We get a listener question from Shannon, who twirls her hair for up to five hours a day and wishes she could stop!

What are the commonalities between OCD and and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors?

Why is it mostly women who exhibit these behaviors?

And when did Laura stop sucking her thumb?

These questions and more are answered on this week's episode of My Sister's A Therapist!

References:

Mayo Clinic: Trichotillomania definition

DSM-5: Criteria for Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) and Excoriation (Skin-Picking Disorder)

University of Oxford: Body focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs)

Is Twirling Your Hair as a Habit a Symptom of an Underlying Condition?: Kathryn Watson

Who is at risk for trichotillomania?

Trait anger, anger expression, and anger control in trichotillomania: Evidence for the emotion regulation model: Erin E. Curley , Esther S. Tung , Nancy J. Keuthen

Mayo Clinic: Medications for Trichotillomania

OCD*obsessive/compulsive disorder* therapy for OCD*OCD symptoms* OCD treatment*Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, rituals, perfectionism*Cognitive behavioral therapy*CBT*Anxiety, depression, mental health support, therapy*sisters*LMFT*comedian*Virginia Jones*Laura Ryan

My Sister's A Therapist is dropping a special New Year's Eve episode- where do NYE traditions come from? Why do we have superstitions- and how close are they to OCD?

References:

The History of New Year’s Eve

35 Crazy New Year’s Eve Celebrations Throughout History: The History Collection

The psychology of superstition, with Stuart Vyse, PhD: Speaking of Psychology Podcast: Kim Mills

How superstitions may relieve anxiety: Ana Sandoiu

Why does grudge holding feel so good, if it's so bad for you? How can I let go of these feelings, and improve my life? The sisters discuss the benefits of letting it go.

Your brain is tricking you, and you love it! Why we are SO CONFIDENT in our memories, although they are USUALLY WRONG. Why we remember traumatic events, and how we can move past them.

References:

Roger Brown's Flashbulb Memories, Gordon H. Bower's happiness and memories, Endel Tulving's Mind Palace.

Laura and Virginia diagnose their favorite characters in the Frank Capra classic, It's A Wonderful Life. We love you, Jimmy Stewart!

Mental health- feminism-family dynamics-LMFT -intermittent explosive disorder- Borderline personality disorder-Cluster B

Sometimes, an episode is based on a fan letter. Sometimes, it's tiktok. This week, it's a conversation Virginia had with a dummy. Where do morals come from? Is it God?

Philosophy- moral philosophy- Heinz dilemma- atheism- religion

Is it embarrassing to have a boyfriend, now?

References:

Eddie Dresden: Tik Tok

"Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? CHANTÉ JOSEPH

Why Do We Prioritize Romantic Over Platonic Love?: embracesexualwellness.com

The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake: David Brooks

Decentering Dating: Why Love Isn’t the Only Plotline: Anh Le

The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake: David Brooks

Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Marriage Right Now? Lotte Jeffs

The Trouble With Wanting Men: By Jean Garnett

What do Vincent Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, and Louis Wain have in common? The answer won't surprise you!