POPULARITY
Barbara is back with another Your Questions, My Answers episode of Trich Talks!In this episode, she tackles questions from the trichotillomania community, including:Does trichotillomania cause gray hair to appear sooner?What is the best way to grow hair back faster?How do hair-pulling episodes start for you? Are they caused by stress or something else?Will my eyelashes ever grow back?How do I stop trichotillomania?Drawing from both her lived experience and the research she explored behind the scenes, Barbara shares her honest thoughts and insights on each question. Whether you submitted a question or not, chances are you'll find something in this episode that resonates with your own journey.Tune in for an open, informative, and relatable conversation about life with trichotillomania.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Send us Fan MailTaking a multi-faceted long term approach to treating hair loss Maik Van Den Berg is an engineer from the Netherlands, who has been experiencing hair loss since just 22 years old.He was diagnosed with male pattern hair loss, and was offered treatment with medication, which he suffered severe side effects from. This led him to stop using it and started to explore alternative options.Maik describes the side effects he experienced, and how they can gradually creep up on you. He also shares how losing his hair began to have an impact on his self esteem and confidence.He tried lots of products and began to find a combination of things that worked for him. He then developed Neofollics, as he wanted something that was effective but gentle enough to use long term, balancing efficacy with being user friendly.We discuss what can influence the quality of the hair, the chain of cause and effect, and how the concentration and amount of active ingredients can help the potency of any products or treatments.Connect with Maik: Instagram Hair & Scalp Salon Specialist course Support the showConnect with Hair therapy:FacebookInstagramTwitterClubhouse- @Hair.TherapyHair Therapy WebsiteDonate towards the podcast Start your own podcastHair & Scalp Salon Specialist Course ~ Book now to become an expert!
Kisha Reynolds is a hypnotherapist and coach who works with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including hair pulling, nail biting, and skin picking. This episode explores BFRBs and how hypnotherapy can help. Connect and Learn MoreWebsite: 321deepsleep.comFacebook: @3-2-1-DEEP-SLEEP-Kisha-Reynolds-CHt-61553394489335ResourcesChristina PearsonThe TLC Foundation for BFRBs
Kailey (@embracingmysuperpower) returns to Trich Talks with an exciting milestone to celebrate—8 weeks pull-free! Having shared her journey on the podcast before, she's back to reflect on the progress she's made, the challenges she's overcome, and the confidence she's rebuilding along the way.With the unwavering support of her family, friends, and coworkers, Kailey has reached meaningful milestones, including wearing her hair uncovered at work for the first time in three years. In this inspiring conversation, she shares what has helped her stay on track, the impact of community and support, and what life looks like as she continues her recovery journey.Listen to Kailey's first appearance: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fPa5QHOy6BpZbXBITqLt7?si=b_5kfjCUTTCVpQGJQ7o9QQ —Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Shiffy Andelman (@shifkay) shares her experience living with trichotillomania and hopes to bring more awareness and understanding to hair-pulling and related behaviors.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
BFRB.care: Alles rund um Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie und Co.
In dieser Folge findet Ihr den zweiten Teil des Interviews mit Dr. Eva Loos (psychologische Psychotherapeutin am Universitätsspital Basel) zum Thema chronischer Juckreiz. Wir sprechen über Bewältigungsversuche, Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und darüber, wie es gelingen kann, ein wenig mehr Frieden mit seiner Haut zu schließen - auch wenn das manchmal alles andere als leicht ist. **************************************************** Wenn Du diesen Podcast gerne unterstützen möchtest - hier geht es zur BFRB.care Kaffeekasse: https://ko-fi.com/bfrbcare (Falls Euch das lieber ist: Ihr könnt auch einfach direkt via Paypal an (bfrb.care(at)gmail.com) überweisen.) Weitere Infos zu Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie, Nägelkauen und anderen BFRBs findest Du auf meiner Homepage: www.skinpicking-trichotillomanie.de Wenn Du Fragen, Ideen oder Wünsche für bestimmte Themen hast, schreib mir einfach gerne über meine Homepage oder auf Instagram unter: https://www.instagram.com/bfrb.care/
Ava has experienced trichotillomania, including pulling her hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, since she was 8 years old. Only recently, after discovering the HabitAware Collective community, has she truly begun to manage, accept, and confront her BFRB. Outside of her BFRB journey, Ava is a college student who also works part-time at her local zoo.^We did not pay her to say this!—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
BFRB.care: Alles rund um Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie und Co.
In dieser Folge spreche ich mit Dr. Eva Loos, als als psychologische Psychotherapeutin am Universitätsspital Basel mit Personen mit chronischem Juckreiz arbeitet. Neben Einblicken in die Psychodermatologie gibt uns Eva einen Überblick, was es mit chronischem Juckreiz auf sich hat, welche Belastungen damit einhergehen und wie sich Psyche und Körper gegenseitig beeinflussen. Wir sprechen außerdem über den Zusammenhang zwischen Juckreiz und Skin Picking, über den Kratz-Teufelskreis und über den alltäglichen Umgang mit diesen Themen. **************************************************** Wenn Du diesen Podcast gerne unterstützen möchtest - hier geht es zur BFRB.care Kaffeekasse: https://ko-fi.com/bfrbcare (Falls Euch das lieber ist: Ihr könnt auch einfach direkt via Paypal an (bfrb.care(at)gmail.com) überweisen.) Weitere Infos zu Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie, Nägelkauen und anderen BFRBs findest Du auf meiner Homepage: www.skinpicking-trichotillomanie.de Wenn Du Fragen, Ideen oder Wünsche für bestimmte Themen hast, schreib mir einfach gerne über meine Homepage oder auf Instagram unter: https://www.instagram.com/bfrb.care/
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a hair transplant doesn't go to plan? Dom is a 32 year old electrician, who lives in a van in Scotland.He shares his story about his hair loss journey, including dealing with the side effects of medication, disappointing hair transplant results, and why it's important to consider all your options and get lots of expert advice before making a decision.Dom shares how his confidence was low, so he looked to hair transplants as a way to resolve this. When it didn't give him the result he wanted, it made him reflect on his motivation for his decision.Dom now wears a hair system, and is very open about this on his social media. He says he is much happier now and shares his experience to help others.Connect with Dom:InstagramTikTokYoutube Hair & Scalp Salon Specialist course Support the showConnect with Hair therapy:FacebookInstagramTwitterClubhouse- @Hair.TherapyHair Therapy WebsiteDonate towards the podcast Start your own podcastHair & Scalp Salon Specialist Course ~ Book now to become an expert! Polytar Medicated Shampoo
Amber (@amberinthedriversseat) is a stay-at-home mom of four who has lived with hair pulling since a young age. After only recently discovering the official name of the disorder just two months ago, she has turned her experience into advocacy, using social media to raise awareness, share her journey, and help others feel less alone. In this episode, Amber opens up about living with trichotillomania, overcoming shame, and finding empowerment through vulnerability and community.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Lauren D. Fulter (@laurendfulter_author) published her first book at age sixteen, but she's been writing her fictional friends ever since she could hold a crayon. As a neurodivergent creative with trichotillomania, she's passionate about helping people feel seen in the media they consume. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) and is a marketing assistant for Whimsical Publishing. She is attending university in the sunny state of California for a BA in Humanities with an emphasis in Creative Writing.Learn more by visiting: https://www.laurendfulter.com/ —Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Jennifer Mbanu (@jenmbanuwellness) is a passionate patient advocate and wellness entrepreneur dedicated to raising awareness around body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including Trichotillomania, which she has personally navigated for the past 33 years. After opening her wellness business this past October, Jennifer continues to create spaces for education, healing, and community support. She will also be presenting in the HabitAware Collective on May 14th. Jennifer currently lives in Indianapolis with her husband, two teenagers, and their Doberman, Charlie.Listen to Jennifer's previous appearances on Trich Talks!https://open.spotify.com/episode/0wreuyQf2rnV4J8e9MCZiT?si=HSDXQYRmQOmKr2V4ZDI8Aghttps://open.spotify.com/episode/6Jc9KZVSDN1YNqj7lvnfg6?si=cxNI4aqISvWlL7-q5d1HeA—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
In this episode of Trich Talks, Barbara responds to questions from the community, offering both practical guidance and honest insight into living with trichotillomania. She shares how listeners can join a supportive, judgment-free group and explores alternative strategies for managing urges—especially in areas like eyelashes where physical barriers can be challenging.From there, the conversation opens up into broader topics, including common concerns around co-occurring conditions, ways to navigate appearance-related challenges like eyebrows, and the question so many people ask: how to actually begin reducing the behavior.Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Barbara emphasizes a more realistic and compassionate approach—centered on awareness, gradual progress, and finding what works for each individual.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Brandi Davis (@brandidcozytrichtalk) is a trichotillomania advocate who has been navigating life with the condition since she began hair pulling at just 8 years old. Now 34, she shares her lived experience with honesty and compassion, helping others feel less alone while raising awareness about trichotillomania.Through her platform, Brandi creates a supportive space for open conversation, breaking stigma and encouraging understanding around body-focused repetitive behaviors. Outside of her advocacy work, she is married and a proud bonus mom, bringing warmth and relatability to everything she does.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Holly Johnson (@trich.journey) returns to the podcast one year later, opening up about how her journey with BFRBs has evolved since her last appearance. She shares the highs, and the real, unfiltered growth she's experienced along the way—offering insight, honesty, and hope for anyone navigating their own path. This episode is pure motivation.Follow Holly's walking page @mindfulmilesclub_ Listen to Holly's first appearance on Trich Talks: Here!—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
After struggling for years with skin/nail picking personally, as well as noticing the issue come up again and again in her professional life working in behavioral health, Emma (@tranquilitips) is now working to build something new to support this community. TranquiliTips are cuticle protectors that work by creating a barrier to protect the skin, while redirecting picking motions to the sleeve rather than to the skin itself. Visit www.tranquilitips.com for more!—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Today's episode of Trich Talks is a special one.Barbara reads from The Trichster Diaries and she officially comes to the end of the book. In this episode, she opens up about what it was like sharing her trichotillomania with her husband (then her new boyfriend!)—something that felt scary, vulnerable, and ultimately so freeing.He even makes a little cameo, which makes this episode extra meaningful.To the listeners, thank you for being here, and for being part of this journey. Finishing this book feels like such a full-circle moment.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned from Amazon—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting — these aren't just “bad habits.” They're known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), and for many people, they feel nearly impossible to stop. But it is possible, and there's actually research to prove it. Dr. Jamie Feusner and Clare Beatty have studied BFRB, and they're here to break down what the science shows. They explain why these behaviors develop, why they can feel automatic and hard to control, and how evidence-based treatment like habit reversal training (HRT) has been proven to be so effective at minimizing the behaviors.At NOCD, we specialize in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, the most effective treatment for OCD—a treatment that can help you live a fulfilling life. If you're ready to take your first step, book a free 15-minute call with us at https://learn.nocd.com/YTFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In today's episode of Trich Talks, Barbara reads from her memoir, The Trichster Diaries. She highlights the small but meaningful moments of connection that help break the silence around trichotillomania, while also embracing the humor in the unexpected ways it shows up—or doesn't—in daily life. Through it all, she reminds us just how powerful it can be to share our experiences with trusted friends instead of carrying them alone.And with just one episode left of The Trichster Diaries, you won't want to miss what's coming next.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries here or unsigned from Amazon—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Aleshia Wisch (@thealeshiawisch) has lived with trichotillomania for decades and now helps women heal through nervous-system–first support rooted in lived experience. She is the founder of the Becoming Her Movement and is passionate about helping women move out of shame and into safety, self-trust, and real change—without relying on willpower or self-blame.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Send a textBFRBs Clare Mackay has studied psychology & neuroscience, looking at diseases & disorders, along with ageing & dementia.She herself lives with trichotillomania, and explains all about BFRBs, body focused repetitive behaviours, and how they can impact peoples' lives.Clare wants to help people overcome the shame and embarrassment that often accompanies these disorders, and states that one in 20 people live with this.We discuss how reducing the stigma around these behaviours can help to raise awareness and reduce feelings of shame.In sharing her own stories of the good, the bad & the ugly encounters she has faced, we also look at how we can support people and ensure that they can have a positive experience, and how having a negative experience can be life changing for some, just as a good one can be.Connect with Clare:InstagramYoutube 6 things to know about BFRBsBookSalonfocus magazine articleWebsiteConferenceBFRB charity UK & IrelandLeo foundation Hair & Scalp Salon Specialist course Support the showConnect with Hair therapy: Facebook Instagram Twitter Clubhouse- @Hair.Therapy Donate towards the podcast Start your own podcastHair & Scalp Salon Specialist Course ~ Book now to become an expert!
Aleshia Wisch (@thealeshiawisch) has lived with trichotillomania for decades and now helps women heal through nervous-system–first support rooted in lived experience. She is the founder of the Becoming Her Movement and is passionate about helping women move out of shame and into safety, self-trust, and real change—without relying on willpower or self-blame.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
BFRB.care: Alles rund um Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie und Co.
In dieser Episode dreht sich alles um Diagnosen. Welche Diagnosen werden üblicherweise für Skin Picking, Trichotillomanie oder pathologisches Nägelkauen, Wangenbeißen und andere BFRBs vergeben? Warum wird manchmal von Impulskontrollstörungen und manchmal von einer Zwangsstörung gesprochen? Was hat es mit den Diagnosemanualen ICD-10, ICD-11 und DSM-5 auf sich und warum sind die Unterschiede dazwischen bei BFRBs (body-focused repetitive behaviors) besonders wichtig? All diese Fragen kläre ich in der Folge. Viel Spaß dabei! Wichtig: BFRBs können auch im Rahmen anderer Störungsbilder (z.B. bei der Körperdysmorphen Störung) auftauchen, dann wird auch eine andere Diagnose vergeben, wenn diese die Symptomatik besser erklärt. Hier geht es um eine gute sogenannte "Differentialdiagnostik". PS: Zu Beginn der Folge gibt es noch einige Infos zum Skin Picking und Trichotillomanie e.V. Hier noch alle wichtigen Links: Homepage des Vereins: www.bfrbs.de Programm der BFRB Tage 2025: https://bfrbs.de/events/bfrb-tage-2025 Selbsthilfegruppe für BFRBs in Heidelberg: Treffen an jedem 1. und 3. Montag des Monats. Bei Interesse einfach unter info(at)selbsthilfe-heidelberg.de melden. **************************************************** Wenn Du diesen Podcast gerne unterstützen möchtest - hier geht es zur BFRB.care Kaffeekasse: https://ko-fi.com/bfrbcare (Falls Euch das lieber ist: Ihr könnt auch einfach direkt via Paypal an (bfrb.care(at)gmail.com) überweisen.) Weitere Infos zu Skin Picking bzw. Dermatillomanie, Trichotillomanie, Nägelkauen und anderen BFRBs findest Du auf meiner Homepage: www.skinpicking-trichotillomanie.de Wenn Du Fragen, Ideen oder Wünsche für bestimmte Themen hast, schreib mir einfach gerne über meine Homepage oder auf Instagram unter: https://www.instagram.com/bfrb.care/
In this episode of Trich Talks, Barbara reads from The Trichster Diaries and opens up about her struggle with hair pulling while working as a classroom teacher. Standing in front of students each day while privately — or maybe not so privately — battling urges took an emotional toll. She reflects on what it felt like to remain in a role she knew was negatively impacting her trichotillomania, yet one she felt an obligation to see through until the end of the school year. Through using spinner rings to keep her hands busy and committing to therapy to shift her mindset, she found ways to cope during that season of life.Most importantly, Barbara shares how telling her story changed her life — transforming shame into connection and isolation into purpose — and how speaking your truth might just change yours, too.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries at barbaralally.com or an unsigned copy on Amazon.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
In this episode of Trich Talks, Barbara reads from The Trichster Diaries and reflects on the different places and situations that used to trigger her hair pulling. From the car to the bathroom to post-dance recitals, she shares the environments that sparked the urge and the compulsive need to check the mirror after each pull.Barbara explores the cycle of pulling → checking → shame, and the emotional weight it carries. This episode offers an honest look at how triggers can appear in everyday life and how awareness and self-compassion can help break the cycle.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries at barbaralally.com or an unsigned copy on Amazon.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Kisha Reynolds is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Hair Loss Specialist, and career coach based out of Philadelphia. As a leading advocate for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), she blends expertise with lived experience to bring awareness to these often-misunderstood OCD-related conditions. Her own lifelong journey with BFRBs fuels her mission to educate, empower, and transform lives through hypnotherapy, coaching, and public speaking.Kisha holds specialty certifications in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, support for caregivers, perfectionism recovery, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), attachment trauma treatment, hypnosis for grief and recovery, PTSD, test anxiety as well as hypnosis to enhance sports performance. Through her practice, 3.2.1 Deep Sleep Hypnotherapy, she helps clients overcome issues ranging from addictions / compulsions, anxiety, rebuilding confidence, setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, lack of motivation, and silencing the critical inner voice to name a few.She also owns a boutique recruiting firm called Mindhire Collective. Mindhire Collective doesn't simply match candidates with roles rather the focus is on matching healed candidates by offering a combination of coaching and hypnotherapy packages to empower candidates to reach their full professional potential.In closing, Kisha is passionate about using her voice to uplift and connect communities.#kishareynolds #hypnotherapist #cognitivebehaviour #sleep #chrispomay #smalltalkpodcast #susanirby Small Talk Podcast is a monthly entertainment talk show hosted by co-hosts Marlene Sharp and Chris Pomay. Small Talk co-host Marlene Sharp is a LinkedIn micro-influencer who wears many hats in multi-platform media. Small Talk Podcast is a monthly entertainment podcast talk show hosted by Marlene Sharp & Chris Pomay (Live With CDP Sports & Entertainment Talk Show and founder of CDP Media Productions) with various guests from around the world in different professions. https://pinkpoodleproductions.com/https://www.321deepsleep.com/https://beacons.ai/chrisdpomayhttps://www.cameo.com/chrispomay book a personalized video message from yours truly CDP! https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chris... if you wish to support my media content. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...https://susanirby.com/
Jessie Hannah (@barebecoming) has lived with a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) for over 25 years, beginning at age seven. For much of her life, she believed it was something she should be able to control through willpower alone, a belief that kept her stuck in silence and shame.Everything shifted when she participated in group CBT for BFRBs and experienced, for the first time, what it felt like to speak openly among people who truly understood. That sense of compassion and community helped loosen the shame that had carried the most weight.Not long after, Jessie shaved her head and began sharing her journey publicly, connecting with others navigating similar experiences. Her goal is to give back to the community that helped her heal and to create space for honesty, understanding, and self-acceptance.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Steven Goddard (@bearsy84) is a London-based man in his 40s who has been living with trichotillomania for over 25 years. Through his experience, Steven has come to recognize how deeply trich impacts men, despite being far less openly discussed than it is among women. He speaks candidly about the stigma, isolation, and pressure many men feel to keep their struggles private, and the toll that silence can take over time. By sharing his story on Trich Talks, Steven hopes to help break down barriers, encourage more open conversations among men, and remind others living with trich that they are not alone.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
On today's episode of Trich Talks, Barbara reads from her book The Trichster Diaries and revisits the tips and tricks she once relied on to manage trichotillomania. More than six years later, she reflects on which strategies still hold up, which ones she's outgrown, and how her understanding of recovery has evolved. The episode is filled with honesty, humor, and perspective, inviting listeners to share in both the laughs and the growth.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries on barbaralally.com or unsigned from Amazon—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
On today's episode of Trich Talks, Barbara reads an excerpt from The Trichster Diaries and reflects on why the concept of being “pull-free” doesn't fully make sense for her. She explores how recovery is often framed in all-or-nothing terms, why that narrative can feel limiting or even harmful, and what redefining healing has looked like over time. The episode invites listeners to consider their own definitions of recovery and to share what healing looks like for them.Purchase a signed copy of The Trichster Diaries on barbaralally.com or unsigned from Amazon—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Amaya (@lemuriidae) has had BFRBs since early childhood, and embraces the bald life. They are pursuing a degree in research psychology, and would like to study BFRBs in the future to improve our understanding of these often overlooked conditions. In their (somewhat limited) spare time they love to cook, make art, dance, and hang out with their pet snake named Dirt.—Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Based in Northern California, Isa (@isabellahhh.__b) is a student studying digital marketing and psychology, two of her favorite passions. She started her account to raise awareness and show transparency for mental health, joy in everyday life, and her faith is super important to her. Opportunities like Trich Talks is something Isa has always wanted to be a part of, so this is such a blessing!————Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
In this first episode of Season 6, Barbara shares the story of how Trich Talks began: a podcast born from the need to hear real stories, honest conversations, and the voices of people living with trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors. She talks about why storytelling has always been so important to her, and how it helped her feel seen, understood, and less alone.This season, Barbara will continue those conversations with curiosity, openness, and a lot of love. You can expect new interviews, personal stories, and readings from The Trichster Diaries, all designed to remind you that you're not defined by your BFRB and that small moments of awareness and self-compassion matter.— — — — — — Living with a BFRB isn't about willpower, it's about awareness.The Keen2 by HabitAware gently vibrates to help you notice pulling or picking in the moment, so you can pause and choose what comes next. It's not about stopping perfectly — it's about building awareness with compassion.If you've been looking for a tool that supports you without shame, the Keen2 can be a powerful place to start. Use code LallyLove at checkout to save 10% on your Keen2 when you visit barbaralally.com/habitaware today.You don't have to navigate BFRBs alone. HabitAware's peer coaching connects you with someone who truly understands what it's like to live with a BFRB because they've been there too.Peer coaches offer guidance, encouragement, and real-life strategies rooted in lived experience, not judgment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for extra support, peer coaching can help you feel seen, understood, and supported on your journey. Visit habitaware.com/coaching today.
Angela Hartlin @angelahartlin is a mental health advocate from Nova Scotia, Canada, and author of FOREVER MARKED: A Dermatillomania Diary. She stars in the only documentary about compulsive skin picking, Scars of Shame, and received treatment for the condition after appearing on the CBS daytime talk show, The Doctors. Angela was published in Mabuse-Verlag's 2022 German compilation of recovery stories, Frieden mit meiner Haut, and has just released a recovery guide, co-written with Karen Pickett, LMFT, EMBRACING DERMATILLOMANIA: Through Pain & Recovery. Angela runs Skin Picking Support on Facebook, providing online support for those with excoriation disorder and other BFRBs. She can be reached at angie@skinpickingsupport.com and found on Instagram, TikTok, and X at @angelahartlinKaren Pickett is a licensed psychotherapist in California and Ohio and the co-founder of The BFPA Resource Center. She is an expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders and body-focused process addictions (BFPAs), including Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Skin Picking Disorder and Trichotillomania. Previously, Karen was the Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles and Faculty in Counseling Psychology at the University of Santa Monica. To learn more or work with Karen please visit her website https://karenpickett.com/ or bodyfocusedprocessaddictions.com— This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a gentle hug or vibration when I'm doing the scanning behavior. Bring awareness into your life by visiting barbaralally.com/habitaware and use code LALLYLOVE for 10% off sitewide! Did you know HabitAware also offers virtual peer coaching? This one-to-one peer-based program will coach you through shifting mindset, practicing healthy strategies and creating your personal roadmap to recovery. To work with me, Ellen or Aneela, head over to habitaware.com/coaching today. —Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Trich Talks.Begin your journey to self-acceptance with trichotillomania by enrolling in my course, Sharing Our Stories. Sharing Our Stories does a deep dive into your relationship with trichotillomania by using my guided journal, My Trichster Diaries, as our workbook. You can learn more at barbaralally.com
Charlene's @helpme2stop mission to transform TTM care comes from her blend of artistry, holistic understanding, and belief that hair can recover. After studying nursing and beginning her career as a hair extension specialist in 1991, she shifted to advanced hair replacement—but quickly rejected traditional methods that required shaving natural hair. Her philosophy became simple: preserve, don't destroy.A turning point came when she saw the trauma a client experienced after an aggressive salon treatment. This confirmed her conviction that healing requires gentle, restorative care. Charlene went on to create a groundbreaking, non-destructive method combining advanced extension techniques with hair replacement knowledge. The results were undeniable—her first Trichotillomania client experienced significant regrowth, earning Charlene the nickname “Hair Health Regrowth Expert.” One former client has now maintained remission for over 15 years.Inspired by her success and volunteer work with LookGoodFeelBetter.org, Charlene asked why medical insurance covered cranial prostheses for chemotherapy patients but not for those with BFRBs. With no existing path, she founded HelpMe2Stop in 2007. Today, through the S.T.R.A.N.D. Network, she continues leading the movement to secure a crucial medical insurance (CPT) code and create lasting institutional change for client-centered, specialized care.— This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a gentle hug or vibration when I'm doing the scanning behavior. Bring awareness into your life by visiting barbaralally.com/habitaware and use code LALLYLOVE for 10% off sitewide! Did you know HabitAware also offers virtual peer coaching? This one-to-one peer-based program will coach you through shifting mindset, practicing healthy strategies and creating your personal roadmap to recovery. To work with me, Ellen or Aneela, head over to habitaware.com/coaching today. —Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Trich Talks.Begin your journey to self-acceptance with trichotillomania by enrolling in my course, Sharing Our Stories. Sharing Our Stories does a deep dive into your relationship with trichotillomania by using my guided journal, My Trichster Diaries, as our workbook. You can learn more at barbaralally.com
In this episode of our 4th Annual OCRD Series, we explore trichotillomania, skin picking, nail biting, and other BFRBs from two essential perspectives: someone living with these challenges and a treating psychologist specializing in OCD and related disorders.Whether you're a family member, partner, parent, or chosen family trying to understand BFRBs, or someone experiencing these behaviors yourself, this conversation offers real insights into what helps and what doesn't. Special guests, Jason Yu and Dr. Lisa Conway, discuss common struggles and goals while honoring the lived experience that statistics and clinical language can't capture. So join us for the conversation for lots of hope and practical guidance for loved ones and chosen family supporting BFRB warriors!
Body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking are relatively common but remain stigmatized and misunderstood. Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD, and Clare Mackay, PhD, talk about why these behaviors occur and how they relate to grooming and emotion regulation; how living with BFRBs affects people's lives and mental health; why reducing shame and stigma is so important; and how parents can support children with BFRBs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many of us will be familiar with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), perhaps without even realising it. Such behaviours - which include hair-pulling, nail biting and skin picking - can not only cause physical harm, but also often bring feelings of shame. Because of this, open discussion around BFRBs has been limited. In this episode of The Big Questions Podcast, we chat to Prof Clare Mackay from Oxford's Department of Psychiatry, who both studies and lives with BFRBs.
Today I talk with certified Hypnotherapist, Kisha Reynolds. We discuss her own journey with BFRBS (also known as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors), how she became a certified hypnotherapist and how she helps others in their mental health journey! You can follow Kisha here: https://www.instagram.com/321deepsleep?igsh=MXVuM3VraWJva2lnYou can learn more and book a session here:https://www.321deepsleep.com/?fbclid=PAZnRzaANnI9JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpyRmVVcMcwp3vOr6cEUSxMrJWH9Wn4BbBcOSFDlg7XQ2kkgmDEDvxPdddXf5_aem_rxRWso8Jzdd9mKW0TBReBg
Ashley (@bfrb_ashley) lives with six different body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), including trichotillomania. This made it especially challenging for her to come forward as a BFRB and mental health advocate. However, through her journey, Ashley discovered a deep sense of passion and purpose in BFRB advocacy, which eventually led her to become one of the hosts of The BFRB Podcast. As Ashley navigates her own recovery journey and explores various therapies, she hopes to contribute more to the BFRB and mental health community by sharing her experiences. The best is yet to come!— This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a gentle hug or vibration when I'm doing the scanning behavior. Bring awareness into your life by visiting barbaralally.com/habitaware and use code LALLYLOVE for 10% off sitewide! Did you know HabitAware also offers virtual peer coaching? This one-to-one peer-based program will coach you through shifting mindset, practicing healthy strategies and creating your personal roadmap to recovery. To work with me, Ellen or Aneela, head over to habitaware.com/coaching today.—Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Trich Talks.Begin your journey to self-acceptance with trichotillomania by enrolling in my course, Sharing Our Stories. Sharing Our Stories does a deep dive into your relationship with trichotillomania by using my guided journal, My Trichster Diaries, as our workbook. You can learn more at barbaralally.com
In today's episode of Psych Talk I chat with Kisha Reynolds, certified clinical hypnotherapist, certified life coach, and author. Kisha shares her personal journey with body focused repetitive behaviors (BRFBs) and how that led her to hypnotherapy and becoming a certified clinical hypnotherapist. Kisha describes why hypnotherapy is, as well as some common misconceptions about hypnotherapy. We discussed conditions which hypnotherapy can be beneficial for, as well as hypnotherapy can be an adjunctive treatment to traditional mental health therapy. Kisha defines for listeners what BRFBs are and how they impact one's daily life. She also describes how hypnotherapy can be used in the treatment of BRFBs. We end the episode by discussing how individuals can become certified in hypnotherapy or seek out hypnotherapy for themselves.Connect with Kisha:www.321deepsleep.comkisha@321deepsleep.com IG: @321deepsleepFacebook: 321 Deep SleepBook: Beyond the Habit: Understanding the development, triggers, and treatment for body focused repetitive behaviors (BRFBs)Resources mentioned in this episode:Hypnosis Motivational InstituteFifty Shades of Purple Against BullyingThe TLC Foundation for BFRBsThe Lyder FoundationConnect with Me:Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphdFollow the podcast on IG @psych.talk.podcastFollow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphdFollow me on Youtube Follow me on Threads @jessicaleighphdWelcome to Group Therapy PodcastJoin my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go ThroughWays to Work With Me:Mind Over MatterLGBTQ+ Affirming MasterclassBe a guest on my podcastResources:Anti-Racism ResourcesLGBTQ+ Affirming ResourcesThe Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary SettingIntro/Outro MusicLife of Riley by Kevin MacLeodMusic License
Saharra @saharradixon is a Health Education Specialist, digital and performance-based storyteller, health equity researcher, and nonprofit leader dedicated to demechanize public health. With a passion for mental health, chronic illness, and reproductive justice in minoritized communities, she weaves creativity and narrative into her work—unearthing the fundamental causes of health inequity and imagining healthful futures. A PhD Candidate in Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Saharra also holds an MA in Educational Theatre from New York University and a BS in Health Behavior Science from the University of Delaware. As a health coach, she is trained in psychodrama, sociodrama, Theatre of the Oppressed, and death doula care, as well as mixed-methods and arts-based research, using these to explore mental health, chronic illness, grief, identity, and liberation.Saharra is the director of Club Imani, a non-profit that bridges research, art, and radical care to cultivate healthful futures for multicultural communities with BFRBs, OCD, and related disorders.— This episode is brought to you by HabitAware. My Keen2 brings awareness to my trichotillomania by giving my wrist a gentle hug or vibration when I'm doing the scanning behavior. Bring awareness into your life by visiting barbaralally.com/habitaware and use code LALLYLOVE for 10% off sitewide! Did you know HabitAware also offers virtual peer coaching? This one-to-one peer-based program will coach you through shifting mindset, practicing healthy strategies and creating your personal roadmap to recovery. To work with me, Ellen or Aneela, head over to habitaware.com/coaching today.
Thankfully, mental health is no longer a quiet whisper. Taking care of your mental health is equally (if not more) important than your physical health. And thankfully we have a bunch of resources in the area for just that. Today we are speaking with Dr. Teresa Shank, the Director of Psychological Services at CPE Clinic in Annapolis and Lutherville. Dr. Shank specializes in treating anxiety disorders, pediatric and adult obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and body focused repetitive disorders (BFRBs) such as skin picking and hair pulling. We discussed many of the concerns she sees in today's youth and discussed ways to help them. CPE Clinic is uniquely situated due to their wide range of services, from coaching to counseling, to evaluations, to psychiatry, with specialists on staff for most disciplines. They are truly a practice where solutions are offered under one roof! And did you know that Octoebr 12-18 is International OCD Awareness Week? Have a listen. PS: Wondering what CPE stands for? I did, so I asked! LINKS: CPE Clinic (Website)
Kimberley Quinlan and Chris Trondsen break down how to tell BDD apart from body image concerns, OCD, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, BFRBs, and more—plus the right treatment moves for each.
Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD is a licensed psychologist and a leader in the field of BRFB. Ruth Goldfinger Golomb, LCPC is also a leader in the field of the treatment of BFRB. In this interview we talk about their latest book, The BFRB Survival Guide: A Workbook for Overcoming Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors. This workbook provides a clear program of action for dealing with these complex disorders. It involves identifying the BRFB potentially mainfest themselves in 5 domains (Sensory, Affective, Cognitive, Motor and Place) and then with this comprehensive knowledge developing a treatment plan. I have previously interviewed the authors on my podcast about their previous books: Helping Your Child with Sensory Regulation by Suzanne Mouton-Odum, PhD and Ruth Goldfinger Golomb, LCPC, Psychological Interventions for Children with Senory Dysregulation by Ruth Goldfinger Golomb and Suzanne Mouton-Odum, Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Treatment of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors by Charles S Mansueto, Suzanne Mouton-Odum & Ruth Goldfinger Golomb https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hair-pulling-and-skin-picking-interview-with/id937022377?i=1000634550977 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/expert-interview-25-ruth-goldfinger-golomb-lcpc-helping/id937022377?i=1000519775283 Also of interest is their book for parents of children who pull their hair. https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Guide-Hair-Pulling-Disorder/dp/0615657400/ref=asc_df_0615657400?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539280274815&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=51562&hvtargid=pla-4584138866830203&psc=1#:~:text=A%20Parent%20Guide,LCPC%20(Author) The authors are also on the scientific advisory board of the TLC Foundation for BFRBs which is a very helpful resource https://www.bfrb.org/
In the special segment "Checkin' the Inbox," Laura and Shanna answer listener questions about knowing when your toddler is officially potty trained, handling your kids' socially unacceptable habits, our worst bosses ever and more! Also, Shanna reports on the unexpected ending to a breakfast date with her 6-year-old, and Laura discusses the range of emotions involved in her 4-year-old's last week at preschool. Finally, the moms share their BFPs and BFNs for the week. Shanna's kids are 6.5 and 9 years old, and Laura's kids are 6.5 years old and 4 years old.Topics discussed in this episode:-Spending one-on-one time with your children-Kids' feelings vs. Mom's feelings about the last week of preschool -How do you know when your toddler is officially potty trained?-How do you handle your young kids' "annoying" habits?-What are BFRBs?-If we (and our kids) were vegetables, what would we be and why?-What does a podcast producer do?-The worst bosses that Laura and Shanna have had-The unexpected activity that had Shanna and Elle laughing hysterically-Mom's night out!Products, links, resources mentioned in this episode:-"Good to Go: A Fresh Take on Potty Training for Today's Intentional Parent" by Gia Gambaro Blount and Laura Birek-Laura and Gia's book on NetGalley - Get an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review-Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB)-What does an artichoke flower look like?-Potatoes - by Farideh-"Dork Diaries 12: Tales from a Not-So-Secret Crush Catastrophe" by Rachel Renée Russell-Kristen Schaal Is a Horse-RadioLab episode "Loops"-Jo Piazza-Under the Influence Podcast-"Everyone Is Lying to You" by Jo Piazza-Father's OfficePast BFP episodes mentioned in this episode:-Ep. 358 (For Laura's story about her ex-boyfriend)This episode's full show notes can be found here.Want to get in touch with Shanna and Laura? Send us an email and follow us on social! Instagram, Facebook or TikTok at @bfppodcastJoin our Facebook community group for support and camaraderie on your parenting journey.Visit our website!Big Fat Positive: A Pregnancy and Parenting Journey is produced by Laura Birek, Shanna Micko and Steve Yager.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Have you ever caught yourself picking at your skin, biting your nails, or pulling out a hair—then wondered why you can't seem to stop? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Juliet Gustafson , a Michigan-based OCD therapist and professor, to explore the often-misunderstood world of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)—like hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, and nail biting. Far from mere "bad habits," these behaviors are complex disorders tied to emotions, sensory triggers, and even biology. Juliette breaks down the five key drivers behind BFRBs: sensory satisfaction, cognitive patterns, emotional states, motor habits, and environmental cues. You'll learn how to distinguish between occasional grooming and compulsive behaviors, discover practical strategies for intervention (like replacement movements and awareness tools), and explore compassionate approaches to self-management. The episode also highlights vital resources, including the TLC Foundation, HabitAware's smart bracelets, and supportive communities like BFRB Changemakers. Whether you're struggling with BFRBs or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps to reclaim control—plus a reminder: healing is possible. The 3 things you'll learn in today's episode: Why BFRBs are more than habits—they're coping mechanisms. How to identify your personal triggers and replace harmful behaviors. Where to find support, tools, and expert-backed solutions. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction [00:45] Juliette's academic and professional background [01:12] Defining body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) [02:22] Recognizing BFRBs and their impact [03:28] Identifying and understanding BFRBs in yourself [04:19] Managing and exploring BFRBs [05:29] Functions and triggers of BFRBs [09:04] Replacing and modifying BFRB habits [10:58] Awareness and control in BFRBs [12:54] Intervening and self-compassion [13:44] Tools and resources for BFRBs [15:20] Additional BFRB resources and communities [17:27] Encouragement and self-kindness [18:28] The Fidget Podcast and more resources [18:28] OCD representation in media [19:23] Closing and podcast outro Our Guest Juliet Gustafson is a licensed OCD therapist based in Michigan, a part-time professor at Wayne State University's School of Social Work, and co-host of the Intrusive Plots podcast, which explores OCD representation in film and TV. With a deep passion for helping people better understand and manage OCD and related conditions, Juliette brings both clinical expertise and lived experience into her work. Through therapy, advocacy, and education, she's helping break the stigma around misunderstood struggles like BFRBs. Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT Instagram YouTube OCD CBT Journal Tracker and Planner Website Juliet Gustafson Website LinkedIn Instagram Patreon Community Podcast Mentioned Cognitive Therapy for OCD Sneaky Rituals with Jenna Overbaugh ICBT with Kristina Orlova and Christina Ennabe TLC Foundation for BFRBs Picking Me Foundation BFRB Changemakers HabitAware & Keen Bracelet The Fidget Podcast with Jason Yu Film (Exposure, Director: Peter Cannon)
JOIN DESTINY'S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ Join Welcome To The Waiting Room (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it's a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)**Episode summary:In this episode, therapist Pamela Madsen, MS, LPC, explores the often-overlooked connection between narcissistic abuse and chronic pain conditions. Pamela breaks down the four types of narcissistic parents (grandiose, covert, malignant, and communal) and explains how growing up with narcissistic caregivers creates hypervigilance that extends beyond scanning the environment to scanning the body internally, amplifying pain perception and contributing to conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and migraines. She discusses why many high-achieving adults don't recognize their childhood experiences as traumatic, how complex PTSD manifests in successful people who come to therapy for seemingly unrelated issues, and why addressing the underlying trauma through therapy can significantly improve both emotional well-being and physical pain symptoms. Pamela emphasizes that healing begins with repairing the relationship with oneself and recognizing that you deserve care and are worthy of good things, rather than existing solely to benefit others.MEET DESTINY: Website / Instagram / BlueSky / YouTube / TikTokMEET GUEST: Website / Instagram / FacebookPamela is the owner of Sea Change Therapy, where there is a variety of specialties in the office with accessible building and easy parking access. Pamela also provide supervision and clinical consultation to other professionals.SIGN UP FOR DESTINY'S NEXT LIVE WORKSHOP→ Beyond the Behavior: Understanding hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, or other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in Chronic Illnesshttps://www.thechronicillnesstherapist.com/workshops→ READ THE BLOG FOR THIS EPISODEASK DESTINY ANYTHING→ Submit your questions hereFOR YOU, OUR PODCAST LISTENERSJOIN DESTINY'S MEMBERSHIP - for folks with chronic pain & illness→ Join Welcome To The Waiting Room (ongoing support for staying regulated while living with chronic illness - This does not replace therapy, but it's a great addition to your regular therapy appointments)FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty dive into the topic of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which are common among individuals with ADHD. They discuss behaviors such as skin picking, nail biting, and hair pulling, highlighting how these actions serve as manifestations of underlying hyperactivity and sensory issues. Dusty shares personal anecdotes about her struggles with nail biting and cuticle peeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the triggers and habitual patterns that lead to these behaviors. Ash adds insights into how daily routines and grooming practices can help mitigate these tendencies by addressing the sensory discomfort that often drives them. The hosts explore practical solutions for managing BFRBs, ranging from habit reversal techniques to the use of fidgets and sensory aids. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and self-care to reduce the occurrence of these behaviors. By engineering a life that aligns with the needs of an ADHD brain, individuals can better manage their attention and reduce stress, ultimately decreasing the frequency of BFRBs. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to cultivate an awareness of their habits and to implement small changes that can lead to significant improvements in managing repetitive behaviors. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com