Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
About sessions, fees, hypnosis and stopping smoking or vaping.
Your session
How does hypnotherapy help you stop smoking?
Smoking is a habit held in place by the subconscious, tied to routines like coffee, breaks and stress. Hypnotherapy works on those links and on the drive to smoke, so that not smoking feels natural rather than something you have to fight.
What happens in the session?
First, a conversation about your smoking or vaping: when and where you smoke, what it does for you, and why you want to stop. Then the hypnotherapy, tailored to what you’ve told me. The session lasts about an hour.
How many sessions will I need?
Your programme is one session, with the personalised recording of the session to take away with you. Occasionally people may require more than one session.
How much does it cost?
£300 for your session and the personalised recording.
What is the personalised recording?
A recording of the hypnosis from your session, made for you, to listen to at home. It reinforces the work of your session.
Can you help with vaping?
Yes. The programme is the same for vaping, cigarettes, rolling tobacco or any other form of nicotine.
Online sessions
Are sessions online?
Yes. All sessions are by Zoom, so you can take part from home, wherever you are in London, the UK or abroad.
What do I need?
A laptop, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone, a good internet connection, and a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted. A comfortable chair, sofa or bed is ideal.
What if the connection drops?
We agree a plan before we start. If the connection is lost, you simply return to full alertness, and I’ll call or message you to reconnect.
When are appointments?
Monday to Wednesday, from 8.30am. The last appointment of the day is at 5pm.
Hypnosis
Will I lose control?
No. You’re aware of what’s happening throughout, and you can’t be made to say or do anything you don’t want to.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing, like the moment just before you fall asleep. You can hear everything, and many people are surprised by how ordinary it feels.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Anyone who is willing to relax and follow simple suggestions can experience hypnosis. It works best when you want to change and are open to the process.
Stopping smoking
Will I put on weight?
It’s a common worry. Because the aim is for you to feel satisfied as a non-smoker rather than deprived, there’s no gap to fill with food. If weight is on your mind, tell me and we can include it in your session.
What if I’ve tried to stop before?
That’s very common, and it doesn’t count against you. What happened last time is useful to talk through in your session.
Do you have a success rate?
No. I don’t quote a success rate, because results depend so much on the person: how ready they are to stop, and what smoking or vaping does for them. Any single figure would be misleading. What I can do is tailor your session to you, and tell you honestly whether I think hypnotherapy is right for you.
Can you guarantee results?
No. Stopping smoking takes your commitment, and no honest therapist can promise a result. Results vary from person to person.
Is hypnotherapy right for me?
It suits people who want to stop for themselves and are open to a different approach. If smoking or vaping is how you cope with anxiety, depression or trauma, it’s usually better that we work on that first.
Booking
How do I book?
Get in touch by phone, email or the contact form. I reply within 24 hours. Once we’ve found a time, you’ll fill in a short registration form, and I’ll send you the Zoom link.
What if I need to cancel?
Please let me know at least 24 hours beforehand. Sessions cancelled with less notice are charged in full.
Where are you based?
My practice address is City Hypnotherapy Centre, Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue, Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NS. Sessions are by Zoom.
Is it confidential?
Yes. What you tell me stays between us, except in the rare cases where the law requires otherwise. The privacy policy explains how your information is looked after.
Start with a conversation.
Tell me about your smoking or vaping and what you’d like to change. I reply within 24 hours.