How Hypnosis Can Help Someone Stop Smoking
The reason it is hard to change a habit such as smoking is because your subconsious mind (which makes up 88% of your mind), likes what is known and familiar and sees change as unpleasant or painful. The conscious part of your mind which makes the decision to quit, (12% of your mind) can’t compete with the strong influence of the subconscious mind. The physically addictive part of smoking plays a part as well, however, after about three days, this usually passes. It is the mind which makes it difficult to quit.
When working with a smoker, the first question I ask, over the phone even before they come into my office, is “Why do you want to quit?” I’ll start getting them focused on freeing themselves from smoking and why that is important. My smoking cessation program involves four weekly sessions. They will quit at either the first or second session. At the beginning of each session, I will ask them “Give me the reasons why you want to free yourself from smoking.” I’ll have them write their reasons down on a 3×5 card and carry it with them. Repitition affects the subconscious mind.
For the first 30-40 minutes of each session, we’ll talk about when they smoke, why they smoke, what triggers them to smoke, and provide techniques for helping them deal with urges after they have quit.
The last 20 minutes of the hour session is the hypnosis part. Remember, during hypnosis the subconscious mind is much more open to suggestions. What we will do is create familiarity in the mind of the smoker to how good it will feel as a non smoker. We’ll do that partly with visualization; imagining a healthier life without smoking. I’ll give their reasons back to them in hypnosis. I’ll help them create a strong belief that not only is it possible for them to quit, but quit they will. With enough repition and reinforcement of new ideas and habits of thinking and behaving through hypnosis, the subconscious mind begins to align itself with the conscious desire to quit. If the motivation is there, quitting happens so easily that many ex- smokers are quite surprised. No wonder that smoking cessation is the number one reason people go to a hypnotherapist.
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Tman
Ted A. Moreno Personal/Small Business Coach Certified Hypnotherapist Specializing in Your Success www.TedMoreno.com (626) 826-0612
