Habit Reversal Training
A structured behavioral technique that helps people become aware of and replace repetitive habits, such as tics or hair-pulling, with a competing response.
What Is Habit Reversal Training?
Habit reversal training is a structured behavioral technique that helps people become more aware of repetitive habit behaviors, such as tics, hair-pulling, or skin-picking, and replace them with a deliberate competing response, reducing the frequency of the habit over time.
How It Works
This technique is based on the understanding that increasing awareness of a habit, along with practicing an alternative physical response incompatible with the habit, can reduce its frequency. It typically also addresses situations or emotional states that trigger the habit. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions typically involve building detailed awareness of the habit and its triggers, learning and practicing a specific competing response (such as clenching fists instead of pulling hair), and building broader support strategies to reduce triggers.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports habit reversal training for tic disorders, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and excoriation disorder (skin-picking disorder), with evidence from multiple randomized controlled trials, often as part of broader comprehensive behavioral intervention protocols.
Who May Benefit?
Habit reversal training may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for people with tic disorders, trichotillomania, or excoriation disorder.
Limitations and Considerations
Habit reversal training requires consistent practice and awareness-building, which can take time and effort to master; some individuals may need additional strategies to address underlying triggers.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Habit reversal training is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals trained in this specific behavioral technique.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Habit reversal training is often delivered over approximately 8 to 14 sessions, though length varies according to the person and specific habit being addressed.
Therapy vs. Medication
Habit reversal training is a behavioral technique; medication may be considered for co-occurring symptoms in some cases, in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.