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1. I want to quit smoking. Will hypnosis help?

   It may, if you are highly motivated. Studies indicate that it works better than trying to go it alone and as well as any other approach. The problem is that all smoking cessation treatments have low long-term success rates. (Of course, some experts say that for the smoker who really wants to quit, the success rate is 100 percent.)

2. A hypnotherapist I saw comes highly recommended. But I just don't feel comfortable around him. Is that reason enough to find another one?

   Indeed it is. With hypnotherapy, you have to trust your instinct. No matter how good your practitioner is, you need to have confidence in your therapist. Keep looking for one with whom you can feel comfortable.

3. I'm intelligent and strong willed. Does that mean I can't be hypnotized?

   Intelligence isn't a barrier to being hypnotized. Being strong willed may mean that you won't be easily hypnotized, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. Motivation and the ability to concentrate are the most important components to successful hypnotization.

4. Can hypnosis be used to block a memory?

   This happens only rarely. Spontaneous memory blocks usually occur when they are associated with some sort of trauma, not treatment. With highly hypnotizable patients, memories can be blocked, but it's usually a short-term effect.