Medcare’s visiting hypnotherapist Angela Haram answers questions on hypnotherapy and quitting smoking…
Can anyone stop smoking with hypnotherapy?
Yes, but only if they really want to. You will be wasting your time if you only go to a hypnotherapist because your wife, husband, kids or friends have nagged you into it or if, deep down, you don’t really want to stop. No hypnotherapist can make you do something you don’t want to do. But if YOU want to quit, then hypnotherapy will work for you.
Are there people you can’t hypnotise?
No, everyone can be hypnotised but the level of hypnosis varies. More analytical people tend to be harder to hypnotise, while creative, imaginative people usually make better subjects. The deeper the state or relaxation the more successful it generally is. However, hypnotherapy for stopping smoking is a relatively simple treatment so works well for nearly everyone.
Anyone with epilepsy or deep rooted mental health problems is advised to seek advice from their GP before trying hypnotherapy.
What happens during a stop-smoking hypnosis session and what will the patient feel?
I will just ask the patient to relax and as they listen to my voice they will enter a deep state of relaxation. It is a comfortable and pleasant experience and the patient will feel light and calm. I then talk to the subconscious mind while the conscious mind drifts off – rather like daydreaming. The patient remains in control and aware throughout the session, but will feel very relaxed.
While they are in this state of relaxation I will talk to them about smoking and becoming a natural healthy non-smoker. By the time the session is over smoking will seem so undesirable that even the thought of it will make them feel sick.
So they just walk away a non-smoker
Yes, most people will not want another cigarette after the session. I do tell people that if they are struggling or have a weak moment they can come back for a free session, but people rarely seem to need to take me up on the offer.
How long does the session last and how much does it cost?
A stop smoking session takes around 90 minutes and usually costs €145. But as a special introductory offer at Medcare I am offering sessions for just €95 for the next three months.
What else can you treat with hypnotherapy?
All kinds of emotional problem and bad habits. I get a lot of requests for weight loss hypnotherapy, which is very successful. Also, I help a lot of people with fears and phobias, such as fear of flying. Gambling and alcohol addictions often respond well to hypnotherapy, and it is good for relieving anxiety and stress or helping build confidence and self-esteem. It can also be used for more specific events, such as calming nerves before a driving test, exam or public speaking engagement. The list is endless.