This is one of the most commonly associated services with hypnotherapy. Many hypnotherapists will have a specific stop/quit smoking programme or session(s) depending on the type of hypnosis that they offer. Recently this is expanding into vaping as well.

Smoking falls under the banner of addictions, of which there can be broadly two parts for smokers. The drug of nicotine and the habit of smoking which we might have associations with, such as socialising with friends.

Many approaches to help someone to quit smoking focus on the nicotine addiction. This is an important part and not the whole story. Hypnotherapists will tackle both the reaction to the withdrawal and the habits formed with your smoking.

Why Give up Smoking?

It is unlikely that anyone doesn’t know the research showing the negative impacts of smoking on health. Not just on our lungs with increased risk of serious disease; but our energy, teeth, loved ones around us, taste, smell, fertility…the list is fairly impressive as far as health reasons are concerned. 

So, if we all know this then why aren’t we giving up smoking?

The answer depends on a lot of factors, and is very personal. There may be a number of elements involved that you can discuss with your chosen professional.

Quite often a person might think that smoking helps them deal with stress. 

Ironically what many people don’t realise is that smoking does not reduce your stress. It is a stimulant.

Depending on the habit it might be that the way that someone breathes when they smoke has an effect on their mental state, which could be achieved without the cigarette.

Or in some cases people use smoking as a way to remove themselves from a situation or to join in with others socially.

Who wants to quit?

Whatever the reasons the key element that all hypnotherapists will want to make sure is that you are seeking help because YOU want to give up. Because unless you are the one who has sufficient reason to quit there is little they can do to help. They might help you identify those reasons, so longer as you are the one wanting to stop.

Have a chat with your chosen hypnotherapist and see how hypnosis can help you quit.