Therapist for Body Dysmorphia Near Me or Online? CBT and Treatment for Body Dysmorphia

A person with body dysmorphia disorder, often known as BDD, has a distorted perception of their own appearance. People with BDD, which is categorized as an anxiety disorder, believe that something odd about their appearance even though it is not.

They could also feel pressure to alter their appearance, which could result in an excessive use of cosmetics or a desire for cosmetic surgery. People with BDD can benefit from a variety of in-person and online counselling alternatives.

What is body dysmorphia?

An anxiety problem called body dysmorphia disorder impacts how a person views their own body. With this disorder, a person’s impression of their appearance is distorted, and they choose to concentrate on aspects of their face or physique that they think are unpleasant or incorrect.

These fundamental beliefs cause them to frequently focus on their appearance. Body dysmorphia disorder is a serious mental health problem.

People who frequently compare their looks to others’, spend a lot of time trying to conceal what they perceive to be a flaw, or are concerned by a specific aspect of their body may have body dysmorphia disorder.

How does body dysmorphic disorder develop?

Similar to many other anxiety disorders, BDD lacks a clear cause. It’s possible that genetics or a chemical imbalance in the brain are at play. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders increase a person’s risk of developing body dysmorphic disorder.

People with an eating disorder may also develop BDD, and vice versa. Past events, especially if the person was harassed or made fun of for a physical characteristic when they were younger, could be a factor in the condition.

Neurotransmitters are thought to be involved in mood regulation, which raises the possibility that BDD may have a genetic basis. The theory contends that irregularities in the naturally occurring brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters contribute to the condition’s genetic basis. A inherited propensity for OCD increases the risk of developing BDD.

Different BDD Therapies

You’ll have the best chance of conquering it and enjoying a happy, fulfilling life if you seek assistance as soon as you can. A excellent place to start if you’re worried is by talking to your doctor.

You have the choice of traditional or online counseling.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques may be helpful, according to the most recent treatment guidelines derived from study and practice using evidence.

CBT stresses the relationships between actions, emotions, and ideas. It aids in the identification and correction of unhelpful thought patterns as well as the setting of objectives for behavior trials.

On the other side, ACT is a mindfulness-based therapy that enables patients to carry on with their meaningful lives even in the face of adversity.

The ability to feel at peace with a range of emotions and the emergence of diverse appraisals of one’s experience are both made possible by the development of mindfulness abilities.

CBT treatment for BDD

Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to treat phobias, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Sleep disorders, anger management, low self-esteem, and physical health problems can all be helped using CBT.

CBT is a talking therapy based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, actions, and physical sensations are all connected. The others will change if we change one of them.

Through the use of CBT, we are able to identify and change unhealthy thinking or behavior patterns in order to feel better. CBT is one of the most commont method of treatment for BDD. The exposure and response prevention (ERP) is also a therapy frequently used in this kind of cases.

Exposure is used to decrease mirror checking, camouflaging, and other compulsive behaviors with BDD patients. Additionally, it is designed to discourage people from staying away from social situations.

Benefits of Online BDD Therapy

It’s important to realize that keeping your thoughts and feelings about how you appear to yourself might be more detrimental than helpful. The first step in overcoming body diysmorphia disorder is speaking with someone.

Online counselling is an option if you don’t feel comfortable chatting to friends or family members. You have the choice of remaining anonymous and secure when receiving therapy online.

By discussing your feelings with you, the online counselor can assist you in understanding why you are feeling the way you are. Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from CBT, and for some, just talking about their feelings and thoughts is enough to make them feel better.

An online cognitive behavioral therapy program can help people with body dysmorphia disorder, per a recent study.

Final Thoughts

The BDD sufferer could appear despondent or self-obsessed to others. Due to this image, people have been reluctant to ask for help or speak up.

If neglected, body dysmorphia disorder develops into a vicious cycle that finally causes emotional pain.

People who seek therapy or counseling online can learn how to understand the underlying reason of their disease and control their emotions on a regular basis.

Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Heather MacFarlane

Ellie Mackay

Alva Spencer