Trichotillomania Treatment in NYC (hair pulling)

Let’s be real: the experience of trichotillomania can feel extremely isolating and misunderstood

If you’re searching for trichotillomania treatment in NYC, you’re likely looking for more than just a one-size-fits-all approach. You want real understanding, compassionate support, and effective tools to help you move forward.

I know you have you been there before…

You are sitting in a meeting and all of a sudden you notice a pile of hair starting to accumulate… before that moment if felt so unconscious

You are watching a TV show with your friend and suddenly they ask why you are pulling out your eyelashes… you feel a bit violated

Your mom notices you pulling and she reaches over to move your hand… it made you angry for your autonomy to be taken away

Your family is making comments about what your hair used to look like before… it is starting to impact your self-esteem

Even the moments where you notice the urges, it feels nearly impossible to stop

As a therapist based in NYC who has been bald since age 6 due to Alopecia and who has also experienced skin picking from a young age, my approach to Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB) treatment is a bit different from what you may have tried before. While I believe behavioral approaches like the Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB) can be effective, I also know that more is often needed.

When supporting my NYC clients with trichotillomania treatment, I work collaboratively with them to create goals that truly fit their needs

Some of the goals we may create together could include…

• Decrease shame about engaging in a BFRB

• Increase self-compassion and self-acceptance

• Learn alternative coping strategies to decrease engagement in the BFRB

• Gain deeper understanding of your individual BFRB triggers

• How to communicate or set boundaries with friends/family relating to your BFRB (ex: how to ask them to stop commenting about it, ways to explain to family that BFRBs are not something you can just ‘stop’)

• or anything else you desire!

I don’t believe in approaching BFRBs only with the goal of “eliminating” the behavior. This can often create more shame and pressure. Instead, together we’ll explore what you truly want for your life, and develop a personalized plan that supports your growth and goals.

Using a blend of evidence-based tools — including ComB, self-compassion practices, and individualized strategies — we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your unique experience rather than relying on a textbook approach. Many of my clients seeking trichotillomania treatment also experience challenges like:

• Anxiety / OCD

• ADHD / neurodivergence

• Patterns of overthinking

• Low self-esteem

Trichotillomania can feel extremely isolating. Just know, you are not alone and you can live a life that doesn’t feel defined by your BFRB.

And I can help you get there.