Hypnotherapy to help free you of body dysmorphic disorder BDD

Let's be honest; we all have those days where we don't like what we see in the mirror. We may have a slight concern about an aspect of our appearance, and while this may affect our mood or attitude for a while, these thoughts are often quickly forgotten.

However, for sufferers of body dysmorphic disorder who have a negative body image, their days are filled with negative destructive thoughts and feelings about the flaws and imperfections.

To find out more, call me on 01772 439046, or email me by clicking here.

What is a body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) definition?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an anxiety disorder related to a person's body image. A sufferer of BDD has an obsessive preoccupation with one or more perceived minor defects in their appearance.

They may describe themselves as looking unattractive or deformed, or even hideous or like a monster. Concerns most often focus on the face or head but can include any body area or the entire body, and concern with multiple body areas is typical.

The preoccupation with appearance is difficult to resist or control and becomes a compulsion and can consume hours of meticulous checking and grooming. BDD is often associated with fears of rejection and feelings of low self-esteem, shame, embarrassment, unworthiness or being unlovable.

This obsession can cause significant anxiety about their imperfections to the point where it interferes with their daily lives, and as with most anxiety based issues, it is a way to control an unconscious fear.

Are people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder just vain?

No; quite the exact opposite in fact, they may often believe they are ugly or have major defects.

Body dysmorphic disorder has been referred to as the imagined ugliness syndrome. However; this is unkind to the sufferer as the perceived ugliness is very real to them.

What are some of the causes of body dysmorphic disorder ?

There can be any number of theories and causes, but it comes down to the fact that something happenned to create the behaviour.

One theory of Body dismorphia is that it's a way to deal with extreme emotional anxieties. We unconsciously push those anxieties onto our physical appearance because it's more manageable than trying to manage our feelings. So we feel bad and then blame it on the size of our nose, or leg, or that spot that just won't go away.

From the people I've worked with there are a number of common factors or triggers responsible for their BDD such as:

low self esteem
Fear of not fitting in
Fear of being alone or isolated
Perfectionism or competing with others
Feeling judged
Abuse or bullying

How does body dysmorphic disorder and a negative body image affect a person?

Feeling judged can be a big issue, and many sufferers of BDD don't seek help as they are worried that people will judge them, or think they are vain. This means that many people are likely to experience BDD for a long time before seeking help.

BDD can often lead onto cosmetic or plastic surgery, and in extreme cases it can lead onto an addiction to cosmetic or plastic surgery in the hope or belief that if the look better, then they will be cured.

It may also cause other problems such as:

feelings of shame, guilt and loneliness
isolating yourself to avoid situations that cause you anxiety or discomfort
depression or anxiety
misuse of alcohol or other drugs
self-harm
suicidal thoughts.

How does analytical hypnotherapy help me overcome body dysmorphic disorder?

Did you choose to have body dismorphia? Of course not! No one is born with body dysmorphic disorder or a negative body image, in some cases it is learnt behaviour, in others it develops gradually over time and may be a conditioned response to the comments and criticisms of others.

The simple fact is that something happened to start this behaviour, and by using analytical hypnotherapy we work together to uncover what that was, and then break and the driving emotions so that you can be free to enjoy life.

To find out more about the stages and process of change, have a look at the 'The process' and the 'F.A.Q' pages from the menu options above.

What's the cost per session?

The cost per session is £60, with each session normally lasting between 90 minutes to 2 hours.

How can I pay for treatment?

Payment is per session and can be paid in cash, debit card, Visa or MasterCard at the end of each session.

What's the next step in overcoming my anxiety around my BDD?

If you have been suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, don't spend any more time on the sidelines of life, then call me on 01772 439046, or email me by clicking here.

Chris Gelder Hypnotherapy
107 - 109 Towngate
Leyland
Lancashire
PR25 2LQ