Body Dysmorphic Disorder and CBT

Rob Willson on Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a disabling and distressing preoccupation with the idea that one is ugly and affects around two percent of the population.

The session will introduce the core principles of CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). In particular how the problem is understood from a cognitive behavioural perspective and which CBT techniques are most commonly thought to be helpful for the problem.

Many of us are concerned with some aspect of our appearancebut to amount to BDD the preoccupation must last for at least an hour a day, cause significant distress and/or interfere with at least one area of life. For example, some people with BDD avoid social and public situations to prevent feelings of discomfort and worry about being rated negatively by those around them.

The term Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) describes a disabling preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in appearance. It can affect both men and women, and makes sufferers excessively self-conscious. They tend to check their appearance repeatedly and try to camouflage or alter the defects they see, often undergoing needless cosmetic treatments.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects men and women. Men may be more concerned about their genitals, body build, and thinning or balding hair. Women may be more concerned with skin, stomach, weight, breasts, buttocks, thighs, legs, hips and excessive body hair.  Women are more likely to check mirrors excessively, change their clothes, and pick their skin whereas men are more likely to lift weights excessively.

This will be a very useful seminar whether you are a therapist, coach or for your own personal development.

NB: We are unable to provide refreshments at this event, please bring a bottle of water or drink with you

Register and Networking 6.30pm

Event Starts 7.00pm

Rob is a CBT therapist with a special interest in obsessional problems. He currently divides the majority of his work time between private practice, conducting research, writing and teaching.  He is currently the chair of the BDD Foundation, the world’s first charity exclusively devoted to body dysmorphic disorder. Previously he spent twelve years working at the Priory Hospital North London where he was a therapist and therapy services manager. He also trained and supervised numerous CBT therapists over a seven-year period at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Rob has written or co-authored several books, including the bestselling ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies’ and ‘Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’. His main clinical interests are anxiety and obsessional problems, and disseminating CBT principles through self-help. He has featured in several newspaper and magazine articles and had made a number of TV and radio appearances on about BDD.

This meet up is co-hosted by Nicola Martin. MSc.

Nicola has been involved in psychotherapy, coaching and hypnosis for over 20 years and has successful private practices in Harley Street and Balham. She is the Founder of City CBT Coaching College