Use Self-hypnosis To Break The Nail Biting Habit
Nail biting is related to skin picking and hair pulling. Skin picking, hair pulling and nail biting are labeled as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders or OCD. Nail biters often keep their hands behind their backs or in their pockets. Nail biters often feel shame and experience out-of-control feelings at times. At times they may wonder why they cannot stop biting and they may question whether or not they are crazy.
Nail biting often happens when nail biters are in one of two modes. Some do it in an automatic way, as if they are in some kind of altered state and not thinking about what they are doing. It’s often when they are involved in some other activity at the same time such as watching TV or working on the computer, etc. For others, the deliberate picking or biting is their main activity at the time, and they will often interrupt other activities to engage in it.
There is a strong commonality in the purposes behind these three problems (nail biting, skin picking and hair pulling). At a very basic level, they satisfy an urge. Many people report an uncontrollable compulsion to do them. Biting, picking or pulling also seems to deliver a pleasurable or relaxed sensation.
When sufferers feel stressed, pulling, picking or biting has a kind of soothing effect on them and reduces levels of stimulation. On the other hand, when they are bored or inactive, they seem to provide a needed level of stimulation to the nervous system. This probably accounts for why so many people who dislike doing them find it so hard to give them up. It simply “feels good” at the time no matter what the consequences.
Even if you have more than one of these problems, don’t give up on yourself. These compulsive behaviors can be overcome if you have the motivation. More important is learning to “de-stigmatize” yourself. You are not crazy, helpless, morally weak or totally out of control, even though you may feel like it at times. Once you become aware of the fact that you are just a person who simply happens to have a bad habit, you can make some serious progress.
Skin picking and nail biting are chronic problems, so there currently isn’t a “cure” but you can find a recovery if you are willing to work at it. Therapy for nail biting consists of three parts.
Hypnosis For People Who Bite Their Nails
First off, nail biting is a nervous habit. So the first part of the therapy is to teach the nail biter how to be more relaxed at all times. To that end, I believe that traditional hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques are usually effective. That’s because the very essence of hypnosis is relaxation. The individual can learn to apply several different methods to enhance both the relaxed state, as well as his/her overall feeling of relaxation and well-being.
The second part of the therapy teaches the individual to become aware of this unconscious habit. Post-hypnotic suggestions are generally given to the unconscious to make the consciousness aware that you are bringing your hand towards your mouth for the purpose of biting your nails. Then you get to consciously decide whether or not you are actually going to bite them.
There are several other powerful methods. As an example, we can help the client to set up an “Anchor” or trigger so that he/she can momentarily mentally step outside of him/herself. This is a powerful technique that will effectively relieve the urge.
The third part of the hypnotherapy is to eliminate the compulsion to bite. There are hypnotic methods that actually program the client with a compulsion to not bite.
With the nail biting behavior, being realistic is very important. In the first place, you have practiced the unwanted behavior hundreds or even thousands of times. You will need to accept that the compulsion to bite your nails will not be overcome in a few days.
Secondly, you are fighting the fact that it feels good to do, and it provides much short-range satisfaction and either stimulation or soothing feelings. It can take a little time to overcome, but I believe that it is well worth it. My experience has shown a number of methods to be extremely effective!
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Alan B. Densky, CH began his professional practice of hypnosis & NLP way back in 1978. He has helped thousands of clients to overcome these types of symptoms. He can be contacted through his website at www.Neuro-VISION.US where he offers Self-Hypnosis CD’s and books. Visit his FREE hypnosis article fibrary, or subscribe to one or more of his FREE hypnosis newsletters.
Alan B. Densky, CH opened his practice way back in 1978. Alan has worked with thousands of clients to overcome these types of negative behaviors. He can be contacted through his site at www.Neuro-VISION.US where he offers Self-Hypnosis CD’s and books. Visit his FREE hypnosis article fibrary, or subscribe to one or more of his FREE hypnosis newsletters.
- Alan B. Densky, CH