Ask Adrian – How does hypnotherapy work to stop smoking?

Published on 9th November 2016

This is a great question to ask. The best way for me to answer it on Adrian Sonnex’s behalf is tell you about what happened in a stop smoking hypnotherapy session I recently attended.

Adrian received a call from a client who wanted to stop smoking. The first question asked is always ‘out of 10 how badly do you want to stop smoking?’ The client replied “a 10”. You still need willpower (your conscious mind) to stop smoking. The aim of the hypnotherapy is to get your conscious and unconscious mind working together to become a non-smoker. Otherwise, whilst your conscious mind is trying to stop smoking your unconscious mind is screaming out for every cigarette you are missing or expecting.

The client that came had been smoking consistently since the age of 17. On top of this he had been addicted to weed (cannabis) for the past 7 years. He knew it had gotten way out of control when he was spending over £800 a month on cigarettes and weed alone! So he sought out Adrian’s help.

Once the client had asked all his questions on how it works and what the outcome would be Adrian asked him to lay back, close his eyes, relax and focus on his breathing. After placing the client in a relaxed hypnotic state, the client’s eyes started rapidly moving under his eyelids. This is an indication of achieving the altered state of consciousness required for hypnotherapy.

Once in the necessary state, Adrian begun to make suggestions to the client’s unconscious mind that he is a “non-smoker and will remain so for the rest of your life”. He also made suggestions to help the client’s willpower by saying things like “If you are offered a cigarette, you simply say no thanks I don’t smoke” and “No matter who you are with, what you are doing or wherever you are you will never smoke”.

At the end when the client opened his eyes, he said he felt extremely tranquil, like he was awake but asleep at the same time, and present in the room but not at the same time. He claimed it was the calmest he had felt in a very long time.

So this is the process to stop smoking with hypnotherapy, what would happen if you gave it a go? Does this sound like a technique that would be useful for you? Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re still unsure of the process and if and how it truly works. Do you have any other questions about hypnotherapy or Mindfulness that you would like me to ask Adrian about?  I’d love to hear what you think!

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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