“I came across Suzy after looking for some information and guidance to tackle my 9 year old daughters skin picking, which was starting to worry me.  The topic is such a vast mine-field of information but Suzy tailored our discussion around my daughters specific habit (which I understand will differ for everyone) and gave me information, ideas, and emotional support with it.  After just one session I came away feeling much more positive and with a clearer plan going forwards.  Would massively recommend” 

– Parent, 2024

Skin picking is a very common feature of childhood but for some it can become problematic, damaging and/or distressing. I often receive enquiries from parents who want to better support their child to reduce picking. Unfortunately, as my psychotherapy practice is online, it simply isn’t suited to the way children work. In response to this need, I am instead offering sessions to the parent/carer of the child who picks their skin. I am a strong believer in the great power of our ‘systems’ (the circumstances, environment, organisations and people who surround us) and the ways in which they shape our experience through life. Family systems are particularly significant, and a parent/carer is is a great position to help foster a positive and healthy approach to a child’s skin, picking and self.

Most parents that I have spoken to feel lost and overwhelmed when it comes to their child’s picking. Picking is complicated. It’s especially difficult in children, who have limited control of motor impulses and also don’t appreciate the long term consequences of scarring, or the shorter term issue of infection. As a parent myself, I understand the emotional and practical difficulties of trying to help a child change their behaviour or their view of themselves. Parents often feel that they haven’t been going about it in the right way, though they’ve usually been doing the best that they can in extremely tricky circumstances.

The sessions that I offer are one-off bookings of 90 minutes, with the door left open for parents to book in further sessions to review or have more support. Sessions are intended to train the parent so that they can feel confident that they have some skills and resources to tackle the challenge of picking. I cannot guarantee that children will stop picking, but the hope is that if they do continue to pick then they will do so in an environment that meets their psychological needs and reduces the risk of later shame and distress.

Sessions usually involve:

• Psychoeducation around skin picking and its challenges
• A careful assessment of your child’s style of picking
• Individualised support and advice around interventions and approaches that may help them
• Individualised support and advice around how to tackle issues in a sensitive and age appropriate way

If you are interested to learn more or book a session, please send me a message here.

A one-off 90 minute session costs £120.

Home