BFRB Treatement In Indianapolis
Habit Reversal Training for Skin Picking & Hair Pulling
Sommer Psychology Group provides evidence-based Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) therapy in Indianapolis and online for individuals struggling with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) such as skin picking, hair pulling, and nail biting. These approaches help you understand triggers, increase awareness of urges, and build healthier responses over time.
- You find yourself picking your skin, pulling your hair, or biting your nails without even realizing it.
- You’ve tried to stop the behavior, but the urges keep coming back stronger.
- You feel a sense of relief or calm while doing it—even if regret follows afterward.
- You avoid certain situations or hide parts of your body because of the effects of picking or pulling.
- Stress, boredom, or anxiety seem to make the behavior worse.
- You feel frustrated, ashamed, or stuck in a cycle you can’t break on your own.
Living with BFRBs can feel like being stuck in a loop of urges, relief, and regret
At Sommer Psychology Group, we help you find relief from the effects of BFRBs and develop the tools to create healthier, more fulfilling relationships with yourself and others.
Habit Reversal Training for BFRBs in indianapolis
How Therapy for BFRBs Can Transform Your Life
The outcomes of Habit-Reversal Training or ComB can differ from person to person, but with consistent effort and support, meaningful, lasting change is possible. As you progress, you may notice:
- Increased awareness of urges and the moments that trigger your behaviors
- Greater ability to pause or interrupt the behavior before it happens
- New tools to manage stress, boredom, or uncomfortable sensations
- A reduction in the frequency or intensity of picking, pulling, or biting
- Less shame and more self-compassion around your experiences
- Improved confidence and a growing sense of control over your actions
Skin Picking: Excoriation Disorder
Skin picking, also called excoriation disorder, is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) in which individuals repeatedly pick at their skin, often causing noticeable marks, irritation, or even scarring. These urges can occur during moments of stress, boredom, anxiety, or even automatically without awareness. While picking may bring temporary relief or a sense of control, it often leads to frustration, shame, and distress.
People with skin picking disorder may target areas like the face, arms, or scalp, and often try to hide the results of their behavior. They may spend significant time and energy managing the urge, covering marks, or attempting to resist the behavior—sometimes unsuccessfully. Over time, these patterns can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and self-esteem.
Treatment for skin picking disorder focuses on evidence-based strategies to help you understand your triggers, increase awareness of urges, and develop healthier alternatives. Approaches like Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can reduce the frequency and intensity of picking, help you regain control, and improve overall quality of life. With the right support, individuals can break the cycle of urges and regain confidence in their skin and in daily life.
Hair Pulling: Trichotillomania
Hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania, is a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) in which individuals feel a strong, often uncontrollable urge to pull out hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other areas of the body. Pulling can occur during times of stress, boredom, anxiety, or even automatically, without full awareness. While it may provide temporary relief or satisfaction, it often leads to distress, embarrassment, and frustration.
People with trichotillomania may notice noticeable hair loss, uneven patches, or thinning areas, and may go to great lengths to hide the results. The behavior can interfere with daily routines, social situations, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Many people also experience a cycle of tension before pulling, a brief sense of relief while pulling, and regret afterward.
Treatment focuses on evidence-based strategies to help you understand your triggers, increase awareness of urges, and develop healthier coping responses. Approaches such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help reduce hair pulling, regain control, and improve confidence. With consistent practice and support, individuals can break the cycle of urges and engage more fully in daily life without the constant distraction of hair pulling.
Nail Biting/Cuticle Picking
Nail biting and cuticle picking are common body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in which individuals repeatedly bite, chew, or pick at their nails and surrounding skin. These behaviors often occur during periods of stress, boredom, anxiety, or even without conscious awareness. While biting or picking may provide temporary relief, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, infections, or damage to the nails and surrounding skin.
People with these habits may try to hide the results or feel frustrated at their inability to stop, which can affect confidence, self-esteem, and daily interactions. Over time, the behavior can become a persistent cycle that feels difficult to break, despite repeated attempts to control it.
Treatment focuses on evidence-based strategies to help you recognize triggers, increase awareness of urges, and develop healthier alternatives. Approaches such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can reduce nail biting and cuticle picking, restore nail health, and help you feel more in control. With support and consistent practice, individuals can break the cycle of urges and regain confidence in their hands and daily life.
Cheek or Lip Biting
Cheek and lip biting are body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in which individuals compulsively bite or chew the inside of their cheeks or lips. These behaviors often occur during stress, anxiety, boredom, or even without full awareness, and can lead to soreness, irritation, or injury inside the mouth. While biting may provide temporary relief or satisfaction, it often results in frustration, embarrassment, or shame.
People with cheek or lip biting habits may try to hide the behavior or its consequences, which can impact confidence, social interactions, and daily life. Over time, the behavior can become automatic, making it difficult to stop without guidance or support.
Treatment focuses on evidence-based approaches to help you understand triggers, increase awareness of urges, and replace biting with healthier alternatives. Techniques such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help reduce the frequency and intensity of biting, heal oral tissue, and restore a sense of control. With consistent practice and support, individuals can break the cycle of urges and engage more fully in daily life without the distraction or discomfort of cheek or lip biting.
Knuckle Cracking
Knuckle cracking, fidgeting, or other repetitive hand behaviors are body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in which individuals habitually manipulate, crack, or press their fingers and joints. These behaviors often occur during stress, boredom, anxiety, or without conscious awareness. While they may provide temporary relief or a sense of satisfaction, they can cause discomfort, irritation, or frustration over the difficulty of stopping.
People with these habits may find themselves performing them automatically throughout the day, sometimes noticing joint tension, soreness, or attention drawn to their hands. Over time, these behaviors can become habitual and interfere with concentration, social interactions, or self-confidence.
Treatment focuses on evidence-based strategies to help you recognize triggers, increase awareness of urges, and develop healthier alternative behaviors. Approaches such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can reduce the frequency and intensity of hand-focused behaviors and help restore control. With consistent practice and support, individuals can break the cycle of repetitive hand behaviors and feel more at ease in daily life.
Repetitive Grooming Behaviors
Repetitive grooming behaviors are body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) in which individuals excessively brush, comb, tweese, or manipulate hair, skin, or nails beyond typical grooming routines. These behaviors often occur during stress, anxiety, boredom, or without conscious awareness, and can lead to irritation, skin damage, or frustration when the behavior feels difficult to control.
People with repetitive grooming habits may spend significant time performing these actions, often noticing physical effects like redness, soreness, or minor injuries. The behavior can interfere with daily routines, social situations, and self-esteem, and may become automatic over time, making it hard to stop without guidance.
Treatment focuses on evidence-based strategies to help you identify triggers, increase awareness of urges, and replace harmful grooming behaviors with healthier alternatives. Techniques such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can reduce the frequency and intensity of grooming behaviors, restore physical health, and help you feel more in control. With support and consistent practice, individuals can break the cycle of repetitive grooming and regain confidence in their daily life.
We are here to help you overcome BFRBs.
Habit Reversal Training for BFRBs in indianapolis
What is Therapy for BFRBs?
We guide you beyond simply coping, helping you manage urges and build lasting control and confidence over your body-focused repetitive behaviors.
Strategies We Apply in BFRB Therapy
At Sommer Psychology Group, we use evidence-based strategies to help you manage body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) and achieve lasting change. We tailor our approach to your unique patterns and triggers, providing practical tools that empower you to gain control, reduce urges, and feel more confident in your daily life.
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) for BFRBs
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people gain control over repetitive behaviors like skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting. It works by helping you become more aware of the urges and triggers that lead to the behavior, and then teaching practical strategies to replace it with healthier, alternative actions.
Through HRT, you learn to notice the early signs of an urge, implement competing responses, and gradually reduce the frequency and intensity of the behavior. Over time, this approach helps break the cycle of automatic habits, giving you greater control, confidence, and relief from the stress and frustration these behaviors can cause.
Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Therapy for BFRBs
The Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model for treating BFRBs views these behaviors—like skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting—as the result of multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause. ComB helps you understand how biological, emotional, cognitive, sensory, and environmental triggers combine to drive your urges.
By identifying your unique patterns and triggers, ComB guides you to develop personalized strategies to reduce urges and replace the behavior with healthier alternatives. This approach may include modifying your environment, managing emotions and stress, addressing sensory needs, and using habit reversal techniques—all tailored to your specific experiences. Over time, ComB helps break the cycle of BFRBs, giving you greater awareness, control, and lasting relief.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for BFRBs
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be highly effective for treating body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) by addressing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that maintain these habits.
BFRBs often appear as urges to pick, pull, bite, or groom, which can lead to patterns like hiding affected areas, avoiding social situations, or feeling shame and frustration. While these behaviors may provide brief relief, they often reinforce negative thought patterns and keep you stuck in a cycle of urges and distress.
In CBT for BFRBs, the goal is to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You learn to identify triggers, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop strategies to manage urges more effectively.
Treatment focuses on building practical skills to reduce behaviors and manage underlying stress or anxiety. For example, someone might learn to recognize a thought like “I can’t stop picking” and replace it with a healthier response, or use problem-solving strategies to cope with stress instead of turning to the behavior.
Over time, CBT can decrease the frequency and intensity of BFRBs, reduce negative self-talk and shame, and help you regain control, improving confidence and engagement in daily life—even when urges still occur.
Acceptance and Comittment Therapy for BRFBs
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be highly effective for treating body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) by helping you change your relationship with urges instead of trying to fight or eliminate them.
BFRBs often show up as strong, repetitive urges to pick, pull, bite, or groom, which can lead to patterns like hiding affected areas, avoiding situations, or feeling frustrated and ashamed. While giving in to the behavior may bring temporary relief, it often reinforces a cycle of tension and guilt.
In ACT, the goal isn’t to stop the urges entirely, but to help you notice them without letting them dictate your actions. You learn to accept uncomfortable sensations or thoughts, observe them mindfully, and commit to behaviors that align with your values.
Treatment focuses on building psychological flexibility—helping you stay present, open to discomfort, and willing to take meaningful action. For example, someone might notice an urge to pull hair but choose to engage in a valued activity, like working, studying, or connecting with others, rather than acting on it.
Over time, ACT can reduce the control BFRBs have over your life, shift your focus outward rather than inward, and help you engage more fully in work, relationships, and personal goals—even while occasional urges still occur.
ABOUT US
Why Work With Sommer Psychology Group
We understand that life can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether it’s managing anxiety, balancing responsibilities, or facing the fear of the unknown. As specialists who work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders, we aim to help you find your way forward.
Our approach is solutions-focused and evidence-based, designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve lasting change. Whether you’re dealing with stress, life transitions, or relationship challenges, we are dedicated to giving you the tools to overcome obstacles and thrive.
At Sommer Psychology Group, we believe in the power of quality care. That means giving you dedicated, thoughtful, and individualized support, with the flexibility of virtual sessions that fit into your life, wherever you are.
Our evidence-based therapy is grounded in three core principles:
Integrity
We believe integrity is the foundation of effective therapy. It fosters trust, respect, and accountability, ensuring our clients receive honest, consistent, and ethical guidance throughout their journey.
Compassion
Compassion is at the heart of our practice. It nurtures emotional healing, creating a safe space where clients can feel heard, valued, and understood while developing a culture of collaboration and respect.
Quality Care
We prioritize quality care to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. By addressing both clinical needs and emotional well-being, we build trust and deliver effective therapy that supports long-term growth and success.
Meet Our BFRB Therapists
At Sommer Psychology Group, our specialized team of clinicians are dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. We offer comprehensive care through assessment and evaluation, evidence-based therapy and treatment, education and ongoing consultation.
Our Approach
How Our BFRB Therapy Works
Habit Reversal Training for BFRBs in indianapolis
Questions About BFRB Therapy
Can BFRBs be treated or cured?
How can I stop BFRBs from interfering with my life?
What causes BFRBs and why can't I stop?
Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are complex, and there isn’t a single cause. They often develop from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Common contributors include family history, stress, anxiety, perfectionism, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty regulating emotions. Conditions like ADHD, OCD, or trauma can also increase the likelihood of developing a BFRB.
BFRBs can feel automatic and hard to control because the brain forms habitual loops where urges trigger the behavior, which then provides brief relief or satisfaction. Over time, these habits become reinforced, making it difficult to stop without targeted strategies. Understanding your triggers and patterns is the first step toward breaking the cycle and gaining lasting control.
How long will it take to stop the behaviors?
Have More Questions?
Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Sommer Psychology Group’s Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Sommer Psychology Group about our services via text, calls, or by email at the address provided.
