Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Oakland, California CA

Struggling with BFRBs, aka skin picking, nail biting, lip or cheek biting, hair pulling and other self-grooming behaviors is a challenge that many people experience, and often silently. The truth is that they are very common and tend to occur most often for people who are "big wave surfers emotionally," as someone phrased it in a BFRB training. I work primarily with people who identify as a bit more sensitive, perfectionistic, empathetic, people pleasers, deep-feelers or Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and/or Neurodivergent. BFRBs can feel genuinely satisfying and helpful in the short-term because they help us regulate uncomfortable emotions that we are feeling, so BFRBs have a function which is why plenty of people do not want to give them up fully. In the long-term, significant BFRBs can cause us to feel uncomfortable in our skin and lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame and guilt. BFRB supportive therapy helps us learn a person's unique patterns and urges and often includes therapies like Habit Reversal Training, Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness and lots of self-compassion.