Understand how body-focussed repetitive behaviours shapes how you think, feel and interact, and find practical ways to support yourself and navigate the world with confidence.
Conditions
Let’s talk about body-focussed repetitive behaviours
Overview
Body-focussed repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) include things like skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting. These behaviours are often done without thinking, especially in response to stress or discomfort. While they’re not dangerous in themselves, they can lead to distress, shame, or physical harm over time. Support can help you better understand what’s behind the behaviour and build more helpful coping strategies—without shame or judgement.
Symptoms
Common Signs of Body-Focussed Repetitive Behaviours
Body‑focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs) include habits like skin picking, hair pulling, or nail biting that often feel automatic but may serve to relieve stress or anxiety. These behaviours can lead to physical harm, distress, and social discomfort.
Physical signs
Scabs, skin lesions, bald patches, broken or malformed nails, or regular biting-related sores.
Automatic or triggered urges
Picking or pulling can begin during stress, boredom, or even while watching TV, sometimes without awareness.
Emotional responses
Many describe relief, guilt, shame, or frustration linked with the behaviour. For some, it distracts from overwhelming feelings.
Social impact
Hiding marks, avoiding activities that expose skin/hair (e.g., swimming, short sleeves), or feeling uncomfortable around others.
Treatments
Common Signs of Body-Focussed Repetitive Behaviours
BFRBs are not about lack of willpower, they’re complex habits tied to stress, sensory experiences, or emotional regulation. These strategies may help:
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Habit Reversal Training (HRT) – Helps identify triggers and build alternate behaviours.
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Supports unlearning patterns of shame, rigid thinking, and perfectionism.
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Stimulus Control Techniques – Involves removing tools/triggers or using fidgets or barriers to interrupt the habit.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helps shift focus from “stopping” to managing urges while acting in line with values.
Tips & Tricks
Try for today
Try today: Gentle strategies that can support wellbeing for BFRB-related individuals
Tips & Tricks
Try for tomorrow
Now, let’s focus on what you can do to grow and get better. Here we share some proactive strategies and resources that can help you not just survive, but thrive, as you journey towards overcoming Body-Focussed Repetitive Behaviours.
Seek Help
Dr Sarah Herniman
Clinical Psychologist
Sarah is an AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist, and is dedicated to helping individuals lead fulfilling lives. Learn more about Dr Sarah
