Samantha on Trichotillomania, BFRBs, & Learning to Sit With the Urge

Today’s episode is a very special one for a number of reasons. Samantha is not only a conflict resolution expert, mediator, volunteer organizer, and all-around incredible human being, she also happens to be my sister.

In this episode, Sam talks openly about her 20+ year journey with trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that causes compulsive hair pulling. Together, we unpack what BFRBs actually are, how they differ from everyday habits like nail biting or skin picking, and what it means to live with a condition that can feel both invisible and incredibly visible at the same time.

We talk about:

• What trichotillomania and BFRBs actually are
• The overlap between BFRBs, anxiety, and OCD
• The role genetics may play in these disorders
• Shame, visibility, and self-esteem
• Why awareness matters more than “just stopping”
• Meditation, mindfulness, and why traditional advice doesn’t always help in the moment
• Somatic therapy, tuning forks, and the surprising role vibration might play in regulation
• Support groups and the importance of being understood without explanation
• The practical reality of coping: fidget toys, crafts, makeup routines, sleeping positions, and tiny systems that make daily life manageable

One of the things I loved most about this conversation is how honest it is. Sam is incredibly pragmatic, deeply self-aware, and very funny, which means this episode moves between insight, science, sibling banter, and absolute chaos in the best possible way.

There’s also something really important underneath this conversation, the idea that mental health isn’t just about “fixing” ourselves. Sometimes it’s about learning how our bodies communicate with us (it's trying to tell us something!), learning to recognize patterns, and building systems that help us move through life a little more gently.

If you deal with OCD, anxiety, BFRBs, or honestly just being a human person trying to figure out how to function in the world, I think there’s something in this episode for you. And if you’ve ever wondered how other people do this, this episode is exactly why this podcast exists.

Thank you for listening to our very first episode. Truly.

Resources mentioned:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
• Somatic Therapy
• BFRB Support Groups
• HabitAware wearable bracelets
• NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)

And remember, you are absolutely stronger than you think.

Content Note: This podcast shares personal experiences with mental health and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and rely on the treatment plan you've created with your healthcare providers.