Counselling for Body Image and Body Dysmorphia 
in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

When worries about appearance become persistent or distressing, they can begin to affect a person’s sense of self-worth. For some, this involves ongoing comparison with others, which can feel consuming and difficult to shift.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with children, adolescents and adults across the Sutherland Shire and southern Sydney who are experiencing body image difficulties or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments.

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Understanding body image

 

Body image refers to how we think and feel about our appearance.

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When body image becomes more negative or self-critical, it can affect confidence, relationships, and how a person engages with others. These patterns often develop over time and are shaped by past experiences, relationships, perfectionistic traits, and ongoing comparison with others, particularly through social media and everyday interactions.

 

What this can look like

 

Poor body image can present in different ways. Some people may experience:

• Ongoing comparison with others

• Dissatisfaction with appearance

• Frequent checking or reassurance seeking

• Avoidance of mirrors or photographs

• Withdrawal from social situations

• Persistent self-criticism about appearance

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For some, this sits alongside eating disorders, anxiety, or trauma.

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder involves a persistent preoccupation with perceived flaws or imperfections in appearance, which may not be noticeable to others.  These thoughts can feel difficult to shift and are often accompanied by repetitive behaviours such as checking, seeking reassurance, or avoiding social situations.

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These behaviours are typically driven by attempts to reduce distress or anxiety related to appearance, and can become repetitive or difficult to interrupt over time.

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BDD can have a significant impact on relationships, work and social engagement. For some, it may also occur alongside perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive patterns, depression or social anxiety.

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When to consider counselling

 

You may wish to consider counselling if body image:

• Feels distressing or difficult to manage

• Leads to avoidance of social situations

• Involves repetitive checking or reassurance seeking

• Affects relationships or daily functioning

• Is linked to disordered or restrictive eating patterns

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Body image and BDD counselling in Menai and the Sutherland Shire

 

At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors work with adolescents and adults experiencing body image difficulties and BDD across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine and surrounding suburbs.

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​We focus on understanding each person’s experience and working in a way that feels manageable and appropriate over time. Therapy may involve reducing self-criticism, working with patterns of checking or avoidance, and developing a more flexible and less distressing relationship with the body.

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Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches, including CBT for BDD, as well as CBT-E and ACT where relevant. Additional approaches such as RO-DBT, IPT, and EMDR may be incorporated depending on individual needs, particularly where factors such as trauma or patterns of overcontrol are present.

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Where appropriate, therapy may also be integrated with eating disorder counselling, adolescent counselling, or adult counselling, depending on what is most relevant.

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Getting started

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​Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire, or via secure online sessions across Australia.

 

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.