Hypnotherapy for Habits

Hair pulling, nail biting, skin picking, blushing, stammering, smoking

I help people with a variety of unwanted habits that they would like to stop but find that they can’t. Some people do these without realising, while others feel that the urge is uncontrollable. These habits can get worse at times of certain triggers such as stress, tiredness, hunger, boredom or being put on the spot. It is thought that the unconscious mind is responsible for over 90% of what we do, which is why it is difficult to overcome such habits with willpower alone. But it’s also why cognitive hypnotherapy works so well.

The habits I’ve worked with the most are:

  • Blushing

  • Stammering

  • Smoking

  • Nail biting

  • Skin picking

  • Hair pulling (trichotillomania)

  • Eye-lash pulling

Blushing or Stammering

Anyone who blushes or stammers is aware that this in an unconscious behaviour – something that we can’t control and seems to just happen. Usually when this happens we can judge ourselves or feel embarrassed. Over time negative associations can build up so that we start to dread or avoid situations in which we blushed or stammered which leads to a vicious cycle.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy can help you get to the root of this unconscious behaviour (it’s different for everyone) and change it to create a more positive experience. We’re aiming for this response to not be triggered and for you to let go of any unhelpful connections you’ve made. I can also teach you ways to feel calmer and more in control.

Teeth Clenching and Teeth Grinding (bruxism)

Again, anyone who suffers from teeth clenching or grinding realises that this is an unconscious behaviour – often people don’t realise they’re doing it until afterwards when their jaw is sore or even until the dentist points out the damage.

There’s usually a point when your unconscious has learnt this behaviour and we work together to change this learning into something more positive.

Nail biting and Hair pulling (trichotillamania)

Nail biting and hair pulling can feel pleasurable due to a release of dopamine in the brain. The habit can be an unconscious way to escape from feelings that are hard to process. It can also create a ‘zoned out’ feeling of comfort and relaxation. Afterwards however people can feel guilty, ashamed, disappointed or annoyed, and this far outweighs the earlier positive feeling. People sometimes try to hide or disguise their habits and/or the physical consequences (such as hair loss or sore skin) due to embarrassment. By the time they seek help, the habit may be strongly ingrained and the problem seems difficult to resolve.

There’s hope! Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a very successful way of understanding why we do things. It helps us adopt more positive habits, making it easier to let go of unwanted ones. One change usually leads to another; once people overcome something that has bothered them for a long time they feel more confident and empowered about creating change in other areas of their lives.

 I write and record MP3s specifically for you using the hypnotic language patterns I’m trained in. I also send talks, articles or tasks to support you in between appointments. People normally find these resources very helpful in strengthening the insights gained in the sessions and feel supported throughout the process.

Have a look at client testimonials to get an idea of what you can achieve.

Book in a free consultation with me to find out how I can help you.

In my experience unwanted habits can sometimes be a symptom of another issue, so I would work with you to explore the triggers that cause this behaviour and help you develop ways to handle those situations differently.