Most people are dissatisfied or self-conscious with some aspect of the way they look. However, if your appearance is causing you a large amount of distress and you spend a lot of your day worrying about it, then your concern may have become excessive. You may have noticed that much of your days are taken up with thoughts about the way you look, frequently checking your appearance in the mirror, or avoiding mirrors all together. The concern may be about a particular feature that you believe looks ugly or disfigured. If this sounds familiar, this could indicate some of the behaviours that are associated with body dysmorphia.
Body Dysmorphia refers to a distressing, continuous preoccupation with an apparent defect in one’s appearance. Some common focuses of obsession in individuals with Body Dysmorphia include skin appearance (e.g. scaring), facial features (e.g. shape and size of nose) or another body part (such as arms, breasts or buttocks). However, someone with Body Dysmorphia may have an obsession with any aspect of their appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder also affects women and men equally. For example, men may worry that they are not muscular enough (i.e., muscle dysmorphia) or that they are going bald.
If you have Body Dysmorphia, you may recognise some of the indications below:
Low self-esteem, depression, shame and guilt
Engaging in repetitive behaviours such as looking in a mirror, picking at the skin, covering up or examining the area of concern
Fear of being judged by others
Feeling self-conscious, not wanting to go out in public or have photos taken
Experiencing problems at work, school, or in relationships due to concerns about appearance
If you are overly concerned about your physical appearance, and it has begun to affect your daily functioning, it is time to consult a psychologist. Often people with Body Dysmorphia seek cosmetic procedures in order to ‘fix’ the perceived flaw, even after family and friends insist they cannot see the flaw. However, those who pursue treatments/procedures are generally left feeling worse about themselves or the preoccupation moves to another area of the body. Consequently, psychological support is crucial and should be sought.
Treatment by your someone.health psychologist will involve:
Reducing your negative thoughts about your appearance
Addressing the compulsive behaviours and rituals you use to lessen your anxiety – e.g. touching or checking a part of your body
Helping you to view yourself more holistically, without judgement and beyond your physical appearance
Exploring events or experiences which may have led you to become concerned about the body part in the first place
Working with you to decide whether medication is appropriate in your treatment
Meet the someone.health psychologists currently available to see new clients for counselling for body dysmorphia.
My passion is helping people, in good times and tough times, and that is my aim when meeting you. I want to get to know you and help you through whatever challenges are facing you. I like to celebrate successes, even the little ones, and work through the next steps towards more success. I see every barrier or bump in the road as an opportunity to learn about ourselves and gain resilience. I look forward to taking the journey with you.
It is very exciting when people take the first step to being proactive in their mental health and it makes me happy that mental health is becoming a topic we can talk freely about. I am excited to learn more about you and work together on how we can begin to create the life you want for yourself.
Bilyana’s 20 years’ experience is vast, having started my career in nursing before embarking on study to become a Clinical Psychologist. She sees people presenting with a broad spectrum of presentations, including trauma, depressive and anxiety based disorders, workplace bullying, phobias, relationship issues, stress disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, personality disorders, grief and relationship issues.
A registered psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals live more fulfilling lives. I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, and I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany my clients on their journey, supporting them along the way.
Geoff has over 10 years of experience working as a psychologist and has a keen interest working with people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, procrastination, interpersonal difficulties and low self esteem. Geoff is trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Hamid has a keen interest in working with people experiencing depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, phobia, low self esteem and interpersonal difficulties. Hamid is trained in several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Hi there, I’m Hugo and I’m an early career psychologist. I see the client as the expert in their own lives and use my knowledge and skills to help you overcome the barriers that are getting in the way of leading a purposeful and meaningful life
James’ approach to mental health is about mind-body integration and looking at the “whole person”. Mental health influences how we feel, think and move, how we communicate and relate to the world, and can seriously impact our physical health. James will hep make sense of how this all fits together, to explore unhelpful thoughts and behaviour, and identify different options.
Jeanette has 27 years of experience as a psychologist. She has worked in private practice, as an Employee Assistance Provider (both internal and external) and as a teacher of counselling in a private counselling college.
Jeanette has gained a lot of expertise working in many areas of psychopathology over the years and continues to enjoy ongoing professional development, offering a service of value.
Former comedian and current Clinical Psychologist Joe Guse uses humour to help people respond to life’s challenges. Joe strives to help people use humour to respond to lifes emotional choices. He has authored 20 books and appears regularly on American television shows including Biography, Autopsy, and Behind Closed Doors.
I am an experienced, generalist psychologist specialising in counselling for people living in rural and remote areas. Whether you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, are having difficulty negotiating a life or career transition, illness or disability, are struggling with relationship issues, or simply want someone independent to talk to, I am ready to listen.
I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist, treating all types of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, drug addictions, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, and IBS.
I have 20 years of experience as a music teacher and taught children from age four to adults, aged 64 years.
I also treat children and adolescents for peer relationship issues, school refusal, bullying, and poor school performance.
Deciding to see a Psychologist is a big step, so congratulations for coming this far. Once you choose a therapist, stepping into a their virtual therapy room is the next big step, and for many people this can feel overwhelming. A big part of my job is to help you feel comfortable and safe. All you have to do is take that step, show up and be yourself.
I am a clinical psychologist with experience working with adolescents and adults. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we can collaboratively explore the challenges you are currently facing; identify and work on the goals you want to achieve in therapy.
I look forward to working with you on those parts of your life that you are struggling with at present. We will work together collaboratively as I bring my knowledge and understanding of human behaviour and brain processes, to your knowledge of yourself and how you want to live your fullest life. This may involve challenges and change that you might already be apprehensive about but together we can help you develop a new calmness, and to help you to connect with your inner courage and commitment to change. I want for you what you already want for yourself, and that is to lead a life of meaning and purpose with connections to those close to you and to your community.
I aim to provide you with a warm, safe and compassionate environment which will allow you to explore concerns and achieve positive change. I provide a holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to therapy and believe in the importance of early intervention to improve outcomes for individuals.
Manya is experienced in helping people change behaviours that form part of a chronic condition whether physical or psychological. These changes include becoming more physically active and fit; pain management; feeling in control of your eating; the moderate consumption of alcohol; and cessation of smoking & problem gambling. She also has extensive experience helping people exit a substance abuse lifestyle.
Welcome! I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story. I’m a dedicated psychologist who values openness, authenticity, and collaboration. It’s important to me that you feel understood, respected, and valued.
Welcome and congratulations on taking this first step – it isn’t always an easy one! I can’t wait to meet you and hear your story. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ in therapy, and the connection you have with your therapist is so important.
Michelle enjoys helping people to deal with life challenges and developmental problems to optimise psychological well-being. Her approach is to work together with clients to process feelings and to develop self insight and understanding. This aims to alleviate distress as well as to provide different ways of thinking, being and relating to the self and others.
I have learned that deep and lasting change is possible, that long-term issues can be resolved, and people can be free of emotional pain they carry by making sense of difficult experiences together, both past and present, and moving towards a place of self-understanding. Michiel works with adults and adolescents using an integrative approach which is based on empathy and building a strong mutual respect and working relationship with clients.
Mike’s approach to therapy is mainly based on a model called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on learning to let go of unhelpful thoughts, being present with difficult emotions and connecting to your values, the things that really matter to you. Mike identifies as a gay man and enjoys working with the LGBTQ+ community.
I am passionate about helping people solve problems. My approach is focused on uncovering the things that are holding you back, setting goals to fix this, and motivating you to take action. I tailor my approach to everyone individually, and I use techniques that have been shown by research to help people. If you are interested, please inquire. I look forward to working with you 🙂
I like to take a unique approach, tailoring strategies around what works best for you. Whether you are comfortable with talk therapy or taking a more creative approach, I can be flexible in my therapeutic style. I look forward to getting to you know as a person so we can work together creating a better life for you. I am warm, empathetic and easy to open up to.
Sarah uses a person-centred, strength-based approach, working in collaboration with clients to reach their therapeutic goals. Sarah is highly focused on the therapeutic relationship using a calm and relaxed manner, positive communication strategies, empathy, and understanding during therapy sessions.
Sarah enjoys working with people with all presentations and particularly enjoys working in the areas of trauma, developmental disorders, anxiety, depression and with children and adolescents. Sarah has worked in the academic sector in universities in Tokyo, London, Italy and Turkey.
Dr. Shyva has eight years of experience working with a wide range of clients including elder children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing emotional, social, behavioral and mental health difficulties. Shyva’s special interests are depression, stress and anxiety, grief, trauma and relationship issues. She is open to see women aged 12+.
Simon is a qualified primary school teacher as well as a registered psychologist. Simon has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and behaviour and emotional disorders in children. He has a relaxed, easy going nature and likes to provide people with the skills to manage life’s challenges.
Stephanie has had nearly three decades of working with a diversity of clients, issues and genres. Stephanie is keen to work diversely with relationship issues family issues depression and anxiety faulty thinking self esteem learning difficulties stress performance management parenting and pregnancy including IVF.
Teresa’s approach is compassionate, open-minded, and collaborative – she employs various strategies and techniques that will best suit you as an individual. Teresa has broad experience with a range of difficulties including anxiety, OCD, depression, LGBTQ concerns, PTSD, addiction, ADHD, NDIS, eating disorders, grief and loss, stress & anger management, violence or family trauma, personality disorders, career & couples counselling.
Client-centred therapy lies at the center of my practice of psychology; where the client’s needs, personal perspectives and preferences inform my treatment methods and choices. I see psychological treatment as a collaborative experience forged by the kindred rapport between the client and myself. My clients and I embark on the recovery journey together and I ensure my approach enables the client to eventually become independent where they no longer need my contribution and have found a stronger, richer version of themselves through therapy.
Hello – I look forward to talking with you. I consider that effective counseling is founded on respect and conducted in the spirit of equality. I am interested in understanding each person as an individual with a unique history. In my work I value honesty and openness, and hold a strong personal and professional viewpoint that there can always something better for you in any given adverse (bad) situation.
Wame has been practising for over 10 years and brings a level of maturity and professionalism to her role as a psychologist. Wame’s key areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief & bereavement, workplace issues, life difficulties & transitions, eating disorders, and anger & conflict.
Will has worked with people across the lifespan, specialising in helping children and young adults in coping with stress in schools and workplaces, as well as building up interpersonal relationships and assertive communication skills. He has also helped people experiencing disordered eating, addiction, anxiety, depression and coping with transition and change.
I am looking forward to meeting many and varied clients to work with together to bring the very best in your life. My style is relaxed and friendly and I like to focus on the relationship we build together.
I have practiced for over 30 years with all range of problems so I welcome all or any struggles in your life,. We will approach issues together looking at the emotional processes, thoughts and feelings.