Does Hypnosis Really Work to Quit Smoking Cessation?

Many individuals face a considerable hurdle when attempting to quit smoking due to the addictive properties of nicotine and the habitual nature of the act itself. While conventional techniques such as nicotine replacement therapy, medications, and counseling have shown varying levels of effectiveness, hypnosis has emerged as an alternative method that taps into the influence of the subconscious mind. You might be wondering whether hypnosis works for quitting smoking.

Let’s understand how hypnosis can aid in smoking cessation and what outcomes one can anticipate from this approach.

How Does Hypnosis Work to Quit Smoking Cessation?

Smoking cessation is a challenging journey that many individuals struggle with, often seeking various methods to overcome their habit.  One such method that has gained popularity is hypnosis. But does hypnosis really work to quit smoking? Let’s explore this question through several key aspects, including how to use hypnosis to quit smoking, the number of sessions required, and finding local hypnotherapy services.

How to Use Hypnosis to Quit Smoking

Hypnosis for smoking cessation involves guiding individuals into a trance-like state where they become more open to suggestions. This state of heightened focus and relaxation allows the hypnotherapist to introduce new thought patterns and behaviors aimed at reducing the urge to smoke. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use hypnosis to quit smoking:

Selecting a Qualified Hypnotherapist: The first step is to find a reputable and certified hypnotherapist. Look online, go to Yelp, look at their websites, and read their reviews.

A 30-Minute Assessment: During the initial session, the hypnotherapist will gather information about your smoking habits, triggers, and motivations. This helps you tailor the hypnosis sessions to your specific needs.

Mild to Moderate Smokers: If Client is smoking a pack or less, there is one 3 hour session. 55 minutes is the hypnosis part of the session. We would record that and the Client listens to it each day ideally, for 10-14 days. 

Induction into Hypnosis: The hypnotherapist will guide you into a relaxed state, often through verbal cues and guided imagery. This state of focused attention is where the real work begins.

Suggestion Phase: While you are in this relaxed state, the hypnotherapist will suggest new ways of thinking about smoking. This might include associating smoking with negative feelings or reinforcing positive feelings about being smoke-free.

Techniques: Some hypnotherapists teach clients techniques, exercises, or tools to create more calm, relaxation, and clarity to help them stay non-smokers permanently. 

How Many Hypnosis Sessions to Quit Smoking?

The number of hypnosis sessions required to quit smoking varies depending on several factors, such as the individual’s level of addiction, smoking history, and personal commitment to quitting. Here’s a general overview:

Mild to Moderate Smokers: For those who smoke a pack or less than a pack a day, a 30 minute session to answer questions about your habit and a single 3-hour session is all that is needed. 

Heavier smokers, over a pack, we will do two sessions of 2 hours each.

Chronic or Long-Term Smokers: Those with a long history of smoking may need ongoing sessions over several weeks to break the habit altogether, although this is rare.

Hypnosis to Stop Smoking

Hypnosis is effective in aiding individuals to quit smoking, as evidenced by a multitude of personal accounts and several scientific investigations. By focusing on the subconscious mind, where habits and addictions are firmly established, hypnosis offers several significant benefits.

Changing Associations: Hypnosis can help change the mental associations linked with smoking. For instance, the hypnotherapist might suggest that smoking is associated with negative sensations such as nausea or disgust instead of pleasure and relaxation.

Enhancing Motivation: Hypnotic suggestions can reinforce the smoker’s motivation to quit. By focusing on the benefits of a smoke-free life, such as better health and improved quality of life, hypnosis can strengthen the individual’s resolve.

Reducing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms: Hypnosis can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which are common triggers for smoking.

Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Many smokers struggle with self-doubt about their ability to quit. Hypnosis can enhance self-confidence, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke.

Final Thoughts

Hypnotherapy is a successful method for quitting smoking by tapping into the subconscious mind.  Regardless of whether you smoke a few cigarettes a day, or a few packs a day and have been a smoker for many years, hypnosis offers a customized and encouraging strategy to aid in quitting.

Ava Evans has been practicing hypnotherapy for over 21 years and has helped well over a thousand people to quit smoking. If you want to quit, you will.