Body dysmorphic disorder – therapy: Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy strategies, such as confrontation therapy and body acceptance therapy, have proven to be effective in treating body dysmorphic disorder. The elements of therapy include:
- Psychoeducation
At the beginning of treatment, we’ll provide you with detailed information about your diagnosis and the various methods of treatment. You’ll also learn what “normal” preoccupation with appearance can look like. - Developing a personal disorder model
We work with you to develop a personal disorder model to clarify the origins and progression of your illness. Sometimes this step alone is enough to realize that your problem with your own appearance is rooted not in the way you actually look, but your mental perception of it. Then you’ll need other coping strategies. - Understanding the function of the disorder
We work with you to find out what function your disorder has for you. Once you understand how the disorder helps or has helped you, successful treatment will be possible. - Change debilitating ways of thinking
These are negative thought patterns such as “I need to be perfect,” “I am only worthy of love if I look good,” “other people judge me negatively due to my appearance.” In therapy you’ll learn to recognise your typical thought patterns, scrutinise them and correct them. - Change behaviour
People with body dysmorphic disorder often feel ashamed due to their appearance and/or are afraid of negative reactions in their environment. That’s why they try to hide their flaws as much as they can or to avoid situations where they feel uncomfortable. In your therapy you’ll learn to face situations that trigger your fears without resorting to your usual safety behaviours. This allows you to examine whether your fears are even true. By learning that what you fear will not come to pass, you’ll feel safer again and can gradually reduce your feelings of anxiety and shame.
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