What is a Body Focused Process Addiction™?
A Body Focused Process Addiction (BFPA™) is a type of behavioral addiction that encompasses behaviors currently referred to as Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). BFPAs™ include hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking, nail biting, lip and cheek biting, cuticle picking, eating hair bits or bulbs, scab picking, hair twirling, and tongue biting. Additionally, other BFPAs™ not directly related to skin or hair involve urge-driven actions such as talking, eating, drinking, swallowing, and behaviors linked to various body parts.
In contrast, other non-body focused process addictions encompass activities like shopping, gambling, sexual activity, pornography, social media engagement, exercise, and work. These process addictions can severely impact an individual's physical and emotional health, strain both intra- and inter-personal relationships, and may lead to legal or financial complications.
Why BFPA™?
Chaille DeFaria and Karen Pickett developed this new classification to incorporate the latest research on behavioral addiction, specifically focusing on conditions that, like all addictions, produce dopamine and other 'feel good' neurotransmitters.
Chaille and Karen's goal is to use, teach, and practice their BFRB treatment model to provide better outcomes for those suffering from these conditions. As former members of the TLC Foundation for BFRBs Board of Directors, they have pioneered a new path forward for treating individuals with BFPAs™ who are overlooked by current treatment modalities for BFRBs. Drawing on their lived experiences and ground theory research, they have designed an exciting treatment plan for recovery that many in the community are eagerly seeking.
Additionally, they have created a safe and supportive online community. For more information, click here.
How do I know if i have A BFPA™?
The following is a screening tool you can use to self-assess for a Body Focused Process Addiction (BFPA™), which is a type of behavioral addiction. Please note this assessment is not meant to replace medical, psychological, or therapeutic evaluation, but serves as a way for you to gauge your situation regarding potential addiction:
1. Do you spend an excessive amount of time thinking about or engaging in a body focused addictive behavior?
2. Do you continue to engage in this addictive behavior despite experiencing negative consequences?
3. Do you struggle with managing the addictive behavior, including unsuccessful attempts to stop it?
4. Do you ignore occupational, academic, and/or family/personal responsibilities in favor of participating in the addictive behavior?
5. Do you use body focused addictive behaviors to cope with difficult emotions, feelings, and situations?
6. Do you diminish or downplay the severity of the problem related to the addictive behavior to yourself or others?
7. Have you developed a tolerance for the addictive behavior, feeling the need to increase its frequency or intensity to achieve satisfaction or fulfillment?
8. Do you experience emotional withdrawal when the addictive behavior is stopped or avoided?
9. Are you concerned that avoiding or stopping the body focused addictive behavior might lead to other mental health issues, such as anxiety, irritability, depression, or substance use?
Everyone is different, and you likely know yourself best. Your score (the number of 'yes' answers) will help you determine if you are dealing with a BFPA™. Generally, answering 'yes' to 2 or more of these questions suggests the presence of a BFPA™. If you find that you need additional support, consider seeking BFRB treatment options.
about chaille and Karen
Chaille DeFaria MCC, CDWF
Chaille DeFaria is a Mental Health Consultant and ICF Master Certified Credentialed Coach (MCC) who specializes in helping people heal from BFPAs™ (Body Focused Process Addictions), behavioral addiction, anxiety, and shame. As the co-founder of the BFPA™ Resource Center and a former member of the TLC Foundation for BFRBs Board of Directors, Chaille is dedicated to providing effective BFRB treatment. Additionally, she is certified as a Daring Way™ Facilitator of Dr. Brene Brown's research, running workshops and working individually with young adults and parents. Chaille also presents at conferences, including NAMI, and writes a monthly column in the Culver City Neighbors magazine called "Cultivating Courage with Chaille."
Karen Pickett LMFT
Karen Pickett LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist and co-founder of the BFPA™ Resource Center. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and Body Focused Process Addictions (BFPAs™), which include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Skin Picking Disorder, and Trichotillomania. As an expert in behavioral addiction, Karen is also a Certified Trauma and Addiction therapist and a former member of the TLC Foundation for BFRBs Board of Directors. She has been featured as a psychotherapist on A&E's acclaimed TV series Obsessed, served as faculty in counseling psychology at USM, and held the position of Clinical Director at the OCD Center of Los Angeles. Additionally, Karen has co-produced three performances of This Is My Brave™, a live show aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental illness.
