Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) are a group of behaviors that involve compulsive self-grooming or self-touching, such as hair-pulling, skin-picking, nail-biting, or cheek-chewing. While these behaviors are common, for some people, they can become repetitive, hard to control, and distressing.

People engage in BFRBs for a range of reasons: to relieve stress, out of boredom, as a form of self-soothing, or because the behavior has become automatic over time. In some cases, family members may exhibit similar behaviors, or the issue may be linked to sensory sensitivity or struggles with emotion regulation. BFRBs are not caused by a single factor and are not a reflection of a person’s willpower or self-worth.

These behaviors can lead to noticeable effects on the body, including scarring, hair loss, or tissue damage, which may exacerbate feelings of shame or isolation. Many people who struggle with BFRBs have tried to stop on their own, often repeatedly, without success. It’s important to know you’re not alone and that support is available.

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Common BFRBs

Skin-Picking (Excoriation Disorder or Dermatillomania):
Involves repetitive picking, scratching, rubbing, or touching of the skin, often to address perceived imperfections. This can result in wounds, scarring, discoloration, or infections.

Hair-Pulling (Trichotillomania):
Involves pulling hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, pubic area, or other parts of the body. Trichotillomania often leads to noticeable hair loss and can be a source of shame or secrecy. Like other BFRBs, it may fluctuate over time.

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My Approach to BFRB Support

BFRBs can improve with the proper support. I offer care that is compassionate, collaborative, and informed by evidence-based treatment, without pathologizing your experience.

I’ve completed specialized training through The TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors’ Virtual Professional Training Institute (VPTI), and I integrate a combination of the following approaches:

• Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Model is a structured, client-centered method to identify and shift the patterns surrounding BFRBs.
• Habit Reversal Training (HRT) helps increase awareness of the behavior and introduces alternative, supportive responses.
• Mindfulness and sensory regulation help reconnect with the body and reduce automatic behaviors through grounding and nervous system awareness.
• DBT-informed strategies support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and self-compassion.

Together, we explore the emotional, sensory, and environmental factors involved in your BFRB. This is not about controlling or “fixing” you. It’s about creating space to understand what your body is trying to communicate and finding supportive ways to respond with care, rather than shame.