Quit smoking, lose weight - giving up addiction: the view of Dr. Stephen Lynn At the end of March 2012, Dr. Steven Jay Lynn, Professor of Psychology from Binghamton University (USA) visited Moscow ), who is one of the main developers of the theory of hypnosis over the past 30 years. Despite the fact that he has Russian roots, this was his first time visiting Russia. The professor conducted a seminar in Moscow for practitioners on the use of clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation; weight loss (weight loss); adequate perception of your body image. Dr. S. Lynn demonstrated his proprietary methods aimed at solving these goals, which are based on a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy with clinical hypnosis. He cited data from numerous studies on the effectiveness of various types of hypnotherapy for various problems, examined the use of clinical hypnosis from the point of view of individual differences in hypnosis, hypnotic phenomena, and the basis for the use of hypnosis for the treatment of psychological problems and medical diseases. To my delight, I was able to attend his seminar, and I was able to absorb a large number of new ideas and methods of psychotherapy for addictions such as overeating, smoking and others. Moreover, the very principles of constructing psychotherapeutic work, methods of integrating hypnosis with cognitive behavioral therapy, and the scientific evidence-based approach of Dr. S. Lynn are good examples to follow. What is his smoking cessation program based on, for example? Dr. S. Lynn et al describe a technique based primarily on two 1.5- to 2-hour group sessions. Initially, they recommend giving clients the concept of hypnosis and an explanation that hypnosis is, first of all, self-hypnosis, since it is impossible to suggest to a person something that he does not accept. Later, self-hypnosis is taught as one of the many skills with which participants can achieve smoking cessation. To increase self-control and teach important skills, you can use techniques to minimize negative self-talk while emphasizing the benefits of being a nonsmoker and the ability to become one. Managing the stimuli that lead to smoking, rewarding yourself for quitting, and cue-controlled relaxation are also important components of the process. Group participants are given a CD with text promoting self-hypnosis. The focus of smoking cessation is to replace this behavioral act with other methods of behavior, along with explaining the harm caused by smoking and creating positive personal (for example, health, beauty) and interpersonal reasons for being a non-smoker. The need for strong motivation to quit the smoking habit is emphasized. But Dr. S. Lynn recommends using various nicotine substitutes, especially at first, to alleviate the condition. The authors consider it very important to be able to imagine, see oneself as a non-smoker, and experience at a deep level the positive benefits of quitting smoking and suggest providing rewards for avoiding tobacco. Participants are asked to identify in advance high-risk or trigger situations with a high probability of smoking. These situations are supposed to be avoided at first if possible. Program participants observe themselves for some time and identify triggering situations, and also create behavior patterns that can replace smoking in the above triggering situations. Achievements in this type of therapy are determined, among other things, by avoidance of risky situations, mastery of replacement behavior in situations of a strong desire to smoke, and assigned rewards for quitting smoking. Many women are afraid to quit smoking due to fear of weight gain. The solution to this problem is a balanced diet, some increase in physical activity, which in turn helps to cope with excess anxiety. More are discussed.