Skin Picking: The Freedom to Finally Stop

“Dr. Pasternak has provided an in-depth approach for both those treating and suffering from dermatillomania. It is a thoughtful manuscript on self-care, physical health and emotional wellbeing on a subject that has not historically received much needed attention.”

 – Eric Yelsa, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

“When I read this book, my very first thought was “Finally! Thank God Annette wrote this, so I don’t have to!” If you pick at your skin and it causes you distress, I highly recommend that you read this personable – and highly practical – book about living with, and healing from Skin Picking Disorder (Excoriation Disorder). In sharing her own pathway to freedom, Annette has outlined a tremendously useful approach that can be implemented and/or adapted by anyone motivated enough to do the footwork.”

– Christina Pearson, President,  Heart and Soul Academy, Inc., Founder,  Trichotillomania Learning Center (1990 – 2013)

“Annette Pasternak’s book is a comprehensive, holistic guide for changing pathological skin picking behavior. Dr. Pasternak eloquently combines her personal experience with behavioral solutions, cognitive interventions, and biological alternatives (diet, exercise, meditation, self-care) to help readers heal from this difficult condition.

I will enthusiastically recommend this book to my clients who suffer with both skin picking and other body-focused repetitive behaviors.”

– Suzanne Mouton-Odum, Ph.D., co-author of
A Parent Guide to Hair Pulling Disorder

“Filled with wisdom and experience, Skin Picking is a gift to those who suffer from skin picking disorder. Readers will not only feel less alone but genuinely hopeful as Pasternak lays out a realistic plan for recovery from this devastating disorder.”

 – Claudia Miles, M.A., LMFT

“THIS is the book I recommend to all my clients. Annette Pasternak has put into writing everything that I have been teaching for the last 20 years. A must-read for anyone suffering from hair pulling, skin picking or any body focused repetitive behavior.”

– Joan Kaylor, MSEd, LPC

“There are tragically few books for skin pickers. I celebrate the appearance of this honest and clear account of the approaches that have helped Annette recover  and which she now uses in her own work with coaching clients. Annette rightfully makes clear that recovery requires long term, hard work – and there is no single answer for all of us. But she supports the reader with encouragement and concrete tools to make the process less daunting. Most important of all is the key message of the book – hope.”

– Jennifer Raikes, Executive Director,
Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc.

“Annette Pasternak offers a quality self-help approach with Skin Picking: The Freedom to Finally Stop for those suffering from Excoriation (Skin Picking Disorder).

An easy-to-read book from the perspective of someone who knows the frustration and shame associated with this form of Body Focused Repetitive Behavior (BFRB). I will recommend it as adjunct reading for my clients.”

– Elizabeth Kassel, MSW
Staff Therapist at the OCD Center of Los Angeles

“Annette’s experience as a health coach, chemist, and recovered skin picker radiates in this guide to taking back your life through various techniques to, in the least, reduce the urges of compulsive skin picking.”

– Angela Hartlin, author of
Forever Marked: A Dermatillomania Diary

“Annette’s book offers practical advice to help reduce or eliminate picking, using the most up-to-date research available. There is no “one size fits all” solution for dermatillomania.

“Annette covers a wide range of solutions, from diet, to stress reduction, to therapy. If you are seeking real help for this common disorder, look no further. It was a privilege to contribute a little information to a book I know will help so many people.”

 – Tammy Fletcher, MA, LMFT