Use Hypnosis To Break The Nail Biting Habit - What You Need To Know

By: Alan B. Densky
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[ Posted On: 2007-04-17 ]

Skin picking, hair pulling and nail biting are related behaviors. Skin picking, hair pulling and nail biting are labeled as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. People who bite their nails often hide their hands behind their backs. People who bite their nails often feel shame and experience out-of-control feelings at times. At times they may wonder why they are not able to stop biting their nails and they often question whether or not they are sane.

Biting often happens when people are in one of two modes. Some biters do it in an automatic way, as if they are in a trance and not really thinking about what they are doing. Usually they are engrossed in some other activity at the same time such as reading or talking, etc. For others, the deliberate picking or biting is their main activity at the time, and they will usually interrupt their 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, these symptoms satisfy an urge. Many people report an almost uncontrollable compulsion to do them. Biting, picking or pulling also seems to deliver a pleasurable or relaxed sensation.

When sufferers feel stressed, doing these things has a kind of soothing effect on their nervous systems 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 break these habits. It simply "feels good" at the time no matter no matter what the outcomes are.

Even if you have more than one of these problems, don't despair. These symptoms can be overcome if you have enough 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 some or all of these things at times. Once you become aware of the fact that you are just a person who simply happens to have a problem, you can make some serious progress.

Skin picking and nail biting are chronic problems, so there is not currently 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 of all, nail biting is a stress related habit. So the first part of the therapy is to teach the individual how to be more relaxed at all times. To that end, I have found that traditional hypnosis, Ericksonian hypnosis, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques are usually very effective. That's because the very essence of hypnosis is relaxation. The nail biter can learn to apply several different methods to increase both the relaxed state, as well as his/her overall feeling of well-being.

The second part of the therapy teaches the nail biter awareness of this unconscious habit. Post-hypnotic suggestions are given to the subconscious mind to make the consciousness aware that you are bringing your hand towards your mouth. Then you get to consciously decide whether or not you are actually going to bite them.

There are also several other much more effective techniques. As an example, we can help the client to set up an "Anchor" or trigger so that he/she can momentarily disassociate. This is an effective method that will effectively relieve the urge.

The third part of the hypnotic therapy is to eliminate the compulsion to bite. There are hypnotic techniques that actually program the client with a compulsion to not bite his/her nails.

With the nail biting compulsion, being realistic is very important. First off, you have rehearsed the unwanted behavior hundreds or even thousands of times. You will need to accept that the urge to bite your nails will not simply be overcome in a few days.

Secondly, you are fighting the fact that it feels good to do, and it offers a lot of short term satisfaction and either stimulation or soothing feelings. It takes time and effort to master, but I believe it is well worth it. My experience has shown a number of techniques to be quite effective!

Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard

About The Author: Alan B. Densky, CH started his hypnosis practice in 1978 ( www.neuro-vision.us/MeetAlanBDensky.html ). He has worked with thousands of clients to overcome these types of symptoms. Hypnosis For Nail Biters has been a common part of his practice. He can be contacted through his site at Neuro-VISION Self-Hypnosis Site.

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