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)

37. Living w OCD- interview with Chrissie Hodges

37. Living w OCD- interview with Chrissie Hodges

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I talk to Chrissie Hodges about what it is like to live with OCD and can a loved one support a person with OCD?  You can find Chrissie at: http://www.chrissiehodges.com OCD Peers: https://ocdpeers.com OCD Gamechangers: https://ocdgamechangers.com ***   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.

28 Juni 202126min

36. Is OCD Recovery Possible?

36. Is OCD Recovery Possible?

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Check out this episode about Is OCD Recovery Possible with yours truly.  ***   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.

14 Juni 202116min

35. OCD and Guilt with Chris Trondsen Part 2

35. OCD and Guilt with Chris Trondsen Part 2

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Chris Trondsen on OCD and guilt, shame and other heavy emotions.  You can find him at The Gateway Institute or at IOCDF. ***   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.

31 Maj 202118min

34. OCD and Anger an interview with Chris Trondsen

34. OCD and Anger an interview with Chris Trondsen

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Chris Trondsen on OCD and anger.  You can find him at The Gateway Institute or at IOCDF. ***   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.

19 Maj 202120min

33. Interview with Jenna Overbaugh on Situational Exposure

33. Interview with Jenna Overbaugh on Situational Exposure

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Jenna Overbaugh on Situational Exposures.  You can find her on instagram or at NOCD. ***   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.

3 Maj 202115min

32. Interview with co-founders Cassie and Darcy from A Penny 4 Your Intrusive Thoughts

32. Interview with co-founders Cassie and Darcy from A Penny 4 Your Intrusive Thoughts

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Cassie and Darcy from A Penny 4 Your Intrusive Thoughts all about accepting uncertainty.  You can find them on instagram @apenny4yourintrusivethoughts or at www.apennyforyourintrusivethoughts.org . ***   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.

20 Apr 202121min

31. Interview with Lauren McMeikan about Core Fears + OCD

31. Interview with Lauren McMeikan about Core Fears + OCD

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Lauren McMeikan a specialist in OCD and Anxiety Treatment at OCD Los Angeles about Core Fears and OCD.  You can find her on instagram @theobsessivemind or at www.theobsessivemind.com and at OCD LA . ***   IG @ocdwhisperer Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal Facebook Podcast Community   _____ Inquiries to work together: info@masteringocd.com   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 202121min

30. Interview w Amanda Petrik-Gardner: Teens and ERP

30. Interview w Amanda Petrik-Gardner: Teens and ERP

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   This week I interview Amanda Petrick-Gardner a specialist in OCD and Anxiety Treatment in Kansas about Teens and ERP.  You can find her on instagram @anxietyocdtreatment or at www.amandalcpc.com and her OCD Exposure Coloring Books on Amazon. ***   IG @ocdwhisperer Resources for OCD eBk: How to Stop Compulsive Rumination + 30 day journal   _____ 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.

22 Mars 202115min

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