clarity clinic

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), commonly referred to as body dysmorphia, is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. This disorder causes an individual to have an unhealthy and unrealistic obsession with perceived flaws in their physical appearance. It can lead to a variety of negative emotions, behaviors, and complications, including anxiety, depression, social isolation, and even suicide.
Find Body Dysmorphia Specialists
default
Jump to...

What Is Body Dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia, also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition that causes an individual to become overly preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance. These flaws may be real or imagined, but they are often exaggerated to the point where they consume the individual's thoughts and behaviors.

Common body dysmorphia symptoms include:

  • Obsessive thoughts about physical appearance
  • Compulsive behaviors related to appearance, such as excessive grooming or checking mirrors
  • Avoidance of social situations due to fear of being judged for physical appearance
  • Feeling extremely self-conscious and anxious in public
  • Constant comparison of oneself to others
  • Depression or anxiety related to appearance concerns
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

It's important to note that body dysmorphia is not simply vanity or a desire to improve one's appearance. It is a serious mental health condition that requires professional therapy to overcome.

Treatment for Body Dysmorphia

At Clarity Clinic, we take a holistic approach to treating body dysmorphic disorder. Our goal is to address the underlying causes of the disorder while also providing practical tools and resources for managing symptoms and promoting overall well-being.

Our Treatment Approach:

1. Individualized Treatment Plans

We understand that each person's experience with body dysmorphia is unique. That's why our therapists take a personalized approach to tailoring our programs to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. Our team of mental health professionals works closely with clients to create a body dysmorphia treatment plan that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that has been proven effective in treating body dysmorphia. This form of therapy helps individuals identify negative thought patterns related to their appearance and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving. CBT can also help individuals improve their social skills and overcome avoidance behaviors related to appearance concerns.

3. Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be recommended to manage symptoms of body dysmorphia, such as anxiety or depression. Our team of psychiatrists works closely with clients to determine if medication is a helpful addition to their treatment plan. We also provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure that medication is effective and well-tolerated.

4. Support Groups

We understand that body dysmorphia can be a lonely and isolating experience. That's why we offer support groups for individuals with body dysmorphia and their loved ones. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for sharing experiences, gaining insight, and developing new coping skills.

Why Treat Body Dysmorphia at Clarity Clinic?

At Clarity Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment for body dysmorphia. We offer a range of specialized services throughout Chicago and support to help individuals overcome the challenges of this disorder and achieve long-term recovery.

Why Choose Clarity Clinic

1. Experienced and Caring Team

Our team of mental health professionals has extensive experience working with individuals with body dysmorphia symptoms. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, non-judgmental care to each of our clients. We understand the challenges of this disorder and are committed to helping individuals overcome it and achieve their goals.

2. Customized Treatment Plans

We believe that personalized treatment is essential to successful recovery. That's why we take the time to get to know each of our clients and develop customized treatment plans that address their unique needs and goals. Our approach to treatment is collaborative and flexible, ensuring that our clients receive the care and support they need to achieve lasting change.

3. Evidence-Based Treatment

Our treatment programs are based on the latest research and best practices in mental health care. We use evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help our clients overcome body dysmorphia and related disorders. We are committed to staying up to date on the latest developments in mental health care and adjusting our treatment approaches as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

4. Supportive Environment

We understand that seeking treatment for body dysmorphia can be a challenging and emotional experience. That's why we strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for our clients. Our treatment programs are designed to promote healing and growth, and our therapists provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the recovery process.

5. Comprehensive Care

At Clarity Clinic, we believe in providing comprehensive care to address all aspects of our client's well-being throughout Chicago. Our treatment programs incorporate a range of services and support, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and more. We work closely with each client to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.


Take the First Step to Body Dysmorphia Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with body dysmorphia, we encourage you to take the first step toward recovery by contacting us. Clarity Clinic is here to help you during this challenging time so that you may be able to live the life that you truly deserve. We offer a range of body dysmorphia therapy options including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder FAQ

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Providers

Grace
Grace Haidle, MA
Therapy
Emily
Emily Moentmann, LSW
Therapy
Josh
Josh Liebelt, MA
Therapy
Imani
Imani Jacquet, MA
Therapy
Armani
Armani Nightengale, LCPC, CRC
Therapy
Chelsea Jo
Chelsea Jo Schelling, LCSW
Therapy
Andrew
Andrew Kane, MA
Therapy
Jasmine
Jasmine Fein, LSW
Therapy
Toi
Toi Bowers, LSW
Therapy
Cheyenne
Cheyenne Ramsey, LCPC, ATR
Therapy
Natalie
Natalie Cutler, MA
Therapy
Dinah
Dinah Lampros, BA
Therapy
Emily
Emily Vanichtheeranont, MS
Therapy
Brenna
Brenna Wells, BA
Therapy
Caroline
Caroline Meis, BA
Therapy
Jessica
Jessica Jensen, MA
Therapy
Ayma
Ayma Siddiqui, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Ana
Ana Schneider, B.A., M.Ed.
Therapy
Mary Claire
Mary Claire D'Arrigo, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Bianca
Bianca Beltran, LPC
Therapy
Kendal'Spirit
Kendal'Spirit Jackson, LPC
Therapy
Anna
Anna Lederman, MA
Therapy Clinical Intern
Karina
Karina Velazquez, LSW
Therapy
Mitchel
Mitchel Daniels, LPC
Therapy
Alexander
Alexander Vignettes, LPC
Therapy
Caitlin
Caitlin Reiffman, LSW
Therapy
Deana
Deana Perez, LCPC
Director of Clinical Services
Stephanie
Stephanie Voelker, LCPC
Therapy
Ian
Ian Dowdy, LPC
Therapy
De'Ayne
De'Ayne Scaife, LSW
Therapy
Maggie
Maggie Semprevivo, LSW
Therapy
Jordyn
Jordyn Pope, LPC
Therapist
Kyla
Kyla Goggin, LCSW
Therapist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
Therapy
Jason
Jason Brescia, LCPC
Therapy
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Veronika
Veronika Tobias, LPC
Therapy
Sarah
Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
Sonnie
Sonnie Cousins, MA
Therapy
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Leslie
Leslie Wolf, LCPC
Therapist
Khrystyna
Khrystyna Helner, LCPC
Therapist
Laura
Laura Schroeder, LCPC
Therapist
Lizzie
Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
Therapist
Judy
Judy Bitzer, LCPC
Therapist
Chloe
Chloe Wesley, LPC
Therapy
Nayeli
Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
Therapy
Savanna
Savanna Murphy, LSW
Therapy
Khadija
Khadija Manzoor, LCPC, CRC
Therapy
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jacqueline
Jacqueline Campagna, LPC
Therapy
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Katherine
Katherine Cunningham, LCPC
Therapy
Sam
Sam Donham, LCPC
Therapy
Autumn
Autumn Holtschlag, LMFT
Therapy
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Brittany
Brittany Wilson, LPC
Therapy

Related Blog Posts

blog
Sex Therapy 101
June 15, 2020
blog
Self-Love During the Holidays
November 26, 2019
blog
5 Steps to Take to Improve Self-Esteem
November 14, 2019
Find a provider
clarity clinic
© 2025 Clarity Clinic. All Rights Reserved.Privacy Policy