TLC workshop London: Resources for hair pulling, skin picking and other BFRBs

The Trichotillomania Learning Centre (TLC) is a non-profit organization helping thousands of adults and children with trichotillomania, skin picking disorder and related body-focussed repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) since 1991. TLC has been instrumental in spreading awareness about skin picking disorder and have been at the forefront of the battle against the stigma of BFRBs. TLC hosts regular events such as conferences and workshops to educate, inform and share resources with the BFRB community. Particiapants of their previous events have described them as life-changing. On June 20, 2015, TLC will be hosting such an event in London, UK. This workshop is a fundraiser, proceeds support the costs of the event and development of TLC outreach programs in the UK and across the globe.

What is it about?

Drs. Jon Grant, Suzanne Mouton Odum, and community leaders are hosting a one day workshop on treatment and recovery from trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. They talk about the following problems:

• What have we learned from research into the causes of BFRBs like trichotillomania and skin picking?
• Are there effective treatment methods?
• How can one help themselves find recovery when there are so few treatment providers?
• What behavioral and environmental factors affect BFRB behaviors? What can be done to increase support and resources locally?
• The day's program will include an overview of current research and treatment approaches, understanding the roles these behaviors play in our lives, developing a self-help treatment plan, readiness for change, and discussion on increasing access to resources in the UK.

Who should go?

This workshop is open to those with hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting and related Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, parents, partners/spouses/support persons and treatment providers. The day's program will include an overview of current research and treatment trends, understanding the roles these behaviors play in our lives, developing a self-help treatment plan, readiness for change, and discussion on increasing access to resources in the UK. 

About the Speakers

Jon E. Grant, M.D., J.D., MPH, Advisory Chair

Dr. Jon Grant is the chair of TLC's Scientific Advisory Board and regarded as one of the most esteemed researchers in the field of BFRBs- including skin picking and trichotillomania. Dr. Grant's research focuses on neural and behavioral correlates of BFRBs. He was the first researcher to explore NAC as a treamtent for hair pulling and skin picking, and is an instrumental advocate for our community. Dr. Grant is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. He completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, a master's degree at the University of Chicago, a law degree from Cornell University, a medical degree from Brown University, and a masters degree in public health from Harvard University. Dr. Grant is a board-certified psychiatrist. Dr. Grant has written over 200 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the phenomenology and pharmacological management of impulse control disorders, particularly skin picking disorder, trichotillomania and related grooming disorders. Dr. Grant's research is funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Suzanne Mouton-Odum, Ph.D.

Suzanne is a psychologist in private practice in Houston, Texas. She obtained her doctoral degree from the University of Houston in Counseling Psychology and completed her residency in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. She has treated people with trich and other body-focused repetitive behaviors since 1993, and has been a member of the Trichotillomania Learning Center Scientific Advisory Board since 2001. Dr. Mouton-Odum regularly attends and presents at the TLC Annual Conference and Retreat, and is a member of TLC's Professional Training Institute faculty.

Jennifer Raikes, TLC Executive Director

Jennifer began as a TLC volunteer in 1995 by writing an educational pamphlet for hairdressers. Over the next decade, she became an integral part of TLC’s operations, serving as president of the Board for many years before becoming Executive Director in 2009. Prior to joining TLC's staff, Jennifer studied history at Swarthmore College and worked for a decade as a producer and researcher of numerous award-winning documentary films for PBS. She produced and directed the documentary, Bad Hair Life, about living with trichotillomania, which aired on public television in 2005. The film was inspired by her own experience growing up with trichotillomania, and shares the intimate stories of pullers of all ages. Jennifer has frequently represented TLC in the print and broadcast media, appearing on Good Morning America, 20/20, Fox News, The Insider, Sally Jesse Raphael, and local news programs. She is proud to have been one of the founders of the New York City Trichotillomania Support Group, and has made many of her closest friends as part of the TLC community.

Samantha Wake, Dermatillomania UK

Samantha is an Animal Management student, and works part-time alongside her studies as a Catering Assistant at a coffee shop. She lives in Shropshire, England. An active advocate for dermatillomania, a sufferer since the age of 13, Samantha has successfully raised awareness via the Internet, blogging, radio, appeared in magazines and newspapers and was a guest on This Morning. She runs a support group Dermatilolimania UK. And would like a more successful solution to living with Dermatillomania.

To find out more information about this event visit the TLC website or visit the follow the link to the event page.