Body Dysmorphia: 5 Ways Therapy Can Help
5 Ways Therapy Can Help with Body Dysmorphia
In society where expectations and media portrayal of beauty often leave us feeling inadequate and self-conscious about appearance, it's no wonder that body dysmorphia has become a prevalent issue, particularly among teens and young adult women. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition recognized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance. It can lead to severe distress and have a profound impact on an your day to day life. Fortunately, therapy can be a powerful tool to address and manage body dysmorphia. Here at SoCal Wellness Group, we understand body dysmorphia both as therapists skilled in treating it, and individuals that get it on a personal level. In this blog post, we'll explore what body dysmorphia is and delve into five ways therapy (and the services we offer here in Tustin, CA and via teletherapy throughout California) can help you regain control of your life if you’re experiencing BDD.
What is Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder, often simply referred to as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition that majorly affects the way you might be seeing yourself. Those who experience body dysmorphia obsess over perceived flaws or defects. If you have body dysmorphia, you might be unable to take an objective look at yourself, and no matter how much someone might tell you your perceived imperfections are beautiful — you just can’t see it. You might actually see something or someone in the mirror that isn’t really there! Or one minute, you might see yourself a certain way, and notice even minutes later, that perception changes. It can be incredibly distressing.
These obsessions can consume your thoughts and lead to a range of distressing behaviors, such as excessive grooming, seeking reassurance, and avoiding social situations. Body dysmorphia and eating disorders often show up together, as you might feel compelled to “fix” or change your body using extreme methods (such as restricting or purging your food). Individuals with body dysmorphia can become so preoccupied with their perceived flaws that it significantly impairs their daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. In other words, it can get so bad that it’s all you think about, all you care about, and all other areas of your life begin to really suffer.
The Role of Therapy in Managing Body Dysmorphia
Living with body dysmorphia can be isolating and exhausting. However, therapy offers hope and a path towards recovery. Our therapists at SoCal Wellness Group are trained in well-researched therapy techniques that help you find relief from body dysmorphia. Whether you’re looking for body dysmorphia therapy in-person at our Orange County office, or online via teletherapy, our therapists are ready to provide the help you’re looking for.
Here are five ways therapy can help you if you find yourself suffering from body dysmorphia:
Identifying Distorted Beliefs and Cognitive Restructuring
One of the primary ways therapy can help you with body dysmorphia is by assisting in identifying your distorted beliefs about your appearance. We use evidence-based techniques to challenge these beliefs and help our clients gain a more realistic perspective.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective therapeutic approaches for treating body dysmorphia. In CBT, you’ll learn to recognize and question your negative thought patterns. This allows you to replace these thoughts with more balanced, rational ones. By challenging and restructuring cognitive distortions, you’ll begin to perceive yourself in a more accurate and positive light.
Therapy can also help you understand the unrealistic standards of beauty that society often imposes. This awareness can be empowering and liberating, as it can ease the pressure to meet these unattainable ideals.
2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention is another effective therapeutic approach for individuals with body dysmorphia. This technique involves being exposed to situations that trigger your distress about appearance, while at the same time preventing yourself from engaging in the compulsive behaviors that provide temporary relief, such as excessive grooming or checking your appearance. If this sounds really hard, you’re right, it is! That’s why you’ll need the support of a skilled and empathetic therapist to help you overcome these challenges.
By repeatedly exposing yourself to your fears and helping to resist your compulsive behaviors, ERP can gradually help you to desensitize the distress associated with your perceived flaws. Over time, you can learn to tolerate these distressing feelings without resorting to compulsions, ultimately reduce the impact of body dysmorphia on your daily lives.
3. Building Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion
Therapy can also assist you in developing a healthier self-image and increased self-esteem. Body dysmorphia often takes root in low self-esteem or self-worth, and a lack of self-compassion. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your self-worth, learn to appreciate your unique qualities, and practice self-compassion.
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding one would offer to a friend. This can be a powerful tool for individuals with body dysmorphia, as it helps to counteract the harsh self-criticism that often accompanies the disorder. Therapists can guide individuals in cultivating self-compassion and nurturing a more positive self-concept. At SoCal Wellness Group, we understand how hard it is to build this skill — because many of us have also experienced body image distress in the past and had to learn how to speak to ourselves with compassion as well. We can help walk you through it from both a clinical and personal lens.
4. Learning Coping Strategies and Relaxation Techniques
Living with body dysmorphia can be incredibly distressing, and therapy can teach individuals effective coping strategies and relaxation techniques to manage your anxiety and discomfort. By practicing these techniques, you can reduce the intensity of your obsessive thoughts and the urge to engage in compulsive or eating disorder-related behaviors.
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation are examples of relaxation techniques that can be particularly beneficial. These techniques help individuals stay in the present moment and reduce the anxiety associated with body dysmorphia. Additionally, therapy can provide individuals with a toolbox of coping strategies to use when faced with triggers or distressing situations. At SoCal Wellness Group, we prioritize individualized and collaborative client-care. This means we’ll work with you to find exactly which tools and strategies work for your unique needs and issues.
5. Building a Support System
Therapy not only helps you directly but can also facilitate the building of a strong support system. Body dysmorphia can be incredibly isolating, as you might be finding it hard to confide in friends and family due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Fortunately, therapy offers a non-judgmental space for you to share your experiences and receive guidance.
In group therapy or support groups, you can connect with others who are going through similar challenges. This sense of community can be a powerful source of motivation and encouragement. It allows you to share your own experiences, learn from others, and gain a sense of belonging and understanding. Stay tuned for upcoming group therapy offerings at SoCal Wellness Group (coming in 2024!).
Ready to get help?
Body dysmorphia can significantly impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being. The distress and preoccupation with perceived flaws can have far-reaching consequences on your quality of life. However, therapy offers a ray of hope for you if you find yourself living with body dysmorphia. It provides effective tools and strategies to challenge distorted beliefs, reduce compulsive behaviors, enhance self-esteem, and develop coping skills.
Ultimately, therapy empowers individuals to regain control over their lives and find a path to recovery. While the journey to managing body dysmorphia may not be easy, with the right therapeutic support, you can learn to appreciate your unique qualities and live a more fulfilling life, free from the shackles of self-criticism and obsession. If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia, don't hesitate to seek professional help through therapy—it can be the first step towards a brighter and more positive future.
And if you’re looking for high-quality, individualized, compassionate therapy for body dysmorphia in Tustin, CA or online via teletherapy — SoCal Wellness Group is the place for you!
Disclaimer: Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating, it's essential to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.
