Ask Adrian

Published on 4th October 2014

Hi Adrian, I’m considering using hypnotherapy to quit smoking but I’m a little nervous. Can you tell me what to expect? T.D., London

I’d be happy to walk you thorough what a first session will be like. Many people have misconceptions about hypnosis and it’s always helpful to correct those right from the beginning.

The first thing I’ll do when you call for an appointment to stop smoking is to ask how committed you are to quitting and to rate your commitment on a ten-point scale. If your answer is a commitment level of six or less, I will suggest that you wait to try hypnotherapy until your desire to quit reaches a level of eight or higher. You might wonder why I’d make that suggestion. It’s because, even in a state of hypnosis, a therapist cannot make you do something that is against your will. That comes as a surprise to most people. You have to really want to stop smoking in order for hypnosis to be effective. And it is also your own will and determination that will keep you a non-smoker for the rest of your life.

Once we decide that the time is right for you to try hypnotherapy, your first session takes an hour and a half. You will be instructed to smoke your last cigarette outside of my clinic and then asked to put packets, lighters, or matches into a container when you come into my office.

Then, we’ll just talk for a few minutes. I will share a little bit about myself. answer your questions, and then I’ll ask more about you. We will talk in detail about your smoking habit. Specifically, we’ll talk about when you smoke, where you smoke and who you smoke with, and what triggers you to smoke.

Next, you’ll make yourself comfortable and be placed into a light hypnotic state. This takes just a few minutes and the experience is similar to the feeling you get nodding off in a chair while reading a book: drowsy, relaxed, content, and comfortable. You will be aware of everything I say and do the entire time. During the session I will give positive suggestions about your life as a non-smoker; these positive statements help you to remain calm and positive about your decision.

At the end of the session you will emerge feeling calm and relaxed. Some people say they feel as rejuvenated as though they’ve been to a spa. When the session ends, you will emerge as a non-smoker. It’s as simple as that.

We will keep in contact to ensure that you remain a non-smoker so that your journey as a non-smoker is long lasting and stress free. No drugs. No gimmicks.

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy in Surrey and London

Why I Am Passionate About Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy (Even
If Other Therapists Think It’s “Boring”)

When I tell fellow hypnotherapists that a large part of my practice is dedicated to helping people quit smoking, I often get a surprising reaction. Some are shocked.

They tell me it must be “boring” or “same old, same old.”

But to me, there is nothing boring about supporting and witnessing clients make life long changes in their lives .

Every time a client walks out of my clinic as a non-smoker, their health, well-being and future instantly change. Knowing that my work might give someone years of extra life with their loved ones makes this one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.

My Personal Journey: 30+ Years Smoke-Free

My passion for this work isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Over 30 years ago, I sat in a hypnotherapist’s chair as a smoker. In just a single session, I stopped smoking completely.

That pivotal moment was my introduction to the incredible power of hypnotherapy, and it is the exact reason I eventually trained to become a qualified hypnotherapist myself back in September 2007. I know first-hand that it works because I lived it.

Hypnotherapy: What Actually Happens?

Many people are hesitant and scared to try hypnosis because of how it is portrayed on television. I always take the time to explain exactly how the process works to my clients so they feel completely safe and comfortable.

  • You remain in control: You are always awake, alert of your surroundings, and aware of my suggestions. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
  • Accessing the unconscious mind: By guiding you into a light, relaxing hypnotic state, we can bypass the conscious critical mind.
  • Rewriting the habit: Once we access the sub-conscious mind, we can work to completely remove the smoking habit-behaviour.

During the session, your mind absorbs the powerful suggestions to “become a non-smoker now and forever, and to never smoke again.”

Real Results: From Heavy Smoker to Cravings-Free

If you are wondering if it can work for you, take comfort in the experiences of those who have been in your shoes. One of my recent clients shared this about their session:

“I have been smoke-free for over two months and haven’t experienced any cravings at all, despite having been a heavy smoker throughout my adult life. Adrian is highly competent and skilled… I felt completely comfortable discussing my triggers and always felt listened to, understood, and supported throughout the process.” A client that was seen 2026

Take Your First Step To Becoming a Non-Smoker

Quitting smoking is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your health, your family, and your wallet. If you are ready to break free from the habit for good, let’s work together to make it happen.

If you would like some more information about Stopping Smoking with Hypnotherapy, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Adrian Sonnex

Hypnotherapist since September 2007

Written by Adrian Sonnex

I own and run wellbeinghypnotherapy.org.uk. I am a Mindfulness-based Teacher / Therapist & Hypnotherapist covering London & Surrey.

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