Integrative Approaches to Quit Smoking or Vaping: A Holistic Perspective

Welcome to another edition of our blog where we explore the profound connections between mind, body, and wellness. Today, we delve into a holistic approach to helping individuals quit smoking or vaping, incorporating clinical hypnotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), mindfulness, and psychology/psychotherapy.

Welcome to this edition of our mind–body wellness blog. Today we explore how some people use a combination of psychological therapy and complementary wellbeing approaches when working toward reducing or quitting smoking or vaping. This article discusses these approaches in general terms and is for information only, not health advice.

Understanding the Challenge

Smoking and vaping are complex habits influenced by a mixture of behavioural, emotional, environmental and personal factors. Many people describe a combination of stress-relief patterns, routine associations, social habits, emotional attachments, and physiological responses that make quitting feel difficult.

Because of this complexity, some individuals choose to explore multiple approaches to better understand their patterns and motivations, increase sense of control, and support behaviour change.

Integrative Approaches Some People Use

The approaches discussed below are used differently by different practitioners. They are complementary tools, not treatments for nicotine dependence and not substitutes for medical or psychological care.

1. Clinical Hypnotherapy (Complementary Modality)

Some people find hypnotherapy helpful as a way to explore internal motivation, increase relaxation, and build awareness of automatic habits. Hypnotherapy uses guided focus and calm states to support behavioural change efforts. Experiences vary from person to person.

2. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) – Complementary Modality

NLP offers techniques for exploring how thoughts, language and behaviour interact. Some people use it to reflect on patterns, identify triggers, or develop alternative responses that feel more aligned with their goals.

3. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – Complementary Modality

EFT combines elements of cognitive awareness with gentle tapping on specific points. Some individuals report that it helps reduce emotional intensity or stress connected with cravings.

4. Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breath awareness, can help people notice urges, slow down automatic behaviours, and respond with greater intention. Mindfulness is widely used as an evidence-based strategy for stress reduction and emotional regulation.

5. Psychology & Psychotherapy (AHPRA-regulated service)

Psychological therapy provides a safe and structured space to explore the emotional, behavioural and environmental factors maintaining smoking or vaping patterns. Therapy may include motivational interviewing, CBT, emotional regulation skills, trauma-informed work, or exploring barriers to change.

Psychological treatment is separate from the complementary modalities listed above and is provided under the AHPRA standards, codes, and guidelines.

Why Some People Choose an Integrative Approach

• Multiple factors influence smoking/vaping habits — emotional, behavioural, environmental and physiological.

• Different people respond to different strategies, and having options can help increase engagement and self-awareness.

• Complementary modalities can support relaxation, insight and emotional awareness, while psychological therapy provides professional mental-health-informed guidance.

• Working across mind, body and behaviour can help people better understand the patterns driving their habit.

These approaches do not replace medical or psychological treatment, and experiences vary from person to person.

A Balanced Perspective

Quitting smoking or vaping can be challenging, and there is no single method that works for everyone. What matters is finding a safe, supportive and personally meaningful combination of strategies that align with your health needs and values.

If you’re considering reducing or quitting:

• You can speak with your GP about medical supports and nicotine-replacement options.

• A registered psychologist can help you explore motivation, triggers, stress, and behavioural patterns.

• Complementary modalities may assist with emotional regulation, relaxation and self-awareness as part of a broader wellbeing plan.

Important Note

Clinical Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, breathwork, and other holistic approaches described above are complementary wellbeing modalities. They are:

• not psychological treatment

• not medical treatment

• not trauma therapy

• not substitutes for evidence-based cessation treatment

• not eligible for Medicare rebates

Psychology sessions related to behaviour change or addiction-related concerns are provided separately under AHPRA regulation by a Registered Psychologist.