If you have a craving for something that you would prefer to not crave, then the following skill is for you.
The steps below form one of the NLP Swish Patterns which are valuable parts of any addiction cessation program. By using this skill on a regular basis you may be able to reduce or even eliminate cravings for substances like sugar, caffeine, tobacco, as well as overcome unwanted behaviours and reactions.
- Bring to mind the trigger which causes you to crave something that you want to quit. Make sure to elicit a picture – the very first mental image that begins your craving (or unwanted behaviour).
. - Take that image and white it out so that you’re looking at a blank screen.
. - Now imagine on that screen an image of you engaging in a desired activity, looking pleased and feeling good.
. - Repeat steps 1-3 (more rapidly each time, adding a deep breath in and out between each repetition) until you become aware that you feel differently about that old craving (or unwanted behaviour) which you used to have.
Since that past behaviour is behind you now, you can look forward to being pleasantly surprised at how easy and natural it will become to enjoy a new way of experiencing yourself.
There’s no harm in using this skill to conquer any kind of craving and you may be delighted at the results if you persist. If you would like more help with heavier addictions, then feel free to enquire about a bespoke addiction cessation audio programme, or book a personal session.
Written by Jevon Dangeli – NLP/Hypnotherapy Trainer & Coach, MSc Transpersonal Psychology
