From Surviving to Thriving

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Fighting Your Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Is Why You’re Stuck

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on April 6, 2026

Stop the exhausting tug-of-war with BFRB urges. Discover how dropping the rope of willpower creates the freedom and mental space you need to thrive.

Stop the exhausting tug-of-war with BFRB urges. Discover how dropping the rope of willpower creates the freedom and mental space you need to thrive.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

When Trichotillomania Becomes a Medical Emergency

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on March 9, 2026

Compulsive hair-pulling can be alarming but isn't dangerous. When the hair is swallowed, however, serious complications can occur. Here’s what parents should know about trichobezoars.

Compulsive hair-pulling can be alarming but isn't dangerous. When the hair is swallowed, however, serious complications can occur. Here’s what parents should know about trichobezoars.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

A Parent’s Guide to Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on February 9, 2026

What if helping your child with hair pulling or skin picking isn’t about stopping, but about helping them thrive?

What if helping your child with hair pulling or skin picking isn’t about stopping, but about helping them thrive?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Treatment for Young Children With BFRBs: The Essentials

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on January 4, 2026

When a young child struggles with hair-pulling or skin-picking, it’s tempting to focus on stopping the behavior. But what if lasting change starts somewhere else?

When a young child struggles with hair-pulling or skin-picking, it’s tempting to focus on stopping the behavior. But what if lasting change starts somewhere else?

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Does Trauma Cause Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors? Not Quite

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on October 23, 2025

Many assume body-focused repetitive behaviors stem from trauma. Discover what the research says and why understanding the difference is important for treatment success.

Many assume body-focused repetitive behaviors stem from trauma. Discover what the research says and why understanding the difference is important for treatment success.

OCD

Understanding the Difference Between OCD and BFRBs

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on September 28, 2025

OCD and BFRBs can look alike, but they’re not the same. Discover the similarities, important distinctions, and what they mean for treatment and recovery.

OCD and BFRBs can look alike, but they’re not the same. Discover the similarities, important distinctions, and what they mean for treatment and recovery.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

5 Reasons Caring for Your Body Supports BFRB Recovery

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on August 19, 2025

You're body might be trying to tell you something. Learn why taking care of it is important to BFRB recovery.

You're body might be trying to tell you something. Learn why taking care of it is important to BFRB recovery.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Is Your Skin Picking a Sign of BFRB or BDD?

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on July 21, 2025

Not all body-focused behaviors are the same. This post breaks down the key differences between BFRBs and BDD and why getting it right matters for treatment.

Not all body-focused behaviors are the same. This post breaks down the key differences between BFRBs and BDD and why getting it right matters for treatment.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

When Repetitive Behaviors Look Alike

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on June 13, 2025

Repetitive behaviors may look alike, but their function and impact may differ. Understand the critical differences between stereotypy and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

Repetitive behaviors may look alike, but their function and impact may differ. Understand the critical differences between stereotypy and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Tic or Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior: What's the Difference?

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on May 15, 2025

Tics and BFRBs may seem alike, but knowing the difference can shape treatment and improve outcomes. Here's what you need to know.

Tics and BFRBs may seem alike, but knowing the difference can shape treatment and improve outcomes. Here's what you need to know.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Nail Biting Is More Than Just a Habit

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on April 14, 2025

A chronically overlooked body-focused repetitive behavior.

A chronically overlooked body-focused repetitive behavior.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Just Stop! Why Willpower Is Not the Solution to BFRBs

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on March 26, 2025

Think people with hair-pulling or skin-picking habits can “just stop”? Science reveals why it’s not about willpower—and what really helps break the cycle.

Think people with hair-pulling or skin-picking habits can “just stop”? Science reveals why it’s not about willpower—and what really helps break the cycle.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Chronic Isn’t a Dirty Word

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on February 17, 2025

Chronic conditions don’t define us. Let's redefine "chronic" in a way that smashes mental health stigma and empowers individuals to live meaningful lives.

Chronic conditions don’t define us. Let's redefine "chronic" in a way that smashes mental health stigma and empowers individuals to live meaningful lives.

Shame

Overcoming Shame in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on January 28, 2025

Shame fuels isolation for those with BFRBs. Learn how it impacts recovery and discover strategies for breaking the cycle, fostering self-compassion, and reclaiming self-worth.

Shame fuels isolation for those with BFRBs. Learn how it impacts recovery and discover strategies for breaking the cycle, fostering self-compassion, and reclaiming self-worth.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Children Under 5

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on October 24, 2024

Learn how to recognize hair-pulling, skin-picking, and nail-biting in young children, why they occur, and how caregivers can address them.

Learn how to recognize hair-pulling, skin-picking, and nail-biting in young children, why they occur, and how caregivers can address them.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Understanding Self-Harm and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on September 24, 2024

Knowing the distinctions between self-harm and body-focused repetitive behaviors is vital for appropriate support.

Knowing the distinctions between self-harm and body-focused repetitive behaviors is vital for appropriate support.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Cultural Factors and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on August 17, 2024

Cultural factors deeply shape BFRB experiences and treatment, from the symbolic meanings of hair, skin, and nails to the impact of intersectional stigma on marginalized individuals.

Cultural factors deeply shape BFRB experiences and treatment, from the symbolic meanings of hair, skin, and nails to the impact of intersectional stigma on marginalized individuals.

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

The Cost of Beauty: More Than Just Skin Deep

Marla W. Deibler Psy.D., MSCP, ABPP on May 27, 2024

Beauty standards perpetuated by social media and the beauty industry intensify the emotional struggles of those with body-focused repetitive behaviors, complicating their recovery.

Beauty standards perpetuated by social media and the beauty industry intensify the emotional struggles of those with body-focused repetitive behaviors, complicating their recovery.