Can Hypnosis Help You Quit Smoking?
As you must be aware, quitting smoking is an uphill task. You probably have tried every way you’ve heard of… and smoked right through them. Herbal supplements, nicotine patches, acupuncture, you’ve tried them all. On the flipside, you may have been smoke-free for a while now but the temptation to relapse is becoming frighteningly overpowering and you are looking for a way in which to combat the urge to simply give in, throw caution to the wind, and fill your lungs with the poisonous smoke yet again. Don’t lose hope though. There is still one method you have not yet attempted: hypnosis. Of course, lots has been said and written about this method and you’re probably wondering whether hypnosis to quit smoking really works.
Hypnosis is now associated with the slapstick routines of old, the sideshow, or the carnival. Images of people being made to act like chickens or dogs come to mind. But actually, hypnosis is a considered as a psychotherapy tool that uses a form of directed relaxation in addition to a directed suggestion to your subconscious mind. Have you ever been driving when you suddenly jerk yourself out of an apparent lull? This may as well have been a very basic method of self-hypnosis. You are functioning on a conscious level, and yet your subconscious mind has wandered to someplace else and your body has relaxed. In a therapeutic setting, a hypnotist will try to aid you in reaching this state of complete relaxation. Many of those who have gone to a hypnotist to quit smoking will swear by this method. Of course, there will always be some who have continued smoking and for whom this method did not work. You must remember that each person is an individual and as such has individual needs, problems, and habits to overcome. The same method will not work for everyone, but if you have tried many methods, there really is no harm in attempting hypnosis.
If you do decide try hypnosis, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
If you choose to check out hypnotherapies, ensure that the therapist is certified in her or his chosen field. Anybody can hang up a shingle and claim to be a hypnotherapist, but the certifying authorities, such as the National Board for Certified Hypnotherapists, are quite choosy and strict in their requirements. These requirements are educational as well as related to experience. Sometimes a psychologist or psychiatrist may also be experienced in hypnotherapy, and is quite capable of being helpful you.
Find out about hypnosis. Does the hypnotherapist recommend only one session, or will he provide more? What does he aim to accomplish in these sessions? Usually it takes more than one session to affect a behavior modification on a permanent basis. Remember: hypnosis is not a cure-all method; it only helps you to accomplish your goal.
There are many products available today that train eager soon to be non-smokers to hypnotize themselves. While some people may most certainly have a knack for learning how to do this at home, it is not as simple as it sounds. In addition to the foregoing, if you are already struggling to overcome your cravings, it may not be a good time to try to learn how to do this, but instead a professional can offer input and guidance.
Hypnotherapy is just one method. The most effective path to a smoke-free life includes a variety of methods as well as realistic and long-lasting behavioral modifications. You will always need to avoid tempting situations and deal with your physical cravings while you are in the process of weaning yourself away from your addiction.