Using ACT-Enhanced Behaviour Therapy to Treat Trichotillomania

May 9, 2025

On Friday May 9, 2025, Dr. Michael Twohig will deliver a half-day workshop on ACT-Based Behavior Therapy (A-EBT) for trichotillomania.

Workshop Outline
This workshop will focus on ACT-Based Behavior Therapy (A-EBT) for trichotillomania. AEBT has been supported many clinical trials with adults and adolescents when used in person, over Zoom, or as a web-based treatment. There is a publicly available treatment manual that therapists and clients may follow as they learn to implement AEBT (Woods and Twohig, 2023).

Participants will learn how to diagnose trichotillomania and be aware of common clinical presentations. They will also learn how to use standard psychological assessments commonly used in the treatment of trichotillomania. The workshop will provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis and principles of Stimulus Control, Habit Reversal, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants will learn how to apply ACT principles to help clients manage difficult emotions and thoughts that can trigger hair-pulling behavior. The workshop will also address common clinical issues that occur in the treatment of trichotillomania, such as resistance to treatment, relapse, and lack of motivation. Participants will learn how to implement strategies to overcome these obstacles and promote long-term recovery.

Overall, this workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective treatment for trichotillomania using Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of trichotillomania, evidence-based interventions, and strategies for promoting long-term recovery