When a person makes the decision to cease a behaviour, the key aspect is to let go of the routine and change their perspective. Changing these behaviours is a challenge. Many people find changing how they think about something difficult. As hypnotherapy focuses on this change, it is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of treatment.

When considering hypnosis, the first thing the person has to do is make sure they are choosing to stop for themselves. Hypnosis has been found to be most effective when the person really wants to make the change.

Hypnotherapy works by putting the individual into a deep, relaxed state. During this time the mind is more open to suggestion. The session will look to change the thought patterns of the client, making suggestions such as “I do not want x” or “the smell of x makes me nauseous”. You may be asked to imagine unpleasant smells and feelings that you can associate with unwanted behaviours, and taught various stop smoking hypnosis techniques to can practise at home.

It is important to remember that hypnotherapy for unwanted behaviours is not a quick fix. While for some people, just one session is enough (or continue the journey alone), others may benefit from follow-up sessions. The ultimate aim of behaviour cessation hypnosis is to empower people to take control of their behaviour. Hypnotherapy will promote healthier behaviours. It can help the individual to develop new patterns of thinking. (Adapted from www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk)

At Meridian Wellbeing Hypnotherapy, Behaviour Cessation Hypnotherapy is offered as a package, which includes tapping therapies and a support CD/MP3, and a follow-up session which can be taken up to 9 months from the first session. The sessions last approx. 1 hr each.