Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors Therapists in Nashville, TN

Dr. Tice specializes in the treatment of BFRBs, such as picking, hairpulling (trichotillomania), and other issues related to repetitive body issues.

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.

We offer treatment of body-focused repetitive behaviors.

With tics and body focused behaviors, I take a warm approach using exposure and response prevention. I have special training in this area.

Many people suffer silently through BFRBs. We are here to help you learn how to reduce your hair pulling, skin picking, etc. while navigating the emotional impact of BFRBs. We assist you in learning how to have more awareness of your behaviors, learn how to manage your urges differently, and ultimately reduce the BFRBs and their impact on your life. We offer both individual and class formats for BFRB treatment.

Nashville's identity as the hub of the country music and entertainment industries creates distinct demand for therapists who understand performance anxiety, creative identity, and the psychological pressures of a career where public persona and private self are often difficult to separate. The city's explosive growth — driven by healthcare, technology, and tourism — has brought a large influx of transplants navigating social isolation and the challenge of building community in a fast-changing city. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and HCA Healthcare, one of the largest hospital systems in the country, provide major institutional mental health resources alongside a growing network of private practices. Nashville's strong faith community means many residents seek therapists who can integrate spiritual values with evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns.

Gender ID

	70%	Female
	30%	Male

Session Type

	56%	In Person and Online
	44%	Online Only

Top Treatment Approaches

89%	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
56%	Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
44%	Behavioral Therapy
44%	Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian)
44%	Relational Psychotherapy
44%	Psychoeducational Therapy
44%	Psychosocial Therapy

Ages Served

100%	Adult
78%	Young Adult
67%	Teen
67%	Senior
44%	Children

Client Focus

44%	Women
33%	LGBTQ+
33%	Military / Veterans
33%	Persons with Disabilities
22%	Men

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Nashville, Tennessee TN

Alexander Tice

Emily Stone

Seven Hills Psychology

Cheryl S Rubenstein

Juniper Mental Health

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in Nashville, Tennessee Statistics

Average years in practice

Average cost per session

Accept insurance

Offer sliding scale