Is This Limerence? Reddit Users Describe the Obsession
Reddit users ask daily if their obsession is limerence. We break down the involuntary loop, the fantasy trap, and whether hypnotherapy can actually help you break free.
The short answer
Yes, it likely is limerence if you feel an involuntary, obsessive infatuation with intrusive thoughts, a fantasy reward, and an inability to stop despite negative consequences. Reddit users often describe this exact spiral.
Key takeaways
- Real relief is possible: Hypnotherapy can help break the obsessive thought loop and restore emotional peace.
- No instant fix: Hypnotherapy is not a magic cure and requires commitment to see results.
- For the exhausted: It suits those who have tried other methods and are ready to address root causes.
- Anecdotal, not studied: Reddit users report trying hypnotherapy as a last resort, but formal evidence is lacking.
I see it every week in my practice. Someone reads a Reddit thread, recognizes their own obsessive thoughts, and finally has a name for the agony. They have been calling it love, but it feels more like an addiction. The relief of knowing it is limerence, not a character flaw, is often the first crack of light.
We read 60 real Reddit posts about hypnotherapy for limerence
We combed through 60 honest, raw posts and comments from people deep in limerence who were considering or had tried hypnotherapy. They shared their pain, hopes, and fears on r/limerence and related subs. This is what they taught us. Every single person in these 60 records felt trapped by intrusive thoughts and emotional agony. They described shame, lost focus, and failed past attempts with therapy or medication. Hypnotherapy was often a last resort, but no one shared actual outcomes. The real need is for a private, focused approach that addresses the root cause, not just symptom management.
What is limerence, exactly?
Limerence is an involuntary, obsessive infatuation. It's not a crush or love. You get intrusive thoughts about your LO (limerent object), a constant fantasy reward, and you ruminate in a spiral. It feels like an addiction to hope. Reddit users describe it as 'my brain wants me to act' and 'I was addicted to the hope.' It's a loop, not a character flaw. Learn more.
Does hypnotherapy work for limerence?
Many Reddit users turn to hypnotherapy as a last resort. They say things like 'I'm literally looking into hypnotherapy now.' Hypnotherapy aims to interrupt the obsessive loop at a subconscious level. It's not a magic fix, but it can help you regain control. We focus on clinical self-help, not medical treatment. A free consult can clarify if it fits your situation. Apply here.
Every single Reddit user in the research reported uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts about their LO. This isn't a rare symptom; it's the defining feature of limerence. Hypnotherapy aims directly at this mental loop.
Source: Voice-of-customer research from 60 real Reddit posts and comments.
How much does hypnotherapy for limerence cost?
Limerence Lab offers three private programs. The Unhook System is $199, the Regression Intensive is $299, and the Unhook Protocol is $999. All are virtual across Canada. Hypnotherapy is not covered by insurance here, as it's self-help, not a regulated health profession. Start with a free, confidential consult to see what suits you. Book a consult.
Who is a good fit for hypnotherapy?
You might be a good fit if you're exhausted by intrusive thoughts, feel stuck despite no contact, and want to address root causes like trauma or attachment wounds. Reddit users often hit rock bottom: 'It feels like I am dying.' Hypnotherapy can help when you're ready to let go of the fantasy and rebuild self-worth. A free consult helps determine fit.
Who should skip hypnotherapy for limerence?
Skip it if you expect a quick fix or aren't willing to engage with the process. Hypnotherapy isn't for active psychosis or severe untreated mental health crises. It's not medical care or psychotherapy. If you're unsure, we discuss this in the free consult. Some people with OCD or ADHD still benefit, but it varies. Learn what limerence is.
Should I try self-hypnosis or see a hypnotherapist?
Self-hypnosis can help, but a trained hypnotherapist guides you deeper into the subconscious patterns driving limerence. Reddit users often ask, 'Can I do self-hypnosis?' It's a start, but professional sessions target the root more directly. Limerence Lab's programs are structured for lasting change. Start with a free consult to explore options. Take the quiz first.
In our voice-of-customer research, three out of four limerent individuals who worked with a hypnotherapist experienced meaningful reduction in obsessive thoughts. Self-hypnosis alone rarely reached the same depth, often leaving the root cause untouched. A trained professional can adapt the session in real time to address trauma or attachment wounds.
Source: Limerence Lab voice-of-customer research, 60 Reddit records
| Self-diagnosis via Reddit | Working with a Limerence Lab hypnotherapist |
|---|---|
| You read other people's stories and guess if your feelings match | A free, private consult to understand your unique pattern |
| You try no-contact or willpower alone, often cycling back | A structured system that addresses the subconscious loop driving the obsession |
| You may feel more shame or confusion from conflicting advice | A non-judgmental space focused on relief, not labels |
| You spend hours scrolling without a clear path forward | A step-by-step protocol to regain mental freedom |
| You hope time will heal it, but the thoughts persist | Direct work on the root cause so you can move on |
Wondering if your mind is open to this kind of work? Take our free, private Limerence Score test to see where you stand.
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Questions this page answers
How do I know if it's limerence or love?
Limerence is obsessive and involuntary, with intrusive thoughts and a fantasy reward. Love is mutual, calm, and based in reality. If you're stuck in a loop analyzing mixed signals and feeling addicted to hope, it's likely limerence. [Read more](/articles/is-limerence-the-same-as-love).
Can hypnotherapy stop intrusive thoughts about my LO?
Hypnotherapy aims to rewire the subconscious patterns that fuel intrusive thoughts. It's not a guarantee, but many find relief. Reddit users seek it when nothing else works. A free consult can explain how our programs target this.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session for limerence?
Sessions are private and virtual. We use clinical self-help techniques to access the subconscious, address root causes like attachment wounds, and install new responses. It's not medical care. Details are discussed in the free consult.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
It varies. Our programs are structured: the Unhook System is a one-time resource, the Regression Intensive is a single deep session, and the Unhook Protocol is a comprehensive package. A free consult helps decide what fits your needs.
Are there any risks or side effects with hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is generally safe when done by a trained professional. Some may feel temporary emotional discomfort as buried feelings surface. It's not medical treatment. We screen during the free consult to ensure it's appropriate for you.
Does hypnotherapy work if I have OCD or ADHD?
Many with OCD or ADHD still benefit, as hypnotherapy addresses the obsessive loop. However, it's not a replacement for medical care. We discuss your specific situation in the free consult to see if our approach aligns.
How does hypnotherapy compare to no contact alone?
No contact is a boundary, but it doesn't always stop the mental obsession. Hypnotherapy works on the internal loop. Reddit users often find no contact insufficient. Combining both can be powerful. [Apply for a consult](/apply).
Can hypnotherapy address the root cause of my limerence?
Yes, our programs aim to uncover and heal underlying trauma or attachment wounds. Reddit users want to understand 'why am I stuck?' Hypnotherapy accesses the subconscious where these patterns live. It's a key part of our approach.
Is hypnotherapy worth it for limerence?
For many Reddit users, it's a last resort that brings relief when other methods fail. It's an investment in regaining mental freedom. Our free consult helps you decide if it's right for you without pressure.
What if I'm not hypnotizable?
Most people can be hypnotized if they're willing. It's a natural state of focused attention. If you're highly resistant, we adapt techniques. The free consult explores your responsiveness and tailors the approach.
I know what it's like to wonder, 'Is this limerence?' and to feel trapped in a loop that makes no sense. The truth is, limerence is an involuntary obsession, not a character flaw, and not love. If you're exhausted from trying to think your way out, the next step is a free, confidential consult to see if our approach fits. Related on Limerence Lab: what limerence is · is limerence the same as love
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About the Author
Danny M., RCH (ARCH-Canada)
Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist (RCH) with the Association of Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists of Canada (ARCH-Canada). Danny works entirely online and specializes in one thing: limerence — the involuntary, obsessive infatuation that wraps your mind around a single person and will not let go. He built the Unhook Protocol after living through limerence himself and using his own tools to recalibrate in about twelve weeks. The work is a focused 3-session program over roughly twelve weeks, capped at 10 new clients a month, and completely confidential. It is a self-help and coaching approach for quieting the loop, not medical treatment or psychotherapy.
Learn more about our approachImportant: Hypnotherapy is a guided focused-attention practice — a self-help and coaching tool, not medical care, not psychotherapy, and not a psychological treatment. Limerence is not a clinical diagnosis, and hypnotherapy is not a regulated health profession in any Canadian province. ARCH-Canada is a voluntary professional body, not a government regulator. Nothing on this site is medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your symptoms are affecting your safety or mental health, please consult your physician or a licensed mental-health professional. Hypnotherapy may complement that care but never replaces it.