It's easy to start smoking. It's much harder to quit smoking. Many people try to quit cold turkey but end up failing. Others try attending meetings and support groups, but they still come back to the habit after a few weeks or months. If you have tried several methods and have not yet been able to quit, then it is time for a fresh approach. As strange as it might sound at first, hypnosis is a therapy that has helped many patients quit smoking, and it just might help you, too.

What is hypnosis, and how can it help you quit smoking?

There are a lot of misconceptions about what hypnosis really is. You may picture a hypnotist waving a watch in front of your face and asking you to do silly things like dance or act like a zombie. But this is not what hypnosis really is — at least when hypnosis is used as a therapy. Hypnosis is simply an altered state of consciousness somewhere between being awake and being asleep.

In a state of hypnosis, you are very open to the power of suggestion. So if your hypnotist suggests that you will start to find smoking disgusting and that you will no longer crave cigarettes, your mind will slowly integrate these suggestions and come to regard them as truth. Even once you are brought out of the hypnotic state, these suggestions will remain in your mind. It may take a few sessions, but before long, you'll find that you don't even want to smoke any more.

Where should you seek hypnosis therapy?

You do need to seek out the right kind of hypnotist if you want to experience success. Look for someone who specifically works with smokers. They will know exactly when to make suggestions to deter you from smoking and how to best make those suggestions. Stage hypnotists and those who have largely built careers in the entertainment industry are not likely to be as effective in this regard. Many hypnotists who help treat smokers call themselves "hypnotherapists," and they often work out of healing and natural wellness centers.

Are there any risks associated with hypnosis therapy?

The short answer is "no." A hypnotist can not make you do anything you do not want to do. You won't be taking any medications or even allowing anyone to touch you during this treatment, so there is no potential for physical harm. It is definitely one of the safest options for smoking cessation. 

If you are struggling to quit smoking, it's time to schedule a session with a hypnotherapist. This natural, approachable treatment is becoming more popular for a reason: it works. Reach out to a professional who provides hypnosis to quit smoking.