For many people hypnosis is a way in which one person controls the mind of another. This naturally can make them nervous, however what you may be unaware of is that you are in a hypnotic state part of every day.

So what is a hypnotic state?

Every day of our lives we go through various states of consciousness. Sometimes we are really 'in the moment' focused completely on what we're doing. At other times we daydream orten on past or perceived future triumphs or disasters. While daydreaming the physical self is on automatic mode and not really paying attention to what's going on around it unless it interferes with you're automatically doing at that moment.

This is very noticeable when we're driving - we can be thinking so hard about something else that many miles can pass unnoticed. Yet during that period we sped up and slowed down, turned corners, changed gear etc etc completely automatically. If a car had suddenly swerved out in front of us it would have broken us out of that mental state to full alertness and we would have avoided the danger.

Hypnosis is just like that but even more so. When hypnotised parts of us become much less aware of our physical environment. The physical body relaxed far more than is normal and feels so relaxed and comfortable it becomes too much effort to move. When we are in this state our conscious, analytical mind relaxes and so we become much more open to suggestions which are then accepted more readily by the deeper parts of ourselves.

and this helps me stop smoking?

Absolutely. You associate certain times of the day or certain situations with having a cigarette. Maybe first thing in the morning or when you're in the pub or relaxing at home in front of the TV. Hypnosis can help break these associations so when you're next in that situation the lure of a cigarette will be far weaker. It may not be completely gone but will now be far easier to resist.

Hypnosis works in other ways as well. One of the problems some people have is that they replace cigarettes with snacking or other unhealthy habits. Hypnosis can help prevent this. It is also used to help boost your self esteem and so, for those who use smoking as a psychological crutch to get them through the day, this can be of great benefit.

The hypnosis sessions boosts your willpower, weakens those habits that make long term success so difficult and increases your confidence in your ability to live your life without the need to ever smoke again.