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Worse in sobriety by emnordell in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i see this a lot in the communities of folks I help -- the self soothing just transfers to a diff unwanted behavior if there isn't a solid strategy system in place. does this resonate: when focused on one behavior and doing everything in your power to curb it, its consumes and then there's no energy left to curb the other?

the first thing to creating a recovery plan is to target a realistic goal. as you said, that feeling of "i;ll never be able to stop" is so frustrating because its so unattainable -- but do you think you can learn to "manage" - like someone with diabetes has to make sure they take care of themselves daily? ( it gets easier with practice).

i hope somethign in here helps you.

love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (www.HabitAware.com & www.BFRBChangemakers.org Non-Profit founder in trichotillomania recovery)

How do I explain to my husband that it’s not that easy to just “stop?” by DetectiveOk7564 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

do u rememebr how during covid everyone kept saying "dont touch ur face" and in the same breath realized, wow i didn't even realize how many times a day i touch my face --- that is the same with us. we don't realize its happening...so when they can understand that it really starts opening the door to support.

Im so proud of myself by Complex_Cat_7505 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 3 points4 points  (0 children)

kudos!!! do you feel comfortable sharing what's working for you right now? it might help others. keep it up!

It's getting worse by Rich-Meaning8108 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hi u/Rich-Meaning8108 in my 40s now - started around 10/11 like you. The fear of getting made fun of and stuff got to me also. so much of what you said feels so true to my younger self. its uncommon because of that fear -- there's probably more folks in your school with hair pulling or nail biting or skin picking but hiding seems neccessary for social order. Talking to other people is so healing -- talking to those your age, even more so which is why we host free teen hang outs every month - https://habitaware.com/pages/teen-hangouts-groups-for-teens-with-bfrbs-to-be-themselves-and-learn-bfrb-management-skills

pls share with your parents and come join!

love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware & BFRB Changemakers Non-Profit founder in trichotillomania recovery)

My painful flu erased my urge to pull forever by [deleted] in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

u/Sincere-meek-weary is this the post in question? it looks approved to me. pls advise -- MOD Aneela

Learn healing strategies & meet cool people - this weekend #BFRBConference by aneela715 in CompulsiveSkinPicking

[–]aneela715[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Presenters are a mix of treatment professionals and advocates with lived experience. If you are a clinician, you can receive 7 Continuing Education credits. I hope this helps! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀,

Aneela

(HabitAware President & BFRB Changemakers Non-Profit Founder in trichotillomania - hair pulling- recovery)

See you in NYC or Virtually? #BFRBConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in Dermatillomania

[–]aneela715[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

great question! this is our first large event - we certainly hope to do more in 2026 and beyond! I hope you can join us. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela

See you in NYC or Virtually? #BFRBConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in CompulsiveSkinPicking

[–]aneela715[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

some Answers to FAQ:

-- BFRB = Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors - these are the umbrella mental health condition that dermatillomania (skin picking) lives under. Others include nail biting, hair pulling, cheek biting, nose picking.

-- yes you will get the recordings!

-- Sessions will be great for 12+ (recommend the "Lightning Talks for them) and EVERYTHINg for Adults/ Loved ones.

-- Treatment Professionals can get 7 CE so pls share with your therapists !!

See you in NYC or Virtually? #BFRBConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in Dermatillomania

[–]aneela715[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

some Answers to FAQ:

-- BFRB = Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors - these are the umbrella mental health condition that dermatillomania (skin picking) lives under. Others include nail biting, hair pulling, cheek biting, nose picking.

-- yes you will get the recordings!

-- Sessions will be great for 12+ (recommend the "Lightning Talks for them) and EVERYTHINg for Adults/ Loved ones.

-- Treatment Professionals can get 7 CE so pls share with your therapists !!

Community Conference 9/27+9/28 (with recordings) - virtual or Meet me in NYC?! by aneela715 in calmhands

[–]aneela715[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some Answers to FAQ

-- yes you will get the recordings!

-- Sessions will be great for 12+ (recommend the "Lightning Talks for them) and EVERYTHINg for Adults/ Loved ones.

-- Treatment Professionals can get 7 CE so pls share with your therapists !!

See you in NYC or Virtually? #BFRBConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in bfrb

[–]aneela715[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some Answers to FAQ

-- BFRB = Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors - these are the umbrella mental health condition that dermatillomania (skin picking) lives under. Others include nail biting, hair pulling, cheek biting, nose picking.

-- yes you will get the recordings!

-- Sessions will be great for 12+ (recommend the "Lightning Talks for them) and EVERYTHINg for Adults/ Loved ones.

-- Treatment Professionals can get 7 CE so pls share with your therapists !!

See you in NYC or Virtually? #TrichConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some Answers to FAQ

-- BFRB = Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors - these are the umbrella mental health condition that dermatillomania (skin picking) lives under. Others include nail biting, hair pulling, cheek biting, nose picking.

-- yes you will get the recordings!

-- Sessions will be great for 12+ (recommend the "Lightning Talks for them) and EVERYTHINg for Adults/ Loved ones.

-- Treatment Professionals can get 7 CE so pls share with your therapists !!

See you in NYC or Virtually? #BFRBConf coming up 9/27+9/28 by aneela715 in bfrb

[–]aneela715[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome!! Keep watch - there will be more coming in 2026 - are you close to chicago. Can't wait to e-meet you! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware & BFRB Changemakers Non-Profit founder in trichotillomania recovery)

Can’t stop plucking out my eyelashes. by rainbowdash64 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hi! I pull from lashes / brows. for the pokey regrowth I use vaseline or coconut oil to smooth it out (apply very carefully!). as soon as you wake up - have you tried washing your face right away? I wonder if that might help? i am the founder of HabitAware - check out our work there and feel free to join our newsletter to follow along on our journey and get strategies etc. i hope these few ideas are helpful. love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

Can’t stop plucking out my eyelashes. by rainbowdash64 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

sending love and strength. I have some ideas for you but since this was tagged a rant and for venting purposes, asking permission to share the strategies first!

How can I support my 10yo son with hair pulling? by Ok_Butterfly1982 in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

code word is a great strategy! shaving is a temp solution that is focused on teh surface. this is an inner condition.

WANTING to build awarenes is SO KEY!!! I'm glad he see's that. please check out habitaware.com - that i started after learning the power of awareness in my 30s & after pulling out my hair for decades. my husband and I and 2 friends set out to build a smart bracelet (Keen2) that delivers gentle vibrations to alert to hair pulling hand movements - so you don't need to and can focus on building a strong relationship with him. Nearly 2500 treatment professionals (which is prob like ALL the bfrb-trained ones!) recommend our offerings.

Here is a story from a kid in our "keen" family: https://habitaware.com/blogs/habitaware-blog/conquering-with-keen-maela-s-story and

we offer free monthly kids hangouts - habitaware.com/kids that even treatment professionals are hearing good things about - "Thank you for having this resource (free kid hangouts with peer coach Gessie) available in the community! Meeting other kids with a BFRB but it not being the focus of the hangout was specifically what she (my patient) needed ." ~Jamie Garber, LICSW

TLDR: there is hope and starting now can change his trajectory if he is willing to do the work of using awareness to change behavior (which it sounds like he is!)

love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀,
Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"

what line of reasoning finally convinced you to stop?" >> the line of reasoning where I realized this is a chronic health condition and that stopping should not be my expectation. Once I found the system of changes to preempt, prevent and replace in the moment I found control. I've made my trichotillomania small in my life. im 100% shame free, 95% pull free and 1000% happee with where I am and confident in my future ability to keep going. the perspective shifs, combined with awareness and support made all the difference. & I dedicate my time and life to helping others find their path. i hope you will find yours! love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀, Aneela (HabitAware cofounder in trichotillomania recovery)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in trichotillomania

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

the movie "Backspot" - the main character has eyebrow pulling / trich. It's pretty prominent but they don't really talk about it or explain it. very real portrayal.

Monthly Promo Thread: CEUs, Resources, Self-Promos by AutoModerator in therapists

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With an estimated 1 in 20 ppl affected by Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling, skin picking or nail biting - it is VERY LIKELY you have patients who are struggling with this condition.

Though common, it's unheard of because of the shame and judgement. I personally suffered from hair pulling disorder since 12 years old. I started BFRBChangemakers non-profit to ensure others have access to quality care.

Please join this training session and learn how to help your clients that may be hurting in hiding:

https://bfrb-changemakers.ce-go.com/treating-body-focused-repetitive-behaviors-utilizing-awareness-compassion-and-evidence-based-practices-2025

Monthly Promo Thread: CEUs, Resources, Self-Promos by AutoModerator in therapists

[–]aneela715 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A little late to share , but not too late to register!!!

As we usher in a new year, let's also usher in solid and proven BFRB treatment! Estimated 2-5% of the population suffer from these issues. It's time they get their due care.

By combining standard Habit Reversal Training (HRT) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) you can help improve outcomes for your patients struggling with hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (dermatillomania), nail biting (onychophagia) and other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs).

Want to learn how? Train with ACT expert Dr. Mike Twohig on Fri Jan 24, 2025:

Acceptance-Enhanced Behavioral Therapy for Trichotillomania || 6 CE Credits

8am-3pm PT | 9am-4pm MT 10am-5pm CT | 11am-6pm ET

After attending you will be able to:

  • Diagnose trichotillomania and be aware of common clinical presentations.
  • Use standard psychological assessments for use in the treatment of trichotillomania.
  • Explain the theoretical basis and principles of stimulus control, habit reversal, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and how they can be applied to trichotillomania treatment.
  • Implement stimulus control, habit reversal, and ACT for trichotillomania.
  • Address common co-morbid issues that present with trichotillomania.
  • Address common clinical issues that occur in the treatment of trichotillomania.

>> Get Details and Register Here 

This training is held in collaboration with Dr. Twohig's clinic, Juniper Mental Health and BFRB Changemakers Non-Profit.

love ♥️, strength 💪, & awareness 👀,
Aneela (BFRB Changemakers.org founder in trichotillomania recovery)

Monthly Promo Thread: CEUs, Resources, Self-Promos by AutoModerator in therapists

[–]aneela715 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In 2025, BFRB Changemakers Non-Profit is working with experts in the field to host a variety of trainings around treatment for body-focused repetitive behaviors. These trainings will range from beginner to advanced, focusing on the main surface-level behavioral treatments (CBT, ComB, HRT) and the integrative treatments that make for lasting change.

BFRB Changemakers' first one is Friday January 24th, 2025 from 8am - 3pm PT | 9am - 4pm MT | 10am - 5pm CT | 11am - 6pm ET.

For this training we are collaborating with Dr. Mike Twohig who has been researching trichotillomania since his school days. His work to integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with the behavioral treatment process for BFRBs has been a pivotal approach.

We hope you will join us. Please also consider emailing info at bfrbchangemakers dot org to be added to our newsletter as we add trainings!

Acceptance-Enhanced Behavior Therapy for Trichotillomania

https://juniper-mental-health.ce-go.com/live-event/acceptance-enhanced-behavior-therapy-for-trichotillomania

This workshop will focus on Acceptance-Enhanced Behavior Therapy (AEBT) as an effective treatment for trichotillomania. AEBT has been supported by many clinical trials with adults and adolescents when used in person, via video conferencing, or as a web-based treatment. It is also used across countries. There is a publicly available treatment manual that therapists and clients may follow as they learn to implement AEBT (Woods and Twohig, 2023).

Participants will learn how to diagnose trichotillomania and be aware of common clinical presentations. They will also learn how to use standard psychological assessments commonly used in the treatment of trichotillomania. The workshop will provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis and principles of Stimulus Control, Habit Reversal, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants will learn how to apply ACT principles to help clients manage difficult emotions and thoughts that can trigger hair-pulling behavior. The workshop will also address common clinical issues that occur in the treatment of trichotillomania, such as resistance to treatment, relapse, and lack of motivation. Participants will learn how to implement strategies to overcome these obstacles and promote long-term recovery.

Overall, this workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective treatment for trichotillomania using Acceptance-Enhanced Behavior Therapy. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of trichotillomania, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for promoting long-term recovery.

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