshed 5... 6... 7...nearly there 8...feeling good 9....and 10....you can open your eyes Welcome back!! Mainly wrote myself but also used statements directly and verbatim from: Allen, P.R. (2004) Scripts and Strategies in Hypnotherapy: The Complete Works. Camarthen: Crown House Publishing Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills –module four: Leeds Trinity, Hadley. J and Staudacher. C (2001) Hypnosis for Change. New Delhi: New Age Books