Online hypnosis for smoking cessation has become a fairly common delievery model for smoking cessation programmes. People are not required to wait for services; they can access them anytime and anywhere. While there may be relative-advantages and disadvantages of online hypnosis, this article aims to explore some of the opportunities and challenges that are endangered with the booming development of online hypnosis for smoking cessation.
One inherent appeal of online hypnosis is that it can provide the proxy of inducing a trance-like state over a distance while communicating via a screen. As such, it uses core elements of traditional hypnotherapy but adapted to a digital age. So how effective and safe is the new version of an age-old problem? We will examine the effectiveness of online hypnosis as a viable smoking cessation tool while dissecting its risks and evaluating the science behind its success claims.
Here we also have the authoritative insights of Dr. Jane Morrison, a clinical psychologist who specialises in addiction therapy, for example: ‘If you are considering an online hypnosis product, my personal recommendation is to carefully consider the qualifications of the therapist delivering the hypnosis and assess your level of commitment to quitting.’ This advice rightly raises questions about online hypnosis, not so much as a technique in isolation, but in relation to the range of therapeutic approaches available to help each client.
In the following paragraphs, this article will detail the technique of online hypnosis, evaluate the programmes’ success and finally provide smokers interested in quitting with the criteria needed to find the best online hypnosis programme. Let us dive into the ocean of online hypnosis, and see if it is the effective and safe way to stop smoking. The Mechanics of Online Hypnosis The technical aspects of online hypnosis are similar to the ones in hypnosis performed in person: the hypnotherapist reads guiding words that help the user get into a relaxed trance. However, there are differences as well: since the person remains awake, the trance-inducing language is more motivational rather than sleep-inducing. In most sessions, the hypnotherapist explains that the greatest reward for quitting is a healthier body and mind, while overeating and smoking bring feelings of guilt and shame. The hypnotised person rehearses challenging and triggering situations such as coffee breaks at work without feeling the need to smoke, avoids the people they generally smoke with, and creates a mantra to practice whenever the craving for a cigarette arises. Usually, an online programme lasts eight to 10 hours, allowing the user to choose the time slot most suitable for her schedule.
Understanding Online Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation
Hypnosis via information communications technology (ICT) is now possible with the advent of online hypnosis – a digital adaptation of traditional hypnotic therapies via video conferencing or audio sessions. The mechanism is the same as hypnosis done face-to-face, where the hypnotist will first put the client in a trance, followed by the suggestion. The suggestion is for the client to stop smoking. While hypnosis takes place in the conscious mind, the suggestion must be suggested in the subconscious mind where the client’s attitude towards smoking is embedded.
Giving online hypnosis for smoking cessation is similar to the in-office sessions with an added bonus – wider availability. Those who want to stop smoking remember the therapeutic advice given to them in the privacy of their own homes. They can call at any time of their choice and speak with their hypnotherapist from any location. ‘Children are generally more relaxed and more willing to go into trance at home than they would in a clinic,’ says the hypnotherapist Emily Peterson, who has worked with children for more than a decade.
But they might come at a price: while online hypnosis offers many advantages over in-person sessions, it has some fundamental drawbacks. The first is that it will generally be harder to develop a strong therapeutic rapport. Although, theoretically, it is possible to establish an effective working relationship online, the fact that you are not together with your client – deprived of the immediacy of feedback and physical responsiveness that in-person sessions provide – will almost certainly affect the depth and richness of the hypnotic experience. That could be qualified somewhat by the availability of live video where possible. Internet connection speed and the possibility of environmental distractions at the client’s end can also detract from the effectiveness of the sessions.
Nonetheless, for many, what they lose in authenticity, they make up for in ease of use and convenience. The bottom line for potential clients, then, is simple: be informed about the limitations of online hypnosis before committing to it. ‘While online hypnosis can be very powerful, the efficacy of the interaction is often very dependent on the specific person, their circumstances, and the skill of the practitioner,’ says Dr Peterson. This is why it is crucial that prospective hypnotherapy seekers dedicate themselves to finding a qualified practitioner whom they believe to be well trained in providing the level of care needed to work through issues over the internet.
To sum up, online hypnosis for smoking cessation can be a valid alternative to the typical in-person interventions with unique features contributing to access, convenience and usability. Nevertheless, we need to address its drawbacks and drawbacks. We will take a closer look at the actual effect and safety of online hypnosis and serve as an evidence base to gain a deeper understanding of its role in smoking cessation in the following period.
The Efficacy and Safety of Online Hypnosis for Quitting Smoking
Several studies and research papers have evaluated the capability of online hypnosis in smoking cessation and have found that, by using online hypnosis, quitting smoking can be successful. A review by the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy in 2022 found several significant findings. First, a multitude of studies has shown that online hypnosis is comparable to in-person sessions with a significant amount of participants showing cessation and reduction in smoking. Second, these findings strongly argue that there is no inherent loss of hypnosis’s capability of eliciting change in a virtual environment.
As for client satisfaction, online hypnosis scores high, with clients citing convenience and privacy as major benefits. But long-term outcomes depend on a number of variables, including how long a person stays committed, how much hypnosis they eventually receive, and the kind of hypnosis they are given. ‘The most important factor is having a patient who is committed to quitting smoking,’ says Laura Shields, one of the world’s most qualified researchers on the topic of online therapeutic practices. ‘The hypnotherapy is just an instrument. Whether it’s online or in-person, it’s up to the consumer of the hypnosis to buy in or not.’
Ethical and safety issues arise concerning online hypnosis. These include privacy issues, confidentiality and online professional standards. We need to consider how to verify online practitioners’ qualifications. If a hypnotherapist is providing online hypnosis, they need to have a robust method for safeguarding confidential client data. Furthermore, clients must be confident that the data is secure, so the virtual ‘room’ should be up to standard. Online practitioners can verify their qualifications through relevant credentials and accreditation. It is interesting that, within the training column, well-established and leading hypnotherapy organisations such as the British Society of Clinical and Academic Hypnosis (BSCAH), the British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis (BSMDH), the Society of Clinical Hypnosis in London (SCHL) and the CNHC, have not actively claimed any online qualifications. It can easily be assumed that practitioners from these organisations are delivering online hypnosis within their clinic rooms or through ‘conventional’ methods. Nevertheless, it should be made explicit that practitioners who engage with clients ‘online’ should follow strict online professional standards for online safety, and that both parties give consent for this type of session. So, it is important to consult your chosen hypnotherapist and ask if they are practising online.
Dr Shields underscores the need for regulation: ‘If undertaken online, hypnotic therapy needs to be conducted by trained hypnotherapists who know how to deliver services through a digital platform, who are trained in computer-mediated interactions so that they can understand the nuances of those interactions, and who understand how to deal with issues that may arise technologically for the hypnotist and the client.’
Overall, while online hypnosis for smoking cessation is generally safe and effective and can be successful if used with competent guidance, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Prospective users must ask themselves if they feel comfortable in a virtual space, while also selecting reputable providers. By taking this strategic approach, individuals will better be able to navigate a path to smoking cessation through online hypnosis. The next section will explore how to choose the correct online hypnosis platform for the goal of quitting smoking, noting the significance of making informed decisions when seeking the best outcome.
Considerations for Choosing an Online Hypnosis Program
The key to choosing the best, safest online hypnosis stop smoking program will come to picking what works best for you individually, understanding the critical factors of the stop smoking hypnosis programs. When you’re deciding which is the right online hypnosis quit smoking program for you, consider the provider’s reputation and certification; the structure of the sessions before you buy the sessions; and cost and payment options. Source: Adapted from original text by the author.
1. Reputation and Credentials of the Provider
It’s also important to find a hypnosis provider who is certified to practice hypnosis, and with a successful track record when it comes to smoking cessation. Credentials from organisations such as the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACE), or the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH), are tell-tale signs that the practitioner can help you quit smoking. Simon Krantz, an NBCCH-certified hypnotherapist says: Always make sure you research the hypnotherapist’s profile and read reviews from previous customers. A positive reputation is often a good indicator of the quality and effectiveness of the hypnosis session.
2. Structure and Format of the Sessions
Online hypnosis sessions can be conducted in various ways, from Apple FaceTime-style live video, to MP3- or other audio-format files people email to one another, to software programs like Dialcon, with real-time virtual pushbuttons. Live sessions have the advantage of more often being able to interact with people personally, based on specific client responses, and then altering the process to make it more effective as it continues. Pre-recorded sessions have the advantage of being used to induce hypnosis when a client has free time. It all depends on the lifestyle available to an individual and the purposes behind her quitting.
3. Cost and Affordability
Price can also become a factor when considering online hypnosis programs vs face-to-face hypnosis. The price range for online hypnosis programs is quite wide, and it’s important to ask whether, given the perceived value of the treatment, achieving the valued outcome is worth the cost. Some providers offer payment plans and/or sliding scale fees that assist in decreasing the cost and making services more affordable. It is important to compare several different programmes not only on the price but also on what is included in the program (eg, how many sessions, are any support materials included, etc).
4. Assessing Credibility and Legitimacy
The would-be consumer should be sure to check out a company’s certifications, client testimonials and endorsements by medical professionals. Websites that offer evidence of the therapist’s credentials and clients’ sucess stories will be more trustworthy than sites that do not make such information easily accessible.
5. Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness
Thirdly, people trying online hypnosis to quit smoking should have a clear idea of how much they want to quit, why they want to do it and how valuable that would be to them. Having realistic expectations and staying motivated to achieve the changes in behaviour will help people stay focused on the desired outcome, which is their key goal. Finally, it’s important that any quit smoking plan includes practical engagement with the process and the ideas that are learned within the sessions. Abstracting from the online hypnosis session and practising anything that has made sense during hypnosis will greatly increase the chance of success.
By considering these elements, a decision can be made as to whether the online hypnosis program would be suitable for smoking cessation and the client increases the odds of their ability to stop smoking with nicotine. In the next section, we will address some of the most prevalent concerns and misconceptions regarding online hypnosis, and what a potential client can realistically expect when utilising such hypnosis.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
The adoption of online hypnosis for smoking cessation has not been without its skeptics. Common concerns and misconceptions can deter individuals from exploring this therapeutic option. It is crucial to address these to provide a clearer understanding of what online hypnosis entails and to debunk myths that may cloud public perception.
1. Effectiveness Compared to In-Person Therapy
A prevalent misconception is that online hypnosis is less effective than in-person sessions. However, research indicates that with the right setup and a skilled practitioner, the effectiveness of online hypnosis can match that of traditional methods. The key lies in the practitioner’s ability to adapt techniques for the digital medium and in the client’s readiness to engage in the process remotely. Dr. Michael Thompson, an expert in clinical hypnosis, clarifies, “The therapeutic efficacy of hypnosis largely depends on the client’s susceptibility to hypnotic suggestions, not necessarily the medium through which these suggestions are delivered.”
2. Authenticity of Virtual Sessions
Another common doubt concerns the authenticity of virtual hypnosis sessions. Skeptics question whether a genuine hypnotic state can be achieved remotely. It’s important to understand that the hypnotic state is a form of focused attention and relaxation that can indeed be facilitated through digital communication, as long as the participant is willing and the environment is conducive. Techniques used by therapists in online hypnosis are tailored to overcome the physical distance and ensure the session’s integrity.
3. Potential for Manipulation or Harm
The potential for manipulation or harm is a significant concern for those new to hypnosis. Online settings might raise fears about the lack of direct supervision. However, reputable online hypnotherapists are bound by the same ethical standards and professional guidelines as those conducting in-person therapy. Clients are encouraged to verify the credentials and ethical practices of any hypnotherapist, ensuring they adhere to a strict code of conduct that prioritizes client safety and confidentiality.
4. Lack of Direct Supervision
Concerns about the absence of direct supervision during online hypnosis sessions are valid. However, many experienced practitioners have developed methods to monitor clients’ responsiveness and adjust their approach accordingly, even through a screen. Furthermore, clients are advised to prepare a private and uninterrupted space for their sessions, which can actually enhance focus and minimize external distractions.
By addressing these concerns and misconceptions, potential clients can better understand the nature of online hypnosis and feel more confident in its safety and efficacy as a method for quitting smoking. With the right information and careful selection of a qualified practitioner, online hypnosis can be a highly effective and safe choice for those looking to end their smoking habit. Next, we will conclude by summarizing the key points discussed throughout the article and offer final thoughts on the potential of online hypnosis as a tool for smoking cessation.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored the increasingly popular method of online hypnosis for smoking cessation, examining its theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, and the various considerations necessary for choosing an effective program. The insights provided here aim to demystify online hypnosis and offer practical guidance for those contemplating this approach to quit smoking.
Online hypnosis has demonstrated considerable potential as a viable and effective option for smoking cessation. Studies and expert opinions reinforce its efficacy, highlighting that with proper implementation, online hypnosis can rival traditional in-person sessions. The flexibility, accessibility, and privacy it offers make it an appealing choice for many individuals seeking help. Moreover, by addressing common concerns and debunking misconceptions, we have shown that online hypnosis is not only a legitimate therapeutic option but also one that can be tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances.
In conclusion, the potential of online hypnosis to help individuals overcome nicotine addiction is significant. It provides a valuable tool for those who may not have access to traditional therapy or prefer the convenience of an online format. However, success in quitting smoking through online hypnosis largely depends on the choice of a qualified and experienced practitioner, the individual’s commitment to the process, and the adherence to best practices in online therapy.
For those considering online hypnosis for smoking cessation, it is recommended to conduct thorough research, seek out accredited providers, and maintain realistic expectations about the outcomes. Further research and exploration in the field of online hypnosis will continue to enhance our understanding of its capabilities and improve its application, making it an even more effective tool in the fight against smoking addiction.
Related literature
- Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Trial – This study examines the effectiveness of hypnosis compared to standard behavioral counseling in helping smokers quit, using nicotine patches as part of the treatment. The results indicate that hypnosis may have a slightly higher success rate in maintaining long-term cessation​ (academic.oup)​.
- Hypnosis in Smoking Cessation: The Effectiveness of Some Basic Principles of Hypnotherapy Without Using Formal Trance — A Case Study – This article discusses the principles of hypnotherapy used in smoking cessation, even without formal trance techniques, and explores their practical application​ (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)​.
- The Development and Evaluation of Online Smoking Cessation Services: A Narrative Literature Review – This review details the evolution and effectiveness of online smoking cessation services, highlighting the variety of components used and the development stages of these services​ (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)​.
- Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Smoking Cessation – This review discusses the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness in smoking cessation, including the integration of these approaches in online formats to assist smokers​ (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)​.
- Effectiveness of stop smoking interventions among adults: protocol for a systematic review – This systematic review protocol outlines the methods for assessing various smoking cessation interventions, including online methods, providing a framework for evaluating their effectiveness​ (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)​.
