I absolutely think the program was beneficial. I would sum up the program by saying that it helped me be okay with experiencing negative emotions/thoughts, and separate the picking behaviour, as well as the triggers for picking (negative emotions) from myself, so I could get distance from the behaviours and emotions and view them as something I was experiencing, not what I truly am. I enjoyed the program and found the focus on taking better care of myself and prioritising that as one of my values extremely helpful personally. Even though I was somewhat aware of what I found helpful and positive self-care techniques previously (e.g. journalling) the course really emphasised the importance of these to me and as a result I am doing these a lot more. I really liked that you challenged me to keep looking for and examining what was behind my behaviours/thoughts/attitudes Michaela, and to look at how those formed or started, and to think about what was happening for me at a deeper level. The program definitely helped me significantly improve my life in general and work positively towards values and goals, as well as reducing the picking behaviour itself. I would 100% recommend the program and the therapist to someone else experiencing similar behaviours/issues.

1. The program was absolutely beneficial - I can't say that I'm "cured" of my skinpicking, but now I know that it's not about trying to control the urges. I feel so much more prepared to deal with my skinpicking behaviours - I have a whole new knowledge set and understanding of this behaviour, and a toolbox full of strategies to use! In fact, this program didn't just help me address my skinpicking behaviours - by addressing them, I also addressed some other areas in my life that needed attention/work. 2. Yes, I absolutely would [recommend it to others]. I like the fact that the program is at your own pace, you can save the worksheets for future reference, and your therapist always responds quickly and with understanding!

In general, I’m moderately positive about the program. I do believe it was beneficial; according to the objective tracking on the site, there was a measurable drop in the amount of picking I do. I also have tools, such as the app, that I can use to continue to monitor picking in the future as needed. I found the material informative and I appreciate that it spanned the gamut from simple behavioral control to awareness training and general life satisfaction/purpose. More than anything, I think that it’s a blessing that a site like SKINPICK exists. For most of my life, this behavior has felt unusual, niche, poorly researched. Knowing that there is a research base accumulating and a place other people such as myself can visit to get help with skin picking is a real comfort. I am hopeful that newsletters will continue be sent that highlight ongoing research (and hoping that the research continues!) – I will read them.

The program provided the accountability I needed to begin to make changes. The emphasis on values clarification helped me see how my behavior was interfering with what is important to me in life. I recognized the time spent on skin-picking could be spent on exercise and writing. It was helpful to see that judging myself was counterproductive. That instead I needed to simply notice the behavior, without self-criticism, and find appropriate substitutes for this behavior. My skin-picking has been reduced by 90 %. Occasionally I notice dead skin and work at removing it. But I am glad not to be doing this regularly. Thank you for your support.