Client Background
Sarah, a 42-year-old professional, had been smoking for over 20 years. She started smoking during her university years and eventually settled into a routine of 20 cigarettes a day. She had tried numerous methods to quit, including nicotine patches, gum, and willpower alone, but none provided lasting results. She approached my hypnotherapy and coaching practice feeling frustrated, defeated, and deeply concerned about her health. Her primary motivation to quit was twofold: she was worried about her health deteriorating and feared her children might pick up smoking by observing her habit.
Hypnotherapist’s Comment
“When Sarah first came to me, I could sense how much this habit had become a part of her identity. Her frustration was palpable, but so was her determination to change. She had the right motivations and a genuine desire to quit, both of which are essential ingredients for success.”
The Challenge
Sarah’s smoking habit was a deeply ingrained part of her daily routine, serving as both a stress reliever and a coping mechanism for anxiety. She often smoked in between tasks, using it to transition and unwind, something I term as book-ending. Despite her desire to quit, she feared the withdrawal symptoms and saw hypnotherapy as a last resort after many unsuccessful attempts.
Hypnotherapist’s Comment
“Sarah’s journey mirrored that of many habitual smokers. She had normal fears about quitting, including the uncertainty of life without cigarettes. I understood her concerns and reassured her that hypnotherapy could help her either quit completely after the first session or gradually reduce her dependency over time. I also began evaluating the best treatment approach to create an optimal environment for hypnosis to work.”
The Solution
I tailored a two-session program combining hypnotherapy and coaching to help Sarah tackle her smoking habit:
- Session One: The Quit Session
This session focused on breaking Sarah’s mental and emotional associations with smoking. Through hypnotherapy, I guided her to visualise a future as a non-smoker, emphasising her motivations, protecting her health and setting a good example for her children. By the end of the session, Sarah felt an immediate shift and sub-consciously committed to not smoking again.
Hypnotherapist’s Comment
“During the first session, my priority was to help Sarah disconnect from the habitual nature of smoking. By addressing her subconscious beliefs and reinforcing her motivations, she left feeling confident and empowered to quit immediately.”
- Session Two: Reinforcement
Two weeks later, Sarah returned for a follow-up session. This session reinforced the progress she had made and addressed any lingering triggers or doubts. We solidified her identity as a non-smoker and strengthened her coping mechanisms for managing stress without cigarettes.
Hypnotherapist’s Comment
“I really do believe that reinforcement is crucial for long-term success. Following regular catchups, I understood that Sarah had quit 100% and that she really needed reinforcement rather than an amended treatment. This session allowed Sarah to consolidate her progress, ensuring that she felt completely in control and resilient in the face of any future temptations.”
The Results
- After the first session, Sarah successfully quit smoking and reported feeling more confident and less inclined to smoke and was more often than not, unaware of her usual triggers.
- At the follow-up session, she confirmed she had been smoke-free for two weeks and rarely thought of smoking.
- Three months later, Sarah confirmed she was still smoke-free, enjoying better health, improved lung capacity, and increased energy. She also felt a sense of relief knowing her children were less likely to pick up smoking.
Hypnotherapist’s Comment
“Hearing Sarah’s success story was incredibly rewarding. Her journey is a testament to the power of her desire to quit and her commitment to the process and of course the effectiveness of hypnotherapy when combined with the right tools and mindset. Feeling different about smoking had reduced her overall risk of diseases caused by tobacco.”
Key Takeaways
- Hypnotherapy can be highly effective in addressing deeply ingrained habits like smoking by targeting subconscious beliefs.
- A combination of techniques, including coaching and accountability, provides a holistic approach to lasting change.
- Small, measurable milestones keep clients motivated and focused on their progress.
Ready to Break Free?
“If you’re ready to quit smoking or tackle other habits, contact me today for a consultation. Together, we can create a plan to help you regain control and achieve the healthier life you deserve. Rapid results, real change.”