Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy UK Resources

If you are looking for stop smoking hypnotherapy, UK therapists have much to offer. In most counties, there are clinics or private practitioners. Self-help books and audio tapes are available throughout the world. Recent studies suggest that hypnosis is an effective approach for people who need to change their behavior. Smoking cessation, weight loss and compulsive behaviors are just some of the areas in which hypnosis may be helpful.

Contrary to what some people believe, hypnotherapy is not just another scam. It is an area of complementary and alternative medicine that has received a lot of attention. It is classified as a form of "behavioral therapy".

Hypnosis is not a form of mind control or brain washing. Therapists place patients in a hypnotic state, which is simply a very relaxed condition, during which the subconscious and the conscious mind is particularly susceptible to the power of suggestion. When it comes to stop smoking hypnotherapy, UK practitioners should be well-trained in all aspects of hypnotherapy and most are, but always check credentials and, as with any option, discuss this form of treatment with a doctor who is familiar with your unique health requirements.

Remember that the therapist has no real power. He or she is simply reinforcing your own desire to quit. In order for hypnosis or any form of therapy to effectively help you quit smoking, you must have that desire to quit. A therapist cannot "force" you to change your behavior.

As a first step to stop smoking hypnotherapy, UK practitioners and those around the world will typically ask a smoker to list his or her reasons for wanting to quit. What is your motivation? Health, finances and relationships are common answers, but there are many others.

Recently, there was another motivation for some people to seek stop smoking hypnotherapy. UK hospitals in the National Health Service system were required to be "smoke-free" by the end of 2006. Most hospitals and many businesses throughout the world are leaning towards a smoke-free environment. So, keeping one's job has become a new motivation that is often heard.

There are many stop smoking aids (pills, patches, gums, etc.) available in the UK and elsewhere that address the issue of nicotine addiction. But, nicotine addiction is only one of the problems that smokers face. Behavioral changes are necessary for smokers to quit and stay quit. This is where hypnotism comes in.

The National Library of Medicine lists over 200 separate studies concerning the effectiveness of hypnosis in smoking cessation. In the last two years, there were no stop smoking hypnotherapy UK studies, but a write up in the British Journal of Nursing does mention the importance of behavioral therapies for those who want to quit. Pills and patches do not work for everyone.

Hypnotism may not work for everyone either, but several studies have reported success rates greater than 40%. The most recent was in Texas in the United States and results were published in the International Journal of Experimental Hypnosis. Particularly for those who cannot or should not use drugs or nicotine replacement (such as pregnant or nursing women, people who are allergic to ingredients in the drugs or the patches, and those with other health conditions that contraindicate the use of drugs or nicotine replacement), hypnosis is an excellent option, since there are no known side effects. In addition, therapists usually offer counseling sessions, which alone can be as effective as some of the leading drugs.

Self-help books typically offer additional advice and counseling for quitters. Everything from short booklets to complete programs including audio types for self-relaxation and hypnosis are available for those who prefer their privacy.

Before you renew your search for stop smoking hypnotherapy UK practitioners, you may be interested in learning about all of your options. A group of ex-smokers, including myself, has accumulated a number of resources for those who want to quit. Please visit the Stop Smoking Blog to learn more about why and how people quit and why everyone should quit.



Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles for the Stop Smoking Blog, a resource for people who want to quit. Read more at http://stop-smoking-blog.com.