Group Type: Support Group
Goals of the Group:
- To provide a supportive environment for individuals looking to quit smoking.
- To educate about the physical and psychological components of nicotine addiction.
- To equip members with cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage cravings and withdrawal.
- To support long-term abstinence and relapse prevention.
Who Is The Group For?
- Individuals who are motivated to quit smoking.
- Those who may have tried to quit previously without success.
- Individuals interested in exploring the psychological factors behind smoking addiction.
- Individuals seeking a structured, supportive environment with accountability and professional guidance.
- Individuals open to sharing their experiences and learning from others.
Discussion Topics:
- Understanding smoking addiction and motivation.
- Cognitive and behavioral strategies for breaking the habit.
- Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Relapse prevention and maintaining progress.
- Building long-term success and sustaining a smoke-free life.
What Will We Talk About?
- Session 1: Introduction & Understanding Smoking Addiction
- Session 2: Motivation & Readiness to Quit
- Session 3: Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies
- Session 4: Dealing with Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
- Session 5: Addressing Relapse and Maintaining Progress
- Session 6: Sustaining a Smoke-Free Life & Group Closure
Glimpse of the Sessions:
Each session will involve group discussions, sharing of experiences, learning new strategies, and setting personal goals with homework assignments for practice. The sessions are organized into four clusters, each focusing on a different aspect of the quitting process.
Please note that the session topics, order and other details may be subject to change based on the needs and preferences of the group members and facilitators.
Facilitator Bio:
Facilitator: Sharad Kasera
• Years of Experience: 8+ years
• Groups Facilitated at SoulUp: 2
• Relevant Expertise: Tobacco Cessation, Substance Use Disorders, Behavioral Addiction (Technology, Gaming, Pornography), Relapse Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Psychoeducation
Sharad Kasera is an RCI-registered Rehabilitation Counsellor with extensive experience in treating substance and behavioral addictions. He has supported more than 1,000 individuals on their recovery journeys through a mix of clinical work, community de-addiction programs and psycho-social rehabilitation. His therapeutic approach is integrative, bringing together CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness, tailored thoughtfully to Indian cultural contexts. At NIMHANS, Bangalore, he completed both the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion program, as well as a Tobacco Cessation Program that strengthened his expertise in helping people quit smoking using evidence-based strategies and relapse prevention frameworks.
Sharad has worked closely with individuals struggling with nicotine dependence and other forms of substance misuse and behavioral addictions. He has previously facilitated smoking cessation groups and continues to refine the content to make it more practical, actionable and relatable for clients. What makes this work meaningful to him is witnessing real change in people’s lives and seeing families reclaim relationships with loved ones who once struggled with addiction. In SoulUp’s Quit Smoking Support Group, he offers a supportive, stigma-free space for people to overcome cravings, rebuild self-control and regain a healthier, more empowered life.
• Years of Experience: 8+ years
• Groups Facilitated at SoulUp: 2
• Relevant Expertise: Tobacco Cessation, Substance Use Disorders, Behavioral Addiction (Technology, Gaming, Pornography), Relapse Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Psychoeducation
Sharad Kasera is an RCI-registered Rehabilitation Counsellor with extensive experience in treating substance and behavioral addictions. He has supported more than 1,000 individuals on their recovery journeys through a mix of clinical work, community de-addiction programs and psycho-social rehabilitation. His therapeutic approach is integrative, bringing together CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing and mindfulness, tailored thoughtfully to Indian cultural contexts. At NIMHANS, Bangalore, he completed both the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion program, as well as a Tobacco Cessation Program that strengthened his expertise in helping people quit smoking using evidence-based strategies and relapse prevention frameworks.
Sharad has worked closely with individuals struggling with nicotine dependence and other forms of substance misuse and behavioral addictions. He has previously facilitated smoking cessation groups and continues to refine the content to make it more practical, actionable and relatable for clients. What makes this work meaningful to him is witnessing real change in people’s lives and seeing families reclaim relationships with loved ones who once struggled with addiction. In SoulUp’s Quit Smoking Support Group, he offers a supportive, stigma-free space for people to overcome cravings, rebuild self-control and regain a healthier, more empowered life.
The above information can change at any time, and aren't verified by us. Feel free to reach out to the facilitator for any queries or clarifications.
