Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Body Dysmorphic Disorder Hampshire

Sensitive, paced support for how you see yourself — in Fareham or online across the UK.

When you cannot stop thinking about how you look

Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, means spending a lot of time worrying about a part of your appearance that others barely notice, or do not notice at all. The worry can feel impossible to switch off. You might check, compare or hide, and still feel no better.

BDD is not vanity, and it is not your fault. It is a recognised mental health condition, closely related to OCD, and it is very treatable. With a therapist in Fareham, or online, you can loosen its grip and spend less of your life on it.

Book a free, confidential call Or call free on 0800 970 4776
A woman talking with her therapist in a calm room in Fareham
BDD is not vanity. It is a real, treatable condition, and help is here.

Zoom out

BDD pulls your attention in, until one small detail fills the whole view. Move the slider to see what therapy helps you do.

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One detailThe whole picture

All you can see is one detail

When BDD is in charge, one feature can feel huge and fill every thought. It is hard to notice anything else.

Signs you might recognise

BDD can involve any part of the face or body, and it affects men and women alike, often starting in the teenage years. You might find yourself:

Checking mirrors, or avoiding them Comparing yourself to others Hiding with make-up, clothes or posture Asking others for reassurance Picking at your skin Spending hours getting ready Avoiding photos or going out Thinking about cosmetic procedures Feeling ashamed or anxious about how you look

The worry is real, even if the flaw is not visible to others. Being told "you look fine" rarely helps, because BDD is not about looks. It is about how the mind focuses on them.

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How therapy can help with BDD

You do not need to know which approach is right for you. On a free call we will help you choose.

A woman in a CBT session

CBT

Recommended by NICE for BDD. Helps you gradually cut back checking and hiding, and change how you relate to the worrying thoughts.

About CBT
 A woman talking with her counsellor

Counselling

Space to explore what sits underneath, such as low self-worth, shame or past experiences, and to feel kinder towards yourself.

About counselling
 A woman smiling during a therapy session

EMDR

If the worry links back to painful memories, such as being teased or bullied, EMDR can help those memories lose their sting.

About EMDR
 A man in an online therapy session at his computer

Online sessions

If going out feels hard right now, you can start from home by secure video. Many people find it an easier first step.

About online therapy
BDD often sits alongside: OCD Social anxiety Low mood Eating difficulties Low self-esteem

If things feel too much

BDD can be very painful to live with. If you are struggling to cope, or feel unsafe, please reach out now. You do not have to wait for an appointment.

116 123Samaritans, free, any time of day or night NHS 111Choose the mental health option for urgent help 999If you or someone else is in immediate danger BDD FoundationThe UK charity for BDD, with information and support
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★★★★★

“Amazing therapy service. All staff are brilliant and supportive. … Changed my life for the better!”

Lauren, Southampton
NICE recommendedCBT for body dysmorphic disorder
From £72Counselling. CBT from £90
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
No referral neededContact us directly

Questions about BDD

A woman smiling in a green forest
Is BDD just vanity?
No. Vanity is about feeling good about how you look. BDD is the opposite: distressing, intrusive worry that is hard to control and often causes shame. It is a recognised mental health condition, closely related to OCD.
How is BDD treated?
NICE recommends CBT that includes exposure and response prevention, which means gradually facing situations and cutting back checking and hiding. For more severe BDD, your GP may also suggest medication, which works well alongside therapy.
Would cosmetic surgery help?
For people with BDD, cosmetic procedures rarely bring lasting relief, and the worry often moves to another feature. Therapy works on the worry itself, which is why it is recommended first.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. You can contact us directly without a diagnosis or GP referral. Just tell us what you have been noticing, and we will help you find the right support.
Can teenagers get help with BDD?
Yes. BDD often starts in the teenage years, and early support makes a real difference. Our therapists work with young people as well as adults. About children and young people.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. Online sessions by secure video cost the same as in person, and many people with BDD find it an easier way to start.
How much does it cost?
CBT starts from £90 a session and counselling from £72. Your first 15 minute call is free and confidential. See all our prices.
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See more than the worry

Start with a free, confidential 15 minute call. You can tell us as much or as little as you like, by phone.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation