The Trich Prof

27/10/2025

Today I'm thinking about lenses.

We all view the world through the lens of our own experience and expertise. We don't always see things the same way, because we are all the product of our unique combination of upbringing, experience, training, etc.

When it comes to BFRBs I have a sense that there are at least 4 distinct lenses through which we might see or think about them:

- normal behaviour
- neurodivergence
- dermatological condition
- psychological disorder

These are not mutually exclusive categories - there is lots of overlap, and we might think of them as being intertwined.

However, the psychological disorder lens is - I think - quite dominant. The research I've done over the last couple of years leads me to question whether it should be, so here I'm describing the alternatives, which I think haven't had enough attention.

I'd love to know what you think!

11/10/2025

I previewed this a while ago, but am happy to say that this paper is now published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry: Advances: https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jcv2.70041

Here are the key findings from the first published BFRB study from the University of Oxford.

Many of us with BFRBs know that shame plays a huge role, so it is no surprise that it shows up strongly in this group. What is important is that we have demonstrated that shame is already prevalent in young people aged 13-18, and that it strongly relates to depression and anxiety.

This leads us to the next research question: if we could target shame early, could we prevent or reduce depression and anxiety for people with BFRBs?

We've also shown that the trance-like state is experienced by nearly all of our young people. This is important because interventions need to consider how to help during times when there is little/no conscious control.

There is much more to come, but this project was our first, and was brilliantly carried out by Talia .fay as part of her MSc, co-supervised by me and . One of the things I've learned since we started this work is that BFRBs should be considered together, so in future work we'll move towards including more than just hair-pullers.

Look out for new opportunities to take part in projects coming soon!

02/10/2025

Happy BFRB awareness week to all who celebrate!

My de-shaming therapy involved reconnecting with 'little Clare', learning to be very compassionate about what she needed, and then figuring out how to give it to the 50-year-old version of her.

Little Clare is not broken or flawed, she is just a little human figuring out how to give her body what it needs to feel safe and regulated in her world. She is going to endure some years of feeling pretty crap about herself, but it's all going to work out OK. One day she will feel amazing about being able to use her struggle to help other people.

Sending love to all the little ones out there, no matter how old you are. x

01/10/2025

Earlier this month I attended the inaugural Oxford Neurodiversity Conference, organised by the fantastic .costa.ndv. It was a fantastic couple of days, in which I learned a lot and felt a sense of belonging.

A quick word on language... I know it is important and can be confusing. I use 'neurodiversity' when I'm referring to everyone, and 'neurodivergent' when referring to people who are diagnosed or identify with a condition. If that doesn't feel right please tell me!

When I started speaking out about BFRBs, a colleague got in touch to say 'all my patients with ADHD have BFRBs'. I was gobsmacked! She didn't mean all to a disordered level, but it opened my eyes to the high rates of co-occurence of BFRBs in neurodivergent people. I haven't been able to find good data to tell us exactly how common, which tells you a lot about how badly BFRBs are under-researched.

It also got me thinking about my own more 'interesting' traits: Super busy brain, bouts of overwhelm (particularly post menopause), ability to move mountains when in hyper focus, tendency to get very upset when feeling rejected etc. At the moment I'm not thinking of seeking a diagnosis, but it is very helpful to put some of these things together and recognise the traits and associated needs.

Plenty more research to do, but for now I feel very grateful to feel so welcomed into a neurodivergent world, where I have a strong sense of belonging.

01/10/2025

01/10/2025

Check out this fab new book for kids… coming soon!

🚨 Big News! 🚨 -->We can’t imagine a more perfect way to kick off BFRB Week than with this exciting announcement!

We are beyond thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of "Free to Be Me with a BFRB" authored by CEH's Dr. Jennifer Gola, Dr. Marla Deibler, and colleague, Dr. Renae Reinardy. 🎉

This awesome workbook—the only one of its kind—is written especially for kids ages 7–12 living with hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).

What makes it even more special are the inspiring Just Like Me stories from incredible contributors who bravely share their lived experiences. Their voices are admirable, authentic, and truly empowering. 💛

We can't wait to share it with everyone!

📘 Preorder now on Amazon 👉 https://zurl.co/R5s9s

25/09/2025

My busiest month yet for BFRB awareness raising, and it's not done yet!

I've also written two grant applications, and it was the BFRB U&I AGM on the 30th Aug too...

I am going to need to pace myself, but it is SO fantastic that there seem to be more people wanting to hear about BFRBs.

I'm behind with posting about all of these fantastic networking and talking opportunities - thank you to everyone involved - more coming soon!

23/09/2025

I’ll be speaking this weekend at The Great BFRB Get Together by HabitAware. It is happening on the 27th & 28th September (from 4.30-10.30pm UK each day)! It'll be two days of lived-experience talks, expert panels about treatment and research, and spaces to connect. On Day 2 at 4.45pm there is a keynote session "Over the Pond" featuring me alongside my wonderful friends Bridget Bradley, Jude Stevenson from BFRB UK & Ireland 🥳 Tickets for online attendance are €43.95 and can be bought here https://habitaware.com/pages/the-great-bfrb-get-together

(There are limited need-based scholarships available, please contact aneela@habitaware.com for more info).

The Great BFRB Get-Together is a way for members of the BFRB community to come together, build community, learn, connect and leave with actionable strategies and friendships. Attend the event virtually, or in-person at a volunteer-led local community "Watch Party" to be hosted in a few select cities...

15/09/2025

Join me and .da.costa.rohland live on Wednesday!

Following a very enjoyable webinar earlier this year (available on the and youtube channels), I've been invited back to talk in a bit more detail about some of the things I've been learning about the neuroscience behind BFRBs.

The session will include some interactive elements, so please do come along if you can. It will be recored too, so you can catch up later if the time doesn't work.

Look for posts on the and accounts/webpages for info about joining.

13/09/2025

A year ago today we were opening the doors to the first Oxford BFRB Conference!

An unforgettable two days of finding understanding and compassion for urges to pick, pull and bite.

And yes, we're starting to plan the next one.... watch this space!

Meanwhile the Great BFRB Get Together is just around the corner on 27-28th September - get info and tickets from https://habitaware.com/pages/the-great-bfrb-get-together

12/09/2025

I wrote a thing...

I never imagined I would write a book, but when got in touch to suggest one on BFRBs I immediately knew I had one in me. I have loved researching it, and have learned so much about picking, pulling and biting that I can't wait to share.

It doesn't come out until April next year, but the writing is all done and it is now working its way through the publication process. If you want to be first to get your hands on it you can preorder now from UK book sellers. International pre-sales come a bit later... I'll let you know when.

31/08/2025

There is nothing quite like a day with the BFRB UK & Ireland community to fill my cup.

Thanks as ever to Bridget, Michelle, Caroline, Tash and Jude for creating such an inclusive safe space for first-timers and old-timers alike.

And the team and community are growing! New members were voted in who will help to continue to grow their reach, so that no one with BFRBs feels alone.

I'm proud to be a close collaborator and best-friend!