Habits like nail biting, skin picking, hair pulling, or thumb sucking often develop as a way to self-soothe or cope with stress — even if they feel out of control. These behaviours aren’t signs of failure or lack of willpower. They’re simply patterns the brain has learned. Using Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, I help children and young people understand why the habit started, what’s keeping it going, and most importantly — how to gently interrupt it.

I combine evidence-based techniques from CBT and REBT to explore the thoughts, triggers, and beliefs driving the habit. Hypnotherapy is then used to calm the nervous system and reinforce new, healthier responses. Together, we build alternative coping tools, identify the root cause (like anxiety, boredom, or sensory needs), and create simple, practical strategies that work in everyday life. It’s about changing the behaviour and supporting the emotions underneath — so the change actually sticks.