Holistic care can be helpful for a variety of BFRBs, tailored to your specific situation. Coaches who are in recovery from BFRBs themselves can use this wisdom and empathy to guide your care. Understanding the challenges these conditions present can help you find effective solutions and support. BFRB care with full understanding. The coaches know what urges feel like, and how it feels to do something that only part of you wants.  

Conditions include:

• Hair-pulling (Trichotillomania)

Trichotillomania, also known as trich, is the strong urge to pull your hair out, and not feel relief until you do. Our coaches are in recovery themselves so understand the challenges of trichotillomania, and they offer support and techniques to overcome the urge to pull your hair.

• Eyelash or eyebrow-pulling (Trichotillomania)

A subtype of trichotillomania, eyelash and eyebrow pulling can be very distressing. Our coaches are trained in a variety of therapies to help you recover.

• Cheek-chewing (Morsicatio buccarum)

Cheek-chewing is caused by several things and each person’s experience is different. Coaching provides effective interventions to address chronic cheek-chewing habits, helping you feel comfortable and relax your mind and mouth.

• Teeth-grinding or jaw-clenching (Bruxism)

Bruxism is commonly a response to stress and anxiety, sleep issues, medications such as SSRIs, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Coaches will work with you to find the root cause, and offer solutions to ease the behaviour.

• Skin-picking (Dermatillomania/excoriation disorder)

Many people pick their skin occasionally, however, for some it is compulsive. Tips and techniques help you to recognise your skin-picking habits and work through them towards recovery.

• Nail-biting (Onychophagia)

Nail-biting is a common stress response, and many people find themselves doing it to relieve anxiety. It can also become a compulsion much like the other BFRBs listed here. Talk to a coach about your experience and find out how we can help.

• Finger-biting (Dermatophagia)

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are both suitable therapies for finger biting. The coaching team are trained in a variety of therapies that can help you.

• Lip-picking (Dermatillomania subtype)

Receive expert advice, self-help techniques and professional coaching to guide you through to recovery from lip-picking.

• Splitting hair ends (Trichotillomania subtype)

A common activity that can seem harmless, yet when done repetitively it can cause physical and emotional harm. |A BFRB coach can teach you healthy ways to stop splitting your hair ends and ensure you have the tools to stay on track.

• And any other body-focused repetitive behaviours

Support is also available for body dysmorphia, ADHD, social anxiety, insomnia, OCD and tics. 

How Trichotillomania Support can help

The expert team uses a holistic approach to treat BFRBs, combining evidence-based therapies, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you manage and overcome these conditions. 

When you get in touch here’s what you can expect:

Assessment and understanding: During your first appointment, the coach will make thorough evaluations to understand the specifics of your condition and create a tailored treatment plan.

Individual Treatment Plans: Customised strategies that address your unique needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Therapeutic Interventions: Coaches have been trained using proven therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Hypnotherapy to help you manage and reduce BFRB symptoms.

Ongoing Support: Continuous support and resources to help you stay on track and maintain BFRB freedom.

Start your recovery journey today

If you or a loved one is struggling with a BFRB,  help is available. Contact Trichotillomania Support today to learn more about their BFRB services and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. They only work with 20 people at any time so there may be a wait but the benefits of this human connection are enormous.

Tara Walker

Peer reviewed 29 August 2024, update 1st September 2026