Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy that uses hypnosis to help persons overcome a range of challenges, including smoking cessation.

It works by putting an individual in a relaxation state  during which the hypnotherapist can suggest positive changes in their thoughts and behavior.

Hypnosis is often used in conjunction with other therapies and approaches, such as nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic approach to smoking cessation.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses hypnosis to help a person achieve a state of deep relaxation and focus. In this state, the person is more open to suggestions and has easier access to  their subconscious.

It can help in making positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

 During a hypnotherapy session, a trained therapist can place you in hypnosis, which is a natural state of altered consciousness.

In this state, you may experience  heightened awareness and relaxation, and the attention of the treatment may be more focused on internal experiences such as thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

The therapist can use a variety of techniques to help the you achieve your therapy goals, such as: Suggestion therapy, where the therapist makes positive suggestions to your subconscious  to help overcome negative habits or beliefs.

You may also benefit from past life regression therapy, where you can be taken to past events to better understand and comprehend their current struggles or issues.

 Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, phobias, depression, chronic pain and addictions.

It is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified and licensed therapist and has been shown to be effective in helping people make positive changes in their lives.

How hypnotherapy is used to stop smoking

hypnotherapy aims to help individuals quit smoking by addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to their smoking habit.

It is important to note that while hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for smoking cessation, It requires commitment and effort from the individual to succeed.

Hypnotherapy can be used to help quit smoking in several ways:

• Identifying triggers

Hypnotherapy will enable you identify your smoking triggers, such as stress or anxiety, and develop coping mechanisms to deal with these triggers without resorting to smoking.

• Changing thought patterns

Hypnotherapy can help in changing thought patterns about smoking. For example, viewing smoking as a negative habit, rather than a positive one.

• Visualizing success

Hypnotherapy will help you visualize as a non-smoker, and reinforce positive associations with being a non-smoker.

• Reducing cravings

It helps in reducing the cravings for nicotine, and this will make it easier for you to quit smoking.

• Managing withdrawal symptoms

Hypnotherapy helps in managing the physical and emotional symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as irritability, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

 Additionally, always seek out a qualified hypnotherapist and a program that will help you in quitting smoking for the best results.

Selecting a qualified hypnotherapist

When choosing a hypnotherapist to help you quit smoking, it’s important to choose someone who is qualified, experienced, and professional.

Here are some tips to help you find a qualified smoking cessation hypnotherapist:

1.Check Qualifications and Certifications

Look for a certified hypnotherapist from a recognized professional body, such as the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the National Board for Certified Clinical hypnotherapists.

Check their qualifications and certificates.

2. Look for Experience

It is important to select a hypnotherapist who has experience in helping people quit smoking. Ask the hypnotherapist how many people they have helped  quit smoking and what their success rate is.

 3.Read Reviews and Testimonials

Search online for  reviews or testimonials from previous clients who have used a hypnotherapist to quit smoking. This can help you get an idea of ​​the efficiency and professionalism of the hypnotherapist.

 4.Ask for a referral

You can also ask your doctor, friends, or family to refer you to a qualified hypnotherapist to help you quit smoking.

5.Make a Consultation Appointment

Before deciding on a hypnotherapist, make a consultation appointment to discuss their approach, ask questions, and determine if you are comfortable working with them. 

 It is important to choose a  qualified, experienced,  and professional hypnotherapist with whom you feel comfortable.

What to expect during a hypnotherapy session

During a  stop smoking hypnosis session, you can expect to work with a qualified hypnotherapist who will transport you into a state of deep relaxation and focus.

Here are some general steps that may occur during a smoking cessation hypnotherapy session: 

•  Discussion of your smoking habits

The hypnotherapist will ask you questions about your smoking history, how often you smoke, what drives you to smoke, and other related topics.

This is important in understanding your unique smoking behavior, which will help your hypnotherapist design a personalized hypnotherapy session for you.

•  Induction

Your hypnotherapist will put you into a state of deep relaxation using techniques such as visualization, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Once you are relaxed, the hypnotherapist uses imagery and guided suggestion to help you reach a state of heightened suggestibility.

•  Tip

Your hypnotherapist will use positive suggestions and visualizations to help you change your smoking-related thoughts and behaviors.

This may include suggestions that you would like to stop smoking or that you find smoking uncomfortable or unattractive.

• Reinforcement

The hypnotherapist can reinforce  suggestions by repeating them during sessions or by recording them for later listening.

This helps reinforce the positive changes you want to make. 

•  Awakening

At the end of the session, the hypnotherapist will gradually guide you towards full awakening. After a session, you may feel relaxed and calm, and you may notice a lessening of your desire to smoke.

 Note that, hypnotherapy is not a miracle cure for smoking cessation, it is most effective when used in conjunction with other smoking cessation strategies such as counseling, focus group support  and nicotine replacement therapy.

 Techniques used during the hypnotherapy session

During a smoking cessation hypnotherapy session, a trained therapist uses various techniques that will help you break your smoking habit.

These are some techniques that can be used during a hypnotherapy session to help you quit smoking:

1.Relaxation Techniques

Hypnotherapy sessions usually begin with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization.

These techniques help  calm the mind and relax the body, making it easier for the client to enter the hypnotic state.

2.Suggestion Therapy

During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist may use suggestion therapy to help you change your thoughts and behaviors related to smoking.

This may include suggesting positive affirmations such as “I don’t smoke” or visualizing a smoke-free future.

3.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of therapy that aims to help people change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. During a smoking cessation hypnotherapy session, the therapist may use CBT techniques to help you identify and challenge  negative thoughts and beliefs about smoking.

 4.Anchoring

Anchoring is a technique for associating a specific feeling or emotion with a specific trigger. During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will enable you to create an anchor that you can use to evoke positive emotions or feelings when craving a cigarette.

5.Regression Therapy

Regression therapy will take you back in time to examine the root cause of your smoking habit. This may involve exploring past trauma or negative experiences that may have contributed to the development of the habit.

By identifying these underlying issues, you will be in a better position to understand your smoking habits and work to overcome them.

Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for smoking cessation, and the techniques used during the sessions depend on your needs and goals.

After the hypnotherapy session

After a hypnotherapy session designed to help you quit smoking, it is important to take the time to reflect on the experience and to follow  any hypnotherapist’s suggestions or techniques.

Consider taking into consideration these steps after a hypnosis session:

 a)Reflection

Take  time to reflect on your experiences during the hypnotherapy session. What tips or techniques did the hypnotherapist use? Did you feel relaxed during the session? How do you feel now?

This reflection can help you better understand the impact of a session and how you can use it to achieve your goal of quitting smoking.

b)Follow Suggestions

If the hypnotherapist has given any suggestions or techniques, be sure to follow  them. For example, they may suggest repeating certain affirmations or visualization exercises.

By following  these tips, you can amplify the positive messages conveyed during your sessions and  solidify your commitment to quitting smoking. 

 c)Practice relaxation techniques

Hypnotherapy often involves relaxation techniques to help you feel calm and focused. Practicing these techniques on your own can help  reduce the stress and anxiety that can be triggers for quitting smoking.

Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are powerful relaxation techniques  you can use yourself.

d)Stay Committed

Quitting smoking can be difficult, and staying true to your goal is important. Remind yourself why you want to quit smoking and focus on the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.

If you feel like smoking, consider the positive suggestions given during  hypnotherapy sessions.

 e)Seek additional support

Hypnotherapy can be  helpful  in quitting smoking, but it’s not a magic wand. If you’re having trouble quitting smoking, consider getting additional help from a doctor, support group, or smoking cessation hotline.

Also, consider using the hypnotherapy in conjunction with a nicotine replacement therapy like using aromatherapy inhalers , gums or patches.

Benefits of hypnotherapy for smoking cessation

Hypnotherapy is an effective technique that helps many quit smoking. Taking an initiative to quit smoking is not easy, but it comes with many benefits.

Reduced cravings: Hypnotherapy can help you reduce the intensity of nicotine cravings by targeting the subconscious mind. This ultimately makes it easier to resist the urge to smoke.

Increased motivation: It can increase the motivation to quit smoking by helping you focus on the benefits of being a non-smoker, such as improved health and finances.

Reduced stress and anxiety: Hypnotherapy will enable you to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for smoking. Stress is among the common nicotine withdrawal effects and hypnosis will curb this problem.

Addressing underlying issues: Hypnotherapy will help identify and address underlying emotional or psychological issues that may be contributing to your smoking habits.

Customized treatment: This treatment can be customized to an individual’s specific needs, allowing for personalized treatment that is tailored to their unique smoking habits and triggers.

If you realize you have a challenge with issues like lack of enough sleep and anxiety, you can have your program customized for that particular challenge.

Long-term success: Hypnotherapy has long-term success rates in helping individuals quit smoking, with some studies showing success rates of up to 80%.

Hypnotherapy is an effective and holistic approach to smoking cessation that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Side Effects of Hypnotherapy

When it comes to quitting smoking, hypnotherapy is an effective treatment option.

It is important to note that the negative effects of hypnotherapy on quitting smoking are relatively rare, and many individuals find hypnotherapy to be a helpful and effective treatment option

However, there can be negative effects of hypnotherapy on quitting smoking for some individuals including: 

1.Anxiety: Hypnotherapy can cause anxiety in some individuals. This may be due to the deep relaxation state induced during hypnosis, which can be unsettling for some people.

2.Resistance: You may be resistant to hypnotherapy or may find it difficult to enter a trance-like state. This can make the treatment less effective.

3.Reliance: There is also a risk that using hypnotherapy to quit smoking may become overly reliant on the treatment. This can make it difficult for you to quit smoking on your own if you do not have access to hypnotherapy.

. It is important to speak with a qualified hypnotherapist to determine whether hypnotherapy is a good option for you, and to discuss any potential risks or side effects of the treatment.

Other smoking cessation alternatives

Quitting smoking can be achieved through various ways. As long as you are disciplined and patient, you can come out a winner and stop smoking for good.

Some of other smoking cessation programs are:

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT involves using products that you replace nicotine with. These products help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They include:

1. gums
2.  patches
3. lozenges
4.  inhalers 

• Medications

There are several prescription medications that can help you quit smoking. These include bupropion and varenicline, which also work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

• Behavioral Therapy

This therapy  can help you identify the triggers that make you want to smoke and develop strategies for avoiding those triggers. This type of therapy help in developing coping skills to deal with nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

• Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles into specific points on the body. It is a great idea that will help you in curbing the urge to smoke.

• Exercise

Regular  exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for smoking. Exercise can also help boost mood and increase energy levels, that way you will stay motivated to quit smoking.

It’s important to note that different methods work for different people, and it may take some trial and error to find the right approach for you. The good thing is that most on NRT works as long as you use them appropriately.

FAQs

How successful is hypnotherapy for stopping smoking?

The success of hypnotherapy for smoking cessation varies from person to person and the  technique used. Besides, being positive with the process is key.

 Hypnotherapy is a comprehensive smoking cessation program that includes other interventions and support. Interventions includes using nicotine replacement therapy such as the inhalers to supplement the hypnosis treatment.

How long does it take for hypnosis to work for smoking?

The success of hypnosis for smoking cessation also depends on the individual’s level of motivation, their willingness to quit smoking, and their commitment to making lifestyle changes to support their efforts.

Some people may see immediate results after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions before they experience any significant changes in their smoking behavior.

Besides, it may depend on what kind of a challenge you are trying to solve. For example, sleep hypnotherapy may take shorter sessions than depression.

What Is the smartest way to quit smoking?

Quitting smoking is a process, and it may take several attempts before you successfully quit for good. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and keep trying until you achieve your goal of becoming a non-smoker.

Some strategies that help includes:

• Set a quit date
• Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
• Seek support
• Identify triggers
• Consider counseling
• Stay active
• Practice stress-reducing techniques

Final Verdict

Hypnotherapy works. It has helped many and it can do the same to you. All you need is choose the right hypnotherapy program to help you quit smoking.

Besides, hypnosis works more better when used together with a nicotine replacement therapy. Hypnotherapy may take longer if used alone, that’s where NRT kit comes in!