Smoking Cessation
How effective is it?
Extensive research by the University of Iowa and published in New Scientist Magazine (vol 136, issue 1845-31, October 1992) has shown that hypnosis is the most effective method of smoking cessation, rating it six times more effective than nicotine replacement patches and gum, and almost three times as effective as acupuncture. Further research by the Massachusetts General Hospital echoes these findings Science Daily.
What happens when you stop smoking?
What does the smoking cessation package involve?
What happens when you stop smoking?
There has never been a better time to quit smoking, with the economic situation tightening our purse strings and a smoking ban in public places. Most people are also better informed these days of the considerable dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Quitting without nicotine replacement therapy results in immediate health benefits, as you can see from this timeline:
Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse return to normal
Within 12 hours, levels of oxygen and carbon monoxide in the blood return to normal
Within 72 hours, your bronchial tubes relax and you feel an increase in energy
After 72 hours, your body will test nicotine-free and the restlessness or anxiety typically associated with nicotine withdrawal will have peaked, meaning it all gets much easier after this
After 48 hours, your nerve endings begin to regenerate, meaning your sense of smell and taste increase
Within 1 month, your skin and hair look noticeably clearer and healthier
After 9 months, there is a 10% increase in lung function and your circulation is improved
A year after you stop, your risk of premature death through stroke or heart attack is reduced by 50
10 years after you stop, your risk of lung cancer drops to 50% of that of a smoker
Of course, there is also the powerful sense of achievement, the knowledge that you have increased your odds of living to see your grandchildren grow up, and you have more money in your bank account to spend on the things you really want.
What does the smoking cessation package involve?
2 sessions (the first lasting up to 2 hours, and the second lasting 60 minutes)
Stopping smoking does require some willpower, a belief that you can do it, and strong motivation. However, if you have all of these, I can help you, regardless of how many times you have tried to stop before, and no matter how may cigarettes you smoke each day or when you began.
The Solution-Centred Hypnotherapy smoking cessation programme has been designed to help you overcome the fear of stopping and to teach you techniques for dealing with stress and trigger situations. The overall aim is to break up the internal programming that caused smoking to become a habit, anchor powerful reminders of the positive benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle, work on blocks that have prevented you from stopping in the past and support you in becoming a permanent non-smoker.
The treatment begins with a case study of your lifestyle and smoking habits and a chat about what smoking has been doing to your body and your mind, and how this can be reversed. We will work together to build confidence, positive responses to stress, and to reprogramme your mind to view cigarettes differently and to make healthy choices.
Included in the programme are support materials, a recording of the hypnosis part of each session for you to take home and listen to regularly to reinforce the work we have done, and email and telephone support if required.
