143. Why You Can’t Stop Picking: The Truth About Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
The OCD Whisperer Podcast with Kristina Orlova22 Juli

143. Why You Can’t Stop Picking: The Truth About Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Have you ever caught yourself picking at your skin, biting your nails, or pulling out a hair—then wondered why you can’t seem to stop? You’re not alone.

In this eye-opening episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, host Kristina Orlova sits down with Juliet Gustafson , a Michigan-based OCD therapist and professor, to explore the often-misunderstood world of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)—like hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, and nail biting. Far from mere "bad habits," these behaviors are complex disorders tied to emotions, sensory triggers, and even biology. Juliette breaks down the five key drivers behind BFRBs: sensory satisfaction, cognitive patterns, emotional states, motor habits, and environmental cues.

You'll learn how to distinguish between occasional grooming and compulsive behaviors, discover practical strategies for intervention (like replacement movements and awareness tools), and explore compassionate approaches to self-management. The episode also highlights vital resources, including the TLC Foundation, HabitAware’s smart bracelets, and supportive communities like BFRB Changemakers.

Whether you’re struggling with BFRBs or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps to reclaim control—plus a reminder: healing is possible.

The 3 things you’ll learn in today’s episode:

  • Why BFRBs are more than habits—they’re coping mechanisms.
  • How to identify your personal triggers and replace harmful behaviors.
  • Where to find support, tools, and expert-backed solutions.

In This Episode

  • [00:00] Introduction
  • [00:45] Juliette’s academic and professional background
  • [01:12] Defining body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)
  • [02:22] Recognizing BFRBs and their impact
  • [03:28] Identifying and understanding BFRBs in yourself
  • [04:19] Managing and exploring BFRBs
  • [05:29] Functions and triggers of BFRBs
  • [09:04] Replacing and modifying BFRB habits
  • [10:58] Awareness and control in BFRBs
  • [12:54] Intervening and self-compassion
  • [13:44] Tools and resources for BFRBs
  • [15:20] Additional BFRB resources and communities
  • [17:27] Encouragement and self-kindness
  • [18:28] The Fidget Podcast and more resources
  • [18:28] OCD representation in media
  • [19:23] Closing and podcast outro

Our Guest

Juliet Gustafson is a licensed OCD therapist based in Michigan, a part-time professor at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work, and co-host of the Intrusive Plots podcast, which explores OCD representation in film and TV. With a deep passion for helping people better understand and manage OCD and related conditions, Juliette brings both clinical expertise and lived experience into her work. Through therapy, advocacy, and education, she’s helping break the stigma around misunderstood struggles like BFRBs.

Resources & Links

Kristina Orlova, LMFT

Juliet Gustafson

Mentioned

Avsnitt(149)

61. Perfectionism

61. Perfectionism

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I discuss Perfectionism: Symptoms of healthy vs unhealthy perfectionism Do you know your inner critic? ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

2 Maj 202213min

60. ADHD and OCD with Dr.Roberto Olivardia lecturer at Harvard Medical School

60. ADHD and OCD with Dr.Roberto Olivardia lecturer at Harvard Medical School

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Dr. Roberto Olivardia, a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and Dr. Olivardia runs a private practice.  (Contact information: roberto_olivardia@hms.harvard.edu)   What are symptoms of ADHD ? How does ADHD and OCD overlap? ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

18 Apr 202230min

59. Healthy avoidance vs OCD avoidance

59. Healthy avoidance vs OCD avoidance

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   What is healthy avoidance vs OCD avoidance Host: Kristina Orlova, LMFT What is healthy avoidance What is OCD avoidance ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

4 Apr 202214min

58. What you need to know about OCD anxiety cycle

58. What you need to know about OCD anxiety cycle

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   What you need to know about OCD anxiety cycle Host: Kristina Orlova, LMFT What is an OCD anxiety cycle What meaning are you assigning to your OCD anxiety experience? ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

21 Mars 202210min

57. Are your kids asking the same questions over and over?

57. Are your kids asking the same questions over and over?

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Are your kids asking same questions over and over? Host: Kristina Orlova, LMFT As a parent do you know what OCD is? Are you familiar with your child's triggers and behavioral responses? Start a reassurance seeking log to learn more about this behavior and set some limits ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

7 Mars 20229min

56. Do your intrusive thoughts mean something?

56. Do your intrusive thoughts mean something?

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Do your intrusive thoughts mean something? Your Host: Kristina Orlova, LMFT What are intrusions Context to why we all feel guilt and shame around negative intrusive thoughts (like sexually doing something inappropriate) Importance of separating yourself from your OCD ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

21 Feb 202212min

55. Are you willing to feel Uncomfortable?

55. Are you willing to feel Uncomfortable?

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I answer a couple of common questions I get: How can I be ready for ERP? How do I work on compulsive rumination?? ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

7 Feb 202212min

54. OCD in my relationship

54. OCD in my relationship

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview Jasmeet Singh who is a molecular biologist and a headshot photographer and my partner. What is your OCD subtype? Why do triggers matter? What is 1 way you manage your stress and OCD? 415 Headshots Website 415 Headshots IG Andrew Johnson for meditation The Honest Guys ***   IG @ocdwhisperer  Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going in the meantime.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly.

24 Jan 202211min

Populärt inom Hälsa

somna-med-henrik
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
inga-beiga-morsor
alska-oss
sexnoveller-deluxe
angestpodden
johannes-hansen-podcast
brottarbroder
sova-med-dan-horning
not-fanny-anymore
en-beroendepodd-av-the-house
sa-in-i-sjalen
en-beroendepodd-av-the-house-2
dodsdomar
tyngre-traningssnack
halsoveckan-by-tyngre
rss-viktmedicinpodden
handen-pa-hjartat
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
smartare-fitness-podden