How to stop smoking

John had been smoking since he was 15 years old, he was now 21. He felt that it had become a dummy and a crutch and he wanted to end the dependency. Above all he was scared of the all the problems it could cause to his body. He was a student and needed to work solidly for the final few months of his degree course. He needed more energy and motivation and felt that nicotine and cannabis were not helping him concentrate and work to his full capacity.

There were a number of other personal problems that needed to be worked on as well that were affecting the smoking addiction and helping to drive the habit - relationship issues, diet, depression and forms of obsession.

Through years of experience and working with all kinds of smokers, I have found that normally clients can be helped to stop smoking after three sessions. Depending on the individual circumstances cessation can sometimes be achieved after only one session or it may take four.

The aim is to help the client stop permanently and in a way that avoids relapse, but there can be no guarantees. Once nicotine has been taken regularly there will always be the possibilty of relapse, but, with the help of self-hypnosis and the backup of a good therapist, this can be prevented.

John went on to pass his degree and after six months is still a non-smoker.