Understanding Skin Picking (Dermatillomania) – And How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help

Skin picking is something many people experience but rarely talk about. For some, it's an occasional habit. For others, it can feel like a constant battle, one that takes over your thoughts, your time, and your confidence.

If this feels familiar, please know - there's nothing "wrong" with you. Your mind and body are trying to manage stress, anxiety, or uncomfortable feelings, but right now, the pattern has become automatic. The good news is, with the right support, you can break free from this cycle and feel more in control again.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a compassionate, forward-thinking approach that helps you move towards the future you want, without having to relive painful memories or analyse every detail of the problem.

The Reality of Skin Picking

Skin picking (also called dermatillomania or excoriation disorder) can look and feel different for everyone. You might recognize some of these patterns:

Scanning for imperfections – constantly checking your skin in mirrors, feeling for bumps or rough patches, searching for "just one more spot" to fix
Picking in response to stress or anxiety – it might feel soothing in the moment, but afterwards comes guilt, shame, and frustration
Perfectionism and control – the urge to make your skin "perfect" or "smooth," even though picking often makes it worse
Isolation and hiding – canceling plans, avoiding social situations, always wearing makeup, feeling too ashamed to let anyone see your skin
Lost time – minutes or even hours spent picking, often without realizing how much time has passed
Physical consequences – scarring, infections, skin damage that takes weeks to heal—only to start the cycle again

You might have tried everything: fake nails, fidget toys, expensive skincare, sheer willpower. But if the underlying patterns in your brain haven't changed, the urge keeps coming back.

Whatever shape your skin picking takes, it can be exhausting - mentally, emotionally, and physically. But there are gentle, effective ways forward.

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How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Helps You Take Back Control

Creates deep relaxation – Hypnosis allows your mind to settle into a calm, focused state, reducing the anxiety and stress that often fuel picking behaviors.
Shifts the focus to solutions – We don't have to talk about your skin picking history or relive painful experiences. Instead, we focus on where you want to be and build on what's already working in your life.
Retrains your brain's patterns – Through hypnosis and neuroplasticity, we help your brain form new, healthier responses to stress and triggers, making it easier to resist urges naturally.
Encourages steady, achievable progress – No pressure, no rush, just small, consistent steps that naturally increase your confidence and control.
Strengthens resilience – You'll develop the tools and mindset to navigate challenging moments with greater ease, without turning to picking.

Skin picking may be part of your story right now, but it doesn't have to define your future.

With the right support, it's possible to feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your skin and your life.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a safe, supportive space for change, one where you're never judged, only supported.

What Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern approach that combines positive, goal-oriented talking therapy with the deeply relaxing state of hypnosis. Instead of delving into painful memories or endlessly analysing why you pick, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on your strengths and the positive changes you'd like to see.

It's not about ignoring the problem - it's about helping you move beyond it, step by step, towards calmer skin and a more confident future.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern, compassionate approach that combines talking therapy with the relaxing state of hypnosis. Rather than focusing on painful memories or over-analysing problems, SFH helps you build on your strengths and make positive changes, step by step, toward a calmer, more confident future.
SFH helps you take back control by:
- Creating deep relaxation so your mind can reset.
- Focusing on solutions instead of problems.
- Encouraging achievable, steady progress.
- Supporting better sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing.
- Strengthening resilience for future challenges.
In short, it helps you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your life.
No. SFH is forward-focused. You won’t need to relive upsetting experiences unless you choose to. The therapy centres on where you want to be and how to get there, safely and at your own pace.
Every person is different, but many clients notice improvements after just a few sessions. SFH focuses on small, consistent steps that build confidence and lasting change over time.
Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe, well-established practice. During sessions, you remain in full control, fully aware, and able to respond. It’s a gentle, supportive process designed to help your mind and body relax and work with you.
Sessions are relaxed and supportive. You may talk about your goals and what’s working well in your life, then enter a focused, calm state of hypnosis. During this time, your mind is receptive to positive suggestions and practical strategies for change. Most clients leave feeling calmer, lighter, and more in control.
You can book a free consultation or contact me directly to discuss your needs. Together, we’ll decide the best way to help you feel calmer, clearer, and ready to move forward.