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Skin Picking Therapy for Teenagers in Saratoga/San Jose

At the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley in Saratoga/San Jose, we offer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for teenagers with chronic skin picking. Our approach with teenagers is practical, goal-oriented, compassionate, and scientifically-based while focusing on your teen’s individual needs. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. If you think your teenager may be experiencing chronic skin picking, you can learn more about the disorder and our treatment approach below.

What is Chronic Skin Picking in Teens?

Teen Skin Picking Therapy San JoseChronic Skin Picking is the repetitive picking of one’s skin to the point where there is notable damage to the skin, such as scabs and scars. Teens with chronic skin picking will be distressed by the behavior or notice that the skin picking behavior impacts their functioning (e.g. conflict with family, embarrassment with friends). Teens may pick their skin on their face, neck or other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Chronic Skin Picking in Teenagers

  • Repetitive picking of skin resulting in damage to the skin.
  • Problems in functioning related to the skin picking.
  • Tension and difficulty resisting the urge to skin pick.
  • Feeling relief or satisfaction after skin picking.

Cognitive Behavioral Model of Chronic Skin Picking for Adolescents in Saratoga/San Jose

While some research suggests that some people may have an inherited predisposition to skin picking, the causes of the behavior are less important than what is maintaining it now. According to the CBT model, skin picking is maintained by a combination of environmental, emotional, and/or cognitive factors that either trigger or reinforce skin picking episodes. Picking can be triggered by specific settings (e.g. bedroom, bathroom mirror) or activities such as driving or watching television. Certain emotions, such as anxiety, tension, and boredom can also trigger skin picking episodes, as well as irrational beliefs about physical appearance (e.g. need to pop or pick a pimple so it looks better). Skin picking is then reinforced by the sensation of picking, a sense of relief or satisfaction, or the belief that physical appearance is improved. Skin picking also may distract your teen from negative and uncomfortable emotions that they wish to avoid.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Teens with Chronic Skin Picking in Saratoga/San Jose

The goal of cognitive behavior therapy for skin picking is to educate your teen about the disorder and teach them to become more aware of their skin picking behavior and the environmental, emotional, and cognitive factors that trigger it. During the assessment phase, your teen will keep track of their skin picking episodes, along with the associated triggers, consequences, emotions and thoughts. Your teen will learn will learn self-management strategies to prevent skin picking episodes and to stop the episodes once they begin, as well as learn to tolerate the uncomfortable emotions that lead to skin picking.

Common Goals of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Teenagers with Skin Picking in Saratoga/San Jose
  • Decrease skin picking episodes.
  • Engage in healthy skin care behaviors.
  • Resume daily routine and other levels of functioning.
  • Build coping skills for tolerating uncomfortable emotions and preventing skin picking episodes.
Getting Help for Your Teen’s Skin Picking in Saratoga/San Jose

Many teens are very embarrassed and ashamed of their skin picking behavior, so it is important to be patient and very sensitive. If your teen is willing to talk about his or her skin picking, it is important to listen and be open-minded. Try not to nag your teen to stop picking. Share the information you have found about the disorder and treatment options so your teen feels empowered to make a change. Be supportive, encouraging, and remind your teen of what he or she does well. After talking with your teen, it may be time to get some professional help.

The Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley specializes in therapy and counseling for teenagers with skin picking. With our central location in Saratoga just a 1/2 mile (2 minute drive) from Hwy 85, we serve the Silicon Valley communities of San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Cupertino, Campbell, Mountain View, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Los Altos. Contact us at (408) 384-8404 for more information on how we can help your teen manage their skin picking.