Emma's journey with compulsive skin picking and learning to heal
Annette first came to my attention when I downloaded her audio recordings. I sobbed as she explained aspects and emotional triggers of this addictive behaviour because, for the first time, someone knew, someone got it. I was not alone. This was a defining moment; it was my start on a path towards recovery.
As a teenager, I had shared in confidence this awful compulsion. The outcome was ridicule at a young person’s group. Things were different in the 80’s and my admission had repulsed my friend, who told the group. This compounded my guilt and shame, and you guessed, catapulted me right back to the zone I would ‘get into to, to get out’ of my head.
Picking started for me at 12 when my parents first split. At first I thought it was empowering, my secret parallel universe where all the upset would go away as the focus became so pinpointed on that comedone, the blood or the pain. I am now 42. I don’t believe there has been a day I have not thought about picking. If I didn’t pick I still thought about it and counted the days I had resisted. Picking ranged from attacking facial comodones, later acne, peeling off cuticles (Onychophagia), with my own nails or tools and Morsicatio buccarum (inside cheek chewing). I would go through phases of one more than the other for months debilitating my confidence and inhibiting me from experiencing life.
Annette it turns out, had all these same feelings and experiences. A big thing for me was how she showed that ‘being in social situations can be a trigger’ which resonated with my own experiences. I bought the book and signed up for the full course of coaching.
Annette holds you accountable; she is the right level of strictness and compassion. A couple of times when I got lazy when I didn’t want to face it and stay in the familiar zone, I found that Annette does not push you, but rather pulls you forward and through it.
It’s so easy to overlook other aspects which stimulate the emotions which culminate in picking, such as diet, but Annette gets you to explore that. As such, I have cut down on sugar massively and use her meditation techniques much the same as for the picking urges to avoid it. I have also learned from the book and course about casein, the hormone (or protein) in milk which stimulates DHT which causes spots for some of us. Annette concurred with my doctors’ advice that at my age it’s preferable to come off the pill, which had been controlling my acne. I was so terrified of the acne then returning because that would present more temptation to pick. It did return and I did pick after months of not touching my face, but I forgave myself which helped me get over it and not repeat and repeat as I would have previously. So I cut out sugar, which reduced the acne but did not rid it all. I am now on a diary free diet and so far no new spots have come and the marks are healing.
Annette’s programme encompasses everything connected to picking. She taught me to love and respect myself (this took some work). Every aspect is connected. I am on the road to recovery and do not become defeatist when I have the odd little set back which is less frequent.
What is really exciting, (without stimulating picking urges) is that I have been putting my previously squandered time into creating a much more fulfilled life.
Not only has the programme been an investment in me, but you really know that Annette is investing in you and your future life quality.- Emma, age 42, London, UK
Read more success stories from my clients.
Love and support,
Annette