In 1992 New Scientist magazine conducted a now famous large scale study. All well-known stop smoking methods were compared. It was found that hypnotherapy was the most effective method.

Jo uses a finely tuned approach, helping clients to stop smoking in two or three sessions of one hour (first session is 1 1/2 hours)

Why more than one session? Preparation and client-practitioner rapport are the key to success. You need to place full confidence in your therapist and your own ability to relax and absorb information.

Your initial session facilitates this, and sets the mind in motion for a pre-determined cessation date, usually a week later, but to suit you.

An optional 3rd session ‘mops up’ any lingering doubts, reinforces the therapy, and is used to teach a useful self-hypnosis technique. At £150 for the two and £60 a session therafter if required, most ex-smokers have recouped their money in a matter of a few nicotine-free weeks.

Unlike other stop-smoking methods, hypnotherapy is 100% safe and drug-free.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Start now! Try to make a diary of when you smoke most frequently (mealtimes/car/with a drink). Then, try to break those associations by changing the times when you do smoke

Cut down, preferably to a lower brand (2mg per cigarette) 2-5 times a day

Take exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming - 20 mins at least 3 times a week

Eat plenty of wholegrains, protein, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Nicotine de-stabilises your blood sugar levels

Take vitamins to help your body combat cravings and acidity ;
A good multivitamin daily
Calcium (600 mg) daily
Magnesium (400mg) daily
1,000mg of vitamin C, 100mcg of chromium and 50mg of niacin with each meal
Licorice can be useful to help combat cravings

If you crave while reducing your intake, reach for an apple or pear to raise your blood sugar levels

You may find it helpful to take 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) supplement. An amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, an important brain chemical that controls mood. Nicotine withdrawal tends to lower serotonin levels, which leaves you depressed and irritable. Take 200mg daily, ideally just before bedtime when it works optimally.