Stop Smoking Permanently
I help men and women stop smoking permanently
with hypnotherapy, to change not only the habits, but also discover the subconscious reasons why they continue a habit they
did not want.
For most people, the absolute worst way to attempt to
deal with a smoking habit is through the use of willpower . Like moods and emotions, willpower fluctuates. One
day it is strong. The next day may be a down day, and willpower fades. It is usually neither consistent nor effective.
Eliminate the desire
Among stop-smoking procedures there are countless methods,
programs, substitute products, oils, chewing gums, self-help tapes and books,etc. Many are designed to help build up
the personal power to resist or overcome the addiction. Hypnotherapy does not work at achieving the strength to resist.
It is designed to eliminate the desire. Instead of giving up something that a person enjoys (a sacrifice), the individual's
goal is to be rid of something that isn't wanted- a much more agreeable position psychologically.
Reasons for Smoking Cigarettes
There are two principle reasons for smoking: Identification,
and Replacement. Identification is the situation in which the smoker indulges in the habit because others whom he admires
do so - parents, peers, entertainment or sports fugures,etc. Identification smoking is the most common and the easiest
to eliminate.
Replacement smoking occurs when smoking is used to
replace some deficit in life - lack of companionship, love, acceptance, self-esteem, security, independance, ect. - or to
replace some pre-existing habit such as overeating, reaction to anxiety or boredom, etc. Replacement smokers often derive
sensual gratification from smoking - they enjoy touching or feeling the cigarettes, tapping th pack, seeing the flame of a
lighter or the curling of rising smoke, or the smell of the burning tobacco. Often the lighting of the cigarette (or
cigar or pipe) in itself becomes a ritual. Replacement smoking is quite often a true and severe addiction.
The Nature of Smoking Cigarettes
In some cases a gradual reduction in the number of
cigarettes smoked proves successful. Of many procedures available the hypnotherapist will select that which is most
approprate for the individual client. In some cases, effective cessation of smoking can be achieved in a single session.
In other cases three, four or five sessions may be required. Individual sessions have the advantage of being adjustable
to deal with the causes of the habit, the gratifications provided, the characteristics of the clients and similar matters
not fitting group work.
It is important to determine just what personal
need is satisfied by smoking. Some smokers seek to fill a need to nurture themselves - lessen loneliness or get a "pick-up"
at the start of or during the day. Others feel smoking will relieve stress or provide moments of relaxation. Still
more feel cigarette smoking makes social contacts more comfortable. The problem is that a habit adopted to meet a special
need often proves destructive, eliminating the need by destroying the smoker.
Visualization or Using Your Imagination
One of the most powerful attributes of the human psyche
is the power to use imagaination. Many hypnotherapists, working with many types of problems, program clients to
accept the belief that, "What the mind can conceive, you can achieve!" this concept is common in fields of meditation,
positive thinking, spiritual faith and others.
Hypnotherapy can help develop and focus the powers
of imagination. And since imagination 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 imagine
one's self as a non-smoker, free from past effects of the habit, filled with new health, energy and vitality, is a major asset. This
enables the client to picture in the mind cigarettes as unappealing, bad tasting, foul smelling and otherwise revolting.
Likewise it is possible to picture and otherwise sense clean breath, healthy appearance, sensitive tastes.
Through the use of imagination a smoker can
perceive himself/herself as looking healthier, more active, in better physical condition, with easier breathing, stronger
lungs and similar advantages. Through hypnotherapy senses of sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste all can be enhanced
and used to modify reactions as necessary to achieve goals.
Reinforcing the Stop Smoking Program
Once a smoker has achieved success in a stop-smoking
program it is necessary to reinforce the progamming that led to the cessation of the practice. Smoking habits are acquired
over a long period of time. Even though the smoker may have ceased smoking, the habit is likely to still be active.
But like most activities, if not used, it tends to fade and disappear. The hypnotherapist will take measures to reinforce
the programming during the period (perhaps a couple of months) required for the habit to weaken, providing a personalized CD
to maintain success until the habit itself is gone.
What can the client expectSeeing Me to Quit Smoking
My program involves a first session in which I gather
all the information from the client about specific habits and triggers concerning the smoking habit. Once I have
that information I then ask the client what new option for each old habit would the client rather use in place
of smoking the cigarette. Based on the information I gather I then write a script which I say to the client on
the next visit while the client is hypnotized. I also have made, by the second visit, a CD saying the same words which
are given to the client under hypnosis for re-enforcement, this CD is kept short, about 12 min. long and easy to listen to,
as well as a good relaxing meditation.
The reason my program works to Stop Smoking
Every client comes to me with their own individual
habits and triggers and the changes and new options each client desires is differant from another client, this also holds
true for the benefits which differ from client to client. This is called "client centered hypnotherapy", I deal with
each client as an individual and based on their history I guide them to achieve what they desire to accomplish
and the results are permanent.
