Every October, thousands of people across the UK take part in Stoptober, a national campaign supported by the NHS, that encourages smokers to quit for 28 days – because research shows that if you can make it that far, you’re five times more likely to stop smoking for good. But whilst nicotine patches and quit smoking apps flood the market, a highly effective method which is gaining popularity is hypnotherapy.
Why Hypnotherapy Works
Hypnotherapy isn’t magic – it’s psychology and neuroscience with a gentle touch. Smoking is more than a physical addiction; it’s often a deeply ingrained habit which is often tied to emotions, stress and subconscious triggers. Hypnotherapy can help by:
Rewiring thought patterns: In a relaxed, trance-like state, your mind becomes more open to suggestion. A hypnotherapist can help to replace thoughts such as ‘I need a cigarette to relax’ with ‘I feel calm and in control without smoking’.
Breaking emotional associations: Many smokers light up when stressed, bored or socialising. Hypnotherapy can help you to detach smoking from these emotional cues.
Boosting motivation: Sessions often include visualisations of a healthier, smoke-free future, reinforcing your commitment to quit.
Beyond Willpower
Unlike willpower alone, hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind, where habits are formed and stored. It’s not about fighting cravings, it’s about dissolving them. Hypnotherapy goes beyond patches, gum and medication by helping you leave the urge to smoke in the past.
Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy
Many hypnotherapists offer stop smoking packages, including:
- An in-depth hypnotherapy session to help you leave smoking in the past and become a non smoker again
- Information packs containing hints and tips to help you quit smoking
- A free consultation to see if hypnotherapy is right for you
Some hypnotherapists also provide a free hypnosis recording to reinforce the hypnotherapy session and help you stay on track as a non smoker.
Key Hypnotherapy Techniques for Quitting Smoking
Suggestion Therapy
- The hypnotherapist uses positive suggestions such as ‘You are a non smoker’ or ‘Cigarettes no longer control you’.
- These suggestions are delivered while you’re in a deeply relaxed state, making them more likely to be effective.
- It helps you to reframe your identity and reduce cravings by reinforcing new beliefs.
Visualisation and Guided Imagery
- You’re guided to imagine a vibrant, smoke-free version of yourself – a you who is breathing easily, enjoying life and feeling proud.
- This technique builds emotional motivation and strengthens your commitment to quitting.
Regression Therapy
- This involves exploring past experiences that may have triggered your smoking habit such as stressful events, social pressures or emotional pain.
- By addressing these root causes, you can release the emotional hold smoking has on you.
Anchoring
- A physical gesture (like touching your fingers together) is paired with a powerful suggestion or feeling of control.
- Later, you can use this anchor to reinforce your smoke-free mindset when cravings hit.
Aversion Therapy
- Some hypnotherapists use this to create a negative association with smoking – like imagining the taste of cigarettes as foul or the smell as repulsive.
- It’s a psychological deterrent that can reduce the appeal of smoking.
Self Hypnosis Techniques
- Many hypnotherapists teach clients how to practice self hypnosis at home, using recorded scripts or personalised affirmations.
- This keeps the momentum going and reinforces your progress.
Stop Smoking this Stoptober
Stoptober is more than a challenge – it’s a movement and hypnotherapy could be your secret weapon. Whether you’ve tried quitting before or this is your first attempt, maybe it’s time to consider giving your subconscious mind the attention it deserves. You’re not just quitting a habit – you’re reclaiming your health, your time, your money and your freedom.
Ready to Take Control?
If you’re serious about quitting smoking this Stoptober, hypnotherapy could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for. Don’t let old habits continue to hold you back. Step into a healthier, smoke-free future with the power of your own mind.
Whether it’s your first attempt or your tenth, this time can be different. Let’s make Stoptober the start of something life-changing. Book your free consultation today and discover how hypnotherapy could help you to break free from cigarettes – for good.
