Nail Biting / Onychophagia

Does your nail biting result in damaged nails, bleeding, infections, abscesses or damage to your teeth and gums?

If so you are not alone. It is estimated that 30% of children and 15% of adults in the UK suffer from nail biting.   There can be many reasons why people bite their nails including:  boredom, excitement, habit, feeling anxious or stressed. Many people start to bite their nails during puberty then continue with this learned behaviour because it can provide some distraction or relief from an external factor. This habit can then quickly become a body-focused repetitive behaviour.

The American Psychiatric Association who publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) has included nail biting in the same category as OCD (as well as hair pulling). This has led to the revelation that nail biting can be harder to give up than other additive habits such as smoking.

How can I help you with nail biting?

Hypnotherapy is very effective at helping people to overcome the urges to bite both skin and nails and it also deals with any underlying issues effectively.  I will give suggestions to your unconscious mind, personalised to your specific behaviours, so that you will want to have well shaped nails and will also improve your self-esteem and self-confidence too.

The number of sessions required varies as every client is unique.  Where there are not any underlying issues present just one or two sessions will be sufficient but when underlying issues are present four to six sessions would be recommended.

How many sessions are required?

The number of sessions required varies dependent upon you and your personal situation. Book your free, no obligation, 20 minute consultation (by telephone or Zoom) so I can find out more about your situation and also share more with you on how I can help you.  I will be able to give you an indication of how many therapy sessions are likely to be needed during our call.