Psychologist offers new hope to smokers looking to quit-March.10,2008

Medication used to be the only option to help fight back nicotine cravings, but not anymore.
Dr. Feldstein, a Charlottetown psychologist, introduced quitting smoking through hypnosis to Prince Edward Island about 20 years ago. He’s treated thousands of clients since.
After working as a hypnotist in other areas for many years, Feldstein got requests to help people with nicotine cravings. His work was successful and it didn’t take long for the word to spread.
Many people were happy with the results, Feldstein said.
“It works very well for smoking. Very rarely does somebody come back to get their money back. You only have to come once and it works.”
Although few people asked for refunds, Feldstein said it’s hard to define what is successful because it is different for each person. Many have quit for a lifetime. He saw some quit for 15-20 years, and others have started again soon after they stopped.
It all depends on how well you want to do, he said.
Hypnosis stops your mind from craving nicotine, but if you decide to pick up a cigarette again, you will crave it again.
“People can take a cigarette and think they won’t go back to smoking, but they will. Especially young people. They think nothing will happen to them, but it will.”
Feldstein earned his PhD from his hometown at the City University of New York. Later, he got married and had three boys.
His sons were getting close to the age of drafting so to avoid having to get sent to war the family moved to P.E.I, a long-time favourite vacation place. After, they still call the Island home.
Hypnotism is something Feldstein picked up when he was an undergrad in university. He saw it as an important tool for every aspect of the job.
“Hypnosis is a tool you can use in many different situations. Anyone who is a psychologist who doesn’t know hypnotism is making a big mistake. It’s a very important tool. Just like how a doctor uses a stethoscope.”
And quitting smoking is not the only thing that can be done using hypnosis. Feldstein also helps people prepare for surgery, childbirth, and migraines.
“I also help with phobias and depressions. You have to know the source for all kinds of things to help recover, and hypnosis helps you find that source.”
Feldstein emphasized his work is not what most people see on a day-to-day basis.
“All my work is with patients with pain or problems. I’m not a showman.”
Feldstein now operates his own business and has about 30 clients. He does single and group sessions weekly.