Are you Eating Your Emotions?

Eating disorders represent serious mental health challenges characterised by harmful and often perilous relationships with food, eating practices, body image, and weight. These conditions can impact anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or background, and they frequently carry both emotional and physical repercussions.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders extend beyond mere dietary habits; they often serve as coping mechanisms for emotional pain, low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma, or a need for control. Individuals struggling with these disorders may fixate on their weight, shape, or body image to the extent that it affects their self-worth and behaviour. If left untreated, eating disorders can lead to severe health complications and may even be life-threatening.

Common Types of Eating Disorders
1. Anorexia Nervosa
2. Bulimia Nervosa
3. Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
4. Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
5. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED)

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

- Sudden changes in weight
- An obsession with calorie counting or "clean eating"
- Skipping meals or secretive eating habits
- Compulsive exercise routines
- Dental problems related to vomiting
- Mood swings alongside anxiety or depression
- Withdrawal from social interactions or activities
- Wearing loose clothing to conceal body shape

Health Risks of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have far-reaching effects on nearly every bodily system. Some potential health risks include:
- Heart problems
- Digestive complications
- Loss of bone density
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hair loss or dry skin
- Issues with fertility
- Fatigue or fainting spells
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts

Recognising the seriousness of eating disorders is essential for fostering understanding and encouraging effective treatment pathways for those affected.

Hello, I’m Mary Galanis

As an accredited Strategic Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, passionate about helping you navigate and resolve life’s challenges with a practical yet compassionate approach. I understand how  Eating Disorders can leave you feeling debilitated, overwhelmed, with deep physical and emotional limitations. I aim to empower you with the tools and treatments that are required to heal and regain control.

With a focus on tangible results, I offer personalised treatment plans using a variety of proven methods like Hypnosis, EMDR for trauma, Psychotherapy, and Somatic Healing, ensuring your holistic well-being is always at the centre of our work together.

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Strategic Psychotherapy are recognised by medical professionals as proven, safe, and effective methods for treating Chronic Pain and many other issues. My goal is to empower you, offering tailored treatments to help you to regain peace of mind, quickly and effectively.

When I’m not helping clients, I enjoy spending time with my two adult daughters, practising yoga, and relaxing with my two cats. I believe in continuous growth—both in my personal life and in my practice—always striving to help you become a well-balanced and the best version of yourself.

We work together on your tailored treatment for your unique journey to better wellness.

Here’s to better and better.

Treating Eating Disorders with Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy

Living with an eating disorder can feel like a constant battle between what you know in your head and what you feel in your body. Patterns around food, body image and self-control often run deep, and willpower alone doesn’t always shift them. Hypnotherapy can help by working gently with the subconscious mind, where many of these thoughts and beliefs are stored. 

Understanding Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders are not simply about food. They are complex conditions that often develop from a mix of emotional pain, past experiences, perfectionism, low self-worth and difficult relationships with control. People may restrict food, binge, purge, or switch between patterns, but underneath it all, there is usually an attempt to cope with overwhelming feelings or to find a sense of stability. 

How Hypnotherapy Can Help 

Hypnotherapy gives you a way to calm the conscious mind and reach the subconscious patterns that keep eating disorders going. In a relaxed state, the mind becomes more open to new ways of thinking. This can support you to: 

  • Release rigid or harmful beliefs around food and weight 
  • Reduce anxiety linked to eating or body image 
  • Break the cycle of emotional eating or bingeing 
  • Develop a kinder, more balanced inner voice 
  • Strengthen motivation for recovery and self-care 

Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical or psychological care. It works best as part of a supportive team approach that may include a doctor, psychologist, dietitian or counsellor. 

A Gentle Example 

Anna, a young woman who had struggled with restrictive eating since high school, came to hypnotherapy after years of feeling stuck. She had already seen a dietitian and counsellor but found herself slipping back into old habits whenever stress rose. Through hypnotherapy, she began to uncover the deeper belief that she was only worthy when she appeared “perfect.” In trance, she practised letting go of that thought and rehearsed healthier responses to stress. Over time, her relationship with food softened and she felt calmer in her body. 

Stories like Anna’s show that change is possible when we work with the subconscious mind rather than fighting it. 

What to Expect in a Session 

A typical session begins with a conversation about your goals, challenges and triggers. You’ll then be guided into a relaxed, focused state — not sleep, but a calm awareness. From here, the therapist uses gentle suggestions, visualisation and imagery to reshape unhelpful patterns and build healthier responses. You remain in control the entire time and can come out of trance whenever you wish. 

Sessions usually run for about an hour. Many people notice shifts after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support depending on the complexity of their condition. 

Why Choose Hypnotherapy for Eating Disorders 

  • Works with the root beliefs behind disordered eating 
  • Complements medical and psychological treatment 
  • Provides tools for long-term emotional balance 
  • Builds self-acceptance and resilience 
  • Offers a safe, supportive space for change 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Success Stories

I had anorexia almost my whole life. I didnt understand why. I eventually realised I had trauma from past events. It was time to heal.

Lia P.

FAQs

1Can hypnotherapy cure eating disorders?
Hypnotherapy is not a cure but a supportive therapy. It can reduce harmful patterns, calm emotions and build healthier habits, especially when combined with medical and psychological care.
2Is hypnotherapy safe for people with eating disorders?
Yes, hypnotherapy is safe when guided by a qualified professional. It is gentle and focused on relaxation, not control.
3How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Some notice changes after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will discuss a plan based on your needs.
4Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. You stay aware and in control throughout. Hypnotherapy is about collaboration, not control.
5Can hypnotherapy help with binge eating?
Yes, hypnotherapy can help reduce the triggers that lead to binge eating and build healthier coping strategies.
6What if I have already tried other treatments?
Hypnotherapy can be a valuable addition, especially if past treatments have focused only on behaviour rather than the subconscious beliefs driving them.
7Is online hypnotherapy effective?
Many clients find online sessions just as effective as face-to-face. A quiet space and stable internet connection are usually all that is required.
8Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No referral is required. However, many people choose to continue care with their GP or specialist alongside hypnotherapy.
9Can hypnotherapy help with body image issues?
Yes, hypnotherapy can support a healthier self-image and reduce the negative self-talk that often fuels disordered eating.
10What should I do if I’m in crisis?
If you are in crisis, please seek immediate medical help or call emergency services. Hypnotherapy is supportive but not designed for emergency care.