A few years ago, my clinic director suggested I check out trainings offered through the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC), a grassroots hub for information on trichotillomania and skin pulling (or dermatillomania). He knew about my interest in structured treatments for anxiety disorders and thought it might be useful for me to look into training.

Although TLC offered a DVD training program, I decided to wait until there was an actual physical workshop. In retrospect, I don’t know why I was so attached to in-person training. Having attended my fair share of workshops and even having co-led some myself, I’m fully aware that 1-2 day workshops are pretty limited in what you actually can learn. Intellectually, I figured the training DVD’s were probably a better value, but I allowed my conditioning to overrule my reasoning.

Also, I’m a little embarrassed to admit, but when I read that the previous training was run by the Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington, I assumed “Washington” meant neighboring Washington state, and that the training would be held in Seattle. More than a year later, I checked back, realized, “Oh, it’s Washington, DC!” and dutifully ordered their Virtual Professional Training Institute (VPTI).

I have no excuse for my mistake—I had even clicked on their website and somehow missed the distinctive JEFFERSON MEMORIAL on the website landscape banner!

 

The Virtual Professional Training Institute is Awesome!

For under $10, the VTPI is a bargain. It features over 9 hours of DVD training and a collection of pdf’s of research articles. You can send in the post-test to earn 16 CE credits and certification on their website. Developed in 201, the information is pretty current. The DVD kicks off with a documentary called Bad Hair Day, and the remainder includes lucid presentations by experts Charles Mansueto, Ph.D., Ruth Golomb, LCPC, and Fred Penzel, Ph.D. (Mansueto and Golomb are part of the center in DC.)

TLC

Not long after I finished the training, I ordered some books from TLC. (I figured they could use my money more than Amazon.) Included on the packing slip was a charming personal touch that illustrates the grassroots origins of TLC. Written in green ink was a quick note: “Thank you – Donna – TLC.”