Nurture a permanent disinterest in smoking
When a client comes in, I’ll start with: “What would you like to work on today?”
Typical responses include:
- I want to stop smoking.
- My friend quit smoking, and I want to stop too.
- I’m spending too much on cigarettes.
- My health is at risk, and I need to stop smoking.
- It’s common for people to have started smoking at 14, 15, or 16 years old, but if someone began at 39, that’s less typical. In those cases, I need to identify the triggers behind their smoking habit.
Questions for Clients
I’ll ask, “How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?” The answer might be 30, 20, or 10. I’ll also ask, “Have you ever stopped smoking before?”
Clients usually respond with something like:
“Yes, I quit once for two years.”
“I’ve quit six times, each time for about two months.”
For someone who quit for two years, I’ll follow up with: “How did that experience go, and why did you start again?” The replies often include:
- My wife left me.
- My business collapsed.
- I was in an accident.
- I had a lot of stress.
- I help smokers move past the idea of relapsing by reframing their thinking. I tell them, “Today, you’ll change the habit of thought that drives the action.”
Personalized Approach
Each session is highly personalized. I ask, “Why do you want to stop now?” Responses vary from health to personal relationships:
- I’m trying to get pregnant, and smoking isn’t helping.
- I’m about to have surgery, and my doctor won’t proceed until I quit.
- In cosmetic surgery, smokers’ skin tends to deteriorate around the wounds.
- My wife is having a baby, and she won’t allow me to smoke in the house anymore.
- Everyone at the office is frustrated because I’m the only one taking smoking breaks.
- I’m afraid if I quit smoking, I’ll gain weight.
Join me to Make Positive Changes
Together, we will work to nurture a permanent disinterest in smoking. Make the decision today for a healthier life!