Stop Smoking

For most people, the most challenging way to attempt to deal with a smoking habit is through the use of willpower.  Like moods and emotions, willpower tends to fluctuate. One day it is strong, another may be a down day and willpower fades. It is usually neither consistent nor effective.

There are countless methods available for a person to become a non smoker. Pills, gums, medications, substitute products, books are all designed to help build up personal power to overcome the addiction. Hypnotherapy is not designed to work at achieving the strength to resist. It is focused on eliminating the desire, a much more powerful motivator with long term benefits. Instead of giving up something that a person enjoys, (sacrifice), the individuals goal is to get rid of something that isn’t wanted - a much more agreeable position psychologically.

Reasons People Smoke
There are two principle reasons people smoke. Identification and Replacement. Identification is the situation in which the smoker indulges in the habit because others whom he admires do so- parents, mentors, or other figures that an individual may look up to.

Replacement smoking occurs when smoking is used to replace some deficit in life-lack of companionship, social acceptance, self-esteem, love, security, independence, etc. In some cases, it may be to replace some pre existing habit such as overeating, reaction to anxiety or boredom, etc. Replacement smokers often derive some sensual gratification from smoking- they enjoy touching or feeling the cigarettes, tapping the pack, seeing the flame of a lighter or the curling of rising smoke. Some may enjoy the taste or smell of tobacco. Replacement smoking is a deep seated and challenging addiction.

The Nature of Smoking
Since smoking is both physical and mental, success in a stop smoking effort must change not only the mental attitude, but the physical reaction. Through hypnosis it is possible to change the taste of a cigarette from pleasurable to unpleasurable. When this is accomplished problems often related to the cessation of smoking tend to be avoided. In some cases, the gradual reduction in the number of successful cigarettes smoked proves successful.  Of many procedures available, the hypnotherapist will select that which is most appropriate for the individual client.  A common question is “How many sessions will it take for me to become a non smoker?” It varies for each individual and some can quit in one session while most require a consistent regimen and reinforcement program to overcome what may be years of the habit. In fact, it is unrealistic to believe that everyone who has smoked for many years can break the habit in only one session. Having unrealistic expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment and failure. One of the benefits of individual sessions is having the advantage to adjust and deal with the causes of the habit, the gratifications provided, the characteristics of the clients and similar natters not fitting group work.

It is important to determine just what personal need is satisfied by smoking. Some smokers feel an unconscious need to nurture themselves, lessen loneliness or get a “pick-up” at the start or the end of a day. Others feel smoking will relieve stress or provide moments of relaxation. Still more may feel as if cigarettes allow better communication and social acceptance. It makes them comfortable to smoke while in bars, nightclubs or other social settings. The problem is that a habit adopted to meet a special need often proves destructive, eliminating the need by essentially destroying the smoker.

The risks involved in smoking have been stressed and analyzed for years.  The aversion techniques of psychotherapy, when used in hypnotherapeutic applications, can produce dramatic results.

The Power of Visualization
One of the most powerful attributes of the human psyche is the ability to visualize. Many hypnotherapists, working with many types of problems, program clients to accept the belief that “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve!” This concept is founded on real world application and is applicable in business, sports and personal performance applications.

Hypnotherapy can develop and focus the powers of visualization. And since visualization is frequently undeveloped in clients and since it can be learned, hypnotherapy can serve as a teaching modality.

In stop smoking programs the ability to visualize ones self as a non smoker, free from past effects of the habit, filled with new health, energy, and vitality, is a major asset. Visualization enables the client to produce a vivid picture in their mind that cigarettes are unappealing, bad tasting, foul smelling and otherwise revolting. Likewise, it is possible to experience and visualize clean breath, better breathing, healthy appearance and sensitive tastes.

Through visualization, a smoker can perceive a new life as a non smoker and associate all of the benefits of living a smoke free lifestyle. Breathing easier, stronger lungs, better skin are all benefits of quitting smoking. Not to mention the financial savings!

Once a smoker has achieved success in a stop smoking program, it is necessary to re inforce that programming that led to becoming a non smoker. Smoking habits are acquired over a long period of time. Even though the smoker may have ceased smoking activity, the habit is likely still active. But like most activities, if not used, it tends to fade and disappear completely. The hypnotherapist will take measures to reinforce the programming during the period (perhaps a few months) providing guidance and support during the transition time.

Our office can help smokers develop patterns of confidence and reinforcement while developing the mental skills to overcome the challenges of becoming a non smoker. We use the latest technology and technique to assist our clients in developing new habits and becoming smoke free