Heal Emotional Trauma, Transform Your Eating Habits

I remember the time after my gruesome car accident that left me bedridden for a year. The weight began to pile on, not just because I couldn’t exercise much but also due to a stress response that had me constantly reaching for the candy box.

When people go through something traumatic and challenging, it can disrupt their usual coping mechanisms. This often leads to turning to food for comfort, or sometimes alcohol, or even both. Imagine having a terrible day and reaching for a pint of ice cream to feel better.

For trauma survivors, comfort eating often becomes a regular coping mechanism, not just an occasional response to a bad day. This can lead to binge eating, where food becomes an emotional band-aid. https://coacheviesullivan.com/weight-loss-hypnosis-in-los-angeles/ Conversely, some people might eat very little to feel a sense of control, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors like anorexia. They often seek help when they notice missed periods and other health issues.

Traumatic experiences can also affect the brain’s happiness chemicals, such as dopamine. The brain is not able to produce this “happy hormone” in sufficient amounts, and the person can fall into depression and despair.

Sugary, salty, or fatty foods can stimulate the brain to release the feel-good hormone, and we can feel great momentarily. However, the Dopamine produced by food gives the person instant satisfaction and an unnatural high—and a deep low when the hormone wears off. In the long run, serious health issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even blindness can occur. Additionally, these foods promote fat storage, particularly around the stomach, which is hard to eliminate even with exercise.

I have extensive experience with individuals dealing with trauma-related eating habits. It’s essential to approach these cases with kindness, understanding, and an open ear, as untreated PTSD is often an underlying issue. It’s not just about changing diets but also managing emotions and stress in healthier ways.

I’ve used EMDR https://coacheviesullivan.com/emdr-therapy-los-angeles/ to help clients with trauma-related eating issues by reprocessing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact. My hypnotherapy practice also targets subconscious patterns, offering a holistic approach to overcoming overeating.

My client Sharon, at 56, was still haunted by unspeakable childhood trauma. A grandmother of four and mother of two, Sharon sought my help to overcome trauma-related eating habits that had wrecked her health and happiness. At her highest weight of 265 lbs, she struggled with mobility, had Type 2 Diabetes, and had survived two heart attacks.

While we initially spent time in conventional talk therapy to help Sharon verbalize her pain, the fundamental transformation began when we introduced hypnotherapy and EMDR. These techniques directly address the subconscious mind and significantly improve her relationship with food and overall well-being. Sharon wasn’t the only one to experience such a profound recovery. I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations, including significant weight loss and a renewed zest for life in many clients.

Struggling with food-related issues? Let’s work together to uncover the emotional triggers and build a nourishing relationship with food and yourself. Healing starts with addressing the root causes—reach out today!