Body Dysmorphic Disorder Therapy

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations. Many of us have what we think are flaws in our appearance. But if you have BDD, your reaction to this “flaw” may become overwhelming. You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control. You may even spend hours each day worrying about how you look.

When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviours cause you significant distress and impact your ability to function in your daily life.

Body Dysmorphia Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include:

  • Constantly checking yourself in the mirror
  • Avoiding mirrors
  • Camouflaging (trying to hide or cover up the disliked body areas)
  • Constantly comparing yourself with others
  • Always asking other people whether you look OK
  • Not believing other people when they say you look fine
  • Avoiding social activities
  • Not going out of the house, especially in the daytime
  • Seeing many healthcare providers about your appearance
  • Having unnecessary plastic surgeries
  • Picking at your skin with fingers or tweezers
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed
  • Excessive grooming (for example, hair styling or makeup application)

Adelaide Psychology Clinic | Body Dysmorphia Counselling & Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  is the first-line therapy for BDD, with specific protocols for the disorder. This includes psychoeducation, cognitive work on self-defeating thoughts, exposure and ritual prevention, and mirror retraining.

We are at Sehat Psychology, Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinicians  that demonstrate our expertise in the most evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for body dysmorphia. You can contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@sehatpsychology.com.au to book an appointment  (telehealth or face to face) with our body dysmorphia therapist.

Adelaide Psychologists & Therapists | Body Dysmorphia Psychologists & Therapists

Sehat Psychology has a special interest in Poor Body Image & Body Dysmorphic Disorder, with psychologists who are very experienced and trained in treating BDD.