Key Takeaways
- A meta-analysis found hypnotherapy for smoking cessation showed quit rates of 24-37% across studies (Green & Lynn, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2014).
- Hypnosis as an adjunct to CBT outperformed 70% of CBT-alone participants (Kirsch et al., Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1995).
- Hypnotherapy works by changing subconscious associations — cigarettes linked with calm, reward, or relief — not just conscious willpower.
- It’s not a magic switch. Motivation, readiness, and consistency matter.
If you’ve tried quitting before — patches, gum, cold turkey, willpower — and found yourself back at square one, you’re not alone. About 14% of Australian adults smoke daily (AIHW, 2020), and most make multiple attempts before stopping for good.
At Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy, Wendy Gadsby doesn’t offer a miracle cure. She offers a practical approach that targets the patterns behind smoking — the automatic associations, the stress triggers, the rituals your brain has wired in over years.
How It Works
Smoking isn’t just a physical addiction. It’s a set of deeply learned associations. Coffee = cigarette. Stress = cigarette. Finishing a meal = cigarette. These links live in your subconscious, running on autopilot long after nicotine has left your system.
Hypnotherapy works by putting you in a focused, relaxed state where those associations can be accessed and updated. You’re not asleep. You’re not out of control. You’re guided into a state where your mind becomes more receptive to new responses — reaching for water instead of a cigarette, taking three deep breaths, letting a craving pass without acting on it.
Clinical trials back this up. Green and Lynn’s meta-analysis (2014) found hypnotherapy quit rates of 24-37% across studies. A Cochrane review by Barnes et al. (2019) concluded the evidence is not yet strong enough for firm claims — study quality varies, and more research is needed. The Kirsch meta-analysis (1995) showed hypnosis significantly boosted outcomes when added to existing therapy.
These averages include every kind of hypnotherapy — scripted recordings, group sessions, single-method approaches. At Make Changes, Wendy combines hypnotherapy with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), working with both the subconscious patterns and the conscious thought processes that drive smoking. Most studies don’t measure this combined approach. If hypnotherapy alone produces 24-37% success, a personalised programme that also addresses root causes — stress triggers, identity, emotional associations — is likely to do better.
The honest answer to “does hypnotherapy work for quitting smoking?”: it can. Not for everyone. But for people who are genuinely ready and have struggled with other approaches, the evidence says it’s worth serious consideration — especially when you choose a practitioner who uses multiple proven strategies, not just one.
What to Expect
Your first session isn’t you lying on a couch while someone waves a watch. It’s a conversation. What triggers your smoking? When do you light up? What have you tried before? Wendy builds the session around your actual pattern — not a generic script.
During hypnosis, you sit comfortably. Eyes closed. Wendy guides you through relaxation, then introduces suggestions tailored to your goals. You might rehearse handling a stressful moment without reaching for a cigarette. You might practise associating smoking with something neutral rather than comforting. You stay in control throughout.
Most people notice the biggest shift in the first week — cravings feel less urgent, triggers lose their pull. Some need a few sessions to consolidate. The key is practising between appointments: using breathing cues, noticing when you want to smoke and choosing a different response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the success rate?
Studies report quit rates of 24-37%. Your results depend on readiness, consistency, and how long you’ve smoked. Hypnotherapy isn’t a guarantee — it’s a tool.
Will I be made to do something embarrassing?
No. Clinical hypnotherapy has nothing to do with stage hypnosis. You’re aware, in control, and can stop anytime.
How many sessions?
Some people respond to one or two. Others benefit from 3-4. Wendy discusses a realistic plan in your first consultation.
Can I combine it with NRT or other methods?
Yes. Hypnotherapy works on the psychological and behavioural side. Nicotine replacement works on the physical side. They can complement each other.
About the Author
Wendy Gadsby founded Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy in Melbourne. Certified Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner, and NLP Master Practitioner with over 15 years of experience and 5,000+ clients supported. Her approach is practical, direct, and grounded in real behaviour change.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general education only. It is not medical advice. Hypnotherapy may support smoking cessation but does not guarantee results. If you have health concerns, mental health concerns, or are using prescribed treatments, speak with a qualified health professional.