When we want to lose weight, we often overlook the symbolic messages our subconscious sends us via the body. Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling explains how excess weight can function as protection, have hidden advantages, and relate to our family context. She discusses ways in which emotional eating can be addressed and the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in weight loss.

If you are new to podcasts, simply click on the arrow to listen to Hannetjie and Mariette, or on the download button to download the conversation onto your device.

In ep. 52 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful, Hannetjie touches on

• the symbolic language our subconscious uses to communicate with us

• the underlying meaning of inflammatory conditions, headaches, and bladder and kidney problems

• the two aspects of weight issues that need to be addressed

• symbolic functions of excess weight, especially within families

• when eating is used as a “shorthand” for addressing emotional issues

• symptom substitution: a tricky issue

• what the story of Snow White has to do with weight issues

• Hannetjie’s 3 tips for controlling your weight.

Books mentioned in the podcast interview: “Heal your body” by Louise L. Hay, “Your body speaks your mind” by Debbie Shapiro, and “The healing power of illness” by Thorwald Dethlefsen and Rüdiger Dahlke.

Good news: ageing needn’t lead to decline. Here Hannetjie debunks 3 myths about ageing.

Read Hannetjie’s practical tips for reducing stress and keeping calm in these turbulent times.

Here Hannetjie explains how to best handle conflict in your personal relationships.

Read Hannetjie’s heart-felt thoughts on motherhood.

Hannetjie explains how we can optimise our physical, psychological, financial and social “portfolios” to ensure quality of life in our later years - the earlier, the better.

Dr Manoj Bagwandeen considers the risks and advantages related to appetite-suppressing and other weight loss medicines.

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM and Iono.fm.

Vind uit wat Hannetjie te sê het oor ‘n gelukkige huwelik en haar eie “bron van goud”, en kry ‘n blik op haar skilderwerk.

Contact details

Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling is a Counselling Psychologist with a private practice, an accredited Mediator, and an author who lives and works in Johannesburg. She has also studied dietetics. Her Ph.D. deals with the mind-body connection, specifically regarding bulimia.

Tel. 0824604575

Website www.drhannetjie.co.za

Email address han@emlct.com

Podcast music by Mart-Marie Snyman.

Image: Pexels.

Photograph of Dr. Hannetjie van Zyl-Edeling: supplied.

Please note:

These podcasts are intended purely for educational purposes and should never replace professional evaluation or discussion.

If you have suicidal thoughts, phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7) or contact a qualified medical professional.