Client Reviews

Don't expect that this therapy is some miraculous cure for all your problems. Skinpicking won't disappear by itself. You have some independent work to do and it is by no means easy. However, this program provides you with great help on your way. The therapist's responses have always been very timely and I felt that I could address her with all sorts of questions, not only the ones related to skinpicking. She has always been very patient and helpful. ... In order to get the maximum effect of this program, I would recommend you to follow all the instructions and take them seriously. I am happy I have completed it: I believe it has set me on the right track.

I feel relieved that now I truly have a better understanding of the why, when, how, etc. behind my reason for picking. I am confident that I can overcome this and get back to living the well-rounded, healthy and enjoyable lifestyle I desire.

I enjoyed the process and felt the changes inside. Change is hard work! But I am so glad I did this and thank you for all your help along the way. 1) Yes I found this program valuable! I saw a mild reduction in picking. I think I need more time to internalize what I've learned which is why I'm making the notebook! 2) Yes I would recommend to others!

1. I found the program to be very helpful for me to learn more about my thoughts and behaviour regarding my Dermatillomania. I have become more aware of what triggers me and what I can do instead, as well as learning to deal with anxiety and stress a different way. My behaviour awareness has risen which makes is easier to make mindful choices based on my values. I believe now that I have the power and tools to, with long and hard practice, break the bad habits I so long wanted to eliminate. 2. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who's suffering with Dermatillomania, this will help if you are committed!

The program was a positive experience overall, however there were times when I struggled and picked more as my awareness of picking increased. If this [happens] don't be put off, continue with the program as this increased awareness will be turned on its head for you to make more positive decisions around your picking behaviour. It can be difficult to face that inner you, but you learn a lot from this insight. As a skin picker for around 25 years this is the start of a process of me reducing this habit, but the program has definitely given me a great start and lots of tools in my belt to reduce and hopefully one day stop picking. I definitely pick less now and I am less distressed around my behaviour, leading to less reason to pick. I have tried hypnotherapy in the past and this has helped temporarily but the tools that you learn in this therapy are more portable and usable in everyday life without having to find somewhere quiet to listen to audio, the lessons have also helped me in other areas of my life too. I would highly recommend the programme for skin pickers and others with habitual negative behaviours. If you are concerned with the online element, even though I don't know what my therapist looks like or sounds like I felt supported by her, and even though I didn't use her beyond the worksheets I knew that I could run things past her if I had questions and she would respond quickly. Thanks for helping with this long-term infuriating habit, I am grateful.

1. I feel like I learned some new ideas such as stimulus control, competing response and mindfulness to help alleviate my skinpicking habit. I also have some exercises I can do instead of picking. 2. I would recommend the program to others with this problem. There really isn’t very much information on the internet about skinpicking and it was never something any doctor ever mentioned to me when I went in to have them examine my ears after picking at them. All they did was give me a prescription for a topical cream which only helped temporarily.

1. The program was very appropriate, supportive, effective, and beneficial for me to stop picking. The therapist was very qualified, especially, taking into account the nature of the behavior (e.g. unhealthy attachment, crying out for attention) and the duration (relatively short) and structure (online, in writing) of the program. 2. I would definitely recommend this program to others wanting to stop picking and to better understand their behavior, perhaps, with a few caveats to modify or hone expectations: a. it’s really what you make of it; picking is dependent on your individual experience and the effort to stop is at your own initiative (this is relevant to all forms of treatment, not only this program) b. the program is a great tool and guideline, not a silver-bullet solution; c. the program touches on other important components like life values which is good, but for various reasons I would still suggest that others completing the program try to stay focused on skin picking itself; d. lastly, the form and content of the program is not tailored to the individual; it is essentially the same for everyone regardless of who the applicant is and whether s/he has maybe just learned about skin picking and picks for hours or has read about it and is perhaps close to breaking the habit or has already stopped, etc.

1. I joined the program after several largely unsuccessful attempts to stop using other methods. My experience of this program was positive. I found some of it quite challenging (but appropriately so, because to change does require challenging your previous thoughts/behaviors). I was impressed that the program was so multifaceted and comprehensive. It was really invaluable process and really helped me to turn things around. 2. Yes, I would wholeheartedly recommend this program - because it worked for me...despite the fact that I'd already tried many other ways with no success, so had been doubting whether anything would really work.

1. I would love to provide feedback for you to use on the website. This program was an incredibly helpful tool and I definitely know that more people in my situation could benefit from it. To sum up my experience, I would say that I went into the program thinking that I would focus only on my dermatillomania, but in reality, it was much deeper than that. Through the different sessions, which I completed weekly, I was able to learn just how harmful my thought processes were. My biggest breakthrough was that no matter what I do, I'll probably always feel the urge to release my anxiety, but I don't have to pick my skin to achieve that release I crave. There are other ways to cope with the urge to pick my skin, but it starts with understanding the behavior. I feel like I have a much better knowledge of my tendencies and as a result, I am able to not act on my urges to pick. 2. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone battling dermatillomania. Therapists who specialize in this kind of disorder can be hard to find, but the online program made it so easy to get the help I needed. I was at my wit's end and ready to do something about my skin picking, and immersed myself in the reading and worksheets. If you like self-paced work and are committed to focusing on the sessions and responding to the worksheets honestly and thoughtfully, this program is what you have been looking for. I attribute my success to my ability to do the work on a regular basis (weekly), taking what my therapist said to heart, and my husband for being by my side throughout the whole process. The program really is an investment in your happiness, which at the end of the day, is priceless.

1) I found that having a therapist to review my responses and provide additional reflection was one of the most valuable parts of the program. I think it kept me accountable and may have had a harder time finishing the program if I was working through totally independently. I also really enjoyed the way the program emphasized learning how to be aware of, and accept the feelings that lead me to pick, and reframe my thoughts/urges, rather than just try to struggle to resist the urges. 2) I would certainly recommend the program to others. My only caveat is that the program is not a magical fix/cure-all, but gives you the tools and a strong foundation to manage and reduce the behaviour, which will involve long-term effort. I found it particularly useful in combination with other activities I am using (meditation, hypnosis/relaxation).