KAYE Townsend is a qualified, BACP registered, person-centred counsellor with a private practice in Flackwell Heath, Bucks.

She is currently writing a self-help book, write articles for various publications & work as a volunteer counsellor for a local charity.

Here she answers letters in her Bucks Free Press agony aunt column. To contact her, email kayebt@sky.com

Dear Kaye,

I have been trying on & off to give up smoking for over a year now due to the cost but I just don’t have any will power. I just find myself feeling extremely irritable & then end up smoking again.

Jan, 33, Maidenhead.

Dear Jan,

This isn’t easy for anyone but some of us have more self-discipline than others. I recently gave up myself by using hypnosis as I knew I didn’t want to suffer for weeks, I just wanted to stop. So far I have been a non-smoker for 3 weeks with no side effects. I used the therapist listed below, Gary Owens.

Of course everyone is different & will benefit from different types of help. Many people have found Champix to be of great help as they slowly cut down their smoking before giving up. You can usually get a prescription for Champix by visiting the nurse at your local GP surgery.

E cigarettes have become very popular as an aid to stopping smoking but again this doesn’t suit everyone. Other aids to consider are acupuncture, lozenges, patches, nasal spray, gum etc. Take a look at the websites listed below for a more informed look at your options.

Wishing you luck Jan,

Kaye.

Recommended contacts are listed below:

Smoke Free NHS information on help & advice when giving up smoking.

Website: www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Tel: 0800 0224332

Unlimited Living – Hypnosis / NLP / Time Line Therapy Gary Owens

Email: Garyowens1969@gmail.com

Tel: 07957 541369 British Acupuncture Council

For information on a registered clinic in your area & information on what to expect.

Website: www.acupuncture.org.uk