Alternative weight-loss methods examine issues that cause overeating.

Byline: Young Chang

SEATTLE _ Some people trying to lose weight don't bother much with calories. They avoid the four-letter-D-word the way Atkins devotees shun carbs and instead focus on psychological counseling and spiritual coaching to address what's often considered the root of the problem: emotional eating.

"A lot of (such methods) have to do with reprogramming people," said Brent Wisse, co-director of the weight-disorders clinic at the University of Washington.

Counseling is "very effective" in dealing with binge eating and nocturnal eating, he said. "And it certainly can be a tremendous key to weight loss."

At weight-loss programs that focus on counseling, leaders say the solution is always long term.

"People are getting more in tune with natural health and learning that drugs and medications and quick fixes aren't the way to go in the long run," said Sheryl Manchester, regional director at Positive Changes Hypnosis Center in Bellevue, Wash., part of a national franchise. "They're so sick of the yo-yo dieting and feeling like food consumes their life completely."

Here's a sample of nondiet weight-loss programs:

HYPNOSIS

Once considered a mysterious practice involving bookish doctors, fainting couches and pocket watches, hypnosis today is considered mainstream treatment for addictions and overeating.

At Lighten Up! in Seattle, director Katie Evans offers group sessions, one-on-one meetings and hypnosis tapes. Evans, a state-registered hypnotherapist, has been in the business for 17 years. Hers is a for-profit center.

First-time visitors start with a free consultation/hypnosis that lasts 45 minutes to an hour. If they like what happens, they discuss payment options _ from $16 a week (most often for eight to 10 months) to $947 up front for a year.

The main program starts with four weekly foundation classes, in groups of eight to 10.…