FAQ

Clinical Hypnosis, used in therapeutic application, is popularly called Hypnotherapy.  Hypnosis has in fact, been used as a therapeutic tool for more than 200 years.  

In a hypnotic state (trance), you are guided to focus more on ‘what’ than ‘why’.  This is done in a state of physical and sensory relaxation.  The effect is that you are able to interrupt and consciously contemplate the maladaptive patterns you have been running.  The effect is not only a space of conscious contemplation, but allows for alternative neural pathway development (neuroplasticity), meaning you start developing more productive, useful and effective patterns to deal with problems and situations.  (Spiegel, D., M.D. 2013)

There is varied research into the efficacy of hypnosis for quitting smoking.  There is good evidence of a more than 80% success rate for being smoke-free after an initial treatment program involving two to three hypnosis sessions (Bricker et al, 2020, Elkins & Rajab, 2004, Gilch & Wojak, 2021) with dwindling results after 6-12 months (Bricker, et al, 2020, Gilch & Wojak, 2021, Elkis & Rajab, 2004).  Other studies reported more than 70% of participants were smoke-free up to 2 years following treatment (Wynd, 2005).  So while the efficacy of both hypnosis and cognitive-behavioural treatment for quitting smoking is acknowledged, one important element contributing to long term success is practice in the form of recorded materials and resources for use in day-to-day life (Batra, et al, 2024, Jenson, et al, 2017).  Given all of this, our approach that combines hypnosis with a cognitive-behavioural framework, and practical resources, including recordings for between sessions, has so much to offer you towards achieving the most successful outcomes in the long term.  (Washington, 2023).

See our other FAQs to discover more about what is Clinical Hypnosis and Strategic Psychotherapy.

Batra, A. et al. 2024.  Hypnotherapy compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy for smoking cessation in a randomised control trial.  Frontiers Psychology
Bricker, J.B., Watson, N.L., and Mull, K.E. et al. 2020. Efficacy of Smartphone Applications for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2020;180(11):1472–1480
Elkins, G.R. & Rajab, H.  2004.  Clinical Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation: Preliminary Results of a Three-Session Intervention. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. 52(1), 73–81
Gilch, L.A. and Wojak, A. 2021. A Data-Analytic Evaluation of Smoking Cessation via Online Hypnosis. Cornell University, New York, USA.
Jensen, M.P., Jamieson, G.A., and Lutz, A., et al.  2017. New directions in hypnosis research: strategies for advancing the cognitive and clinical neuroscience of hypnosis. Neurosci Conscious.
Spiegel, D., M.D.  2013.  Tranceformations: Hypnosis in Brain and Body.  Depression and Anxiety 30:342-352. Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Washington, N. 2023. Can Hypnosis Get Me to Quit Smoking? Healthline.com published 26 September 2023.
Wynd, CA. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2005; 37:3, pages 245-250

Clinical hypnotherapy, combined with strategic psychotherapy, empowers you to explore the underlying motivations behind your smoking habits. This therapeutic approach helps you understand the perceived benefits of smoking and addresses the deeper emotional issues at play.

Learning to sit comfortably in the space left behind when you quit smoking is a crucial step in the recovery process. Each individual’s journey is unique, and we tailor our methods to meet your specific needs and circumstances.

At Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy, we recognize that everyone has different drivers and motivations for their smoking behaviors. Our dedicated team works with you to facilitate deep and lasting change effectively.

Your willingness and commitment to this transformative process are vital for achieving lifelong improvements. This journey not only enhances your well-being but also positively impacts the lives of those closest to you.

On average, a treatment plan involving 4 to 6 sessions is recommended, depending on the individual, in order to create your lasting smoke-free life.  We understand from research into hypnosis and smoking cessation, that you can expect significant change in as few as 2 or 3 sessions.  We like to work with you a little longer to create lasting change.

We can discuss this in your discovery call or your initial session.

You’ll no doubt find, after 3 sessions, a lot has changed and you are much clearer and more focused on your ‘where to from here’.   This is also an opportunity for us to collaborate on the time between appointments so that you have support on your journey as you need it.

See also our ‘How is Hypnotherapy an effective treatment for quitting smoking’ FAQ.

Hypnosis refers to a state of ‘trance’.  It is a state of heightened focus that literally alters your brain wave frequency. 

The technical bit in plain language:  The experience of trance guides you from waking consciousness (Beta), to between a deep physical and mental relaxation like being in a daydream or light meditative state (Alpha) and a deep hypnotic state that is like a deeper meditative state  (Theta).  

You are likely to experience a deep sense of relaxation and comfort and be open to ‘aha’ moments and clear thought and realisations that can leave you feeling calm and peaceful and more confident in yourself and your experiences.

Strategic Hypnosis is an advanced model of Clinical Hypnosis.  Clinical Hypnosis is the use of advanced hypnotic techniques for therapeutic purposes.  It is used to treat a great variety of conditions and there is a vast body of evidence as to its efficacy.

Anywhere your emotions and thoughts play a part in suffering, there is a place for Clinical Hypnosis to help, including mental, emotional and physical conditions.

It is a powerful therapeutic tool.  When coupled with Strategic Psychotherapy, it becomes Strategic Hypnosis and is an extremely effective model of treatment.

Visit College of Strategic Hypnotherapists to read more about why you should choose a Strategic Hypnotherapist.

Modern Strategic Psychotherapy reflects the beneficial principles of a number of specific therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy (ITP), Person-Centred and other Psychodynamic models.

It is future and goal oriented.  It is a form of brief therapeutic intervention which seeks to disrupt patterns that are holding you in suffering or stasis.  It is an empowering approach which teaches you to identify the patterns for yourself, and provides you with the skills to create positive patterns in order to achieve your goals.

Visit College of Strategic Psychotherapists to read more about why you should choose a Strategic Psychotherapist.

The Gordian Pillars were developed by Gordon Young.  

Gordon is the founder, director and lead trainer of the Institute of Applied Psychology, president of the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia and Vice President of the International Strategic Psychotherapists Association.  

The Gordian Pillars is a Strategic Psychotherapy framework for treating everything from anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma to perfectionism, lack of self-esteem, procrastination and weight loss.  

Accredited Gordian Pillars Strategic Psychotherapists are trained to identify, disrupt and provide skills training that address the underlying cognitive patterns, themes, perceptions, values and beliefs that maintain psychological conditions.

Visit College of Gordian Therapists to read more about why you should choose a Gordian Pillars Strategic Psychotherapist.

The use of Clinical Hypnosis is popularly called Hypnotherapy.

Anywhere your emotions and thoughts play a part in suffering, there is a place for Hypnotherapy to help, including mental, emotional and physical conditions.

Besides the many forms of anxiety, Hypnotherapy can be effective in treating conditions including anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, procrastination, pain management, fears and phobias, insomnia, depression, eating disorders and much more.

Yes, of course.

This type of therapy does seek to help you DO better in the longer term, rather than being a single session model. In as little as 3 sessions, you can start to make significant changes with ease.  If you’re truly wanting to live smoke-free, research shows that longer support is needed.

Initial session (1.5 hours) $250 +GST

Standard session (1 hour) $200 +GST

Several private health insurers cover hypnotherapy.  You will need to check with your health fund to ask them directly.