Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
If you find yourself obsessing over parts of your appearance, checking mirrors often (or avoiding them), covering yourself up with baggy clothing that you wish you didn’t feel the need to wear, and ducking out of pictures with friends, there is hope. While BDD can be a deeply distressing disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the use of both exposure and response prevention (ERP) as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can all form the basis of treatment.
During BDD Treatment
we will discuss the elements of your appearance that you might find embarrassing, shameful, or ugly. We will track your thoughts throughout the week, gradually expose you to triggers regarding your appearance, and eventually reexamine deep-seated beliefs.
I generally approach body image from a “body neutrality” standpoint, as I believe that while we can have fun with self-expression through clothing and makeup, the way our bodies look should not be the determining factor in whether or not we have worth as a person.