The 16 Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long does it take & what makes your approach so successful, and different than others?
- I've heard of it, but what exactly is naturopathy and a natural approach to tobacco cessation?
- How will we deal with urges & cravings?
- Will I gain weight?
- Is this hypnosis?
- Is coaching like therapy?
- Is specialty coaching a 12-step type of program?
- What if I am not 100% sure I want to stop, or I don't feel ready?
- What if I don't have time?
- How much does it cost?
- What guarantees do I have of successfully quitting?
- In these uncertain financial and social times, why should I spend money on coaching? Shouldn't I be more concerned about terrorists and the stock market?
- Can I learn to quit smoking by reading and following your book?
- Will my insurance cover or reimburse for tobacco cessation coaching?
- How do you actually coach your clients?
- What happens if I quit before the 12 weeks?
1. How long does it take and what makes your approach so successful, and different than others?
I can only accept clients who are willing and able to commit to 12 weeks; sometimes we finish in less time, sometimes a little more. Here’s why permanent smoking cessation takes time:
- Before you quit, we need to assess your body’s biochemical state to know our "starting point" (baseline).
- Then, we need to assess neuropeptide and nutritional deficiencies that have been caused by smoking, and decide upon a course of remediation.
- We'll monitor biochemical and nutritional changes from that occur from our interventions to know when your body is ready to quit—this can take several weeks to show up, and more to adjust and fine-tune. Modifications may need to be made because individuals are individuals.
- While these things are going on, it's crucial that we address the habit part of addiction. We’ll use mind-body technologies based on the neuropeptide research. Remember, the addiction to tobacco is both in your body and in your psyche. Dealing with one and not both is the major reason for failure of other approaches, and what makes mine so different.
The mainstream approaches (free, mass-oriented programs, nicotine replacement drugs, behavior modification, etc.) have mediocre success rates, but they keep plodding along anyway (by some, this is the definition of insanity). But in addition, an integrally-informed approach to coaching means I look at many, many parts of your whole life to understand, as exactly as possible, how tobacco is interwoven in your life, your relationships, your work, and your future. In this way I don't compete with the mainstream approaches; instead, I create and innovate for the success of my clients.
When one is willing to be different from the masses, innovation is possible. For example, I've developed a quick, in-home, 3-second lab test that tells us when your body's ready to quit, or not ready (when it is, there are no withdrawal symptoms!). This is based on solid biochemical research I detail in my book. I have yet to find a standard approach or "instant cure" that works or is worth the cost in terms of time, hope, and money. My specialty coaching is not an instant cure, but rather a quality relationship that aims for re-establishing health, with the elimination of tobacco. I think my success rate speaks for itself!! Back to Top
2. I've heard of it, but what exactly is naturopathy and a natural approach to tobacco cessation?
Naturopathy is the art and science of how the body heals itself when provided with the necessary nutrients from nature's bounty. It recognizes that our organism has innate healing, repair, and growth capabilities if provided the right environments and nutrients. Naturopathy is a health-oriented system of knowledge, not disease and sickness-oriented like the American allopathic medical system. I'll coach you how to apply this knowledge to smoking and tobacco cessation.
Conquering tobacco naturally is the subject of my latest book. Chapters 1 and 2 (85 pages) details a naturopathic model for tobacco cessation, and the rest of the 475 pages present a naturopathic approach to it, i.e., all the vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathic and homeobotanical medications and remedies, the environmental changes, etc., that will promote tobacco cessation without withdrawal and other negative consequences. Click here for one reviewer's summary. Back to Top
3. How will we deal with urges & cravings?
If you’re nervous about cravings and urges, take heart. My in-home test tells you when you body is ready to quit, so you won't have urges and craving! Perhaps in the past you either gave into them by smoking or you felt terrible and overwhelmed by stopping. Conventional smoking cessation "wisdom" tells us all sorts of things—block urges out; get rid of them; do anything to run from them. This rarely works!
The difficulty you had in the past with stopping smoking may be due to your failed attempts to block out the urges by fighting them. This is exactly the wrong way to deal with cravings and urges!
I'll coach you how to naturally prepare your body to prevent urges which, obviously, would eliminate any battle! Back to Top
4. Will I gain weight?
As I explain in my book, 80% of ex-users gain a few pounds over 2 years~ about 4lbs~ and only 4% of people will actually gain a lot of weight! Despite these findings, weight gain is often a major issue among many smokers. There’s a difference between your appetite returning once you quit (which it will), and a weight gain. I will coach you how to eat well and healthily so that you don't gain unnecessary weight. Your dependency on cigarettes will not be transferred onto other substances such as food. You, therefore, will not need to gain unhealthy weight. You will eat and drink about the same amounts of foods and liquids as you did as a smoker, but you'll be making more healthy choices and yet feel satisfied. While many individuals who were unsuccessful in the past worry that their weights will increase, my clients have, in fact, found that weight gain is not an issue. Coaching means I will show you how. Back to Top
5. Is this hypnosis?
No. I will advise you to use specific imaging techniques and for some clients, especially those who want and like this form of mind-body healing, I will include non-hypnotic guided imagery processes and relaxation techniques. They are a powerful adjunct to success in altering the habit part of smoking. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of hypnosis when paired with naturopathic approaches. In fact, over 85 pages in chapter 3 is devoted to how to use hypnosis and self-hypnosis in combination with naturopathy; competent hypnosis has a success rate of over 85%, according to the American Medical Association and is recognized as a complementary health modality. Back to Top
6. Is coaching like therapy?
CLIENT: My house is burning down!
THERAPIST: Oh, you must feel scared.
COACH: Well don't just stand there, call the fire department.
Coaching is quick, efficient, and solution-oriented (even though the results of stopping smoking are highly therapeutic). My goal is to educate you about the nature of your addiction, provide you with the tools to stop, and to empower you to take the necessary steps to stop and stay off cigarettes. Coaching is not therapy. Therapists work on past 'issues' or look to the past to understand what's causing a client's current behavior. Coaches focus on the present and future and help clients move forward by setting personal and professional goals that help them create the life they really want. Back to Top
7. Is specialty coaching a 12 step type of program?
No. Although there are powerful elements of the 12 step approach that have been shown to work, I'm not a not-for-profit organization nor do I use a 12-step approach. My coaching method is a clearly defined process based in science that uses specific tools such as an in-home lab test for my clients to use from day one. Although a fundamental shift in attitude occurs that helps my clients stay off cigarettes for good, it is not strictly necessary that my clients believe in God in order to achieve what Twelve Step Programs call a "spiritual experience" in order to quit. Back to Top
8. What if I am not 100% sure I want to stop, or I don't feel ready?
It's somewhat erroneous to believe that you have to make up your mind to stop beforehand in order to be successful. I know that's the conventional belief, but it’s incomplete. Of course, it certainly helps if you’re committed to quitting, but the nature of tobacco addiction can make even that tricky, sometimes. You may feel deeply ambivalent: one part of you wants to stop, but the addicted side of you doesn't want to part with your "best friend," which is what cigarettes have become for you. So, the day when you're entirely convinced you want to stop will probably not come. You can succeed anyway. For stopping smoking, all you need is the willingness (not willpower¾ there is a difference) to fully participate in a personalized coaching experience! Back to Top
That's a good one, and I hear it occasionally¾ although most of my professional clients are beyond using this excuse. They know that quality and accomplishment takes time! Another way to look at it is that the very quality of your life is at stake. I appreciate that your time is valuable (and so is mine). If you're not ready, you're not ready. But you took time to develop your addiction to nicotine, and you will need to give it a little time and attention to change. That's where I come in, and part of the value of coaching: it's done on your schedule as much as possible. With my approach to coaching and quitting, you can live your life as you normally do while you are stopping. Mine is a simple, structured process for those with full (and sometimes complicated) lives. Putting off stopping is your biggest obstacle to a life of freedom, and the safest refuge for the addicted side of you. Coaching offers an excellent solution for busy people! Back to Top
10. How much does it cost?
Although I don't post exact coaching fees here because each individual's fees will vary, depending on his or her smoking history and the extent of coaching involvement anticipated, you can calculate your approximate fees (within about 5%) by clicking here. I can assure you that it costs you far, far more to smoke than it will for you to stop. How do you put a price on saving your own life? In general, my fees are commensurate with specialty / niche coaching. Also, calculate your return on investment and you'll absolutely KNOW you can afford coaching. Back to Top
11. What guarantees do I have of successfully quitting?
My clients' success rate is 90% over one and more years. Will this guarantee your success? No, it can't possibly. What I'm talking about is significantly increasing your odds for success, and I offer a very reasonable guarantee.
12. In these uncertain financial and social times, why should I spend money on coaching? Shouldn't I be more concerned about terrorists, the Dow, and not spending money?
I don't subscribe to a poverty mentality, nor do my clients. I know a little about success, so let me share these observations:
Essentially, successful people spend money on things that are of value and good investments. My clients see the value of investing in coaching because it helps them solve an important problem. And, successful, achieving, happy people approach uncertain times, as well as perceived value, differently than most folks. Here's how and why:
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Smart, successful people know that investing in their own well-being (especially their health!), their happiness, and their goals is the ONLY and best way to live in uncertain times (and to prepare for tomorrow)!! If doing so costs money (which it does even in the best of times) but achieves value when you need it most (health, well-being, achievement, happiness during stressful times) then that's money well spent.
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Successful people invest their time and money in ways that create value for them now and in the future, regardless if the 6:00 News predicts a dip in the GDP or it's Condition Orange for terror alerts once again ( or some other news meant to distract people from living)! Here are two simple questions: (1) Do you think Oprah, Donald Trump, Tiger Woods, and other successful, accomplished people invest in themselves less when the "soothsayers of our times" put out a doom and gloom newscast?? No. They regard themselves as their own best asset, and invest in themselves more! (2) What could be more valuable than having your health, a clear head devoid of nicotine, and unheard of real energy during times of so-called uncertainty? If you think it's better to have a few more pieces of green paper in your hand (well, a slightly smaller balance on your credit card¾ since my fees are charged to your c.c.) than your health and your life...may I respectfully suggest that your priorities are not serving you very well. Such is NOT the priority of a successful person.
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Successful individuals see uncertainty as an opportunity for change, and for triumph...when most others are hunkering down in fear, worry, and conserving the wrong things! This is not the time to be conservative about your health but the best time to make sure your mind and body are prepared for the challenges ahead!
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Uncertain social and financial times are, ultimately, mental attitudes that the masses buy into by crippling their attitudes, emotions and behavior. The Ups and Downs of the economy are largely created by power brokers who influence markets for their own gain; they make tremendous profits from these cycles of doom and gloom!! The markets are impermanent, fickle, and manipulated. I strongly believe that we're entering a decade or more of chaotic times while the world's power brokers and governments capitalize on changes in geopolitical events, and use fear as a potent means of control of the masses. The last thing you should want to do is what most people will do¾ create self-fulfilling prophesies that reinforce fear and inaction! But be smart. When times are uncertain, invest in the right things, such as your health, happiness, and well-being. Then you'll be in the best possible shape to make good decisions and weather the storms from a position of strength, not fear.
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Successful people are sure of their ability to chart their own course, despite what the masses are doing or fearing. For most people, uncertainty restricts and limits their behavior, attitudes, and opportunities for success; for others (the successful) uncertainty is the stage upon which innovation and change is made, challenges played out, and rewards earned! It brings out the best in them...while others (the unsuccessful) are becoming poorer in mind, body, spirit, relationships, and accomplishment. It's your choice, as it should be.
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We live in ultra-competitive times. Can you really afford to be drugged up on nicotine, or appear to others to lack discipline because you run outside to light up every half hour? (You DO know, don't you, that smoking is detrimental to your image, especially in the professional/corporate world?) Or are you better served by increased energy...by having a clear head...by having the self-control and renewed health... projecting an image of intelligence and self-control that comes from being off nicotine??
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Which is really more of a threat to you personally, terrorism or the self-terrorism of tobacco and not quitting? Only you can take care of the latter!
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In summary, coaching is a thriving profession because right now professionals like you are availing themselves to personal consultants (i.e., specialty coaches) for their particular problems and goals. Here's exactly what you can expect when you hire me as your stop smoking coach.
13. Can I learn to quit smoking by reading and following your book?
Absolutely! It's written for both the lay person and the professional clinician who advises patients on tobacco cessation. There are step-by-step protocols, tables, and a great index. I send each one of my clients a free copy of the book because I refer to it often in coaching.
(If you prefer to try quitting without coaching you'll need to purchase the biochemical test kit I provide my clients (and reference in the book), you can order the replacement Hydrion 0.20 test kit here.)
14. Will my insurance cover or reimburse for tobacco cessation coaching?
Increasingly, yes, if prescribed by a physician as a medical necessity. Please click here for more details or talk to your health care provider.
15. How do you actually coach your clients?
Because each professional coach has his or her own style of coaching clients, I thought that you would be interested in knowing how I coach, what I expect of my clients and what my clients can expect of me.
My Clients Are Great
I’m blessed with the privilege of choosing who I work with. I enjoy each one of my clients because you are growing, successful, and I'm assisting you to further your personal, interpersonal, spiritual and professional lives by ridding tobacco from your life.
I Expect Your Best
If you are hiring me, then you’re probably ready to do and be your best. And if you aren’t doing your best, I’ll ask you to. If you can’t do that at the moment, I’ll understand and do what you need to be heard, loved and helped.
I Make Direct Requests
From time to time, I’ll make a binding inquiry, like “Will you accomplish X by the end of the week?” You may say yes, say no, or offer another solution. I’ll make you right whichever way you respond.
I Give Straight Advice
If I am sure of the situation, and you’re open to it, I’ll make specific suggestions on how to handle a problem or issue you’re having with quitting tobacco, as well as in other areas germane to this goal. If I’m not sure, I’ll say so. Honesty is one of my values—I am straight with you and expect the same from you. Regardless, you should use the best of what I say and use your own judgment.
I Don’t Step Over Much
When I hear a funny tone in your voice, or notice something amiss, I’ll ask you about it. Often, it is these small moments which offer the chance to resolve something. However, I don’t confront or push, usually; I’ll merely invite you to look at something.
I PRESCRIBE "HOMEWORK" THAT HELPS
I usually ask that my client come up with two or three goals, actions or shifts to have, between one call and the next, about tobacco cessation. If it is too much, please say so. If you want more, just ask.
You Are Expected To Use Me, Not Depend On Me
As your coach, I am a resource for you to use to your best advantage. I have an almost unlimited amount of care, compassion, forgiveness, and strength for you and I can share many principles which will increase your success and add to the quality of your life. AND, I ask that my clients use me as this resource and friend that I am, but do not let yourself get into the position of needing me (or coaching) as a dependency thing or fix.
My Commitment To You :
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I will listen very carefully to what you do say and what you do not say;
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I will ask questions until I am certain that you and I understand you;
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I will be absolutely truthful at all times, and I tend toward being candid and, certainly, direct;
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I probably believe that you can accomplish more than you believe that you can;
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I will have high expectations, and will ask you to stretch for them;
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I will support you and your decisions, absolutely;
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I will challenge you to reach for an even more fulfilling life beyond tobacco cessation;
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I will offer suggestions, advice, and my opinions, but all decisions are yours;
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Everything we say is confidential;
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You will receive more than is promised.
We Will Be Successful
Because the synergy of having two brains working for you always increases your effectiveness. If you're not one of my successful "91 percenters" here's my guarantee to make it right.
I Am Here
I want to hear it all. If you have a personal problem, are disturbed with something (even with me), are just starting to realize something big, can’t wait to share a shift/win, call or e-mail me. Anytime.
16. What happens if I quit before the 12 weeks?
This certainly happens...and it's great news when it does! What we'll do is take the remaining time to address areas of your life that have no doubt been affected by your tobacco use (e.g., becoming physically unfit; ) or segue into new areas like setting different goals, financial achievement or explore areas of your life that you've wanted to address but never seemed to have the time. Now you do!