Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

  • You can find all of our upcoming support groups under “Events” on our website. If it is an online group, you will be emailed the Zoom link when you RSVP. If it is an in-person group, you will be sent the exact location.

  • No you don't, we have regular attendees from around the world, so you are welcome to join our support groups and events if the time is suitable for you! All of our support groups and events are in English.

  • We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what We run a monthly online support group for under 18s. You can find information about the upcoming groups under “Events”. For safety, we ask that you contact us by email or the “contact us” form on the website for the Zoom link. If you are a parent and would like to talk to us before your child attends, we would be happy to organise a Zoom call with you. we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

  • While most of our events are currently online, we do host occasional in-person support groups and community events. Keep an eye on our event listings, or join our mailing list to stay in the loop.escription

  • Of course! There is no obligation to have your camera on during the support groups. There is also no pressure to talk if you would prefer just to listen.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to offer medical advice, including guidance on medication or treatment for BFRBs. For medical concerns, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional. We do not currently have a therapist or provider directory, but hope to compile one in the near future.

  • Our private Facebook group is available for people to find support outside of our support groups. Since it is private, your membership will not be shown on your Facebook profile. Everyone who joins has to complete screening questions and agree to the group rules so that we can keep it a safe space for our members. You are also welcome to post anonymously if you would like. You can find the link to the group at the bottom of this page!

  • We appreciate all donations, big or small. To donate to us directly, click the donate button at the top of this page. Payments are processed securely through Stripe.

    You can also donate to us at no cost to you by supporting us on EasyFundraising. There, you can raise donations for use while doing your regular online shopping. Find out more here.

  • If you have any other questions, you can contact us via the "contact us" button at the top of this page!

  • Currently, we are not a registered charity (a charitable organisation). However, we are in the process of applying for charity status.

About BFRBs

  • BFRBs are under the umbrella "Obsessive, Compulsive, and Related Disorders" but are not a subtype of OCD. However, BFRBs and OCD do share some similarities, such as repetitive compulsive behaviour.

  • Self-harm is done with the intention of harming the body, often in response to emotional pain. Whereas, when a person engages in their BFRB, physical damage is created as an unintentional result of their behavior. In fact, some people find BFRBs pleasurable, and many report that it serves a self-regulation or soothing purpose.

  • BFRBs are a lot more common than once thought. It is estimated that 1 in 20 people (5%) have a BFRB. That's almost 4 million people in the UK and Ireland alone! All genders are thought to be affected equally. However, despite BFRBs being relatively common, they are still heavily stigmatised and misunderstood.

  • BFRBs are complex mental health disorders and shouldn't be reduced to habit. They are listed in respected diagnostic manuals used by medical professionals and therapeutic providers internationally, such as the DSM-V and the ICD-10. Unlike habits, BFRBs are incredibly difficult to "break".

  • There are a number of treatments on offer for BFRBs. Therapies that have been shown to help include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Habit Reversal Therapy, and ComB Therapy. Attending support groups can help to lessen the internalised shame caused by BFRBs - sometimes connection is the best medicine.

  • As research into these disorders is in the very early stages, we don't really know why these disorders exist. Some have suggested genetic causes, environmental factors, childhood trauma, hormones, differences in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, or glutamate, or a combination of factors!


  • The first point of contact should always be your GP, however, we understand that often GPs have little understanding of BFRBs. If you are referred to a therapist, you will be offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has shown some success in helping with BFRBs. Our support groups also provide a welcoming space to talk about your experiences with others who understand and learn new coping strategies alongside tips about treatments.