"BDD & Trichotillomania"

These 2 areas are both things I have struggled with for years and years. I had low level counselling about 4-5years ago with Inclusion to try and address trichotillomania, but unfortunately did not find this helpful with the therapist I saw previously. As I had already received treatment sessions for trichotillomania with IT with Victor (whom provided higher-level counselling) we touched on this aspect in the beginning sessions as it does also contribute to my BDD symptoms and then spent the rest of the sessions focusing on the BDD.

Victor was extremely knowledgeable about this topic, and reassuring and considerate throughout. I have other physical and mental health disabilities and illnesses as well as being neurodivergent. Having explained these additional factors, Victor was very receptive to the information and open to discussing and understanding what other challenges these things may add, especially where these overlap with my BDD and trich behaviours & thoughts.

Victor was helpful in getting me to think about trying the activities (mirror therapy, theory a & theory b, observational studies, objectively thinking, evidence hunting to support my thoughts) shared as part of a BDD booklet in a less rigid way. So however I completed the task was good - it did not matter about me following every detail the booklet stated which was a relief as since am autistic I find it worrying if I do not complete things exactly as stated, but actually that what I did do was enough which took the pressure off a lot and motivated me to keep going. Also having a therapist whom listened and was interested to hear how being neurodivergent overlaps with my BDD thoughts & worries was really fulfilling.

Victor also recommended other resources which I have found very helpful to use alongside my counselling.

Upon my own research for neurodivergence (autistic/adhder) the trichotillomania makes sense as is a stim, but one that needs to be swapped out for a positive one that doesn't cause harm, like using a fidget instead (pop it, spinner, pen clicking, chewing something rather than my lip etc).

Thanks again for the support and resources, time and efforts into helping me with these topics. I have the resources sent via email to hand so can dip back into things learnt to refresh myself whenever I wish to.