World No Tobacco Day
Want to quit smoking or quit vaping? Our free program can help.
Whether it’s smoking or vaping, to chat about it or to stop altogether, here at BHN, we take a client-centred and directed approach to our program. Inspired by World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, we sat down with our Smoking Cessation Counsellor, Teresa, to share details about BHN’s free Stop Smoking and Vaping Program.
So, Teresa, tell us a bit about BHN’s Stop Smoking and Vaping Program.
Our Stop Smoking and Vaping Program is an individualised, personal journey on what someone would like to do about their smoking or vaping. Most importantly, there’s no judgment; we don’t make anyone stop smoking or vaping if they don’t want to – it’s really about understanding what their smoking or vaping is about and what this means to them in their life.
In terms of the program, in a little more detail, we support people through Telehealth, on the phone, and also face-to-face. For us, it’s really about what works for the client; for example, if we make a face-to-face appointment but can’t make it in, we want to make sure we can adapt and suit your needs, so we can opt to do Telehealth or a phone can. Either approach is quite effective and really does offer that flexibility, which is so important when someone wants to reduce smoking or stop using cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
What’s one thing that’s a little tricky about our Stop Smoking and Vaping Program?
Definitely one of the trickiest things in supporting people is simply getting them in to have a conversation. Often, the first step is the hardest. Sometimes, it’s all about having that initial chat to let the client know that we, as their counsellor, are not here to force or to make them do anything they don’t want to do. We just want to talk about what they would like to do. We’re interested in knowing what their reasons are for wanting to tackle this situation, and that initial courage to book that call or attend that first appointment is usually the trickiest part.
What would you say is the biggest misconception about our Stop Smoking and Vaping Program?
The biggest misconception is that we’re going to force people to stop. That we’re going to tell them what they’re going to do – more of a directive, forceful approach as opposed to working together as a team and working on this collaboratively. Understandably, there can be a lot of fear involved, and sometimes it’s just about getting past that initial session. So, we really want to encourage that we’re just here to talk, understand, and support.
What would be the one thing preventing people from entering the program?
I would say it comes down to fear. The fear of letting go and what it’s going to look like. When people start, a lot of questions can come up, ‘How am I going to stop?’, ‘What am I going to do?’, ‘Will this work?’. This can be too scary for some people, and they back away, but I want to reiterate that we’re here for them, the client. This is personalised to them and led by them, and we will tackle each question and each emotion as it comes up.
What should someone do when they’re ready to make contact?
When someone’s ready, it’s really about making contact with us on 132 246. We’ll book a date and time that’s suitable for you, and then our first chat is really about focusing on you. We’ll talk about your smoking and vaping, just to get an idea and to understand what’s happening, and most importantly, to work on a plan that’s unique and suitable to you.
To learn more about BHN’s Stop Smoking and Vaping Program, please click here.
A review from our Smoking Cessation Client, Amanda:
“I have been coming to see Teresa for several months now.
My addiction to smoking had been going off and on for over 50 years. Such an easy addiction to entertain, but so hard to remove from your life. With many encouraging words and plenty of strategies offered, I am (so far) relieved from its hold!
I really don’t think I could’ve done it without the invaluable help and support Teresa has given me. She’s so easy to talk to and has a wealth of knowledge to offer, all of which I can happily say I took advantage of.
Never before have I felt so comfortable to open up to someone… someone who has no expectations or demands – just the ability to lead you to make the decisions necessary for a smoke-free life.
I thoroughly recommend her services.” – Amanda.