Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors Therapists in El Paso, TX

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.

Skin picking, hair pulling, nail biting — these behaviors often carry a quiet weight of shame that makes them harder to talk about. We create a space where you can explore the function these behaviors serve and build gentler alternatives, without judgment or pressure to be "perfect" about progress.

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

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

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.

El Paso's location directly on the US-Mexico border defines its mental health landscape, with a predominantly Hispanic population spanning both sides and bilingual Spanish-English therapists at the center of the city's therapy community. Fort Bliss — one of the largest Army installations in the country — creates strong demand for therapists specializing in military trauma, PTSD, and the challenges faced by active-duty families. The 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso had a profound impact on the city's collective mental health, and therapists specializing in community trauma and grief have played an ongoing role in recovery. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and University Medical Center of El Paso provide institutional mental health resources for the broader Borderland region.

Gender ID

	75%	Female
	25%	Male

Session Type

	55%	Online Only
	45%	In Person and Online

Top Treatment Approaches

82%	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
55%	Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
45%	Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
45%	Behavioral Therapy
45%	Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian)
45%	Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
45%	Psychoeducational Therapy

Ages Served

100%	Adult
82%	Young Adult
73%	Teen
64%	Senior
45%	Children

Client Focus

45%	Women
36%	Military / Veterans
36%	Persons with Disabilities
36%	LGBTQ+
27%	Jewish

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in El Paso, Texas TX

Juniper Mental Health

Smee Wellness LLC

Alexander Tice

Cheryl S Rubenstein

Emily Stone

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors therapists in El Paso, Texas Statistics

Average years in practice

Average cost per session

Accept insurance

Offer sliding scale