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Step 1
Approach self-hypnosis with an open mind, as it only works when viewed with a positive attitude. In order for you to achieve a state of "mind over matter," you need to develop a willingness to succeed with this form of treatment.
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Step 2
Purchase a few sessions with a local hypnotherapist to help you get started. Word-of-mouth referrals are often the best way to find such a specialist, but you can also visit the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists (NBCCH) to find a qualified professional near you (see Resources below). Part of the NBCCH's mission is to help patients find board-certified, quality hypnotherapists that they can trust. Remember, however, that professionals listed on the NBCCH website may not specifically treat addiction, so call around to find one that fits your needs.
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Step 3
Buy a copy of "The Non-Smoker's Edge," a CD series lead by Dr. Randy Gilchrist, psychologist and board-certified hypnotherapist (see Resources below). Published by the professionally acclaimed Hypnosis Network, "The Non-Smoker's Edge" takes the user through a series of audio self-hypnosis sessions designed to motivate her to kick the smoking addiction and make her "mentally adverse" to smoking. For a comprehensive, third-party review of the series, visit QuitSmoking.com (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Invest in a copy of "Power Your Mind to Stop Smoking," by Steve G. Jones, board-certified clinical hypnotherapist (see Resources below). Jones' background is in psychology and education, and he is the author of 14 books about the benefits of hypnotherapy. "Power Your Mind to Stop Smoking" is available in CD and MP3 formats.
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Step 5
Retreat to a secluded, restful location to practice your self-hypnosis. Whether you're listening to an audio program or practicing techniques you learned from a hypnotherapist, you must get away from household or office chaos, along with mental chaos, to focus on perfecting your new craft to quit smoking.
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Step 6
Be patient as you learn to use self-hypnosis. It generally takes a couple of weeks to begin to master your hypnosis techniques and notice a reduced urge to light up. Don't expect to quit smoking by tomorrow.
