Question 1

Can anyone be hypnotised to stop smoking?

Accepted Answer

Most people can. Hypnosis for smoking cessation is simply a state of focused attention and deep relaxation not sleep or mind control.
 If you can follow instructions and genuinely want to quit, you can normally be hypnotised. The key is willingness and motivation, not gullibility.
During your free discovery call, we’ll run a couple of simple checks to see how easily you respond to hypnotic techniques. If you’re one of the people who finds hypnosis challenging, don’t worry, I also use NLP and other modern behaviour-change tools that are highly effective for stopping smoking.
If you’d like to learn more, you can read about my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy programme (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free consultation to see which method suits you best.

Question 2

How does hypnotherapy help someone stop smoking?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy helps you stop smoking by changing the unconscious patterns that keep the habit running in the background. When you’re in a relaxed, focused state, your mind becomes more open to new suggestions and new behaviours, which makes it easier to break the automatic link between stress, triggers and cigarettes.
In a typical stop-smoking session, we identify the emotional and behavioural roots of the habit, then replace those patterns with healthier responses. This often includes boosting your motivation, reducing cravings, and building a sense of confidence and control around becoming smoke-free.
For people who struggle with the hypnotic state, I also use NLP techniques and psychological strategies that work just as effectively.
If you’d like a deeper look at how the process works, you can read more on my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free discovery call.

Question 3

Is stop-smoking hypnotherapy available on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

As things stand, stop-smoking hypnotherapy is rarely provided directly by the NHS. Some NHS clinics may offer behavioural support, advice, or referrals to stop-smoking programmes, but hypnosis-based treatments are not part of standard NHS services.
That said, many people combine NHS support (like nicotine replacement therapy or counselling) with private hypnotherapy for a more holistic approach. If you’re interested in exploring hypnosis for smoking cessation privately, you can view details on my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free discovery call to see if it’s right for you.

Question 4

Will I still get cravings after hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Most people notice a significant reduction in cravings after stop-smoking hypnotherapy, and many clients report that the urge to smoke fades much faster than they expected. Hypnosis works by changing the unconscious triggers that create cravings in the first place, things like stress, boredom, routine, or certain emotional associations.
However, it’s normal for a small number of people to experience occasional moments of temptation, especially in the first few days. When this happens, the techniques we use, including NLP strategies, future-pacing and trigger-retraining, help you handle those moments quickly and confidently without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’d like to learn more about how cravings change after a session, you can read about my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy programme (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free consultation.

Question 5

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypnotherapy is considered a very safe therapeutic approach when delivered by a trained practitioner. You remain fully in control throughout the session, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention and deep relaxation, similar to getting absorbed in a book or film.
During a session, you stay aware of what’s happening, and you can pause or stop at any time. Most people find hypnotherapy deeply calming, and it often reduces stress and anxiety rather than causing any discomfort. For stop-smoking, anxiety, addiction recovery or behaviour-change work, it is regarded as one of the gentler, non-invasive treatment options.
If you’d like to understand the process in more detail, you can read more on my S(https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)top smoking hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free consultation.

Question 6

Will I gain weight after quitting through hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Weight gain after quitting smoking usually happens when people replace cigarettes with snacking or use food as a distraction — not because of the quitting itself. Hypnotherapy helps you avoid this by changing the unconscious patterns behind both smoking and emotional eating, so you don’t simply swap one habit for another.
During your sessions, we work on breaking the “hand-to-mouth” routine, reducing stress triggers, and strengthening your sense of control. Many clients actually find their appetite stabilises once nicotine is no longer affecting their system, and some people even feel more motivated to look after their health once they stop smoking.
If maintaining your weight is a concern, we can build that into your programme. You can read more on my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)o(https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)r book a free consultation.

Question 7

Does hypnotherapy work for vaping too?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hypnotherapy can be just as effective for helping someone stop vaping as it is for quitting cigarettes. The dependence on vaping often comes from the same unconscious patterns: stress relief, habit loops, emotional triggers, or the need to keep your hands and mind occupied. Hypnosis helps break those automatic responses and replace them with healthier behaviours.
During the session, we work on reducing nicotine cravings, cutting the emotional attachment to the vape, and retraining your mind to feel calm and in control without needing it. For people who vape out of boredom or routine, we also use NLP and behavioural strategies to break those patterns quickly.
If you’re exploring quitting vaping, you can learn more about the process on my Stop Smoking & Vaping Hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-vaping)or book a free consultation.

Question 8

What does a stop-smoking hypnosis session feel like?

Accepted Answer

A stop-smoking hypnosis session feels relaxing, calm and deeply focused. Most people describe it as similar to daydreaming or getting absorbed in a good book — you’re awake, aware, and in control the entire time, but your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions and change.
During the session, you simply sit back and listen while your body relaxes and your breathing slows. You may notice a floating, heavy or warm feeling, depending on how you naturally respond to the hypnotic state, but nothing uncomfortable or unusual. The aim is to quiet the busy, analytical part of the mind so we can work directly with the unconscious habits that drive the smoking behaviour.
Clients often leave the session feeling refreshed, lighter, and more confident about becoming smoke-free.
 To learn more about the process, you can visit my Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy page (https://www.andymacarthur.com/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy-edinburgh)or book a free consultation.

Ready to reach a better place? Then book a free 30-minute discovery call with me today. or WhatsApp me on 07983 472 865.

Ready to reach a better place?
Then book a free 30-minute discovery call with me today.
or WhatsApp me on 07983 472 865.