Quitting Smoking Sessions

Following is a sample program I would use to help someone quit smoking tobacco.

(The same structure is used with chew tobacco users.)

I recommend a short series of hypnotherapy sessions for successful, permanent smoking cessation. This program may be adapted if someone comes to see me on their quit date, or if they are needing more help getting ready to quit smoking.

Remember if you are quitting, you can tailor your therapeutic process to suit you!

First session - Getting ready, clearing intentions, and learning self-hypnosis:

1. Look at intentions for quitting, such as Health, financial, family support, work related issues, emotional growth needs. The key here is to connect with your personal desire to quit. It's key that it's something you want to do, and not for somebody else! We make an inventory of the positive effects quitting smoking will have in your life.
2. History of smoking and use. We look at when you started and what emotional/mental conditions existed then. This helps to know where we need to target for the emotional support. We also look at previous attempts to quit, success and frustrations, what worked, what didn't. This helps you to recognize what resources and assets you do have. If you've had previous attempts, it also illustrates a seriousness and strong intention - this is key!
3. Explanation of hypnosis and how it works.
   1. Uses the trance state, normalcy and safety of trance, familiarity.
   2. Need for clear intention.
   3. Dispel false beliefs; loss of cotrol, unconsciousness, getting stuck, inability, etc
4. Beginning experience of hypnosis.
   1. Guide the client through a suggestibility exercise, to build trust in experience and receptivity to hypnosis.
   2. Practice a simple trance induction and deepening to start clients self-hypnosis practice. Reinforce intentions for quitting and for learning how to do self-hypnosis to respond to cravings. Also instruct client in the Personal Validation Process which uses emotional healing techniques to handle difficult or uncomfortable emotions.
5. Discussion of lifestyle behaviors that can support quitting:
   1. Drinking lots of water.
   2. Eating healthy foods.
   3. Getting exercise.
   4. Getting support from family and co-workers.
   5. Getting rest - healthy sleep habits.
6. End of first session.

Second session - The quit date:

1. Get feedback from the first weeks practice. What's working? What's not?
2. Review and refine self-hypnosis practice, focusing on specific triggers that came up in the last week.
3. Deeper hypnotherapy session including positive suggestions for being healthy, quitting now, staying light and fit, being emotionally balanced and flexible.
4. Addressing fears, doubts, or concerns about needs not being met. This specifically addresses concerns of not getting what the cigarettes were giving you, such as: freedom, rest, relaxation, peace, stress relief. You will learn how to get the same deep level of satisfaction with your power internal resources.

Third session - Follow up, support and future pace-setting:

1. Getting feedback again on stresses and pressures.
2. Refine self-hypnosis practice.
3. Longer deeper session reinforcing accomplishements and desires. Addressing remaining cravings and triggers.
4. Envisioning continued health and smoke free living.

Again, this is just a sample program. If you choose to work with me your sessions would be tailor to suit your needs. When you use hypnotherapy to quit smoking, you will come away feeling stronger and clearer and happy to be a non-smoker.

Contact Patrick to start quitting today!
E-mail or Phone: 406.443.3439

Patrick is available in Montana for private sessions and worldwide for telephone sessions.