Hypnotherapy for body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)

BFRBs are repetitive, body-focused behaviours such as hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (dermatillomania, sometimes called excoriation disorder), nail biting, lip biting and cheek biting. For some people they happen almost entirely outside awareness, while reading, watching television or concentrating on something else. For others there is a build-up of tension or urge beforehand, a sense of relief during or afterwards, and sometimes a wave of shame or frustration once it isn'ticed.

Whichever form it takes, a BFRB is not simply a failure of willpower or self-control. It is a genuine, learned pattern that the nervous system has come to rely on, in much the same way as other automatic habits.

Possible triggers vary from person to person, and may include tension, anxiety, boredom, particular sensory experiences, or a pattern that has simply become automatic over time through repetition. Not everyone experiences the same trigger, and it is entirely normal not to know exactly why the pattern started.

Hypnotherapy does not replace established, evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or habit reversal training. What it can offer is gentle, complementary support for the tension, urges and automatic patterns that sit around a BFRB.

Depending on what is happening for you, our work together may help you:

• Build awareness of the early signals and triggers that come before the behaviour
• Interrupt the automatic pattern before it fully takes hold
• Manage the build-up of urge or tension more comfortably
• Reduce the general tension and stress that can feed the cycle
• Strengthen alternative, more comfortable responses to gradually replace the old pattern
• Build self-compassion and reduce the shame that so often surrounds BFRBs

We begin by talking about the behaviour itself, when it tends to happen, what seems to trigger it, and what (if anything) you have already tried. Many people carry quiet shame about BFRBs, and this is a space where they can be discussed honestly and without judgment.

Hypnosis is then used to build calm, greater awareness of the urge as it arises, and gentler, more comfortable alternative responses you can draw on in the moment. You remain aware and in control throughout, and we work at whatever pace feels right for you.

Hypnotherapy for BFRBs may be suitable if you:

• Recognise a pattern of hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, lip biting or cheek biting that you would like support with
• Are already working with a therapist on CBT or habit reversal training and would like complementary support
• Notice the behaviour builds around tension, boredom, anxiety or particular sensations
• Carry shame or frustration about the behaviour that adds to its weight
• Want a calm, non-judgmental space to talk about what is happening honestly

If the behaviour is causing wounds, infection, noticeable hair loss, dental damage, or significant distress or disruption to your daily life, please see your doctor or a suitably qualified therapist. Hypnotherapy is offered as a complementary support, not as a primary or standalone treatment.

BFRBs share some features with OCD but are considered a distinct group of conditions, and this page is not intended to diagnose either. If you are taking medication for a BFRB or a related condition, please do not change your prescription without medical advice.