Habit Reversal Training for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Say goodbye to unwanted behaviors.

Reclaim control with Habit Reversal Training.

Do you or your child struggle with repetitive behaviors like nail biting, hair pulling, skin picking, or tics? You're not alone—and help is available. Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a highly effective, research-backed therapy designed to reduce and eliminate Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and other unwanted habits.

What is Habit Reversal Training?

Habit Reversal Training is a behavioral therapy technique that helps individuals identify, interrupt, and replace harmful or disruptive habits with healthier responses. Originally developed for tics and nervous habits, HRT has since become a gold standard treatment for:

  • Trichotillomania (hair pulling)

  • Dermatillomania (skin picking)

  • Nail biting

  • Thumb sucking

  • Motor and vocal tics

  • Other repetitive, unconscious behaviors

How Does It Work?

HRT typically involves 4 key components:

  1. Awareness Training – Learn to recognize the early signs, triggers, and situations that lead to the behavior.

  2. Competing Response Training – Practice physically incompatible behaviors that replace the unwanted habit.

  3. Motivation Building – Strengthen your commitment to change through encouragement and support systems.

  4. Generalization Training – Apply the skills to different environments and maintain long-term success.