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Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
Hair Pulling, Skin Picking & Related Conditions
You may have promised yourself countless times that today would be different. Yet before you know it, you're pulling, picking, biting, or engaging in another repetitive behavior again. If you're feeling frustrated, ashamed, or exhausted by this cycle, you're not alone.
Virtual sessions available throughout California
Understanding Your BFRB Brain
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are more complex than a simple lack of willpower. They can involve automatic habits, focused urges, sensory experiences, emotions, and situational triggers that differ from person to person.
These behaviors include:
- Trichotillomania: hair pulling from scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or body
- Dermatillomania: skin picking, especially knuckles and perceived blemishes
- Other behaviors: nail biting, cheek biting, nose picking
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short
Advice to “just stop” often overlooks the automatic and urge-driven nature of BFRBs. Treatment can examine awareness, triggers, rewards, sensory needs, and alternative responses rather than relying on determination alone.
Arolyn may combine habit reversal training, CBT, mindfulness, trigger identification, and clinical hypnotherapy according to the person's pattern and goals. Results and treatment length vary.
Why Choose Arolyn Burns for BFRB Treatment?
- Specialized BFRB Training
- Dual Licensure: LMFT & LPCC
- Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
- Evidence-Based, Compassionate Approach
Because BFRBs can involve both automatic and focused behavior, Arolyn looks beyond conversation alone and considers awareness, urges, triggers, sensory patterns, and practical replacement strategies.
Client Experiences
"Arolyn is Beyond Amazing! Absolutely at the Top of Her Game! When it comes to Trauma, Fears and Phobias—or if you just want to live a better quality of life—It's Arolyn that you want to see! She offers an incredible variety of tools which she customizes especially for you."
Verified Google Review"Arolyn is blessed with a healing gift. She calms me down when I am anxious and has helped me work through emotional challenges as well as trauma. I'm blown away by how quickly my trauma is resolved."
Verified Google Review"I had an excellent experience with Arolyn. She has helped me learn how to manage my mental health. Arolyn was super professional, kind and very patient with me. Now I am a new person. Thank you Arolyn for your excellent work!"
Verified Google ReviewFeatured Podcast Appearances
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Frequently Asked Questions
You Have Tried to Stop on Your Own. Now Let Me Help.
Request a free 15-minute consultation through the contact page to describe what you are experiencing, ask questions about Arolyn's approach, and decide whether scheduling an initial session feels right.
Confidential, virtual care for clients in Newport Beach, CA and throughout California.