Hypnotherapy For Giving Up Smoking

Hypnotherapy is a method used to treat a range of health problems, phobias and addictions; it involves inducing a state of mind, which is similar to sleep and is deigned to retrain the mind. Hypnosis may be used to help people deal with cravings related to addictions, lose weight, overcome fears and phobias and control pain. Hypnosis is provided by hypnotherapists.

What happens when you are hypnotised?

There is some debate surrounding how hypnosis works and whether it works for everyone. Although you appear to be asleep, you remain conscious while you are hypnotised and it is believed that you are more aware of the things that are said to you; you may listen more carefully and be more inclined to ingest the information and advice, such as giving up smoking. During hypnosis, the hypnotist may try and get you to associate smoking with negative experiences, sights, sounds and smells; for example they may tell you that the smoke tastes and smells like exhaust fumes, so that you have a negative perception of smoking when you come around. 


One of the most common methods used by hypnotists in relation to smoking cessation is Spiegel’s method; this method revolves around 3 key points: smoking is harmful for the body, the body needs to be healthy to function and you should therefore make an effort to look after and care for your body. When the smoker feels like giving in or they have a craving, the idea is that they think of these points and this helps to get through the urge and ultimately, quit smoking.

Many people have an idea of hypnosis as a result of seeing TV shows and live entertainment acts, but clinical hypnosis is not like this and contrary to what some people may think, a hypnotist cannot and will not make you do anything you don’t want to do while you are in a trance-like state.

Does hypnosis work?

The jury is out on hypnosis and some people find it very beneficial and others find it completely ineffective. A review of studies conducted in 2012 found that there was not enough evidence to support the use of hypnosis as a stop smoking treatment; however, some people have found it to be an effective measure to help them quit. 

Hypnosis is not available on the NHS. 


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