APPROACH

Laura Sirowitz, LCSW, works with adults, adolescents, children, and families to develop an individual program tailored to the client’s needs.

Treatments include cognitive behavior therapy, habit reversal training, mindfulness and relaxation training, and relapse prevention techniques.

Care is given to understanding the unique needs of each individual; developing an effective, solution-based treatment program; and providing ongoing support to help each client achieve his or her personal treatment goals.

Laura is specially skilled at helping people overcome the shame and isolation often associated with trichotillomania and other body focused disorders.

To learn more about Laura’s approach to treating trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive disorders, read her article published in the Fall 2008 issue of InTouch, TLC’s newsletter.

SPECIALTIES

Trichotillomania (TTM) is characterized by repetitive pulling of one’s own hair to the point that it causes noticeable hair loss and significant problems for an individual. Estimates of Americans engaging in hair pulling range from 1-to-2 percent — or 4-to-11 million people. They might pull out hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or other parts of the body.

While TTM is defined as an impulse-control disorder, there is debate about whether it should instead be classified as a habit, an addiction, a tic disorder, or an obsessive compulsive disorder. It is thought that 90 percent of hair pullers are females who typically begin pulling near the age of 12. However, TTM can affect men, as well, and people of any age.

While often a chronic problem, the persistence of the urge to pull can vary considerably. Generally those with TTM pull enough hair over time that they have bald spots, causing them to resort to hairstyle changes and accessorizing to cover the damage.

Therapy has proven to be helpful to many people with TTM. When they learn and practice techniques to combat the urge to pull and bald spots disappear, so does the sense of shame that most hair pullers feel.

To learn more about trichotillomania and skin picking, and to find support in your area, visit www.trich.org.