| Abstract: | Abstract The problem of trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), though relatively rare, is often resistant to treatment. This presentation describes a cognitive-behavioral intervention which shows promise as a potent treatment technique. This treatment involves, initially, heightening the client's awareness not only of the hair-pulling behavior, but more importantly of the overt and covert behaviors which are precursors to the pulling. The client is then taught to use this awareness as a cue to employ various coping responses which are taught during the course of therapy. These include emitting overt behaviors which are incompatible with pulling as well as covert behaviors (calming self-statements, disputation of permission-giving to pull, coping self-instructions, etc.) which are also aimed at gaining symptom control. A case study is presented to illustrate the technique's application. |
