Important Advice - Choosing a Hypnotherapist to Stop Smoking

The following are questions you may wish to ask when contacting a hypnotherapist about stopping smoking:

• Does the hypnotherapist give a consultation before starting the hypnosis? What form does it take, and how long for?

A hypnotherapist who skilled in smoking cessation will ask detailed questions about your smoking habit before proceeding with the hypnosis and will probably want to ask you some questions over the phone before accepting a booking from you.

 

• Is the hypnotherapist interested in your reasons for becoming a non-smoker?

By using your positive motivation during the session, the hypnotherapist can help you create a lasting change in your thoughts and your behaviours.

 

• How many sessions will it take and what is included in the cost?

In recent years it has become increasingly popular to offer a stop smoking in one session service.

It is important to know in advance if you have to pay the same fee again if you need more help. What seems good value could end up being very expensive!

 

• Some offer one free session, or a half price follow up session. What happens if you still need more help?

If a hypnotherapist offers unlimited free backup support with no time limit this is usually an indicator that they are very confident of the success of their methods. The fee is likely to be higher because of this, but is still excellent value compared to a lifetime of smoking.

 

• If an additional session is required, what would this consist of?

If the first session did not produce the desired change, it is highly unlikely that repeating the same thing again will get better results!

The hypnotherapist’s answer to this question should indicate that some assessment of how you were after the first session will be made and any follow on work will be tailored to address any particular areas in which you need more help.

There is nothing magical or mystical about hypnosis, and a good hypnotherapist will give you the impression that a clear and logical process is being followed in order to help you.

 

• Is there any preparation for the session?

Asking for your address to send you a confirmation letter, taking a deposit upon booking, sending out a map, a questionnaire for you to fill in and send back in advance, information about hypnosis and even a self hypnosis audio CD as preparation for your session are all indicators of a well-run, professional practice.

 

• Is the hypnotherapist trained in a proven method? Who tested it?

Whilst it is unlikely that any hypnotherapist or training body would be able to arrange a large scale, clinically controlled trial in the way that the NHS or a pharmaceutical company could arrange, there have been a number of well-conducted studies, demonstrating the success rate of that particular method, and the hypnotherapist using such a method will be pleased to tell you about this.

 

• Some hypnotherapists claim their own personal success rate. You should ask what this is based on.

A good indicator is written testimonials and recommendations. Does the hypnotherapist have these? Of course you can’t see them over the phone, but you can ask whether they are available.

 

• What approach will the hypnotherapist use?

Whilst it is not necessary to have a detailed answer about the various techniques employed, you will quickly be aware if the hypnotherapist is happy to give you a brief explanation, and one that makes sense to you.

Aversive techniques where the hypnotherapist teaches you to associate smoking with something very unpleasant can work, but they cause stress and do not really address the underlying habit. Most people, given a choice would rather feel positively about being a non-smoker than just feeling revolted by cigarettes.

Suggestion therapy is the basis of hypnosis and it can be very effective for some people, but is unlikely to produce consistently good results unless combined with advanced techniques, for example Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

On the day of your session; remember: You are entitled to a clear explanation of everything and to feel comfortable and confident in the hypnotherapist before you proceed. A skilled hypnotherapist will be asking details about your smoking habit and any other factors in your life that may have a bearing.

You are in control. You can change your mind or terminate the session at any time.

Good luck with becoming a non-smoker. Remember, hypnosis works when the right methods are used by a skilled practitioner!