Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a highly distressing condition in which a person becomes preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance — flaws that others either don’t notice or see very differently.
BDD is not vanity.
It’s not insecurity.
It’s a serious anxiety disorder that causes overwhelming fear, shame, and disruption in daily life.
I specialize in working with teens and adults struggling with BDD using evidence-based treatment that helps you break the cycle of checking, comparing, camouflaging, and avoidance.
BDD is not vanity.
It’s not insecurity.
It’s a serious anxiety disorder that causes overwhelming fear, shame, and disruption in daily life.
I specialize in working with teens and adults struggling with BDD using evidence-based treatment that helps you break the cycle of checking, comparing, camouflaging, and avoidance.
What BDD Feels LikePeople with BDD often experience:
- Feeling “ugly,” “wrong,” or “defective”
- Excessive worry about one or more body areas
- Constant mirror checking — or complete mirror avoidance
- Comparing yourself to others
- Camouflaging (hats, makeup, angles, filters, lighting)
- Repetitive grooming
- Seeking reassurance about appearance
- Avoiding photos, social events, or bright lighting
- Feeling stuck in shame, fear, and self-consciousness
- These thoughts feel very real to the person experiencing them — even when others see nothing concerning.
Common BDD ConcernsBDD can focus on any body part, but frequently centers on:
- Skin
- Hair
- Nose
- Jawline
- Eyes
- Muscle tone
- Height
- Weight or body shape
- Acne / scarring
- Facial symmetry
How BDD Is TreatedBDD responds best to specialized treatment, not traditional talk therapy.
I use CBT-BDD, the gold-standard, evidence-based approach developed specifically for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. It includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for BDD
ERP for BDD
Exposure and Response Prevention helps you face avoided situations while reducing compulsions like checking, grooming, and camouflaging.
Mirror retraining
Using mirrors in a healthier, less judgmental way.
Reducing social avoidance
Learning to re-enter life with confidence and safety.
Compassion-focused work
So you can reconnect with your body in a more balanced way.
I use CBT-BDD, the gold-standard, evidence-based approach developed specifically for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. It includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for BDD
- Understanding how BDD distorts perception
- Challenging appearance-focused thinking
- Reducing checking, comparing, and avoidance
- Building new patterns of attention and behavior
ERP for BDD
Exposure and Response Prevention helps you face avoided situations while reducing compulsions like checking, grooming, and camouflaging.
Mirror retraining
Using mirrors in a healthier, less judgmental way.
Reducing social avoidance
Learning to re-enter life with confidence and safety.
Compassion-focused work
So you can reconnect with your body in a more balanced way.
Treatment Is Collaborative and Supportive
You will never be pushed into exposures before you're ready.
We work together to build a plan that helps you:
You will never be pushed into exposures before you're ready.
We work together to build a plan that helps you:
- Reduce checking, comparing, and camouflaging
- Tolerate distress and uncertainty
- Rebuild self-worth beyond appearance
- Live more fully — socially, emotionally, and physically
Start BDD Treatment TodayI work with teens and adults and offer virtual therapy across multiple states including CO, AZ, CA, TX, FL, SC, and more.
📅 Request a Free ConsultationLet’s talk about what you’ve been experiencing and whether CBT-BDD is right for you.
📅 Request a Free ConsultationLet’s talk about what you’ve been experiencing and whether CBT-BDD is right for you.