Virginia Erhardt, Ph.D. will offer her second in a series of self-hypnosis classes at the Orcas Island Library, this time exploring individual causative factors resulting in excess weight; choosing your desired goal; and helping you to state your goal and the suggestions necessary to achieve that goal in constructive hypnotic language. After discussing the basics of hypnosis and self-hypnosis in general, she will teach you to induce, deepen, and emerge from your hypnotic trance.

“If you’ve tried every method imaginable to lose weight, and you’re sick of yo-yo dieting, perhaps it’s time to try a new way that will help you achieve lasting better health,” Erhardt said. “Dieting rarely produces permanent results because only your conscious mind is engaged and because complex emotional issues are not addressed.”

In the class, students will uncover the underlying reasons behind their eating habits, and understand how they developed.

“You’ll also learn self-hypnosis to harness your imagination and your subconscious mind, empowering yourself to create a new, long-term relationship between your mind, your emotions, and your body, resulting in the capacity to change your life,” Erhardt said.

Classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on four consecutive Thursdays from Oct. 21 to Nov. 11. The cost of all four classes is $20, which will be donated to the library. Erhardt is a Licensed Psychologist with a private practice in Eastsound. She is certified in Clinical Hypnosis by the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis. The class is limited to 25 adults. Call the library at 376-4985 to reserve space. Call Erhardt at 317-4555 with questions.