Hypnosis to stop smoking in Grenoble: how it works

Stopping smoking is one of the greatest public health challenges, and yet every year thousands of people succeed. If patches, gum and willpower alone are not always enough, one increasingly popular approach stands out: **hypnosis**. In Grenoble, Ghislaine Morin, sophrologist and hypnotherapist, supports those who wish to turn the page on tobacco. But how does this method actually work? Is it effective? Here is everything you need to know.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an **altered state of consciousness** — neither sleep nor loss of control — in which attention narrows and the critical mind steps back. In this state of deep relaxation, the person remains fully conscious and in control of their choices, but becomes more receptive to suggestions.

Contrary to a common misconception, hypnosis is not a mysterious power exerted over the subject: it is a **therapeutic tool** that mobilises the person's own resources. The hypnotherapist guides, but it is the patient who does the work of transformation.

How does hypnosis help you stop smoking?

De-programming the smoking reflex

Smoking is not only a nicotine addiction: it is also a **deeply anchored habit** in the brain. The cigarette is associated with triggers — the morning coffee, the break at work, stress, an evening with friends. Hypnosis acts on this conditioning by **de-programming** the automatisms: it helps the brain to dissociate the cigarette from these situations, so that the gesture loses its power.

Planting new suggestions

During the session, the hypnotherapist installs **positive suggestions**: the cigarette becomes an unpleasant taste, a repellent smell, a meaningless gesture. These suggestions, repeated in the state of receptivity, replace the desire with a feeling of freedom and pride. The smoker projects themselves as a non-smoker, and their brain aligns with this new identity.

The mechanism: why does it work?

Smoking is a **dual addiction**: physical (nicotine) and psychological (the reflex and the emotion). While physical addiction is managed in a few days, psychological addiction is often what causes relapse. This is precisely where hypnosis comes in: it works on the **unconscious part** of the brain, where habits and emotions are lodged.

Work published on PubMed, in particular the Cochrane review *Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation*, shows that hypnosis can help some people to stop smoking, even if the evidence remains insufficient to conclude that it is superior to other methods. INSERM, for its part, emphasises the importance of a **holistic approach** to smoking cessation, combining psychological support and, if needed, nicotine replacement treatments. Hypnosis therefore fits in as a **valuable complement** to this process, and not as an isolated miracle solution.

How a hypnosis session unfolds

A session with Ghislaine Morin takes place in several stages, always in a caring and reassuring setting:

1. **The preliminary interview**: you talk about your relationship with tobacco, your motivations, your past attempts. This is the moment to set your objectives.

2. **The induction**: through her voice and relaxation techniques, Ghislaine guides you towards a state of deep relaxation.

3. **The therapeutic work**: de-programming and positive reinforcement suggestions are installed, adapted to your personal history.

4. **The return**: you gradually return to a state of full awareness, keeping the benefits of the session.

One to three sessions are often enough, depending on the person. Hypnosis is **painless and free of side effects** and suits most motivated adults.

A complementary practice, not a substitute

It is essential to remember this: hypnosis is a **complementary practice** that replaces neither medical advice nor a replacement treatment if one is needed. It is not suitable for everyone and its effectiveness depends on each person's motivation. Ideally, talk to your doctor and integrate hypnosis into a holistic cessation process.

Ready to say goodbye to the cigarette?

Stopping smoking is an act of freedom, and you do not have to do it alone. In Grenoble, Ghislaine Morin supports you gently and professionally towards a life without tobacco.

**Book an appointment with Ghislaine Morin on 06 24 90 04 98 or online at https://calendly.com/centre-equilibre-sophrologie**

Your new life as a non-smoker begins with a simple call.

Discover how hypnosis supports you.

Ghislaine Morin welcomes you in Grenoble : www.sophrologue-grenoble.fr/sophrologie-sophrologue-a-grenoble-38000-38100