Jennifer Powell (Nail Biting/Nail Picking)
Attorney
Austin, TX
I started having problems with picking my nails after I graduated from law school, which was more than ten years ago. After that challenging time, I had periods where my nails would be fine, but during stressful phases in my life, I would start to pick again. A couple of years ago my stress levels had escalated so much that I started picking at my scalp.
I tried willpower to stop picking and would tell myself that I wasn't going to do it anymore, but it would only last for a couple of days. Because of my inability to get it under control, I felt embarrassed and shameful. I felt like a failure. I heard about Laura through my doctor who was able to stop biting his nails with her help, so I decided to set up an appointment.
I noticed changes right away because I had considerably less of an urge to pick at either my scalp or my nails. I was able to learn more ways to overcome any impulses that were still there. Overall, it was easy because Laura helped me to develop tools that I could use when I needed them. I feel in control now and my nails and scalp are healthier. It makes me feel more confident and less self-conscious. It's really different for me because even during the most stressful times I seldom have an urge to pick, but when it happens I'm able to overcome it on my own.
My scalp is healthy, so I can go to the hair salon now and I don't have to hide my nails when I'm in public. I feel more confident in the way that I look and in my ability to overcome negative behaviors. The best benefit for me has been the emotional well being that came from my ability to overcome the picking. I'm confident that I'm free of my problem permanently and I would recommend A New Day Hypnosis to anyone who wants to overcome nail picking because I haven't had any recurrence of the behavior. It's amazing how effective hypnosis can be and how it works so well when just sheer will power doesn't.