Hypnosis has been portrayed rather poorly in the movies and on television.
Because of scenes depicting various people performing embarrassing antics while hypnotized, the practice has been deemed mundane and designed merely to take advantage of naive people.
Thus, this practice is often regarded with skepticism and apprehension.
However, in spite of all the misinformation, misconceptions, and widespread negativity, hypnosis is actually a very effective technique.
In fact, if done correctly, this technique has been proven to help smokers quit smoking.
To date, there are numerous accounts of individuals who have quit smoking after undergoing hypnosis, either as a stand-alone technique or in combination with other methods.
How Hypnosis Works When one is under hypnosis, he/she achieves a state of utter relaxation.
A hypnotized person is able to focus on a specific memory as well as access information that may have otherwise been stored in the dark recesses of the subconscious.
By accessing the subconscious, a smoker can assess the reasons behind cigarette addiction and more aptly determine his/her willingness for quitting.
Further, suggestive imagery can be used to motivate a smoker to quit.
Self-Induced vs.
Professional Hypnosis This method can work with the help of a professional specialist (i.
e.
a hypnotherapist or hypnotist) or through self-hypnosis.
However, beginners are not advised to try this on their own, as the outcome may not be as successful.
One thing to consider is that hypnosis is essentially dependent on trust.
The more you trust the person performing the process, the more positive the results.
Someone you trust can more effectively guide you through subconscious imagery that may trigger particular sensations and/or emotions.
For smokers, these images will most likely relate to the desire to quit the habit.
Professional Hypnotherapy to Quit Smoking The cost for 1-2 sessions for professional one-on-one quit smoking hypnotherapy can range from $250 to $350.
The package may either be more expensive or cheaper depending on where you are located.
How many sessions you need will be determined by a number of factors - such as your receptivity to the process, the severity of your addiction, or your feelings about the habit in general.
If you do not have a genuine desire to quit - i.
e.
the desire is not deeply rooted in your subconscious - chances are this method will not work for you and you will just be wasting your money.
This will become starkly evident during your very 1st session.
After assessing your readiness during an initial session, a reliable therapist should inform you that the process is pointless and that you should not attempt to continue.
Certified Therapists vs.
Bogus Hypnotists Certified hypnosis specialists can indeed produce effective results.
However, there are those who claim to be professionals but may prove to be incompetent and are simply in it for the money.
Therefore, it's imperative that you seek out a certified professional, and not some bogus hypnotist.
One sure way to determine if your therapist is a professional is to ask him/her if you are prepared to quit smoking after your first session.
If the therapist fails to answer, that should be a sign that you need to look for a new one.
Also ensure that your therapist records your first hypnosis.
This way, you can replay the records to determine if your subconscious answered yes when asked if you are ready to quit smoking.
Hypnosis Can Help You Quit Smoking Regardless of the hyped negativity about hypnosis, it cannot be denied that hypnosis does have lasting benefits when used to quit smoking.
If you are really serious about quitting this ugly habit, hypnotherapy is indeed the ideal treatment technique for you.