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The Grand Rapids Advance Newspaper recently reported on QuitSmart and the special
methods used by Dr. Schmitt to gain higher than average success. Here is the article:
Jenison Psychological Services Offers
'QuitSmart' Plan to Help Quit Smoking
Grand Rapids Advance Newspaper
Each day, smoking kills 1,300 people in the U.S. Those who smoke can expect to lose 12 to 21 years from their lifespan. Many people know smoking is bad for them, but they can't seem to quit. Why?
According to Dr. Edward Schmitt, Director of Jenison Psychological Services, people who try to quit face three main obstacles. First, it's a deeply-ingrained habit. "If you've smoked a pack a day for 20 years, you've raised a cigarette to your lips about a million times," said Schmitt.
Next, there's the chemical addiction to nicotine, which he said is in the same category as drugs like heroin.
Finally, there's the psychological addition. Smokers come to depend on nic0tine for relaxation, security, and alleviation of depression. When cigarettes are taken away, these underlying needs must be met in other ways.
Jenison Psychological Services, located at 7610 Cottonwood Drive, Suite 105, is pleased to offer the QuitSmart smoking cessation p0rogram.
QuitSmart was developed through 20 years of research and practice by Dr. Robert Shipley at Duke University Medical Center.
Schmitt, who was trained at Duke University and is a certified instructor of the system, called it "the Cadillac of programs" for quitting smoking.
Instead of trying to quit "cold turkey", QuitSmart participants use what has been called the "warm chicken" method, according to Schmitt.
"We wean people so gradually off the nicotine, they don't feel many untoward effects," he said.
QuitSmart addresses all three components of nicotine addiction. During four individual one-hour sessions, clients receive evaluation of why they smoke and what they want to quit. They also receive training and support to help ensure their success.
"There's no gimmicky tools here. All have been proved by research to work," Schmitt said.
In the first session," he said, "We help get you from 'wanting to quit' to a firm decision."
Cost for the QuitSmart program is only about $400 for the four sessions and $30 for materials. While published success rates for the program is about 50 to 60 percent, Schmitt said his personal success rate has been about 80 percent.
Jenison Psychological Services offers a full range of services for individuals, couples and families, including children and adults.
Staff members include Dr. Edward Schmitt, Psy. D., F.A.A.Psy.; Dr. Marie McKay-Schmitt, Psy. D.; and Rev. Jim Metcalf. M.Div., M.A., LI.P, who is also the past of St. John's Lutheran Church.
They offer counseling. psychotherapy, and psychological assessments for a wide range of issues, including personal growth and development, career challenges, divorce, depression, anxiety, trauma, shame, co-dependency, and attention problems.
Jenison Psychological Services offers free screenings for anxiety and depression. They are participating providers for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue PPO, and many other insurance plans.
Call Jenison Psychological Services at (616) 457-0016, or visit their website at
www.jemisonpsych.com.
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