Dealing With Appearance Worries
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Therapy In Alberta
Do you spend hours every day worrying about a specific part of your appearance? You feel like you have a “flaw” that others say they can’t see, but to you, it feels obvious and distressing.
This is the core of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). It isn't vanity; it’s a painful mental health condition that can make you want to avoid social situations, work, or even mirrors. I provide virtual BDD therapy across Alberta to help you shift your focus away from the mirror and back toward your life.
What Is BDD?
BDD is an OCD-related condition where you become preoccupied with a perceived physical defect. This preoccupation causes a lot of anxiety and often leads to “safety behaviours” that take up a lot of time.
What Are Common Behaviours In BDD?
Mirror Checking
Looking at your reflection constantly to “fix” or analyze a feature.
Avoidance
Staying away from mirrors, cameras, bright lights or other people altogether.
Camouflaging
Using makeup, clothes, or specific body positions to hide the area you’re worried about.
Reassurance Seeking
Asking friends or family “how do I look?” but never quite believing the answer.
How Does Therapy Help BDD?
Therapy helps BDD by using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to change how you relate to your appearance. We work together to reduce repetitive checking behaviors and appearance-related rituals. By shifting your focus and building self-compassion, you learn to manage distressing thoughts and live a more meaningful life.
How Does CBT for BDD Work?
Retraining Your Brain
Learning to see your body as a whole rather than focusing on one small part.
Reducing Compulsions
Gradually cutting back on the time spent checking or “fixing” your appearance.
Building Self-Compassion
Challenging the “bully” in your head and learning to treat yourself with more kindness.
How Is Virtual Therapy Helpful for BDD?
Virtual therapy is helpful for BDD because it allows us to address your triggers in the place you feel them most. By having sessions in your own environment, we can work on mirror-checking rituals or grooming habits in real-time. This practical, home-based approach helps you build confidence and master your tools where they are needed most.
Because BDD can make leaving the house feel impossible on “bad days,” virtual therapy is a powerful way to start treatment.
Creates A Safe Space
You can attend sessions from your home, where you feel most comfortable and in control of your environment.
Practice Exposure in Real-Life
We can practice “mirror work” or other exposures in your own space, using lighting and mirrors you use every day.
Access From Anywhere
Whether you are in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, or Medicine Hat, you can receive dedicated treatment without the stress of a long commute.
Have A Question About BDD Therapy?
BDD can feel like a secret, but you don’t have to carry it alone. My approach is structured, non-judgmental, and focused on helping you feel more confident in your everyday life.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards change, you can reach out to me using the contact form.
Please note. Messages sent through this form are for information purposes only and are not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For 24/7 support in Alberta, you can contact the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.