hypnotherapy is working for me

[Petunia]

I posted a little here a while back. Then I stopped because strangely, for me, reading about all of your stories, and coming here every day to check in actually made it worse for me. I think because my focus on picking was increased.

I have tried a smidge of behavorial therapy in the past, and mainly tried will power of zero tolerance.

Recently I decided I just ha dto find help, even if it meant trying numerous medications. I have always resisted that since I rarely hear of them helping with this particular habit, and because I was scared of the side effects.

So I tried hypnotherapy. My first session was last monday. It was extremely relaxing. Th e therapist also used a technique called EFT. (emofree.com) that was somewhat related to accupressure points.

I usually spend 1-2 hours a day picking, and my habit started 14 years ago.

In the week since the session I spent a total of about 10 minutes. Probably less.

I went back today and she took my deeper; relaxed me even more.

She had helped cuticle pickers in the past she told me, and people with other compulsive behavior.

So far it does feel "too good to be true". I have continued to make appointments with her, and have been using all the tips and tools she gave me.

It is not a struggle. I am really ready to let it go, and what she showed me really lifted a weight.

In one week, my face went from scabbed and infected to smooth and glowing (not perfect).

I have never gone this long before. Other times that I went a day or two were because of vacations in very small corners with boyfriends (no alone time).

I feel so much more confident already.

I will check back soon and let you know of my progress. If you are in the NY area and woul dlike to know my therapist's name, let me know in this thread.

I realize this is new, and it still feels fragile, but I have never felt free of the compusion before.

[Dreamer]

I, too, am a hypnotherapy believer. After one week, my compulsion was gone. Picking is not gone, but greatly reduced, and now we are trying to figure other things out, although I'm kind of stuck right now in a bad place, the therapy helps so much. I can't recommend hypnotherapy enough!! DO IT

Dreamer

[Petunia]

I like what Dreamer said about "the compulsion" being gone.

I occasionally start to pick at something since I began hypnotherapy, but it's an easy choice to stop. Because the compulsion that drove it has dissolved.

One thought I've had about it is that I have done a lot of thinking (and some behavioral/cognitive therapy) about how I started, how I used it, etc.

I really feel that I understand that all very well, and that I have better ways of dealing with things now, however, I was unable to stop . Probably because the habit was so very deeply ingrained.

So far it feels like the hypnotherapy was able to just break, and as I said, dissolve the compulsion.

I am making sure to use all the tools the hypnotherapist gave me (imaging and relaxation techniques), every day to reinforce what she did, and I will continue to go.

I'll be back to update everyone, but I cannot stress enough how much difference even the FIRST (2 hour) session made.

I paid $150. I do not have insurance but the therapist said she is often covered by insurance. I have heard of other who operate on a sliding scale.

I feel like my whole body and mind is just sighing in releif right now, and I want you all to have the same feeling.

[lauryn]

are some people better canidates for hypno than others?

[Petunia]

The therapist I went to said it was fine for anyone, but she was not allowed to do it with people who were taking anti-psychotics. So keep that in mind since I know that class of drugs is said to have some success with picking.

It is not scary or a big deal at all. It's is just relaxing.

[lauryn]

thanks now i just stopped taking my anti-psych yesterday

[CandyP]

yes please let me know where the therapist is
I am in NY but I'm betting she's nowhere close to me

[chris]

Hey Petunia.... could you please provide the name and/or contact info for your hypnotherapist in NY? I'd really appreciate it. Cheers!!!

[healingnow]

How is your therapy going? I am 43 and have picked chronically for as long as I can remember I have improved my mental state by accepting this instead of judging myself. I did Landmark Forum in NYC recently (landmarkeducation.com) and noticed an improved attitude. Now I am ready to take on being free of this and I wonder if you still feel this has been sucessful. And I would love the name of your therapist. Thank you!

[sad face]

i am struggling from the same problem that you are. i have been to many different types of therapy including hypno therapy, but that was when i was young. you guys seem so positive about it and it makes me want to try it again. especially after petunia said he face is clear and glowing after just a little while! i have had one on my chin for about a year now. can you please let me know the name of any good doctors? i live in nj, not too far from ny at all.
id appreciate any help you guys could give. thank you!