Body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRBs) refers to compulsive and repeated actions of self-grooming behaviors. This can include everything from biting your nails to picking your skin to pulling out your hair. Most of these behaviors are relatively common and, for most people, benign. However, when the frequency of these behaviors increases, the impact is beyond that of a “bad habit”. For example, conditions like trichotillomania (repetitive hair pulling) or dermatillomania (repetitive skin picking) can cause baldness or skin infections and affect an individual’s ability to work or socialize. If you are worried that your “nervous habits” are beyond your control, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s BFRB experts today!
I have extensive training and experience in treating Trichotillomania and other BFRBs.
— Eryn Hicker, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerTrichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation disorder (skin picking) can cause sufferers to feel isolated and lost. I can help get you on the road to recovery.
— Lauri Shedd, Clinical Social Worker in St Louis, MOWhat would it be like to feel more in control of your BFRB? This is an area of difficulty I have extensive training and experience in. I offer both individual and group therapy for these treatment issues.
— Alison Schweichler, Counselor in Orchard Park, NYIf you or your loved ones are struggling with a body-focused repetitive behavior such as trichotillomania, dermatillomania or onychophagia, you know that the experience is often accompanied by feelings of isolation, shame, and a myriad of other difficult emotions. Drawing from several different treatment modalities, including the ComB model, CBT and DBT, I will tailor treatment to your needs and support you in your BFRB management head-on.
— Miriam Kassow, Psychotherapist in New York, NYBFRBs can be driven by anxiety or neurodivergence and it's important to know the difference. Together, we will figure out the FUNCTION of your BFRB and pick the right interventions to reduce its destructive power while honoring underlying sensory needs.
— Katie Playfair, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vancouver, WABFRBs function differently in each individual. In some cases, it's harmless stimming but it can also progress to highly destructive habits. I use ERP and Habit Reversal Training to develop a treatment plan that respects folks' neurological needs for stimulation while reducing or eliminating harmful picking/pulling behaviors.
— Katie Playfair, Licensed Professional Counselor in Vancouver, WAI received training in the Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (ComB) at TLC Foundation's Professional Training Institute. I will conduct a thorough functional analysis, investigating the five domains that are known to play a role in promoting and sustaining these behaviors. Together, we will work collaboratively to create a personalized intervention plan that directly targets your triggers with some troubleshooting along the way.
— Jenna Line, Therapist in Frederick, MDThe Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (ComB) is effective in addressing these behaviors, and involves identifying your triggers, including situations in which you are most likely to pick or pull, sensory cues and related intrusive thoughts. We then develop and try out an alternative plan and track the effectiveness of this approach. Together, we can develop a sustainable plan to help you best surf the urges to pick and pull.
— Lisa Conway, Clinical PsychologistTICs Tourette Syndrome Trichotillomania Excoriation Disorder Misophonia
— Eli Felt, Psychologist in New York, NYI treat Trichotillomania and other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors using ComB (Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment of Trichotillomania), which incorporates cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and habit reversal.
— Michael Greenberg, Clinical Psychologist in Beverly Hills, CAMy clients have had the success they were seeking- ending the picking, and the pulling, etc. -that had been interrupting their lives for years. Imagine the relief they felt, when their hands started protecting the skin . If you are ready for change, and ready for these behaviors to become- "Something you Used to do" Please give me a call
— Stacey Horn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,I have extensive training in treating Trichotillomania (Hair pulling disorder) and Excoriation Disorder (compulsive skin picking) in children, adolescents, and adults. I utilize a combination of evidence-based behavioral therapies and recognize that every BFRB is unique to the individual. I provide a gentle, encouraging approach to treatment. We explore not only the pulling/picking/biting behavior but the underlying feelings behind the behaviors.
— Rennie Volpe, Licensed Professional Counselor in Conshohocken, PABody-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB) include things such as trichotillomania (hair pulling), skin excoriation (skin picking), and nail biting. As a therapist, I utilize the ComB Model to address and reduce these behaviors.
— Rebecca Cooper, Clinical Social Worker in Las Cruces, NMI've completed advanced therapist training on treating this issue and sought out other relevant training and information. Rather than oversimplifying treatment by focusing on just getting rid of these behaviors, I work with my clients on exploring deeper unmet needs or relationship issues/dynamics that might be driving the behaviors. Our focus will typically include identifying what needs these behaviors are meeting, which might include sensory-related issues and/or underlying emotional needs.
— Nicole Powell, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerStruggling with Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania), Skin Picking (Excoriation), or Nail Biting Disorder (Onychophagia)? Serving children, teens, and adults, I evaluate and treat in a collaborative way while incorporating Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) including ComB and Habit Reversal. If you are a parent of a child struggling with hair pulling or skin picking, I am here to provide support for you and help for your child.
— Barbara Baselice, Counselor in Allen, TX