Dr. Cooper specializes in applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to treat Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as trichotillomania (hair pulling) and excoriation disorder (skin picking). With the aim to tailor treatment based on individual needs, Dr. Cooper pulls from among the specialized evidence-based CBT approaches, including Habit Reversal Training (HRT), the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) Model, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Habit Reversal Training (HRT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy for BFRBs, focuses on education, self-monitoring, increasing awareness of symptoms, and using alternative and incompatible responses. HRT incorporates stimulus control by making the environment less conducive to picking and pulling behaviors, and habit reversal, by practicing competing response to deter the unwanted behaviors. By increasing awareness of relevant thoughts, urges, sensations, behaviors, and emotions, individuals can learn to shift their behavioral response. Over time, this can help diminish unwanted symptoms and can lead to notable improvements.  

The Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model helps individuals gain awareness of their unique triggers and patterns of hair pulling and picking and applying a wide range of cognitive behavioral techniques for an individualized treatment approach.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages willingness to accept inner experiences and urges and intentionally move towards living a meaningful life in line with their values. Mindfulness can often be incorporated into this work.  

In addition, BFRBs often co-occur with other mental health difficulties, such as OCD, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Cooper addresses these other symptoms with specialized evidence-based care for a comprehensive treatment approach.