Hypnosis is an intense state of focus, in which the mind is highly open to suggestion. Hypnotists use vivid language and symbology to communicate with their clients' subconscious minds, where all compulsive behaviors (habits) are learned and stored. For this reason, many people who wish to quit smoking are now viewing hypnotherapy as a valid alternative to traditional methods. Smoking cessation through hypnosis works on a person from the inside out, so changes occur naturally.
Step 1
Find a place on the wall to look at, somewhere above eye level. Focus entirely on that spot, keeping your head pointing straight forward. Hold your gaze there, until you feel your eyes beginning to strain. Relax the focus of your eyes, and notice how your vision becomes soft. As your eyes begin to take in more of the room, place your attention on your breathing. Notice the air filling your lungs. As you exhale, let go of all tension in the body.
As your breathing pattern begins to change, allow your eyelids to close fully, and relax. Tell yourself that you will count backwards, internally, from ten to one. With each number, the relaxation you feel will double from the number before. Complete the count. At the number one, you will be in a deep state of trance.
Step 2
Mentally go into the future, maybe a year from now. See yourself enjoying the benefits of a smoke-free life. Experience what it's like to feel healthy and strong. Imagine smiling at others confidently, through pearly-white teeth. Hear what others will say about your new sense of vigor. Draw information from all sensory channels in this new state of being.
Step 3
Choose the advantage of living a smoke-free lifestyle that means the most to you, and imagine it as if it were now a reality. Become totally absorbed in the thought of this new you. Experience this image physically, emotionally and intellectually.
Step 4
Inhale deeply, with the knowledge that this feeling is a replacement for any thoughts of smoking that may occur in the future. Whenever an urge may arise, breathe in fully and return to this state of success and well-being.
Step 5
Visualize a situation in the past in which you would seek the release of smoking. Take a deep breath, and feel the urge melt away. Replace this thought immediately with a pleasant scene. Remind yourself that every time you use this tool, it becomes more natural to do so. Each time it becomes easier to replace old thoughts, ideas and beliefs with those that affirm life. Repeat this exercise two or three times.
Step 6
Keep conceptualizing the most significant benefit of being a nonsmoker, as if it were reality. Experience the idea fully. Tell yourself that you deserve this. Know that you have the power of choice, and you are now choosing this reality for yourself, your future and your family.
Step 7
After a few moments, count back up from one to ten. Acknowledge that with each number, you will move closer to your normal state of awareness. At the count of ten, your eyes will open and you will be fully alert, feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Tips and Warnings
- Repeat this process once daily, until the changes become lodged within your subconscious. This will be so when the replacement process becomes automatic. Enter this exercise with the expectation of success. A person who secretly doesn't believe or want the therapy will sabotage it.
- If you have any serious complications because of smoking, seek the advice of a medical professional. Hypnosis is a companion of traditional medicine, and not meant to replace any physician-prescribed regimen.
Things You'll Need
- Comfortable chair or bed
