Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Knoxville, TN
Browse Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Knoxville, Tennessee. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
BFRB
Dr. Christopher Lowery, DHSc, CLCP
Clinical Health Practitioner, Board-Certified Life Care Planner
This component is for individuals struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors, supporting self-awareness, coping strategies, and skill-building to reduce urges and improve emotional and daily functioning.
24 Years Experience
Online in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN (Online Only)
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 Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN (Online Only)
BFRB
Cheryl S Rubenstein
Psychologist, PhD
With tics and body focused behaviors, I take a warm approach using exposure and response prevention. I have special training in this area.
19 Years Experience
Online in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee — the state's flagship research university — and serves as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian outdoor recreation culture, giving it a distinctive blend of college-town energy and Appalachian heritage that shapes its therapy community. The city's growing healthcare sector, anchored by UT Medical Center and Covenant Health, provides institutional mental health resources and supplies clinical training to the local community. Knoxville's working-class Appalachian communities carry distinct cultural attitudes toward help-seeking — including strong value on self-reliance and community support — that therapists must navigate with cultural sensitivity. The University of Tennessee's psychology programs, combined with the city's proximity to Appalachian communities experiencing opioid-related crisis, mean addiction recovery and co-occurring trauma are among the most active areas in Knoxville's local therapy landscape.
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Knoxville, TN Statistics
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Knoxville, 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 |