curious cat
10-14-2004, 08:15 AM
I have been referred to a hypnotherapist who is willing to do a one day three part session with my boyfriend to help him to stop smoking. She first wanted to speak with him and find out how serious he is about quitting. The cost is rather expensive for me, so I first wanted to get some feedback about how often people use hypnotherapy for this problem and how affective it is. Any suggestions or ideas?
Losing your boyfriend to lung cancer, heart disease, or emphysema is somehow cheaper than hypnotherapy? If he smokes just 10 cigs a day, half a pack, that's a cost of about $2 per day (figuring it out at $4 per pack, which may be low). That's over $700 per year. In five years, by not smoking, you will have saved at least $3500. If he smokes a pack a day, that would be a saving of $7000. And that's not even including the costs of burned clothers, burned furniture, the stink in his hair, the coughing first thing in the morning. And those kisses that taste like you're licking an ash tray.... High cost for hypnotherapy? Hardly! It is a tiny investment that will save thousands and possibly your boyfriend's life.
How effective is it? It is perhaps the most effective way to stop smoking for people who really want to stop. But the question is, will it be effective for him? From simply what you've written above, my guess is no, it will not. Here is why I say that.
Hypnotherapy works for people who want to stop. In this instance you are asking us if it works and you are going to pay for it. It sounds to me like you want him to quit and he wants to continue. If he really wanted to quit it would be him asking us these questions, not you. Even if you gave him an ultimatum--either stop smoking or I'm leaving--and he agreed, chances are he really would want both you and the smokes.
Contrary to popular believe, hypnosis can't make you do something you don't want to do. If he doesn't want to quit for his own benefit, all the hypnosis in the world won't help. That's why the hypnotherapist you contacted appropriately asked to talk to him to see if he is serious.
IF he was the one who came to you and said, "Honey, I am so tired of smoking. It costs me a fortune and is ruining my health. But I don't know what to do and I don't have enough money for any of those programs" then I would say there is a very good chance for success. If this is the situation, then I would encourage you NOT to pay for it, but to loan him the money with a clear repayment schedule to you.
IF he really wants to quit, hypnotherapy can help him stop smoking one day.
Good luck!
Terry (existing)
10-14-2004, 06:35 PM
Thanks heavens I gave up the filthy habit many years ago. It wasn't a matter of cost then, but today, at $10:00 a pack, it would cost $3650:00 per year to smoke at the rate of one pack a day here in Canada. Thats a trip to the East coast for a holiday, plus several fishing trips to Slave Lake, my favourite fishing hole (G) Terry