Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Chattanooga, TN
Browse Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
BFRB
Alexander Tice
Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Tice specializes in the treatment of BFRBs, such as picking, hairpulling (trichotillomania), and other issues related to repetitive body issues.
8 Years Experience
Online in Chattanooga, TN
BFRB
Emily Stone
Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, PhD, LMFT-S
BFRBs: Beyond the "Habit"
Compassionate Care for Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, & More
Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), such as Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (skin picking), are frequently misunderstood as simple nervous habits or "grooming gone wrong." In reality, they are complex, self-regulatory responses to a nervous system seeking balance. I provide a shame-free, clinically sophisticated space to help you understand your urges and reclaim your relationship with your body.
Understanding the Cycle
BFRBs often thrive in the shadows of secrecy. In our work, we pull back the curtain on the cycle of:
The Sensory Urge: Identifying the "itch" or "tension" that precedes the behavior—often a response to overwhelm or a need for stimulation.
The Trance State: Addressing the "zoning out" that occurs during picking or pulling, where the behavior becomes a way to numb out or manage intense emotions.
The Shame Spiral: Breaking the cycle of regret and physical "fixing" that often follows, which only increases the anxiety that fuels the next urge.
An Integrated Path to Healing
Using my training in EMDR, Systems Theory, and Attachment, we move beyond basic "willpower" to address the deeper neurological and emotional drivers:
Somatic Regulation: We use grounding techniques to increase your Window of Tolerance, helping you stay present when the urge to pick or pull feels overwhelming.
EMDR for Body Shame: Many people with BFRBs carry deep-seated trauma or negative self-beliefs regarding their appearance. We use EMDR to process these "stuck" emotions, reducing the internal pressure that fuels the behavior.
Environmental & Sensory Styling: We look at your "system"—your home, your workspace, and your routine—to create sensory-safe environments that reduce triggers and provide healthier outlets for nervous energy.
You Are More Than Your Behavior
Whether you have struggled since childhood or have recently experienced a flare-up due to burnout or life transitions, I am here to help. We don’t just aim for "stoppage"; we aim for body neutrality, self-compassion, and a regulated nervous system.
21 Years Experience
Online in Chattanooga, TN (Online Only)
BFRB
Kimberlee Zetocha Halverson
Psychologist, Ph.D, LP
I have extensive training and experience with behavior modification therapy. I start with learning what purpose or function the behaviors serve. Next, we explore if there is a healthier alternative, discover the root cause of the behavior, and/or focus on habit reduction and eventually elimination.
17 Years Experience
Online in Chattanooga, TN (Online Only)
BFRB
Seven Hills Psychology
Psychologist, Psychologist
We offer treatment of body-focused repetitive behaviors.
18 Years Experience
Online in Chattanooga, TN
BFRB
Anna Urbaniak
Psychologist, PhD
Specializing in hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting, I use habit reversal, acceptance strategies, and CBT techniques to break cycles and build healthier habits.
15 Years Experience
Online in Chattanooga, TN (Online Only)
Chattanooga has undergone a remarkable urban transformation over the past two decades — from a polluted post-industrial city to a nationally recognized model of revitalization anchored by the Tennessee Aquarium, a thriving outdoor economy, and a world-class broadband infrastructure — and its therapy community reflects a city coming into its own, with growing demand from young professionals, creatives, and outdoor enthusiasts relocating from other metros. The city has significant African American communities in Alton Park, East Chattanooga, and other historically Black neighborhoods, and therapists offering culturally affirming care and racial identity work are an important part of the local landscape. CHI Memorial Hospital and Erlanger Health System provide institutional mental health resources alongside a growing private practice community. Chattanooga's outdoor recreation culture — anchored by Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee River Gorge, and proximity to Appalachian trails — shapes a therapy community with distinct interest in the intersection of nature, physical health, and mental well-being.
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Chattanooga, TN Statistics
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Chattanooga, TN average 15 years of experience and charge around $249 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (90%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (60%), and Behavioral Therapy (50%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$249
Accept insurance
20%
Offer sliding scale
30%
Gender ID
| 73% |
Female |
|
| 27% |
Male |
|
Session Type
| 60% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 40% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 90% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 60% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 50% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 40% | Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) |
| 40% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 40% | Psychoeducational Therapy |
| 40% | Psychosocial Therapy |
Ages Served
| 100% | Adult |
| 80% | Young Adult |
| 70% | Teen |
| 60% | Senior |
| 50% | Children |
Client Focus
| 50% | Women |
| 40% | LGBTQ+ |
| 30% | Men |
| 30% | Military / Veterans |
| 30% | Persons with Disabilities |