In the introductory session (before I had paid any money), Mr. Vitchoff talked a lot about a 'personalized' plan. He spent quite a bit of time asking me about my eating habits, and what I hoped to achieve through hypnosis. I explained that he didn't have to hypnotize me to stop eating junk food or to eat more vegetables, because those are not my problems. I already eat lots of vegetables, and I like them. I don't eat junk food or soda pop. I cook real food and don't eat processed food. I told him that my problem is controlling portion size. I said I'd like hypnosis to help me be able to stop eating such large portions.
He replied that he understood, that he recommended the plan with 5 sessions for $399. In retrospect, he probably 'recommends' this plan to everyone. There is no 'personalized plan.'
In the first session, he actually stayed in the room with me. And I believe he succeeded in hypnotizing me. But I remember that the first thing he talked about was 'imagine a plate of vegetables, green and brimming with vitamins.' Exactly what I told him I did NOT need.
At the second session, I repeated my request for him to talk to me about portion control. He again said he understood. I put on the earphones and eye mask, and he began to talk to me, rather hurriedly, about eating less food. Then I heard a click as the tape was switched on, and another click as the door opened and he left the room. And the tape started talking about a big plate of vegetables, green and brimming with vitamins.
On the way out, the receptionist gave me some protein bars and a list of foods. I'm sure that 100% of the patients know that carrot sticks are better for you than potato chips. They're all at the hypnosis center because they haven't been able to follow those rules on their own. I did NOT need a list of foods. I needed what he said he could provide: a 'mind set' to succeed in eating less.
I did not return for my remaining sessions. I know I should have read the fine print more carefully (my guess is that the fine print does say he'll play prerecorded tapes). Probably most of Mr. Vitchoff's patients are like me: they hope that hypnosis will accomplish what their willpower won't. I feel very foolish. Should have known better!
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