Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food
Clinical Hypnotherapy, Counselling and Nutritionist services for Emotional Eating, ADHD, Autism and Food Addiction in Ireland
By Claire Russell – Registered Nutritionist, Integrative Psychotherapist, Counselling, Nutritional Therapist, Advanced RTT® Practitioner and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist with private rooms and clinics in Adare, Limerick, Newcastle West, Charleville, Cork, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Dungarven, DUBLIN and ONLINE.
Research Sources and Scientific Basis
Every element of my approach at Counselling Experts is grounded in science and professional practice. Clinical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy and Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) have been examined in numerous studies and clinical trials demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing emotional eating, improving weight regulation, improving anxiety symptoms, managing ADHD-related impulsivity, and supporting behavioural change. Research also highlights the close connection between stress, overwhelm, gut health and the brain’s reward pathways, explaining why certain foods become emotionally charged, and addictive.
You can see the full list of research sources at the end of this page for peer-reviewed evidence on hypnotherapy, nutrition and emotional regulation.
Do you ever find yourself eating for comfort rather than hunger? Many people not just in Ireland struggle with emotional eating, binges, sugar cravings, food addictions or late-night snacking. Food can become a source of calm when stress, loneliness or exhaustion take over. This pattern is also especially common in adults and teenagers living with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression or burnout.
At Counselling Experts, I help clients overcome emotional eating and food addictions using Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®), Counselling and Nutrition. This combined approach targets the root causes of food habits, helping you rebuild a calmer and healthier relationship with eating. Sessions are available online and in person in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin and Dungarven.
When Food Becomes Emotional
Emotional eating happens when food is used to soothe or manage emotion instead of meeting physical hunger. During times of stress, the brain releases cortisol which increases appetite and cravings for high-energy foods. These foods raise dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, which provides temporary comfort.
People with ADHD or autism are more likely to experience this pattern because their dopamine and sensory regulation systems work differently. The brain seeks stimulation or relief from overwhelm, and sugary or processed foods deliver a quick fix. Over time this becomes automatic.
Clinical Hypnotherapy helps break that link by retraining subconscious responses. The goal is to replace automatic eating with calm self-regulation and to build awareness of real hunger and fullness.
Why Diets Rarely Work
Most diets fail because they rely on willpower. Restriction may bring short-term results but it rarely lasts. When food feels emotionally charged, deprivation only increases craving.
Hypnotherapy helps you change the meaning of food rather than fight it. During sessions, the mind enters a relaxed, focused state where new associations can form. A biscuit that once felt comforting becomes neutral. The emotional need fades.
Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT®) identifies where those emotional associations began. Perhaps food was used as a reward in childhood or comfort during difficult times. Once the subconscious realises the behaviour is outdated, it naturally lets go. Clients often describe a sense of freedom and relief, eating more intuitively without guilt or rules.
ADHD, Autism and Food Regulation
Neurodivergent clients frequently describe challenges with impulsivity, texture sensitivity, or emotional flooding. Food may be used to manage sensory overload, boost focus or stabilise mood. Hypnotherapy supports these challenges by teaching the mind to access calm more easily and by improving self-awareness.
Sessions can help:
• reduce impulsive eating and sugar dependence
• calm emotional reactivity and overstimulation
• build flexible routines and predictable food patterns
• balance dopamine through nutrition and lifestyle support
For younger clients, parent-supported sessions can help reduce selective eating or food refusal related to texture or sensory triggers.
Understanding Food and Sugar Addiction
Highly processed foods activate the brain’s reward system in a way similar to addictive substances. Sugar, caffeine and refined carbohydrates trigger dopamine spikes followed by sharp drops, which then increase fatigue, anxiety and cravings.
Hypnotherapy and nutrition together address this biochemical cycle. Hypnotherapy rewires the emotional and behavioural responses to cravings, while nutritional therapy steadies blood sugar levels and reduces the highs and lows that fuel addiction.
Many clients report that after several sessions, the compulsion to eat sugar fades. They enjoy occasional treats but no longer feel controlled by them.
How the Gut Influences Cravings
The gut and brain communicate continuously through the gut-brain axis. Stress, inflammation and poor sleep can alter this communication, leading to digestive issues such as reflux, bloating or IBS, and increasing cravings for sugar and refined foods.
Clinical hypnotherapy activates the body’s natural relaxation response, improving digestion and calming the gut. Nutrition therapy supports healthy gut bacteria and stable blood sugar, helping to reduce fatigue, irritability and emotional eating.
Integrating Therapy for Long-Term Results
At Counselling Experts, therapy is never a ‘one size fits all’. Each session is adapted for your individual needs. Sessions combine counselling, nutritional guidance, hypnotherapy and RTT®, and other modalities ensuring both emotional and physiological factors are addressed.
Counselling and Psychotherapy explore the underlying emotional themes such as perfectionism, anxiety or self-criticism.
Clinical Hypnotherapy and RTT® work on subconscious patterns and triggers.
Nutritional Therapy focuses on hormone balance, gut health and metabolic stability.
Behavioural Coaching helps transform insight into realistic daily habits.
This comprehensive approach supports clients dealing with emotional eating, ADHD-related impulsivity, binge eating disorder, food avoidance, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, or trauma-related weight fluctuations.
Real Client Experiences
“I used to eat every evening after work even when I wasn’t hungry. I tried everything and couldn’t help it. After just two Hypnotherapy sessions, the urge disappeared. I finally feel calm around food, and my sleep is now great! Loved the sessions, thank you Claire ”
– Client, Limerick
“I’ve had ADHD for years and always relied on sugar to stay alert. The Hypnotherapy sessions helped me understand what my brain was doing, and make better choices easily. I don’t crave sugar, cakes, biscuits, chocolate or jellies anymore.”
– Client, Cork
“I’ve tried every diet since my late teens and early twenties. Hypnotherapy with Claire Russell was the first thing that changed how I think, rather than what I eat. I actually feel free now, and more confident, I’m happier then I ever have been in my life.”
– Client, Dublin
These stories reflect what many people experience: not just weight change, but emotional balance, better sleep and a renewed sense of control.
Recognising When to Seek Support
If you notice that:
• you eat to manage stress or emotion
• you feel guilty or out of control after eating
• you constantly crave sugar or processed foods
• you have ongoing GUT issues, digestive issues or fatigue
• you struggle with weight despite healthy eating
• ADHD or autism make food routines difficult
then professional help may be the turning point. Early intervention prevents patterns from deepening and restores trust in your body’s signals.
What to Expect in Therapy
Each session begins with discussion to understand your challenges and goals. Hypnotherapy follows, helping your subconscious mind form new, healthier associations with food and comfort. You remain aware and relaxed at all times. Between sessions, nutritional strategies and counselling exercises support steady progress.
Many clients feel a shift within the first few sessions. Over several weeks, cravings lessen, energy improves and emotional eating fades. The changes last because they are built on understanding rather than willpower.
Taking the Next Step
You do not have to keep struggling with food. Whether you live with ADHD, autism, anxiety, hormonal changes or chronic stress, the right support can help you feel balanced again.
Book a confidential consultation with Counselling Experts and discover how Clinical Hypnotherapy, RTT® and Nutrition can transform your relationship with food. Appointments are available online and in person across Ireland in Adare, Newcastle West, Limerick, Abbeyfeale, Charleville, Kanturk, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, Dublin and Dungarven.
Claire Russell
Registered Nutritionist | Integrative Psychotherapist and Counselling | Advanced RTT® Practitioner | Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hypnotherapy really stop emotional eating?
Yes. Research shows that Clinical Hypnotherapy helps reduce emotional triggers and cravings by changing subconscious patterns rather than enforcing restriction.
Is this approach safe for ADHD or autism?
It is completely safe. Sessions are tailored to sensory and emotional needs, creating a calm, structured environment that supports neurodivergent clients effectively.
Will I need to diet?
No. You will learn to recognise natural hunger and fullness cues. Nutritional therapy focuses on nourishment and metabolic support, not restriction.
Can I attend online sessions?
Yes. Online Clinical Hypnotherapy is equally effective and offers convenience for clients anywhere in Ireland.
Can hypnotherapy help other issues too?
Yes. It supports anxiety, depression, confidence, sleep problems, addiction recovery, drug addictions, inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, chronic pain, stress, and trauma-related conditions.
Contact Claire Russell or Shane Murphy today to discuss your needs and how we can help
Research and Evidence Sources
- Delestre F, Untas A, et al. Hypnosis reduces food impulsivity in patients with obesity and high levels of food impulsivity: a randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2022). https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)00288-X/fulltext
- Bo S, Rosato R, et al. Effects of self-conditioning techniques (self-hypnosis) in promoting weight loss in patients with severe obesity: a randomised controlled trial. Obesity (Silver Spring) (2018). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.22262
- Antoun J, et al. The use of audio self-hypnosis to promote weight loss: a randomised controlled trial. PeerJ (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9758970/
- Stradling JR, et al. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea on CPAP treatment. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1998). https://www.nature.com/articles/0800578.pdf
- Roslim N, et al. Hypnotherapy for overweight and obese patients. Sleep and Hypnosis (2021). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2095496420301229
- Roslim NA, et al. Does hypnosis result in greater weight loss compared to conventional weight loss programme alone? American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis (2022). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00029157.2021.2010642
- Allison DB, Faith MS. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy for obesity: a meta-analytic reappraisal. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1996). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8698944/
- Kirsch I, Montgomery G, Sapirstein G. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy: a meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1995). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7751482/
- Schoenberger NE. Research on hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (2000). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207140008410046
- Lynn SJ, et al. Clinical hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive behaviour therapy: an updated meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (2021). https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/clinical-hypnosis-as-an-adjunct-to-cognitive-behavior-therapy-an
- Rosendahl J, et al. Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for different clinical targets. Frontiers in Psychology (2024). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1330238/full
- Hawkins R, et al. The effectiveness of hypnosis as an intervention for obesity: a meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2018). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322877701_The_Effectiveness_of_Hypnosis_as_an_Intervention_for_Obesity_A_Meta-Analytic_Review
- Chew HSJ, et al. The global prevalence of emotional eating in overweight and obese populations: a systematic review. British Journal of Psychology (2025). https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjop.12768
- Konttinen H, et al. Depression, emotional eating and long-term weight changes: a population-based prospective study. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (2019). https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-019-0791-8
- Dakanalis A, et al. The association of emotional eating with overweight/obesity and related health outcomes. Nutrients (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10005347/
- Hill DC, et al. Stress and eating behaviours in healthy adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review (2022). https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17437199.2021.1923406
- Bliss ES, Whiteside E. The gut–brain axis, the human gut microbiota and their integration in the development of obesity. Frontiers in Physiology (2018). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00900/full
- Goode RW, et al. Preventing weight gain in adults who emotionally eat: a behavioural intervention trial. Clinical Obesity (2025). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1471015325000200
- Benbaibeche H, et al. Emotional and external eating styles associated with obesity. Journal of Eating Disorders (2023). https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40337-023-00797-w
- Wijnant K, et al. Stress responsiveness and emotional eating depend on mood status and leptin levels in youngsters. Nutrients (2021). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/10/3654
- Sarto HM, et al. Efficacy of a mindful-eating programme to reduce emotional eating in adults with overweight/obesity: a randomised controlled trial. Public Health Nutrition (2019). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6886952/
- Al-Musharaf S. Prevalence and predictors of emotional eating among healthy young women. Nutrients (2020). https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/2923
- Delestre F, et al. The impact of hypnosis and self-hypnosis on weight, self-esteem, stress and anxiety in obese patients. Clinical Trial NCT03485469 (2018). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03485469
- Pellegrini M, et al. The use of self-help strategies in obesity treatment: a systematic review. Journal of Obesity and Eating Disorders (2021). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8408071/
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behaviour therapy for obesity: systematic review. University of York (1998). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/CRDWeb/ShowRecord.asp?ID=11997008373
Educational Note
This is provided for educational purposes only. It summarises clinical research and professional guidelines relevant to hypnotherapy, nutrition and behavioural change. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Clients are encouraged to discuss any changes to medication or treatment with their GP or healthcare provider.
Contact Claire Russell or Shane Murphy today to discuss your needs and how we can help
