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West Bloomfield Beacon

REACHING ‘THE RIGHT WAY’
by Jennifer S. McDonald, C & G Writer

You’ve tried South Beach, Atkins, Slim Fast and Jenny Craig – how about giving hypnosis a try?
Rena Greenberg, founder and CEO of Wellness Seminars, Inc. said she’s hypnotized more than 100,000 people, with some claiming to have lost 50-100 pounds, without even imagining a diet, seeing an exercise machine or stepping foot into a gym.
Sounds amazing, right? Greenberg said the key is found in “retraining” the mind.
During a two-hour presentation, Greenberg takes people through a series of relaxation techniques, including a 45-minute hypnosis session. In the first half of the program, which is free, Greenberg explains how hypnosis can be used to break bad habits. If people choose to stay, the second half introduces the bulk of the hypnosis, for a $69 fee.
“It’s something that anybody can do,” Greenberg explained. “It’s a highly motivational program. Most people have been on every diet there is. They know the good foods. They know they’re supposed to exercise. But there’s such a negative twist to it that they have to force themselves to do it. It’s that kind of mental programming we have to change.”
During hypnosis, Greenberg helps people change their preconceived ideas of weight loss and exercise by changing the way they think of themselves, she said. She uses her voice and a dimly lit auditorium to relax participants and tap into their subconscious.
“It mostly comes down to self-image and self-confidence,” Greenberg said.
“I really want to help people understand the conflict behind wanting to lose weight but being stuck with the habits of many years and the negative approach that has prevented them from losing weight in the past,” Greenberg added. “The only way it’s going to work is if we change on the inside and change our perceptions.”
Each participant takes home a special package, which includes an audiotape and booklet. Participants are encouraged to listen to the tape daily, which reinforces Greenberg’s suggestions about exercise and healthy eating until they stick. Individuals are also encouraged to return to future workshops for free, if need be, for inspiration.
“It’s very important that we change the way we think about ourselves,” Greenberg said. “We need to send more positive messages that will help us see the results that we truly desire.”
It worked for Deanna Dotterer, 32, of Ferndale. After attending a seminar last October, Dotterer said she lost more than 100 pounds. She went on a whim, after a friend attested Greenberg’s miracle hypnosis.
“I was kind of, I wouldn’t say cynical, but cautious,” Dotterer said. “A friend of mine had gone and it worked for her.”
But instead of finding another dead end, Dotterer found the pounds melting off and her disposition lifting. After suffering from emotional eating, Dotterer found that Greenberg’s way of weight loss was a win.
“I noticed I didn’t have an appetite for sweets or any of that greasy stuff,” Dotterer said. “When Thanksgiving came, that was the real test for me. But I didn’t desire any of the fattening foods. It was the same thing at Christmas.
“I think you have to want to be ready,” Dotterer added. “In the past, I wasn’t ready. It’s not an easy way out – you have to be in the right frame of mind.”
Greenberg knows firsthand the way food can become an obsession, suffering from a severe sugar addiction at 26, before becoming sick and being faced with an irregular heartbeat, from which she almost died. After having a pacemaker put into her chest, she decided to take control of her health and teach others the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
“When I was in my mid-20’s, I really didn’t think about the foods I was eating. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted it,” Greenberg said. “When I was 26, I got very sick and ended up in the hospital with my heart rate at 30 beats per minute. I began to see what I really needed.”
Greenberg’s newest book, “The Right Weigh: Six Steps to Permanent Weight Loss Used by Over 100,000 People,” was published in December 2005 and is at local bookstores and online at www.amazon.com for $14.95. The book takes readers through a 40-day, six-step plan for weight control that combines both a practical and spiritual approach, using a technique called “Remembrance,” to push past obstacles that have held individuals back from losing weight and keeping it off.
Since she developed the plan, Greenberg’s message has reached people through private and public hypnosis sessions in Florida, New York and Michigan. Her book helps people stay on track, she said.
“We all know what we need to do, but what’s hard for many people is motivation,” Greenberg said. “What really fascinates me is the deeper power within the mind that we can tap into to make the changes that we need to make. I really want to share what I have learned, so we can change the direction of our lives.”
In addition, Greenberg’s second book focusing on food addiction is schedule for release in early 2007.