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.
Amanda has experience working with various clients including adults across the lifespan, adolescents, and LGBT+ community members. Areas of focus include depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, substance use, living with chronic health-related illness, unresolved trauma, and grief and loss.
View ProfileGeoff 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.
View ProfileThank you for taking a brave step in reaching out for help. I look forward to getting to know you as an individual, and assisting you in enhancing your quality of life throughout your therapeutic journey. Through my warm and empathetic approach, I endeavor to provide a safe space for you to connect with yourself in an authentic and self-compassionate...
View ProfileAngela has an unwavering dedication to helping those in need overcome challenges in their lives. Her patience, curiosity and understanding allow her to build a therapeutic relationship with her clients. She is a warm and compassionate individual who successfully connects with people to feel heard and understood. Angela approaches therapy from a client-centred perspective, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment...
View ProfileJames' 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.
View ProfileSimon 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.
View ProfileI 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...
View ProfileWill 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.
View ProfileHi I’m Rhys and I’m a Registered Psychologist! I'm looking forward to building a supportive and trusting relationship with you that takes into account your individuality and meets your goals for therapy. I take a holistic and client-centred approach to my therapy. I have a special interest in helping clients with addiction, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, and traumatic...
View ProfileMichelle 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.
View ProfileMichelle has extensive experience working with people with mental health difficulties with co-morbid sleep, diet, and activity problems. Michelle has a keen interest to work with people with low mood, self-esteem, anxiety, adult attention-deficit disorder, and interpersonal difficulties. She retains an active research profile into sleep disorders, mood problems, and brain dysfunction, across the lifespan.
View ProfileHi, I’m Leah, a wholistic psychologist specialising in creating a positive outlook and cultivating whole body and mind wellbeing. I will explore and unpack your history with you to the extent that it affects your current functioning and collaborate with you to forge the path forwards toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life of meaning and purpose.
View ProfileWelcome 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.
View ProfileHi 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
View ProfileI 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.
View ProfileIt 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.
View ProfileKathie enjoys helping a broad range of people aged 16 years and over, and has a keen interest in helping people adjust to various life transitions such as changes in work, relationships, and parenthood. Kathie also has extensive experience in helping women work through issues related to sexual intimacy. Kathie uses evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance...
View ProfileDeciding 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...
View ProfileJeanette 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...
View ProfileBilyana'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.
View ProfileHi ! I am Saji, a registered psychologist with over a decade of experience. I am dedicated to create a supportive, empathetic and non-judgemental space where you feel safe to share your world and experiences, and we can work on various aspects of it. Together, we can embark on a journey towards your personal growth and building a lifestyle that...
View ProfileRosa strives to help clients to gain greater insight into their lives to understand and overcome their presenting issues, develop their self-confidence and make meaningful changes in their lives. Rosa provides psychological services in both English and Spanish.
View ProfileI 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...
View ProfileJessie has expertise with the psychological impact of perinatal loss, the topic of her Ph.D. She has worked with adults experiencing mood disorders, personality disorders, procrastination, anxiety and grief. Jessie offers a supportive, non-judgmental and accepting environment for her clients to feel safe so that they can openly discuss the issues that they would like to change.
View ProfileWith twenty years of experience as a psychologist specialising in child, youth and young adult mental health, my passion is helping young people navigate some of the hardest times they will experience in life as they grow into maturity. Young at heart, I remember what it’s like dealing with a multitude of issues including family, school, friendships, romance, hormones, puberty,...
View ProfileI 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.
View ProfileI 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...
View ProfileSarah 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.
View ProfileI 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.
View ProfileManya 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.
View ProfileI 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...
View ProfileMy 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...
View ProfileDavin is a compassionate, warm, flexible, and approachable psychologist who understands the need for a safe and non-judgemental environment to support individuals in attaining better mental health and well-being. Davin has experience working with a wide range of age groups who are dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Davin is passionate about supporting individuals and providing a therapeutic, holistic,...
View ProfileHi there, Well done for considering getting help as it can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling. I’ve been working as a psychologist for many years and regard it as a privilege to hear people’s personal stories and help them move forward in life. I listen deeply to help you feel heard and understood and together we can...
View ProfileFormer 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.
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