Learn more about holistic modalities, how they work, their benefits and what you can expect during a session.
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Written by Amanda Dounis
Smoking is more than just a habitâitâs a deeply ingrained dependency that impacts both the body and the mind. For many individuals, quitting smoking feels like quite a challenge. Despite trying patches, gum, or even going cold turkey, people still get the urge to light up a cigarette. If youâve struggled to quit, hypnotherapy offers a unique and effective approach.
As a professional counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist based in Sydney, I have seen countless individuals transform their lives by finally saying goodbye to cigarettes for good. But its really their choice. Their decision. Lets look at how this powerful method works and why it might be the solution youâve been searching for.
What Makes Smoking So Addictive?
Smoking is addictive because of a complex interaction of chemical, behavioural, and emotional factors. Nicotine, the primary addictive substance in cigarettes, acts quickly in the brain, creating a temporary sense of pleasure and relaxation. Thats right, its just temporary. Fooling you temporarily (and regularly). Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to stimulate the release of dopamineâthe chemical responsible for feelings of happiness and reward. Mind you have you ever wondered what methods non smokers use to release dopamine?
Addiction doesnât stop at the chemical level. Smoking often becomes intertwined with daily rituals, such as having a cigarette with coffee, during breaks, or in social settings. These behavioural patterns create strong psychological connections, making it difficult to separate smoking from your daily life. Some people cant imagine themselves not smoking. Meanwhile they had a whole childhood and usually early adult life without ever holding a cigarette (with a few exceptions of young teens who decided to smoke). Again, how do we get fooled?
Nicotine dependence lands in two ways: physical and psychological. Physically, the body craves nicotine, and withdrawal can cause symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Lets not forgetâŠattitude. Psychologically, smoking can become a coping mechanism for stress, boredom, or emotional distress. For many, cigarettes feel like a trusted companion, making the idea of quitting seem overwhelming. Yet this companion makes you smell, and isolated. Its become quite a lonely sport especially with all the âno smoking in this areaâ rules. I once heard how stressful a womanâs pregnancy is, and in the same sentence I heard that most women would not dare to light up a cigarette whilst pregnant. In fact thats when they quit immediately and cold turkey.
Traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), medications, or willpower alone often focus solely on the physical addiction. They fail to address the psychological and emotional roots of smoking. Without tackling the subconscious patterns that drive the habit, the chances of relapse remain high. Hypnotherapy bridges this gap by working directly with the subconscious mind, where these deeply ingrained patterns reside. I must add though, its not all just in the unconscious. The conscious part of you also wants to stop smoking. I guess the conscious and unconscious intelligence need to partner up to help with being successful and cessation. I find people are wishing they would quit way before they actually do. What a battle that can be.
Definition and Basic Principles
Hypnotherapy is a modality that uses guided relaxation, focused attention, and heightened suggestibility to help individuals achieve positive changes. Individuals will only achieve what they want to achieve. During a hypnotherapy session, the conscious mind takes a back seat, allowing the subconscious mind to become more receptive to new ideas and behaviours. Its considered a state. A state where change is invited to occur.
How Hypnotherapy Works for Addiction and Dependency
When it comes to smoking cessation, hypnotherapy helps reprogram the subconscious mind to break free from the triggers and habits associated with smoking. By replacing negative associations with positive ones, hypnotherapy empowers you to see smoking not as a source of relief but as an unnecessary and harmful habit you no longer need. You can also create other healthier habits for relief in areas where you need it. Its an opportunity to gain control of your life and your decision again.
Scientific studies have shown that hypnotherapy can activate specific areas of the brain responsible for focus, self-regulation, and decision-making. This heightened state of awareness enables individuals to internalise suggestions more effectively, leading to long-term behavioural changes.
Difference Between Stage Hypnosis and Therapeutic Hypnotherapy
Itâs essential to distinguish therapeutic hypnotherapy from stage hypnosis. While stage hypnosis is designed for entertainment, therapeutic hypnotherapy is a structured and client-centred practice. The focus is on helping you achieve your goals in a safe and supportive environment. I find many individuals are unclear about the simple and correct definition of hypnotherapy when used for therapeutic change. And tend to know more about the myths (without knowing they are myths).
Addressing Subconscious Triggers
Smoking is often triggered by specific situations or emotions. Hypnotherapy helps identify and neutralise these subconscious triggers, such as stress, social settings, or certain times of the day, making it easier to resist the urge to smoke. And to focus on something different instead.
Reprogramming Negative Habits
Through targeted suggestions, hypnotherapy replaces the automatic responses tied to smoking with healthier, more constructive behaviours. For example, instead of reaching for a cigarette when feeling stressed, you might be guided to take deep breaths or visualise something calming and relevant to you. During the pre-talk it will be determined what strategy will be best for you on an individual merit.
Reducing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Hypnotherapy can significantly reduce the intensity of nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms by training your mind to detach from the perceived need for cigarettes. Thats right, its a perceived need. Its not a fact. This makes the quitting process feel more manageable. You will learn also to tolerate discomfort and accept it for what it is. Temporary and a step in the right direction.
Building New, Healthier Coping Mechanisms
Smoking often serves as a coping mechanism for stress or negative emotions. Hypnotherapy helps you with alternative strategies, such as mindfulness, visualisation, or self-compassion, to handle challenges without relying on cigarettes. This is truly transforming and very self satisfying.
What to Expect in a Typical Session
A hypnotherapy session for smoking cessation is a unique and personalised experience designed to meet personal needs. Sessions typically last 50 minutes and involve:
Initial Consultation: Understanding your smoking history, triggers, and motivations for quitting. Then moving to the hypnosis we begin with the typical structure of Induction: Guiding you into a deeply relaxed state to access your subconscious mind. This then leads into the Suggestion Phase: Introducing positive affirmations and imagery to reframe your thoughts about smoking. Some NLP (neurolinguistic programming) may typically be included. Then Post hypnotic suggestion(s). Usually metaphors are included as powerful messages. Lastly a Re-orientation: Gently bringing you back to full awareness, feeling empowered, motivated and ready for positive change. After re-orientation there is gentle Feedback. A discussion of appropriate tools and strategies to reinforce the changes made during the session follows.
Brief, Anonymised Cases and A Testimonial
- âMichael, a 40-year-old business owner, smoked for over 20 years. After two hypnotherapy sessions, he quit and has been smoke-free for a year.â
- âLisa, a young mother, felt overwhelmed by her habit. Hypnotherapy helped her quit, giving her more time, energy and focus for her children.â
Testimonial: âHypnotherapy was my last resort, and it worked. Iâve been smoke-free for six months, and I feel like a new person!â â Sarah, Sydney
Are you ready to break free from smoking? Hypnotherapy could be the life-changing solution you need. Book a consultation today to explore how personalised hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals. Together, weâll create a plan that sets you up for success. We will look at your situation at a personal level as youâre strengths, areas of stress, and areas that needs strengthening typically vary to other individuals. Especially when you break things down. I believe whilst each individual can experience stress and overwhelm, their experience is unique to them. I really like to work on beliefs too. A close look at beliefs often reveals strengths and struggles. The good thing isâŠbeliefs can be updated and upgraded. They deserve to be. After all, we are always updating and upgrading our mobile phones arenât we?
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Yes, hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive practice conducted by trained professionals. There are some questions that you will need to answer on the client intake form to ensure its the right fit for you. And to determine your current mental health state. Sometimes you may require a supporting letter form a doctor stating that its ok for you to experience hypnosis. This can be further discussed.
How Many Sessions Are Typically Needed?
This depends on the goals of therapy. Many clients experience significant progress from the first session, but individual results may vary. A very important component of the experience is the strategic pre-talk prior to the hypnotic experience. Therapists also vary with their methods. Its best to ask.
Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?
Most people can be hypnotised if they are open and willing to engage in the process. If someone is not willing, they should not participate in the experience. Or at least they can begin with something small if they need to feel convinced first. Each person at their own rate. We must respect those who are hesitant. More information, education and exposure is usually very helpful.
What If Iâve Tried and Failed to Quit Before?
Hypnotherapy addresses the subconscious patterns that may have hindered your previous attempts, giving you a fresh start. And lets be truthful. I know lots of smokers who have quit many times before. Cant blame someone who keeps trying. Sometimes I hear, I have tried everything now I am trying hypnosis. Then I wonder and wish they tried hypnosis firstâŠ
Are the Results Permanent?
With the right mindset and support, hypnotherapy can lead to lasting results. Ongoing commitment to your smoke-free life will further reinforce your success. I would never guarantee anything because the truth is, its always up to the individual to stay smoke free. Hypnotherapy is also useful for staying on track. Any concerns should be discussed with your therapist. Just the fact that you were interested in reading about giving up smoking says a lot already. Good luck with your decision and a new breath of fresh air.
About the Author
Amanda has experience in Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Counselling, Coaching, Clinical Supervision and Neurolinguisitic Programming Master. I am enthusiastically involved in the ongoing wellness of individuals whether passing through and graduating preschool, providing ongoing wellness development at my clinic for school age children through their journey, preparing senior students for their final critical period of major exams and transitioning to adulthood
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