The Use of Covert Sensitization and Hypnotic Procedures in the Treatment of an Overweight Person: A Case Report

Abstract

A single, 20 year old, female college student was treated for obesity with covert sensitization. As sometimes happens when using covert sensitization, the continuation of therapy was threatened when, after eight treatment sessions, the therapy sessions and homework assignments became aversive. However, since the client indicated that she could accept the negative experiences if “they would happen and I did not have to make myself do it,” hypnotic procedures were added at the ninth treatment session with the rationale that they would make the whole process almost automatic. Posthypnotic suggestions and self-induction were similarly employed for homework assignments. Evidence was obtained suggesting that the hypnotic procedures were effective in maintaining the client in therapy and in continuation of weight loss. An explanation based on Barber's theory of hypnotic behavior was offered.