117: Why You Can't "Just Stop" + A Science-Based Approach to What Works Instead

Did you know there is a specific brain function that is largely responsible for your chronic picking, pulling, and biting?That's right, you're not broken. You never were. It's your brain over-functioning.In fact, it's a really common struggle in this modern, overstimulated world.Look at all the people who are overworking, overeating, overgiving, overexercising, overthinking, overgrooming.We're all chronically overwhelmed and addicted to it.And it's because of something called intermittent reinforcement.In this episode, I share with you how this particular brain function is one of the key drivers behind your BFPA* + tangible steps to rewiring your brain.These steps don't require force, are backed by science, and will pull on your heartstrings. Not to mention, they will actually help you to move forward towards freedom.Journaling prompts from the episode"Needs" list. Which one calls to you?ReliefEscape ComfortStimulationCertaintyControlNumbingAchievementConnectionWhatever stood out to you in the list above, ask yourself these Qs:Why is that need so important to you right now?What would it give you to make the space to meet that need for yourself?How might this impact those around you?What will it cost you to not make the space to meet that need?What are 3 tangibles things you can do to meet that need in your life right now?References & Resources• Determinants of Addiction: Neurobiological, Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sociocultural Factorshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/book/monograph/9780323905787/determinants-of-addiction• Intermittent Reinforcement: Why Toxic Relationships Feel Addictivehttps://reachlink.com/advice/relations/intermittent-reinforcement/• Engineered Highs: Reward Variability and Frequency as Potential Prerequisites of Behavioural Addictionhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460323000217• Wired for Want: How Dopamine Drives the New Epidemic of Everyday Addictionshttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zoe-Wyatt/publication/391756047_Wired_for_Want_How_Dopamine_Drives_the_New_Epidemic_of_Everyday_Addictions• Stuck in a Toxic Cycle? This Psychological Pattern Might Be Whyhttps://www.catharticspacecounseling.com/blog/stuck-in-a-toxic-cycle-this-psychological-pattern-might-be-why💌Share your story - Book your FREE BFPA* Support Call with me🌟Download your FREE Guide to Stop Skin Picking Using Somatics📝FREE Holistic Skin Picking & Hair Pulling Assessment - (this is no longer available. For this kind of insight and feedback, you can "share your story" with me via the link above)🎯Join the 7-Day Skin Picking Recovery Challenge🤓Sign up - FREE BFPA Monthly Masterclass✨Join - BEYOND Support Group on WhatsApp🙋‍♀️Send me a message hereMy name is Raffaela Marie. I'm a holistic BFRB coach who has healed from 15 years of chronic skin picking myself and dedicated my life to helping driven women do the same. Through my podcast, free resources, and programs, I teach strategies to overcome urges, build emotional safety, and expand into authenticity. My approach goes beyond quick fixes, focusing on root causes and long-term recovery.