TresSugar

Say What? Hypnotherapist: Quitting Smoking Like Breaking Up

TresSugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Look, we had some great times together and a lot of fun, but now I feel we are moving in different directions and I need to end this relationship.

- Natasha Bishop to her cigarette habit of 10 years. She took the advice of a hypnotherapist who says that one way to quit smoking is to have a breakup conversation with your cigarettes. "Until you actually have that conversation," she says, "there's always that little part of you that thinks, maybe we'll get back together. Let's face it. Getting back together with an ex is like throwing milk in the garbage and three days later thinking . . . maybe it'll be better this time around." Have you ever had to quit smoking? Would you consider alternative therapies if cold turkey, the patch, or nicotine gum didn't work?

What Do You Think About Hypnotherapy?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Hypnosis claims to help people quit smoking, stop snoring, overcome fears, and lose weight, but how does it work?

I did a little research and found out that the brain operates in 4 different states: Full Conscious Awareness, the Hypnotic State, the Dream State, and the Sleep State. We spend most of our waking hours in the Full Conscious Awareness state, and as we drift into sleep, we pass through the 3 other states. The Hypnotic State is a place where you are not really thinking, you are just experiencing.

When you are hypnotized, the therapist can then make suggestions to your subconscious mind without your conscious mind getting in the way so you can overcome whatever fears or habits you want to get rid of.

When you are hypnotized, you're in an enhanced state of awareness so if you're contemplating going under, don't worry about doing things you aren't comfortable with -- you are actually fully aware of what's going on.

While it did help my friend quit smoking for a short period of time, I'm still a bit skeptical. Have any of you experienced hypnotherapy? Has it worked for you or do you think it's just a big scam?

Source

You Asked: Germs Freak Me Out!

DearSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 13:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar--

I have a question for you but first let me give you some background. I'm 20 years old and have become a huge germaphobe. However I was never like this until I started college 3 years ago. I lived in a dormitory floor that was co-ed. I shared bathrooms with more than 25 girls. I could tell some of the girls did not wash their hands after using the bathroom because sometimes when I was in the bathroom while they are there, I could see them use the toilet and then just leave without washing their hands; thus touching the bathroom door knob that I would eventually touch. This, of course, made feel unclean so I began to wash my hands twice: once in the bathroom and then I would wash it again inside my own room, which had a sink and faucet.

My cleanliness progressed to taking showers every night before I headed to bed, because the thought of sitting on the same toilet seats as the girls who didn't wash their hands after using the bathroom just drove me nuts and would keep me awake. I also didn't even want to shake people's hands or give them hugs or get hugged from the because of the same thoughts I had.

Now I'm in my 4th year of college, living at home, but still carry that germaphobia. It is driving me nuts because now it has gone from medium to intense level, in which I don't want anyone touching my things except for me and a few others.

But I've had enough of this and want to get my life back to where I wasn't so crazy about germs or at least other people's germs. I'm thinking about doing hypnotherapy but I was wondering what you think about that kind of therapy and can you suggest where I can meet with a therapist that my family wouldn't have to know since I'm very embarrassed about this or at least don't want to tell them. Also can you recommend ways to get rid of this germaphobia I have.

--I Hate Germs Gertrude

To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more

Dear I Hate Germs Gertrude--

Germs are pretty gross, especially ones having to do with the bathroom and you're right, a lot of people don't wash they're hands after using the bathroom. While it is a great way to pass along germs and make others sick, it's also a part of life. Germs are everywhere and if you over analyze the thought of passing along bacteria, of course you are going to freak out, but if you are thinking about germs ALL the time, it sounds to me like you may be suffering from a little OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

If your thoughts are controlling your life, then your fear of germs will prevent you from doing normal day-to-day activities. If you've never tried therapy, I would suggest talking with someone before trying hypnotherapy. Therapists have a lot of experience helping people with obsessive thoughts and behaviors, so don't feel like you're the only one. No one but you needs to know you are going so try not to be embarrassed -- all therapy is 100% confidential. I hope this helps and I wish you luck.

Source

Treatment Options For Trichotillomania

DearSugar — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 10:45:20 -0700

Dear Sugar
In the past year, I began pulling on/pulling out my eye brows. This only happens when I am in a stressful situation, like taking a test. Sometimes I don't even realize I'm doing it. I know it's called Trichotillomania.

I read somewhere that I should see a doctor but I don't think my Mom feels this is a big deal. She yells at me to stop pulling at my eyebrows when she sees me, but I really can't help it.

At one point, a part of my eyebrow was looking really bare, so I stopped and it eventually went back to normal. Now, I'm really stressing about finals and the pulling is starting again. Is there any way I can kick the habit for good? Nervous Natalie

Dear Nervous Natalie
Trichotillomania is a serious neurological disorder afflicting as many as 2% - 4% of the population (about 8 million Americans alone). Your eyebrows could just be the beginning of more self-masochism to come.

Get yourself to a therapist immediately. Tell your Mother how stress is affecting you and that you would like help so you can put a stop to your compulsive behavior.

Trichotillomania may be controlled with the right combination of treatment such as; psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs, behavioral therapy and/or hypnotherapy, however, there is no evidence of a cure.

Hypnosis has been known to help many sufferers. When your body goes into that deep relaxed state, it's more susceptible to retain the calming stimulation needed to help begin the healing process.

Sometimes it works right away and sometimes it may take a few sessions. You can learn more about hypnosis and/order an audio tape here.

Cognitive and behavioral therapy seem to be the most helpful treatment since medication alone will not be effective. It can help to replace undesirable behaviors with new behaviors and helps to identify the thoughts that make hair pulling more likely, by replacing them with new thoughts.

Combined with antidepressant medications such as: Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, and in some cases lithium (but these are more of mood stabilizers) this type of treatment deems to be highly successful.

Anger and stress management, problem solving, and relaxation group therapy has also been proven to help. Also, finding support group in your area on the Internet is a good source for support. Try starting here for more info in your area at The Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc.

People have fight and won their struggle with Trichotillomania with the right combination of treatments and support from those close to them. Good Luck.