The Trich Prof

15/04/2026

For those local to Oxford - please join us for a free public talk on neurodivergence in research on Monday evening!

I'll be talking about BFRBs in the context of neurodivergence, and about being a lived-experience scientist.

Hosted by .costa.ndv Andreia Costa: Voicing Neurodiversity and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

Sign up through the QR code.

14/04/2026

Can’t wait!

02/04/2026

The wait is over!

Today is the day I officially add 'author' to my list of identities. It's a real pinch-myself moment. I honestly never imagined, in my wildest dreams, that I would one day write a book about my deepest darkest shameful secret.

Pre-ordered copies should be on their way, and the audiobook (read by me) drops today.

Sorry to those of you across the atlantic - I understand there is a delay of a couple of months for you (although you can get your hands on a copier earlier by coming to in Chicago next month!)

Available from all good booksellers - link in bio.

I really hope it's a useful addition, and can't wait to hear what you think.

30/03/2026

This post was motivated by a conversation I had with someone who was thinking about whether or not to disclose the stigmatised condition they live with.

That conversation helped me realise what a privilege it is to be in a position where disclosure feels safe. Living with a highly stigmatised condition means that psychological danger can be very real.

It made me reflect on the decades I spent not feeling ready or able to disclose.

And it made me want to say that it is TOTALLY FINE to not disclose. You might feel ready one day, or you might never feel ready, and that's also fine.

25/03/2026

Like millions of others, I pull my own hair out - we need to talk about trichotillomania

A TikToker has opened up about his struggles with a condition that causes him to pull his own hair out.

21/03/2026

So what's it all about then?

In short, I tried to write the book that would have helped me. When I stopped trying to stop, and started trying to understand, my urges became quieter and more manageable.

I can't wait to hear what you think!

19/03/2026

BFRB Con 2026 website is now LIVE!!

Please visit www.bfrbcon.org for all the information you need about BFRB Con 2026.

We're keen to hear from anyone who is interested in contributing to the scientific and community programme.

Registration will open in a few weeks.

We really hope lots of you will be able to join us!

18/03/2026

So looking forward to !!

13/03/2026

I'm hoping this one will provoke some debate...

My brilliant colleagues , and I have just published a comment in the Lancet Psychiatry (one of the biggest journals in the field) in which we describe the problem of stigmatising language around BFRBs.

I've summarised the main points in this post, and for those with access, here is the link to the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(26)00063-5/abstract

I'd love to know what you think!

27/02/2026

3 great new BFRB books landed in one week!