Chapter 8 - Self-Care Strategies for Client Support during Treatment and after Termination

Summary

Here, the focus of treatment broadens to encompass the importance of self-care strategies to encourage healthy hair and skin. The goal is to help clients to replace body damaging BFRB practices with ones that help restore and maintain hair and skin health. This entails changes in behaviors that do not directly impact hair and skin but serve the broader goals of emotional and physical well-being. The physical structure and characteristics of skin and hair are described in detail, as are the anatomy, functions, and requirements for their health. Approaches for managing BFRB-caused damage are described and a range of positive self-care practices are explored. Recommendations are made for therapists to focus on broader health issues when client attitudes and practices challenge movement toward an overall healthier lifestyle. Techniques are described for therapists to encourage such changes in each client.