An image of a beautiful swan distorted by the reflection of a lakeBody Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where an individual becomes obsessively preoccupies with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others. This condition can significantly disrupt daily life, as individuals with BDD may spend excessive time and effort trying to fix or hide the perceived flaws, engage in repetitive behaviours like mirror checking or skin picking, and avoid social situations due to the intense anxiety about their appearance and fear of judgement. BDD is often associated with severe emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

Body Image Issues

Body image issues encompass a broad range of concerns related to how an individual perceives and feels about their body. While not necessarily as severe as BDD, body image issues can still negatively impact self-esteem and overall well-being. These issues may stem from societal pressures, media portrayals of beauty standards, personal experiences, or cultural influences. Individuals with body image issues may experience dissatisfaction with their body, feelings of inadequacy, and a constant desire to change their appearance.

How can therapy help?

Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for individuals struggling with body dysmorphia or body image issues. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals identify and challenge distorted thoughts about their appearance, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and build a more positive self-image. Additionally, integrative therapeutic approaches, which may include elements of psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and somatic experiencing, can address underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to these conditions. Through therapy, individuals can gain insights into the root causes of their concerns, foster self-acceptance, and improve their overall mental well-being.

HARVEST THERAPY
44 Russell Square,
London WC1B 4JP
United Kingdom

Phone Number:
020 8962 6247
email: info@harvest-therapy.co.uk