HRT for Skin Picking and other Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Habit Reversal Training for skin picking and other body focused disorders is more common than one would think and often associated with other mental health disorders such, anxiety, OCD, depression, trichotillomania. You may be wondering: can I, or should I, seek professional support and what can be done?

How does Habit Reversal Training for repetitive behaviors work?

• Skin picking and similar behaviors are often automatic or stress-relieving.
• HRT interrupts the cycle by increasing self-awareness and giving the brain a healthier default response.
• With time,  it helps people break automatic behavior cycles that are often triggered by boredom, anxiety, or specific environmental cues by replacing with less harmful, incompatible actions.

What are some of the components that one would typically work on in HRT to treat repetitive behaviors such as skin picking?

1. Awareness Training

• Goal: Help the person become more conscious of their behavior.
• How:
  • Notice when, where, and how the behavior occurs.
  • Recognize early warning signs (urges, emotional states, physical sensations).
  • Use self-monitoring tools like journals, habit trackers, or tally counters.

2. Competing Response Training

• Goal: Replace the problematic behavior with a physically incompatible response.
• Examples:
  • Clenching fists for 1–2 minutes instead of picking skin.
  • Sitting on hands.
  • Holding a textured object or stress ball.

The competing response should be subtle and easy to do in any setting.

Are you or a loved one living with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like skin picking (excoriation disorder), hair pulling (trichotillomania), nail biting, and similar compulsive actions. Habit Reversal Training considered one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for these conditions and is often used in combination with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

A licensed mental health professional can help you properly evaluate your symptoms and if HRT is a good fit for you .  Contact Minds at Peace Therapy today for a free consultation or to schedule an intake.

We do virtual and in-person sessions.