Weight Loss

There is much more to weight loss than not eating that cookie.  There can be a variety of physical reasons for weight gain including medications, medical conditions, and biologic considerations like hormone imbalances.  Even the aging process can ‘weigh in’ as a factor via decreased metabolism.  However, some of the most significant contributors to weight loss issues are emotional eating and stress.

Emotional issues can include long held subconscious beliefs about food which result in behavioral habits like “cleaning the plate” and “better eat it all now because I might not get any later.”   It’s also common to hear negative self-talk that makes it difficult if not impossible to change eating habits.  Statements like “I don’t deserve to be skinny” and “I have failed so many times before, I know this time won’t be any different” often sabotage weight loss efforts before they even begin.  Food and fat excess can also be a means of subconscious escape and protection.

Stress can have a huge negative impact on weight loss.  Short and sweet (pun intended), stress produces cortisol which tells the body there is an emergency requiring instant energy.  The body responds by releasing glucose (energy) into the circulatory system.  However, since there is really no “emergency” which requires all that extra energy, the glucose gets stored as fat.  Adding to the mayhem, the excess glucose contributes to cardiovascular disease by scarring veins and arteries.  Regular exposure to stress, with the associated release of glucose, combined with a diet high in processed sugars also predisposes people to type II diabetes.  Keeping stress under control is critical to successful weight loss and Debbie puts a high priority on helping her weight loss clients with effective stress management.

Debbie takes a holistic approach to address the wide variety of factors potentially influencing weight loss.   She helps her weight loss clients look at the whole picture and then provides knowledge, tools, and hypnotic support to help them achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.  Studies and articles regarding weight related issues can be found on her Research Page.   Specific weight loss services provided by Debbie are: Personalized weight loss sessions and group weight loss classes.

Personalized Weight Loss Services

First Session - What to Expect

The first appointment includes a health history with a full review of health status and medications, habits and patterns that have promoted weight gain, and assessment of stress levels.  Weight loss goals will be clarified and strengths identified to determine which variety of services will best meet these needs.   Debbie’s professional licensing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner makes her uniquely qualified to assess the physical and psychological needs of her clients.

Once the assessment is complete, Debbie takes the time to discuss treatment options.  She draws upon evidence-based, proven therapies including Hypnosis, Neuro-lingustic programming (NLP), Guided Imagery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Biofeedback, EFT, and SoulCollage® art therapy.  She also provides recommendations for any outside referrals and books she feels would be beneficial.

After discussing all options, Debbie and the client work together to design a customized treatment plan.  There are no gimmicky diets, no calorie counting, and no office weigh-ins.  Debbie uses her nursing background, extensive training and certifications in hypnosis, NLP, CBT, biofeedback, EFT, and SoulCollage® to help her clients develop a safe, effective, and appropriate weight loss plan.  Specialized self-hypnosis CD’s are provided to reinforce session content as appropriate.

The first appointment is 2 - 2½ hours in length.  There is usually time to include the first hypnosis session in addition to the initial assessment and intake but occasionally, complicated cases need the first session just for intake and assessment with the second session beginning the actual treatment plan.

Follow Up Sessions – What to Expect

The total number of sessions will depend on each client’s needs.  However, in general Debbie has found that five sessions, scheduled about one week apart, are usually sufficient to get moving in the right direction.  Examples of positive changes include changing eating patterns, better portion control, reduced sugar intake, starting or increasing exercise and activity, losing weight, and/or practicing stress management techniques.

No guarantees of outcomes can be made but most clients find improvement in many areas of their lives as a result of working with Debbie.  Testimonials can be found here.

Weight Loss Class

Class title:  Healthy Living: Weight Loss Series

Weight Loss Support

Class title:  Monthly Weight Loss Check-In Group          See calendar for class schedules

Payment Options

Accepted methods of payment are Cash, Check, Visa, and Mastercard.  Debbie does not accept insurance.  However, as a Washington State licensed Nurse Practitioner she can provide clients with receipts that they can turn into their insurance company for possible reimbursement. In appreciation for all that they do, US active and retired military personnel receive a $25 discount off their first session with Debbie.  Thanks to those who serve!

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of sombody else" Judy Garland