Smoking, despite its well-documented health risks, remains a habit for many. Friends and family may ask you why you continue to smoke and haven’t managed to stop. Although the nicotine dependence plays a significant part, there are other issues to consider. If you are committed to becoming a non-smoker, support to quit smoking with hypnotherapy in Brighton is available at The Conway Practice.* During therapeutic intervention with hypnosis, Jonathan Conway will explore the emotional factors related to your habit and identify the subconscious triggers and emotions related to your relationship with smoking.*
While nicotine is without doubt an addictive substance, the withdrawal symptoms are relatively short-lived and can be overcome within a short period of time. What remains however, is the emotional connection with smoking. Hypnotherapy is a holistic approach which addresses the reliance on smoking as a coping mechanism to manage stress and anxiety.* The habitual hand-to-mouth action is triggered without any conscious awareness and many smokers feel a sense of relaxation and stress relief when lighting a cigarette.* This perceived stress reduction can be attributed in part to the ritualistic nature of smoking, providing a momentary distraction which can temporarily alleviate negative emotions. The act of inhaling smoke, the taste of tobacco, and the ritual of lighting a cigarette can be pleasurable in themselves, appealing to the senses and offering moments of sensory gratification.
Smoking is also deeply ingrained in social and cultural contexts, contributing to its pleasurable associations. For some, smoking is intertwined with socialising, providing a means to bond with others over shared experiences and a form of social mirroring. Whether during a work break, at a social gathering, or in designated smoking areas, the act of smoking fosters connections and friendship among fellow smokers, enhancing its perceived pleasure.
Additionally, for long-term smokers, the habit becomes deeply ingrained in their daily routines and lifestyles. The association between smoking and certain activities or environments can trigger a conditioned response, with feelings of comfort and pleasure merely through familiarity and habit.
While you are deeply relaxed under hypnosis, your subconscious mind will be more receptive to positive suggestion.* Any negative beliefs can be re-framed with positive affirmations, while also introducing new coping methods and relaxation techniques to manage stress and reduce anxiety.* Your sense of self-worth can also be increased to provide greater confidence in social situations, reducing the compulsion to smoke as a means of bonding with others.*
Hypnotherapy sessions to quit the smoking habit with Jonathan Conway can be held at The Conway Practice in Brighton, or remotely by Skype, Zoom or telephone. For an appointment call Jonathan today on 07956 855 027
