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My Story
I suffered from anxiety at an early
age. As young as 4 years of age I began twirling and playing with my
hair and banging my head against my pillow at night. As a toddler and
young girl I would rock back and forth in my crib and later in bed for
hours. I was to learn later that these were signs of anxiety, the start
of trichotillomania for me, and tourettes. I also was uncoordinated and
a poor reader. Thus, I was never interested in sports and watched
television for hours. I was to learn that I also had attention deficit
disorder. What a package!
After earning my B.A. in psychology from Muskingum College in Ohio, I
began working as a real estate property manager. I pulled my hair more
than ever and added compulsive checking to my list of OCD traits. I did
not hide my pulling from my co-workers but was dismayed to think I was
the only one who pulled and that no mental health professional knew how
to help me. I had been to a psychiatrist and therapist who were unable
to help me. This was before current medications and treatment methods
were known. |
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Click here
for
Joan Kaylor's
Curriculum Vitae
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I
began pulling my hair at age 11 in 6th grade. I pulled from my scalp for
25 years from age 11 to 36. In 1989, I read the book "The Boy Who
Couldn't Stop Washing" by Judith Rapoport, M.D. Upon reading her book I
discovered "Jackie P.", a woman who pulled out every hair on her head
and face. From her insistence, she would not be turned away by the NIMH
study of OCD. From Jackie P's courage to come forward, myself and
millions of "pullers" now know they are not alone with Trichotillomania.
About Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is the
inability to resist the urge to pull out hair resulting in noticeable
hair loss. The act of pulling comforts, eases emotional pain, and is fun
until the pulling episode is over. Then the puller experiences extreme
shame, disgust, and anger over mutilating themselves and losing control.
I have been on both sides of this fence and have dedicated my life to
helping people out of this cycle.
From the studies at the National Institute of Mental Health ... and
because of the work of the Trichotillomania Learning Center and
Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation, millions of people now can recognize
symptoms of trichotillomania and OCD.
My next step was starting a support group for people with OCD. In July
of 1989 the first group for families with OCD was born in Pittsburgh.
The group is now a part of the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation of
Western Pennsylvania, Inc. system of support groups. We have a separate
group called Trichotillomania Support Information and Friends, TSIF, for
hair pullers and skin pickers.
Eventually, I went to New Haven, CT. where I joined the Foundation Board
of Directors and helped shape the direction of OCD and Trich research.
In 1991 the Trichotillomania Learning Center was started which I served
on this board from 1996 to 2003. I am currently chair of professional
development and chair of cosmetology research for TLC.
I received my Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University in
May of 1994. I earned my National Board Certification as a National
Certified Counselor in October 1994 and was grandfathered as a Licensed
Professional Counselor February 2002. I have been in private practice
since September 1994. I use cognitive behavior therapy, individual and
family counseling and acupressure to help people heal from OCD and Trich.
Becoming a therapist was the best decision I ever made.
The
Question
The question I am asked most
often is "How did I stop pulling?" There is no quick fix or one path to
recovery for everyone. Each person must find their path to recovery. It
is possible to stop pulling.
It has been a 39 year journey, first as a sufferer and now as a
therapist. I work each day to help others out of this nightmare.
I can tell you that teaching your body not to pull out your hair takes
time and courage. My path was one of spiritual and emotional growth
through many channels: service to others, graduate school, and prayer.
As Christina Pearson, the founder and Executive Director of the
Trichotillomania Learning Center states “Many tiny changes over time
lead to transformation.” Transforming nervous impulsive energy into a
peaceful balanced body-mind and spirit takes one phone call.
It is an honor to help people find their path in healing. Please contact
me if I may help you find yours.
JoanKaylor@hotmail.com
God bless,
Joan Kaylor, MSEd., NCC, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor |
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National Board for Certified
Counselors (NBCC)
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and
Professional Counselors
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