Biting generally happens when people are in one of two modes. Some people do it in an automatic way, as if they are in a trance and not thinking about what they are doing. Usually they are engrossed in some other activity at the same time such as watching TV or working on the computer, etc. For others, their main activity at the time is the actual picking or biting, and they will frequently interrupt other activities to engage in it.
There is a strong commonality in the various purposes behind these three problems (nail biting, skin picking and hair pulling). At the most basic level, these symptoms satisfy an urge. Many people report an almost uncontrollable urge to do them. Pulling, picking or biting also seems to deliver a pleasurable or relaxed sensation.
When sufferers feel stressed, doing these things 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 up these behaviors. It simply "feels good" at the time no matter what.
Even if you have more than one of these problems, don't give up. These compulsive behaviors 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 you are at times. Once you get down to realizing that you are just a person who simply happens to have a bad habit, you can make 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. Self-hypnosis for nail biting consists of three parts.
Hypnosis For Nail Biting
First off, nail biting is a stress related habit. So the first part of the hypnotic 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 techniques can be 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 individual to become aware of this unconscious habit. Post-hypnotic suggestions are generally given to the subconscious mind to make the conscious mind 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 hypnosis and NLP techniques. 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 compulsion to bite.
The third part of the therapy is to eliminate the compulsion to bite the nails. There are Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques that actually program the client with a compulsion to reject biting his/her nails.
With the biting behavior, being realistic is very important. First, you have probably rehearsed the unwanted behavior thousands of times. You need to accept that the behavior of biting your nails will not be overcome in a few days.
Second, you are fighting the fact that biting your nails feels good, and it provides much short-range satisfaction and either stimulation or soothing feelings. It can take a little time to master, but it will be well worth it. My experience has shown a number of techniques to be very effective!
Alan B. Densky, CH is a hypnotheraist & NLP Practitioner specializing in stress related problems. He offers NLP CDs which eradicate the nail biting compulsion. Reach him at the Neuro-VISION Hypnosis self development site. Visit his FREE hypnosis article index, or download his MP3s. http://www.neuro-vision.us/Hypnosis-Article-Index.html