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Are you someone struggling with compulsive behaviors like skin picking (dermatillomania), hair pulling (trichotillomania), or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- An overwhelming urge to pick, pull, bite, or otherwise manipulate your skin, hair, or nails, often leading to noticeable physical damage
- Engaging in these behaviors automatically, sometimes without full awareness, especially during sedentary activities or times of stress/boredom
- Feeling a sense of tension or anxiety before the behavior and temporary relief or gratification during or after
- Significant shame, guilt, embarrassment, or frustration about the behavior and its consequences
- Spending considerable time engaging in the behavior or trying to conceal its effects (e.g., using makeup, hats, avoiding certain lighting)
- Avoiding social situations, intimacy, or activities where the physical effects might be visible
- Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce the behavior
You’re realizing that these compulsive behaviors are getting in the way of your life:
- They cause physical harm, potential scarring, infection, or hair loss
- They consume significant time and mental energy
- Shame and embarrassment lead to social isolation and avoidance
- Your self-esteem and body image are negatively impacted
- It causes significant emotional distress, anxiety, and frustration
- You feel powerless to control the urges and behaviors
You’re wondering…
- Why can’t I just stop picking/pulling/biting?
- Is this just a bad habit, or is it something more serious?
- What triggers these urges?
- How can I manage the tension and anxiety without resorting to the behavior?
- Will I ever be free from this compulsion and the shame it causes?
- Can therapy help me gain control over these body-focused repetitive behaviors?
You’re longing for…
- Freedom from the compulsive urges and behaviors.
- Healing from the physical and emotional damage caused by BFRBs.
- Reduced shame, guilt, and anxiety related to the behaviors.
- Increased self-awareness of triggers and patterns.
- Effective coping strategies to manage urges and underlying stress or emotions.
- Improved self-esteem, body image, and confidence.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like skin picking and hair pulling are complex conditions, often related to anxiety, stress regulation, or underlying trauma, not simply "bad habits." Our therapists utilize evidence-based approaches, primarily Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, which involve increasing awareness of triggers, developing competing responses, and addressing sensory, cognitive, affective, and environmental factors.
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing therapy for compulsive behaviors (BFRBs) at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Before Therapy
After Therapy
Feeling controlled by compulsive urges.
Gaining awareness and tools to manage urges.
Experiencing physical and emotional distress.
Significantly reducing compulsive behaviors.
Feeling shame and powerlessness.
Healing from emotional distress, and feeling more in control and self-accepting.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
