Hair pulling can feel frustrating, secretive and difficult to explain. Some people notice it during stress, boredom, concentration, tiredness or strong emotions. Others experience it as an automatic pattern and only become aware after it has happened.

If you are concerned about hair pulling, you deserve practical, non-judgmental support.

Understanding hair pulling and trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a term used for a hair-pulling disorder. It is important not to self-diagnose or assume that every kind of hair pulling has the same cause.

A GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified health professional can assess what is happening and discuss evidence-based treatment options. They can also check for physical effects on the skin or hair and explore whether anxiety, OCD-related symptoms, trauma, sensory needs or other concerns may be involved.

Hypnotherapy does not diagnose or treat trichotillomania. It is not a replacement for medical or psychological care.

Complementary support for a separate personal goal

For someone who is already receiving appropriate professional support, hypnotherapy may be discussed as complementary support for a separate personal goal, such as:

• Managing everyday stress and tension

• Practising relaxation

• Improving sleep routines

• Building confidence and self-compassion

• Increasing awareness of personal stress patterns

• Working on a broader wellbeing or routine goal

Every person’s situation is different. No outcome can be guaranteed, and sessions should only proceed where hypnotherapy is appropriate for the goal being discussed.

Support for children and teenagers

Hair pulling in children or teenagers should be discussed with a parent or guardian and an appropriate qualified health professional. A GP, psychologist or paediatric clinician can help assess the behaviour and recommend suitable support.

If hypnotherapy is being considered for a young person, it should be part of a careful, age-appropriate approach and should not replace professional assessment or treatment.

Calm, private one-to-one hypnotherapy in Brisbane

Clive Westwood has practised hypnotherapy since 2013 and offers calm, private and non-judgmental one-to-one support. Sessions are tailored to the client’s goals, experiences and pace.

Clive has a special interest in anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking and phobias. He can be clear about whether complementary hypnotherapy may suit a separate wellbeing goal or whether another professional is the more appropriate first step.

Award-recognised Brisbane hypnotherapy practice

Clive Westwood is a Clinical Member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association. He has been featured on Today Tonight, 9 News, ABC Radio and 2GB Radio.

His Brisbane practice has been recognised by ThreeBestRated and Quality Business Awards. You can also explore Google reviews, real client video testimonials, free hypnosis recordings and guided-meditation resources online.

Watch Clive Westwood on Today Tonight

Red Hill clinic appointments and online sessions

From 1 October 2026, appointments are available at:

Room 9, Perfect Wellness
148 Arthur Terrace, Red Hill QLD 4059

The clinic is convenient for people in Red Hill, Ashgrove, Paddington, Bardon, Kelvin Grove, Newmarket, Petrie Terrace, Brisbane City, Spring Hill, Herston, Milton, Fortitude Valley and surrounding inner-Brisbane suburbs.

Online appointments may also be available.

Learn more about Clive Westwood Hypnotherapy

Frequently asked questions

Can hypnotherapy stop hair pulling?

Hair pulling can have different causes and needs appropriate professional assessment. Hypnotherapy is not a treatment for trichotillomania and cannot promise to stop hair pulling.

Who should I speak with about trichotillomania?

Speak with a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or another qualified health professional. They can assess your situation and discuss suitable treatment options.

Can anxiety make hair pulling worse?

Stress and anxiety may be relevant for some people, but only a qualified health professional can assess your individual situation.

Is a session confidential?

Clive offers private, one-to-one sessions. For children and teenagers, appropriate parent or guardian involvement is required.

Can I enquire about complementary hypnotherapy?

If you are already receiving appropriate care and wish to discuss a separate relaxation, confidence, stress or wellbeing goal, you can enquire about an appointment.

Discuss an appointment with Clive Westwood

Individual results vary. Hypnotherapy is complementary support only and is not a replacement for medical, psychological, psychiatric or emergency care.