Body Image and Body Dysmorphia Therapy
in the Sutherland Shire

When worries about appearance become persistent or distressing, they can begin to affect a person's sense of self-worth, relationships and daily life. For some this involves constant comparison with others; for others it becomes a preoccupation with a specific perceived flaw that feels difficult to shift. Therapy can help make sense of these patterns and ease the distress they cause.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide body image and body dysmorphia (BDD) therapy in Menai and across the Sutherland Shire for adolescents and adults. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

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What is body dysmorphic disorder?

 

Body image is how a person thinks and feels about their appearance. Body image difficulties arise when these thoughts become persistently negative or self-critical, to the point where they affect confidence, relationships and how a person engages with the world. These patterns can develop gradually and are often shaped by past experiences, relationships, perfectionism, and ongoing comparison with others.

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Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) sits at the more severe end of this spectrum. It is a persistent preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in appearance that are often not noticeable to others. These thoughts feel difficult to shift and are usually accompanied by repetitive behaviours such as checking, seeking reassurance, or avoiding situations that trigger distress.

 

BDD can have a significant impact on relationships, work and social life, and may occur alongside obsessive-compulsive patterns, depression or social anxiety.

 

What are the signs of body image difficulties

 

Body image difficulties and BDD can show up in similar ways. Common signs include ongoing comparison with others, dissatisfaction with appearance, frequent checking or seeking reassurance, and avoiding mirrors, photographs or social situations. Many people also experience persistent self-criticism about how they look.

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With BDD, these patterns are usually more intense and harder to interrupt, and the preoccupation can take up significant time each day.

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How can therapy help with body image and BDD?

 

Therapy for body image and BDD focuses on understanding the thoughts, feelings and behaviours connected to appearance, and easing the distress they cause. It can help reduce self-criticism, work with checking or avoidance patterns, and build a more flexible, comfortable relationship with the body.

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Our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based therapy approaches, including cognitive behavioural therapy for BDD and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Where appearance concerns are linked to past experiences, EMDR may also be helpful.

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Our team is trained in eating disorders and includes an ANZAED credentialed clinician.

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Body image and BDD therapy in the Sutherland Shire

 

Our psychologists and counsellors provide evidence-based body image and body dysmorphia therapy in Menai and across the Sutherland Shire, including Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, and surrounding suburbs. This work sits within our broader eating disorder counselling.

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​Appointments 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.