As we approach the end of 2020, it can be a time to reflect on what you did right this year and what changes you might want to make for 2021. With the COVID crisis, I think everyone has staying healthy on their mind. I have had several clients during COVID decide that it was time to quit smoking. One of them was a 66 year old female client who had been smoking for over 40 years. She was a caregiver for her 2 young grandsons and wanted to stay healthy to be able to keep up with them. Her husband was having some health issues and she wanted to support him as he worked to stay healthy also. This is what she wrote:

“After years of smoking cigarettes and attempting to quit on my own, I turned to Cinda Roffman. After three sessions, I conquered this horrible habit with Cinda guiding the way, instilling positive affirmations and insights. Cinda figuratively took me by the hand, and helped me realize I could do this. She is an amazing therapist!”

Do you have an addiction or habit that you would like to say goodbye to as 2020 ends?

Whether it is smoking, nail biting, hair pulling or other negative habits, exploring why can be a first step to extinguishing these habits. Stress and anxiety can be a contributing factor in these negative habits. Once we figure out why you are doing them, we can come up with behaviors that will not harm you and provide the same level of comfort. For example, a warm cup of tea or a brisk walk can do a lot towards relieving the stress that can lead to these behaviors.

Negative habits may have originated as a response to stress or anxiety that you did not know how to cope with. Looking back on their beginnings can be enlightening. Maybe you began to smoke when it was cool and the hip thing to do. Now we know more about smoking and the many medical problems associated with it. Knowing that in our conscious mind, however, does not always translate to a change in behavior. That’s where the subconscious mind comes in. When we convince the subconscious mind that smoking is bad for us also, it makes changing the behavior so much easier.

We will also write affirmations that you can use to remind yourself of the changes you are making. “I am a permanent non-smoker.” “I have beautiful, long nails.” “My hair is healthy and full.” These affirmations will reinforce the suggestions made in hypnosis.

We will find your “happy place,” and anchor it to the calm, relaxed feeling you feel in hypnosis. When you find yourself beginning to do the behavior you are trying to extinguish, you instead focus on feeling calm and relaxed. Eventually, the behavior will be completely replaced by a feeling of calm.

Wishing you and your family and friends a happy, healthy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Cinda

HypnoNews and Resources

For more ideas about extinguishing negative habits with hypnotherapy, check out these articles:

https://www.hypnotherapists.org.uk/hypnotherapy/problem-behaviours/

https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/smoking.html#whystopsmoking