Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)

Do you find yourself pulling at your hair, picking at your skin, or biting your nails—sometimes without even realizing it? Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) can feel frustrating, compulsive, and difficult to stop, even when they cause discomfort or distress. You are not alone and there is effective treatment for BFRBs.

At Path of Compassion Therapy, we specialize in helping adults manage and overcome BFRBs through compassionate, effective therapy approaches. With the right support, you can gain control over these behaviors, reduce their impact, and develop healthier coping strategies, without shame or self-judgment.

What Are BFRBs?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors are repetitive self-grooming behaviors that can cause unintentional physical damage to the body. Common BFRBs include:

  • Hair-Pulling (Trichotillomania) – Repeatedly pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas.

  • Skin-Picking (Excoriation Disorder) – Picking at the skin, often leading to sores, scarring, or infections.

  • Nail-Biting (Onychophagia) – Biting nails or cuticles.

  • Lip or Cheek Biting – Repeatedly biting the inside of the cheeks or lips, sometimes to the point of pain or bleeding.

BFRBs are complex behaviors that may stem from a desire to improve or correct perceived imperfections in physical appearance, and may also be due to self-regulation of anxiety or other emotions. Therapy can help you understand the underlying triggers and develop effective ways to manage them.

How Therapy Can Help with BFRBs

If you’ve tried to stop these behaviors on your own without success, therapy can provide you with the tools and strategies to regain control. Our approach includes:

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment (ComB) – Understanding why, where and how you engage in your BFRB and replace BFRBs with healthier alternatives.

  • Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Techniques – Developing greater awareness and reducing shame.

Why Choose Path of Compassion Therapy?

  • Specialized, Personalized Care – We use methods to help you see real, lasting change.

  • A Judgment-Free, Supportive Space – We believe therapy is about empowering you with effective tools. We recognize the unique experiences that shape your mental health journey.

  • Flexible & Accessible Sessions – Online sessions to fit your lifestyle.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

You deserve support that helps you feel in control, at ease, and confident. You deserve relief and we’re here to help you find it.

Ready to start your journey? Schedule a consultation today.