Specialist clinical hypnotherapy with Paul and Rebecca Smith for children whose nail biting has become automatic. Most need 2-5 sessions, in the Norwest clinic or via Zoom Australia-wide.
Nail biting in children is an automatic habit: a hand moves to the mouth during screens, homework, or waiting, usually before the child notices. Clinical hypnotherapy at Norwest Wellbeing supports that habit change with age-appropriate techniques, in the Sydney Hills clinic or via Zoom Australia-wide. Skin picking and hair pulling belong on their own pages.
Written by Abi McIntyre. Clinically reviewed by Paul Smith
Biting during screens, homework, or the car without noticing they have started
Nails bitten down past the tip, with little left to trim
Sore cuticles, bleeding, or repeated infections around the nail
Hiding their hands, or getting upset when someone mentions them
More biting in the weeks around tests, new classes, or change at home
Bitter polish, gloves, or reward charts that last a few days, then fail
Paul or Rebecca talks with you and your child about when the biting happens, what you have already tried, and whether skin picking or hair pulling is the better page. We also check what your child actually wants, because habit work goes better when the child is on board.
Guided relaxation and suggestion are built around your child's cues, using stories and imagery suited to their age. Your child stays aware throughout. Sessions run in clinic or via Zoom.
Typical reported improvement sits in a 75-85% range for many people within 2-5 sessions. The aim is that the hand no longer moves automatically when the cue arrives, and that your child notices sooner when it does.
Ready to take the first step?
Nail-biting-specific hypnosis trials are limited, and trials in children more so. Clinic-reported outcomes at Norwest sit in a 75-85% range over 2-5 sessions and are not a research finding.
Our standard session fee is $300 per standard consultation. Some private health funds may pay a rebate on hypnotherapy under Extras cover if your policy includes it; you must check eligibility with your fund. You pay in full at the appointment (cash or all major credit cards). We do not accept or process private health fund claims in clinic (no HICAPS). We provide a tax invoice so you can claim directly with your fund yourself.
Yes. Alongside in-clinic appointments at Norwest in Sydney's Hills District, we offer Zoom sessions Australia-wide. Online sessions follow the same clinical process as face-to-face care.
Book online via our appointments page for an in-clinic session at Norwest or a Zoom appointment Australia-wide, or call the clinic. A free consultation is available if you want to check fit before starting.
We work with children from around 4 years old, using language, stories, and imagery matched to their stage. Younger children need a shorter session and more parent involvement. Tell us your child's age at booking so the approach fits.
Norwest Wellbeing's own reported outcomes sit in a 75-85% range for many people within 2-5 sessions. Results vary. That figure is clinic-reported, not a finding from a large nail-biting trial. Research specifically on hypnosis for nail biting is limited, and we do not claim children always respond faster than adults.
Most need 2-5 sessions with Paul or Rebecca Smith. How automatic the cue has become, and how long the habit has been running, can change that number. You will get a realistic view after the first conversation.
No. This page is for biting nails. Picking skin belongs on the skin picking page and pulling hair belongs on the trichotillomania page. If more than one is present, say so at booking.
Bitter polish, reminders, and rewards all speak to the moment after your child notices. The habit usually starts before that moment arrives. Sessions aim at the automatic cue instead of adding another rule for your child to remember.
For younger children we usually suggest a parent stays nearby but out of direct view. Older children often prefer privacy. We will agree the best arrangement for your child during the first conversation.
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As the biting quietens, cuticles and nail beds recover, and there are fewer sore spots and infections around the nail.
The work happens in the recording rather than at the dinner table, so your child's hands stop being a source of correction between you.
Most families listen at bedtime, which adds a settled end-of-day routine alongside the habit work itself.
Perfect for those who want to start their Child Nail Biting journey at their own pace.
We provide hypnotherapy for Child Nail Biting in these areas. Launch a four-segment service page to see suburb-specific details.
Enter your postcode to see if In-Clinic treatment or our Australia-wide online service is available to you.
Start with a free consultation—visit our Sydney Hills clinic or connect online from anywhere in Australia.
Written by
Abi McIntyreMedical author and researcher with over 10 years of experience, specialising in mental health.
Clinically reviewed by
Paul SmithDip.Clin.Hyp. Dip.Psych.Th.
We're checking live availability for child nail biting sessions.
Paul works with children whose nail biting starts before a decision feels available: screens, homework, the car, or waiting. Sessions start with a clear map of those cues, then age-appropriate clinical hypnotherapy aimed at those moments.
This is habit-level work, not a diagnosis of a body-focused repetitive behaviour disorder. Typical reported improvement at the clinic sits in a 75-85% range for many people within 2-5 sessions. Results vary.
Children's Habit Change & Emotional Regulation
Dip.Clin.Hyp. Women's Health Specialist
5.0(72 reviews)Specialises in:
Rebecca works with children whose nail biting is automatic and has lasted months. Sessions start with a clear map of your child's cues, then clinical hypnotherapy aimed at those moments, using stories and imagery suited to their age.
This is habit-level work, not skin-picking or hair-pulling treatment. Typical reported improvement at the clinic sits in a 75-85% range for many people within 2-5 sessions. Results vary.
