International Handbook of Clinical Hypnosis - E-Lib FK UWKS

224 INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL HYPNOSIS
basic hypnotic skills were taught and possible unconscious motives for overeating
were explored through imagination exercises during hypnosis; in phase two,
patients were given instructions for alternative and effective behaviors through
fantasy exercises, in order to solve their underlying problems; and in the third
phase, hypnosis was employed especially for enhancing motivation, ego-strengthening
and to further elaborate new, alternative strategies. Patients were very
strongly encouraged to continue the different hypnosis exercises after termination
of the 6 months duration of treatment Cochrane, 1987).
CONCRETE APPLICATIONS OF HYPNOTIC TECHNIQUES
In the following section of this chapter, an overview of different hypnotherapeutic
strategies and suggestions will be presented in relation to the different treatment
phases see Vanderlinden, Norre & Vandereycken, 1992).
BEGINNING PHASE
Teaching Relaxation
Many obese patients are often very tense and have learned to reduce this tension
through excessive eating. It is therefore useful to teach a self-hypnosis exercise for
relaxation and as an alternative coping strategy for overeating. Patients will be
strongly encouraged to practice their self-hypnosis daily by means of an audiocassette.
To introduce hypnosis, we use a classical induction technique with eye
®xation and deepening suggestions. Next, the patient will be asked to imagine
herself in a safe, secret place, wherein she can become even more and more relaxed
and further re¯ect upon the things in her or his) life that are important right now.
Teaching Self-control Techniques
Hypnotic techniques will be introduced to help the patient in gaining self-control
over the eating pattern Wright & Wright, 1987). The patient can be asked to
identify situations wherein they lose control over their eating behavior. Usually, the
bingeing behavior will take place in speci®c situations. Hence a suggestion will be
made for the patient to identify the triggers either internal, such as a mood state or
external, such as the availability of food) that may provoke their bingeing behavior
and be taught new strategies for control.
During hypnosis, suggestions can be made, for instance see also Coman &
Evans, 1995):
1. To reduce food quantity.
2. To eat at ®xed times and places.
3. To observe their diet rigorously.