This week is Eating Disorders Awareness week.  So many families seem to be touched in some way by an eating disorder, whether this is anorexia, bulimia or perhaps overeating, and fortunately the government now seem to be finally waking up to the fact that more has to be done to help people in this situation.

When I see a client with an eating disorder, it very often tends to have been triggered off by an emotional or upsetting event, perhaps occurring in childhood or adolescence.  This has invariably lead to a need to have some form of control, and so in the case of anorexia it can mean severely controlling the amount of food which is eaten, and also possibly accompanied by a compulsion to exercise, so that the person becomes dangerously thin and their general health suffers.  In the case of someone with bulimia, or a compulsion to overeat, there is a need to control or dampen down strong emotions, and this is done by eating vast quantities of (usually) high calorie, nutrient-poor food.  With eating disorders, sometimes there may be a history of abuse, but this is not always the case.  There may also be relationship difficulties with one or other parent, but again, every case is different.

Hypnotherapy can be very effective in dealing with eating disorders.  We tend to work first of all on identifying the root cause and dealing with the emotions that relate to this, and then building up self-esteem and confidence.  Sometimes progress is slow, but it is important that the client is given the resources to begin to feel better about themselves.  My treatment would not involve going into detail on the food aspect of the disorder, as I believe that this is merely the symptom, and not the root issue which has caused the disorder in the first place.

If you feel that you may be suffering from an eating disorder, and believe that hypnotherapy could help, please call me for a chat.  My number is 01449 780352, or 0781 7158429.  Or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk.

Best wishes,
Wendy