Introduction
The battle against smoking can be a tough one, and many people are constantly looking for effective ways to quit. One method that has been gaining popularity over the years is hypnotherapy. However, the question remains: does hypnosis work to stop smoking? This blog post aims to shed light on this topic and provide a comprehensive understanding of how hypnotherapy can aid in smoking cessation.
Understanding Hypnotherapy
Before we delve into whether hypnosis works to stop smoking, it’s essential to understand what hypnotherapy entails. Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness known as trance. In this state, your attention is so focused that anything going on around you is temporarily blocked out or ignored.
In this deeply focused state, you can turn your attention completely inward to find and utilise the natural resources deep within yourself that can help you make changes or regain control in certain areas of your life like quitting smoking. It is a perfectly natural and safe state
Does Hypnosis Work to Stop Smoking?
The effectiveness of hypnosis in helping people quit smoking has been a subject of debate for many years. Some studies suggest that it can be an effective tool for smoking cessation, while others argue that more research needs to be done.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology analyzed 48 studies involving more than 6,000 participants and found that hypnosis was three times more effective than nicotine replacement methods and 15 times more effective than trying to quit without help.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone responds equally well to hypnosis. For some people, it may work wonders; for others, not so much. The key lies in individual differences such as personal commitment levels and susceptibility towards hypnotic suggestions.
How Does Hypnotherapy Help Quit Smoking?
Hypnotherapy works by addressing the subconscious mind – the part of your mind that controls habits and cravings. During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will help you go into a relaxed state and then suggest ideas, concepts, and lifestyle adaptations to your subconscious mind. These suggestions aim to help you develop a new positive relationship with smoking and strengthen your willpower to resist the urge to smoke.
For instance, the therapist might suggest that cigarette smoke smells like car exhaust or that smoking will leave your mouth feeling extremely dry. These negative associations can help deter you from lighting up a cigarette.
The Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Smoking Cessation
Hypnotherapy offers several benefits for those trying to quit smoking:
1. It’s Natural and safe : Unlike nicotine patches or gums, hypnosis does not rely on any substances or chemicals. It’s a natural method of tapping into your own mental power.
2. It Addresses Root Causes: Hypnosis goes beyond just suppressing smoking cravings; it helps address the root cause of your addiction, whether it’s stress, anxiety, or boredom.
3. It Can Be Customized: Hypnotherapy can be tailored to suit individual needs and circumstances, making it more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Conclusion
So, does hypnosis work to stop smoking? The answer is not straightforward as it largely depends on individual responses and commitment levels. However, research suggests that when done correctly by a trained professional, hypnotherapy can be an effective tool in helping people quit smoking.
Remember that quitting smoking is a journey that requires patience and commitment. While hypnosis can provide significant support in this journey, it should ideally be used in conjunction with other methods like behavioural changes and medical support for best results. Johan combines hypnotherapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is a very powerful combination
If you’re considering hypnotherapy as an option to quit smoking:
Johan is the Glasgow Hypnotherapist for the National Stop Smoking Centres. Book your sessions through National Stop Smoking Centres and receive 3 years after care
Contact 0115 888 0808 /07944 304 224 to book your session