Introduction
I usually don’t share case studies on this platform, but I had a fascinating conversation with a friend recently. We were talking about how many people are unaware of the benefits of hypnotherapy and how it can help them live more comfortably and happily. My friend told me that she had no idea about the potential of hypnotherapy until she met me…and she suggested that I should post some case studies to spread the word. So, here is the first one (I have changed the names and details to respect the client’s privacy).
Background
Adnam is an 8-year-old boy who has a severe fear of vegetables (lachanophobia). He refuses to eat any vegetables and gags or vomits if he tries. He only eats a very limited diet of chips, chicken nuggets, pizza, and chocolate. His parents are worried about his health and nutrition and have tried various methods to encourage him to eat vegetables, such as rewards, punishments, hiding vegetables in other foods, and making fun shapes with them. None of these have worked and Adnam becomes very anxious and distressed whenever he sees vegetables on his plate or in the supermarket.
Hypnotherapy
Adnam’s parents decided to try hypnotherapy as a last resort after reading some positive testimonials online . They contacted local hypnotherapist (Hypnotic Universe) who had worked with many children just like Adnan.
The family arranged an initial consultation, which was carried out online. The hypnotherapist explained that hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation and focus that can help change negative beliefs and habits in the subconscious mind. She also explained that hypnotherapy can help overcome fears and phobias by creating new associations and responses to the feared object or situation.
The hypnotherapist assessed Adnam’s level of fear and motivation and found out that he liked dragons and superheroes. She then designed a personalised treatment plan for Adnam that involved four sessions of hypnotherapy. Each session lasted about an half an hour and consisted of the following steps:
Induction
The hypnotherapist used a progressive relaxation technique to help Adnam enter a state of hypnosis. She used suggestions of warmth, comfort, safety, and calmness to ‘kick off’ Adnam’s relaxation.
Deepening
The hypnotherapist used a staircase imagery, set in a local playground, which Adnan loves to attend. The hypnotherapist took Adnam deeper into hypnosis by having him slowly descend a ladder from the lookout tower (Adnan’s favourite part of the play structure). She asked Adnam to imagine walking down a ladder that led to a special place where he could meet his favourite dragon or superhero.
Intervention
The hypnotherapist used various techniques to help Adnan change his perception and attitude towards vegetables. They used positive suggestions, metaphors, stories, affirmations, visualisations, and role-playing to help Adnam see vegetables as healthy, tasty, fun, and powerful foods that could make him stronger, smarter, happier, and more like his favourite dragon or superhero. They also used desensitisation techniques to help Adnan gradually face his fear of vegetables in a safe and controlled way. He asked Adnan to imagine seeing, touching, smelling, tasting, and eating different vegetables in different scenarios with his favourite dragon or superhero by his side. He reinforced Adnan’s confidence and success with praise and rewards.
Termination
The hypnotherapist used a count-up technique to help Adnan return to normal awareness. They gave Adnan some post-hypnotic suggestions to help him maintain his positive changes and cope with any challenges. He also gave Adnan some homework assignments to practice eating vegetables at home with his parents’ support.
Results
After four sessions of hypnotherapy, Adnan showed significant improvement in his fear of vegetables. He was able to eat a variety of vegetables without gagging or vomiting. He reported feeling more relaxed and curious about trying new foods. He also said that he enjoyed the hypnosis sessions and felt more connected to his favourite dragon or superhero. His parents were very pleased with the outcome and noticed that Adnan was more energetic, cheerful, and confident.
Conclusion
Hypnotherapy was an effective treatment for Adnan’s fear of vegetables. It helped him overcome his negative associations and emotions towards vegetables and create new positive ones. It also helped him develop new skills and strategies to cope with his fear and expand his diet. Hypnotherapy can be a useful tool for helping children with food phobias by using their imagination, creativity, and interests.
What next?
If you have a food (or other phobia), know that hypnotherapy can work just as well for you too! Just contact here. To find out more about case studies, go here.
