This Friday (05/20) I have an appointment with a hypnotherapist to assist me in quitting smoking. Yes, I know, I'm crazy to be a cyclist and also to be lighting up, but it's a habit I've had since I was 22 (I'm 47 now). I believe it's time to stop this idiocy and start enjoying life as a non-smoker. Fortunately, my resting HR is about 63-69, and my BP has always been around 110/68. Thus, I feel that I shouldn't tempt fate anymore. God's given me a good base upon which to build, and I don't want to regret it later. Plus, I'm riding in the MS 150 in June, and it seems a little hypocritical to be riding for a healthy cause when I'm willfully damaging my body.

My question is, has anyone had any direct experience with hypnotherapists, or know someone who has? Being a scientist (yes, yes, I'm "smart" but I smoke - go figure), I'm naturally skeptical, but I want to go with an open mind, which I believe will be the first positive step toward a successful treatment. Thanks in advance, and I will welcome any encouragement from the rest of you!