Many people occasionally suffer from a negative body self-image but, for an increasing number of people, this can turn into a more serious preoccupation. One per cent of the population will develop Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a condition characterised by severe preoccupation with a perceived physical defect. Body image problems can cause significant distress and can lead to further problems such as anxiety, eating disorders and social phobia. It has long been recognised that negative body image problems are a factor in the onset and maintenance of many eating disorders. However, they can be successfully treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Praise for Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the Overcoming series: '[Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder] is an affordable and highly recommended read.' The Psychologist 'The best consumer-friendly CBT-based books...All are very thorough.' Observer

If you suffer from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), you are all too aware of the negative impact this condition can have on your life. You may experience intense anxiety about perceived body or facial flaws, or obsess over thinning hair, acne, wrinkles, and scars. You may even undergo repeated cosmetic treatments and surgeries, or avoid going outside for fear of scrutiny—becoming a virtual prisoner in your own home. However, if you are ready to make a change, this book can help. Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder will help you gain a better understanding of your condition so that you can begin recovering. Based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book offers practical exercises and worksheets to help you target the cause of your BDD, begin to change the way you think about your body, and prevent future relapse. With this book as your guide, you can move beyond your anxieties and start living with a greater sense of freedom and confidence.

Learn how to assess and treat body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Presents the best treatment practices Instructions for novel and advanced treatment strategies Tips for improving client engagement Illustrated with case studies Printable tools for clinical use More about the book This volume provides a user-friendly, evidence-based guide to the diagnosis, phenomenology, etiology, and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). New and seasoned clinicians can learn about the foundations of CBT for BDD as well as the rationale and instructions for modifying the approach to meet the differences in symptoms found in this client group. The book explores techniques for treatment engagement, including adjusting therapeutic style, appropriate utilization of behavioral and cognitive therapy, family involvement, and motivational interviewing techniques. Other issues associated with BDD are also highlighted: poor insight, comorbidity, concerning rates of suicidality, and ambivalence regarding treatment. The authors outline step-by-step instructions for numerous novel and advanced treatment strategies, including perceptual re-training, attentional training, acceptance and commitment approaches, and ways to manage ongoing desire for cosmetic surgery. Detailed case examples are presented with corresponding treatment guidelines to highlight the variety in clinical presentation and corresponding treatment approaches. Printable tools in the appendices can be used in daily practice. Watch a video interview with the authors

'It's time to re-acquaint yourself with all the many, wonderful, unique, and precious things about you.' From the heart and soul of Chloe Catchpole, who battled body dysmorphia for years, and the expert insight of her psychologists, Lauren Callaghan and Annemarie O'Connor, comes the definitive recovery guide for anyone suffering from body image concerns. This unique self-help book contains advice and recovery tools from the separate perspectives of two leading psychologists and their patient to help you learn about body image issues and teach you effective strategies to challenge and overcome them.

"Presenting an effective treatment approach specifically tailored to the unique challenges of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), this book is grounded in state-of-the-art research. The authors are experts on BDD and related conditions. They describe ways to engage patients who believe they have defects or flaws in their appearance, not a psychological problem. Provided are clear-cut strategies for helping patients overcome the self-defeating thoughts, impairments in functioning, and sometimes dangerous ritualistic behaviors that are core features of BDD. Clinician-friendly features include step-by-step instructions for conducting each session and more than 50 reproducible handouts and forms; the large-size format facilitates photocopying. See also the related self-help guide by Dr. Wilhelm, Feeling Good about the Way You Look, an ideal recommendation for clients with BDD or less severe body image problems."--

In a society where a blemish or “bad hair” can ruin an otherwise perfect day and airbrushed abs dominate the magazine rack, many of us feel ashamed of our bodies. If dissatisfaction with your looks is a distressing preoccupation, this compassionate book offers a way to break free from the mirror. Harvard psychologist Sabine Wilhelm leads you through a step-by-step program that helps you fight the urge to spend hours “fixing” your skin and hair, working out, or shopping for flattering clothes. Reality-check exercises based on cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrate how to identify unfounded beliefs about your appearance. Once you understand the negative thoughts and feelings that distort your self-image, you’ll be able to shed lengthy grooming rituals and overcome the embarrassment that keeps you from enjoying life. With Dr. Wilhelm’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to replace self-doubt and insecurity with confidence and a positive outlook. Whether you’ve spent thousands on plastic surgery or avoid trips to the beach, dating, or socializing, you owe yourself this opportunity to make peace with your looks. If you or someone you care about is struggling with a body image problem, effective care is finally at hand. Health care professionals, see also the related treatment manual: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Don't allow a negative body image to ruin your life. 'Not only a truly comprehensive self-help guide but an enormously helpful resource for professionals. With this book, the authors have made a great contribution to the alleviation of suffering' Kevin Gournay CBE, emeritus professor, King's College London Few of us are happy with our bodies, but three in every hundred people have a body image problem. One that frequently occurs is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - a recognised psychological condition when people become fixated on perceived defects in their appearance, very real to them but not apparent to others. Other body image problems can arise from difficulty in dealing with a disfigurement, eating disorders or dissatisfaction with weight or shape. Such preoccupations not only cause distress but can lead to anxiety or social phobia. This guide is written by authors who are highly experienced in treating BDD and will provide you with: - A clear, step-by-step course based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques - The tools to enable you to understand, work through and take control of your life again Overcoming self-help guides use clinically proven techniques to treat long-standing and disabling conditions, both psychological and physical. Many guides in the Overcoming series are recommended under the Reading Well scheme.