subject: Can Hypnotherapy Help You Quit Smoking? [print this page] Can Hypnotherapy Help You Quit Smoking? Can Hypnotherapy Help You Quit Smoking?
Smoking can be a very hard habit to break, and unfortunately, even with all we know now about the dangers associated with smoking, many people are still unable to break this very harmful habit. If you're a smoker trying to quit, this may not seem like encouraging news, but here we will show you one stop smoking method which many people have found to be quite helpful: hypnosis.
When most people hear the word "hypnosis" they immediately think of some crack-pot waving a gold watch and snapping his/her fingers to induce a trance-like state, but true hypnosis is nothing like this picture. In smoking cessation hypnosis there are two different approaches available. Conventional hypnosis therapy is when the hypnotherapy sessions are conducted by a trained hypnotist who can take patients through a series of relaxation exercises and suggestion. While this is a very effective form of hypnosis, it can also be rather pricey.
What comes to mind when you hear the word "hypnosis?" If you're anything like most people, the word probably conjures up an image of some sideshow character at the county fair, but in reality, hypnosis is much more than that and is a very effective tool in the battle against nicotine cravings. Within the field of hypnosis there are two basic techniques, the first of these being the conventional type of hypnosis in which the sessions are directed and conducted by a trained professional. While these sessions can be quite expensive, they are also quite effective.
The second form of hypnosis, at least as it applies to smoking cessation, is self-directed hypnosis. Like the name suggests, self-directed hypnosis is a process in which the therapy sessions are self-conducted with the help of some sort of outline and tapes. If you choose to use hypnosis to help you quit smoking, self-directed hypnosis can save you a lot of money in the long run, but you have to truly dedicate yourself to the program.
Smoking is not only a habit, but for most it is also a very powerful addiction. Smokers who attempt to quit on their own often report powerful cravings that are difficult to manage. Hypnosis can help address some of these cravings by putting smokers into a relaxed state of mind and giving them the power to resist the moment of craving. Because smoking is both a physical and psychological addiction, hypnosis is effective due to its ability to both relax the body and the mind.
The success rate of smokers trying to quit "cold turkey" is abysmal, and the success rate for those using stop-smoking aids or pharmaceuticals alone is not much better. Research has shown, however, that those who combine stop-smoking aids, pharmaceuticals and hypnosis have a much better chance to quit than those not using hypnosis as part of their strategy. If you're trying to quit smoking, you don't have to do it alone. Hypnosis is a very helpful tool in the battle against smoking and it just may save your life.
