I pulled my scalp hair. Others had bloody faces from skin picking and picking nails off and cuticle picking. These are the results of Body focused repetitive behaviors also known as BFRB’s are impulse control behaviors that that cause hair loss as in trichotillomania, damaged to the skin as in dermatillomania or excoriation disorder, cheek biting, fingernail and toenail picking and anything that a person feels compelled to do the damages their bodies on the outside. It is not a habit. It is an addiction. It is not OCD. It is an impulse control disorder that people can’t control. It works on the dopamine system of the brain or that part of the brain that senses pleasure because it feels good to pull and pick and bite. For those of you that do not suffer from it that sounds weird but it’s true. For those of you who do suffer from it there is help. First and foremost the shame and anger that you feel because you can’t control it need to be addressed. This is not your fault. Please read that again. This is not your fault. As Dr. Judith rapport so eloquently put in her book the boy who couldn’t stop washing, this is a hiccup of the brain gone wild. A shame that you feel because of how your body looks on the outside and because of the ridicule you get from others, many times your family who do not understand what this is. The anger that you feel because you can’t control this. I know because I suffered from it for 25 years. And now I dedicate my career to helping you.
What can be done? Traditional therapies or cognitive behavior therapy and habit reversal technique. Which frankly don’t do much. More effective therapies include Dr. Charles Mansquito COMB model. Some cognitive behavior therapy along with healing the negative emotions connected to this. There has been no research however mind body techniques such as yoga, dance, sports, tai chi, Pilates and anything that involves movement. This balances the brain and releases these stuck impulses that drive BFRB’s. Also evidence based research such as clinical emotional freedom techniques an energy psychology for emotional regulation and reaching the subconscious part of the brain. Addictions cannot be treated with CBT alone. Anything reaching the subconscious part of the brain or the Theta brain wave is much more effective. Hypnosis is much more effective. Addictions are in the unconscious part of the brain.
BFRB’s typically start preteen when hormones begin. BFRB’s can be triggered by stress, anxiety, and trauma. If trauma is not treated it can lead o depression anxiety and addiction leader in life. BFRB’s help with emotional regulation, calm the nervous system when it is overactive as in stress and wake the nervous system up with when it is under active as in boredom. Even though we do not like the result BFRB’s are serving a purpose. The goal is to find out what purpose they serve and treat the anxiety anger frustration and shame first. Then find out what the triggers are from past present and treat them.
You have found an expert with Joan Kaylor, MSEd, LPC, LMHC Counseling. I have been helping children and adults with BFRBs since 1994. I would be honored to help you. Schedule an appointment today.
Email: Joan@joankaylor.com
Cell: 724-413-0964
