How it works
A straightforward process to help you stop smoking
Deciding to stop smoking can feel like a big step, but the process itself does not need to be complicated.
The Stop Smoking Programme is designed to be focused, personal, and easy to understand. From your first enquiry through to your session, you will know what to expect and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Make an enquiry or book your session
The first step is to get in touch.
You can make an enquiry if you would like to ask questions before booking, or you can arrange your Stop Smoking Programme directly.
You may be asked for some basic information about:
- how long you have smoked
- approximately how much you smoke
- any previous attempts to stop
- whether you also vape or use other nicotine products
- your main reasons for wanting to stop
- any health conditions or medication that may be relevant
There is no judgement. The purpose is simply to understand your situation and make sure the programme is appropriate for you.
Once your appointment is booked, you will receive your preparation information and access to a short relaxation recording to listen to before the session.
Prepare for your appointment
Before your stop smoking session, you will be given access to a short pre-recorded relaxation audio.
You will be asked to listen to it a few times before your appointment, ideally in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
The recording is designed to help you become familiar with relaxing, focusing your attention, and following guided suggestions. This means the experience is less unfamiliar when you attend your stop smoking session.
You do not need to reach a particular state, and there is no right or wrong way to listen. Some people feel deeply relaxed, while others remain more aware of their surroundings. Both responses are completely normal.
The recording is not the stop smoking treatment itself. It is simply preparation for the main session.
It may also be helpful to think about:
- why you want to stop now
- what smoking has been costing you
- the situations in which you smoke most often
- what you are looking forward to as a non-smoker
You will not usually be asked to stop smoking before your appointment unless this has been agreed with you in advance.
You do not need to arrive feeling completely confident. It is normal to have doubts or feel nervous about giving up something that has been part of your life for a long time.
The most important thing is that you have made a genuine decision to stop.
Understand your smoking pattern
At the beginning of the session, we will talk about your smoking and how it fits into your daily life.
This may include your routines, triggers, beliefs about smoking, previous attempts to stop, and any concerns you have about becoming a non-smoker.
Some people smoke mainly through habit. Others connect smoking with stress, relaxation, social situations, alcohol, driving, work breaks, or time alone.
Understanding your individual pattern helps make the session more relevant to you.
Complete the change work
The main part of the appointment is focused on helping you change your relationship with smoking.
This may involve hypnosis, NLP, guided mental exercises, and other appropriate change techniques.
The work is designed to weaken the thoughts, habits, and emotional associations that have kept smoking in place, while strengthening your decision to become a non-smoker.
During hypnosis, you remain aware and in control. You will normally be able to hear what is being said and can speak or move if you need to.
You cannot be made to do anything against your values or wishes.
Leave as a non-smoker
The intention is that your final cigarette is behind you and that you leave the programme ready to continue life as a non-smoker.
Rather than thinking of yourself as someone who is constantly resisting cigarettes, the aim is to help you feel that smoking is something you no longer need or want.
You may be given practical guidance to help you through the first few days, including how to respond to old routines or unexpected triggers.
Your free backup session
Your Stop Smoking Programme includes one free backup session within 12 months of your original appointment.
The aim is for you to leave your main session ready to continue life as a non-smoker. However, if you need extra support later, your backup session is there to help you get back on track.
This can be especially useful if you experience unexpected stress, a major life event, or an old trigger that catches you by surprise.
The backup session is not there because you are expected to struggle. It is there so you know you have support available if you need it.
How long does the appointment take?
Your appointment will be long enough to explore your smoking pattern properly and complete the change work without feeling rushed.
The exact duration and what is included will be confirmed when you book.
Do I need to believe in hypnosis?
You do not need to have any particular belief in hypnosis.
It is more important that you are willing to engage with the process, follow the guidance given during the session, and make a genuine decision to stop smoking.
You will not be expected to perform, pretend to be asleep, or give up control.
Ready to take the next step?
You do not need to wait until stopping feels easy.
The programme is there to help you make that change.