Isla Turner, MS, LPC EMDR Trained

02/14/2026

02/09/2026

Practicing the ACT skill of Willingness can be a game changer if you find yourself feeling stuck with ERP homework. When motivation feels low, try playing a simple "Would You Rather?" game with yourself. This can help reduce all-or-nothing thinking, increase flexibility, and gently move you out of avoidance.

02/07/2026

02/04/2026

While SRIs and SSRIs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of BFRBs, there is insufficient evidence to support any single medication or class of medications as an effective treatment for BFRBs. However, medication management to treat co-occuring conditions may help reduce the frequency and severity of BFRB symptoms.

01/16/2026

Many people try to “discipline” themselves out of body-focused repetitive behaviors.

But punishment increases stress, and stress increases urges.

Reward based approaches are healthier, more sustainable, and more effective at creating long-term behavior change.

01/15/2026

Ever wonder what's happening right before a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB)? TIMES helps us name the internal experiences that set the stage for a BFRB. When we learn to notice our TIMES we gain insight, compassion, and more options for responding differently to those signals.

01/14/2026

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are often misunderstood. They are commonly mistaken for OCD, self-harming behaviors, bad habits, or something rare.

Here’s what’s important to know:

• OCD and BFRBs are not the same. While OCD is typically treated with exposure and response prevention (ERP), BFRBs require different, specialized approaches.

• BFRBs are not self-harm. Self-harm involves an intention to cause harm. BFRBs do not.

• Willpower is not a treatment. BFRBs are complex, body-based behaviors—not something someone can “just stop.”

• BFRBs are not rare. Although they are understudied, many people experience them.

01/13/2026

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) show up in many ways and each person experiences them differently.

01/12/2026

What is a BFRB?

01/06/2026

09/01/2025

Look for warning signs in people who may be in crisis and encourage individuals in emotional distress to reach out for help.

🔵Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
🔵Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to fi****ms, available pills, or other means
🔵Talking or writing about death, dying, or su***de when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
🔵Feeling hopeless
🔵Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
🔵Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities — seemingly without thinking
🔵Feeling trapped — like there's no way out
🔵Increasing alcohol or drug use
🔵Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
🔵Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
🔵Experiencing dramatic mood changes
🔵Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

📱Call or text: 988
💻Chat online: Louisiana988.org
🕛24/7

🔗https://ldh.la.gov/office-of-behavioral-health/su***de-prevention

08/11/2025

OCD doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all races at similar rates. It can take 14 to 17 years for an adult to be diagnosed with OCD. It can take even longer for African Americans to be diagnosed with OCD and receive specialized treatment. Black individuals are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or improperly medicated.

Many face barriers like:
• Being misdiagnosed with psychotic disorders
• Limited access to culturally informed care
• Stigma around mental health in the community
• Underrepresentation in OCD research

We need more awareness, more accurate diagnoses, and more representation. If you or someone you love is struggling with intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and/or compulsions, know that help exists 💛