cognitive behavior therapy
Getting Help with Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors
If you’re searching for a specialist near you, who understands hair pulling, skin picking and other body focused repetitive behaviors, you’ve come to the right place.
As a licensed therapist with specialized training in treating body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), I’m here to help you break free from the cycle of BFRBs and get back to living your life.
Using tools from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, mindfulness and behavioral analysis we will build your skills so you can change these challenging behaviors. Together, we will work to identify the triggers, manage the urges, and replace the harmful behaviors with healthier coping strategies.
What is a Body Focused Repetative Behavior?
RecurrentÂ
The most common BFRBs are Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation (skin picking). Nail biting/picking, check biting, lip picking are also BFRBs. While most people will do these types of behaviors, a BFRB happens very frequently and is difficult to control.
Pain and DistressÂ
A BFRB can cause pain and damage to your body. In the case of trichotillomania, you may experience bald spots and tenderness. Skin picking may be causing abrasions or make skin conditions worse. There is also an emotional toll, including sadness, shame and anxiety. ​​
Wanting to Stop Is Not Enough
BFRBs are deceptively complex and our strategies must match that complexity. I tell my clients that when attempts to stop don’t work, it’s usually because the strategy didn't fully address the many intricacies of the behavior. It's not about "not trying hard enough"!
ImpairmentÂ
A BFRB gets in the way of your life. Many people avoid activities they love like swimming or exercise. Or they may feel anxious about getting in relationships or physical intimacy. Others avoid medical care and grooming.
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What to Expect in Treatment for BFRBS
In treatment for BFRBs, we start by understanding your specific triggers—whether emotional, sensory, or situational. Sessions focus on increasing awareness of when and why the behavior happens, and developing healthier responses using evidence-based strategies like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Stimulus Control. We’ll also address the underlying thoughts or emotions that may be driving the behavior, such as stress, shame, or perfectionism. Whether you're working with me in San Jose or online across California, treatment is collaborative and personalized to help you gain more control and reduce the impact BFRBs have on your daily life.
Comprehensive Treatment of BFRBs
About CAITLYN
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. I have been working as a therapist since 2009, specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders. Before starting my own practice in 2021 I worked at a specialty anxiety/OCD group practice for many years, as well as community mental health, and school settings.
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​With over a decade of experience in treating trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors, I’ve helped many individuals regain control over their lives. My approach is compassionate and individualized— I understand how deeply these behaviors can impact your self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive space where we can work together to overcome these challenges.
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My practice is located in Campbell, CA in the South SF Bay Area, near San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and Cupertino.
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I have been working primarily with clients struggling with anxiety since 2012. ​Read more about my speciality training here.
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My approach to anxiety and OCD treatment is compassionate and personalized. This work is challenging but we will go at your pace and focus on the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life.
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Located in CAMPBELL near SAN JOSE
Address
51 E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 98005
What to EXPECT
My office is located near San Jose in Campbell in the historic Heritage Village Offices. Conveniently located near restaurants and shops, my office is quiet with a peaceful courtyard view. There is plenty of parking. When you arrive at the Campbell Ave entrance, you will be greeted by our front desk staff and I show to to my private office.