News

Meet our New Trustees

We’re delighted to welcome three new trustees to the BDD Foundation Board. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to our mission of raising awareness, supporting those affected by BDD, and driving positive change. You can meet our new trustees and learn more about their backgrounds, expertise, and what inspired them to join the Foundation below.

Louisa Cottrell

Louisa is a partner and a business development director at investment management firm, Brown Advisory. She supports the growth of the private client and charity business in the UK, and oversees the international event and sponsorship strategy. She began her career at Brown Advisory in 2011 after graduating from the University of Exeter with a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature. She is a keen volunteer and has given her time to a number of charities including The BDD Foundation. Louisa has a strong personal connection to the BDDF through the long term support of a close friend with BDD.

Mike Pounsford

Mike is a strategic communication leader with over 30 years’ experience helping organisations engage people around change, purpose and culture. He is the author of Leading the Listening Organisation (2024) and has worked with global companies, charities and government bodies on inclusive communication and behaviour change. A former Samaritans volunteer and experienced facilitator, he co-facilitates the BDD Foundation’s Overcoming BDD Programme and is also a parent of an adult daughter with lived experience of BDD.

Holly Staunton

Holly brings over a decade of experience in the charity sector, focusing on mental health, social inclusion, and impact. Alongside her role as Operations Manager for a human rights charity, she advises values-led organisations on impact and strategy. Having lived experience of BDD since her teens, Holly is deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission. Before joining the board, she played a key role in shaping our mission, vision, and values, strengthening user voice, and developing our impact frameworks and reports. Guided by compassion and integrity, Holly is passionate about ensuring lived experience remains at the heart of all we do.

Meet our 2026 London Marathon Team

For the very first time, we are excited to announce our London Marathon team! We have a group of incredible individuals who are uniting to raise awareness, support, and vital funds for people affected by BDD. Each runner brings their own unique story, motivation, and connection to BDD, making this team not only inspiring but also really meaningful. We can’t wait to cheer them on every step of the way – and we hope you’ll join us in supporting their fundraising journeys!

Meet the Team ⬇️

Charlie Walker

“I’m not sure if I’m more excited or terrified to be running the London Marathon for the BDD Foundation – very few things in life could inspire me to run 26 miles, but this incredible charity is one of them. My first taste of running was signing up for a half marathon with a friend, completely forgetting until two days before, and then rocking up to the start line with zero training, a mild hangover, and a big ego thinking I’d be fine. I was then violently humbled – losing two toenails, 80% of the skin on my heels, and, most significantly, my dignity. I hobbled over the finish line, swore off running for life – yet here I am, dusting off my running shoes.

The BDD Foundation is a cause worth all the chafing. This phenomenal charity was my North Star when I was lost in the disorder a few years ago. Their online resources demystified available support, their conference connected me with experts who advocated for my treatment, and their weekly support group gave me a community that made me feel seen and hopeful. I’m eternally grateful for everything they do, and it’s a genuine honour to give back to a charity that has helped me so much (and yes, I promise I’ll actually train this time). See you on the start line!”

Charlie’s Fundraising Page

Dom Robinson

“I’m incredibly proud to be running the London Marathon in 2026 in support of The BDD Foundation. It’ll be my fifth marathon – but without question, the most meaningful.

Running the London Marathon has been a dream of mine for over a decade – one I shared with my sister Charlotte. We’d enter the ballot year after year, but never got in. In 2026, I’ll finally be on that start line – not alongside Charlotte, as we’d hoped, but in her memory. I’m running in honour of the BDD Foundation and to raise awareness of body dysmorphic disorder, which we now believe played a devastating role in Charlotte’s passing in December 2023.

I’m in the process of running 32 half marathons in 32 weeks for the charity in the lead up to the big day, so I hope I have some energy left in the tank by April! I can’t wait to give it my all.”

Dom’s Fundraising Page

Ulrike Buhlmann

“I’m a professor of clinical psychology at Münster University in Germany, specialising in BDD. My journey into this field began during my graduate studies, when I conducted my master’s thesis on BDD under the supervision of Richard McNally at Harvard University and Sabine Wilhelm at Massachusetts General Hospital. What started as an academic project quickly became a lifelong passion to understand and support those affected. Today, my research focuses on the daily fluctuations of BDD symptoms and the factors linked to suicidal thoughts, aiming to improve prevention and treatment.

Running has always been a deeply personal part of my life. Since my first marathon in New York City in 2006, each race has been dedicated to a cause or a loved one. This year feels especially meaningful, as it will be the first time I’m running as part of a team – and not just any team, but Team BDDF. I’m incredibly proud to join this group of runners who share a common goal of raising awareness and support for those affected. Every mile represents compassion, perseverance, and hope for better understanding and care for those living with BDD. And if you’re at the marathon, look out for ‘magic snail’ – please cheer me on!”

Ulrike’s Fundraising Page

Danny Bowman

“I was inspired to run for the BDD Foundation because of my own experience living with severe Body Dysmorphic Disorder. At its worst, BDD took over every aspect of my life, leaving me housebound, forcing me to drop out of education, and bringing me close to losing my life.

Thanks to the BDD Foundation and the exceptional clinicians at the Maudsley Hospital, I was able to recover. With the right support, my life was transformed – I went on to pursue a PhD, gain meaningful employment, and even stand as a Parliamentary candidate. That same determination and resilience now drives me through my marathon training, following the excellent plan set out by the London Marathon team.

Training is going well, and I’m steadily building my stamina ahead of race day. More than anything, I’m looking forward to standing on the start line alongside my fellow Team BDDF runners – taking in the atmosphere, feeling the unity, and being ready to take on the challenge together.

This charity has given me so much. Now, it’s my turn to give something back.”

Danny’s Fundraising Page

Winter Webinars – Cosmetic Procedures and BDD

Cosmetic procedures are often promoted as a quick route to confidence – but for people experiencing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or body image distress, they can sometimes worsen the insecurities they aim to fix.

In this webinar, clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr Toni Pikoos, explores the complex relationship between cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments and BDD. Drawing on clinical experience and current research, Toni will unpack why cosmetic interventions can feel so compelling, what happens when expectations aren’t met, and how practitioners and individuals can make safer, more informed choices.

Meet the Speaker

Dr Toni Pikoos is a clinical psychologist, postdoctoral researcher, and recognised authority on the psychology of cosmetic procedures and body image. Her research explores the motivations, expectations, and mental health outcomes of people seeking cosmetic treatments, helping to shape safer and more ethical practice. Toni contributed to Australia’s national practice standards for cosmetic procedures, introducing psychological screening to support safer, more ethical care. As Co-Founder of ReadyMind, she develops tools and training to help practitioners identify and support patients at risk of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). In her clinical work, she provides therapy for individuals experiencing BDD and appearance-related concerns.

We’re Hiring: Administrator

We’re currently hiring to cover a member of staff for a 3 month period in April – July 2026

About the Role

Working alongside the Managing Director, you will play a key role in supporting the day to day running of the BDD Foundation. You will help support the smooth operation of charity projects, media campaigns, and collaborations, while supporting the delivery of the charity’s community engagement and outreach activities.

A key focus of this role will be managing and maintaining the charity’s digital presence, including social media channels, newsletters, and website updates. You will plan, create, edit, and share content that reflects the charity’s mission and values, moderate online communities in line with our Social Media Policy, and collate insights to continually improve engagement and reach. The role also includes oversight of the volunteer and fundraising inboxes, ensuring timely responses and smooth communication. In addition, you will provide support for fundraising initiatives, including preparing funding applications, exploring new funding opportunities, and working closely with the Manging Director to help drive the charity’s impact.

This is a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for someone who is organised, values driven and keen to contribute to positive change for people living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a personal statement (maximum 750 words) via CharityJob by 12pm midday on 3rd December 2025.

In your personal statement, please include:

  • Why you are interested in the role
  • Any connection you may have to BDD or passion for the cause
  • The skills and qualities you would bring
  • How your experience makes you suitable for this position

Interviews are due to take place on 11th and 12th December 2025

Please note: We are currently recruiting for two separate roles – Project Manager and Administrator. However, we welcome applicants who may wish to apply for both roles combined as a full-time position. These roles are usually carried out by one person, with a combined salary of up to £34,000. If you wish to apply for both roles, please complete only one application and clearly state at the top of your personal statement that you are applying for the full time combined role.

This role is open to UK based applicants only and subject to a DBS check.

Administrator Job Description – BDD FoundationDownload

We’re Hiring: Project Manager

We’re currently hiring to cover a member of staff for a 3 month period in April – July 2026

About the Role

Working alongside the Managing Director, you will play a key role in supporting the day to day running of the BDD Foundation while leading on key projects during this three month cover period. The primary focus of this role will be to oversee and manage the Overcoming BDD Programme (OBP), ensuring effective delivery, volunteer support and supervision, and a high quality, compassionate experience for all participants.

In addition to the Overcoming BDD Programme, you will provide project management support across other core initiatives, including the Schools Project, Conference planning, and any additional projects that form part of the charity’s priorities during this period. You will work collaboratively with the team to maintain operational efficiency, uphold the charity’s values, and contribute to activities that extend our impact and support the BDD community.

This role also involves HR responsibilities, including overseeing the full employee life cycle of staff and volunteers, reviewing and updating charity policies, and managing any people or volunteer related queries or concerns. Knowledge and understanding of HR processes is desirable, but not essential – this can be discussed at interview or offer stage should it not already be part of your skillset.

This is a meaningful and rewarding opportunity for someone who is organised, values driven and keen to contribute to positive change for people living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a personal statement (maximum 750 words) via CharityJob by 12pm midday on 3rd December 2025.

In your personal statement, please include:

  • Why you are interested in the role
  • Any connection you may have to BDD or passion for the cause
  • The skills and qualities you would bring
  • How your experience makes you suitable for this position

Interviews are due to take place on 11th and 12th December 2025

Please note: We are currently recruiting for two separate roles – Project Manager and Administrator. However, we welcome applicants who may wish to apply for both roles combined as a full-time position. These roles are usually carried out by one person, with a combined salary of up to £34,000. If you wish to apply for both roles, please complete only one application and clearly state at the top of your personal statement that you are applying for the full time combined role.

This role is open to UK based applicants only and subject to a DBS check.

Project Manager Job Description – BDD FoundationDownload

Winter Webinars – BDD by Proxy

Join us for an interview with Dr Katharine Phillips, one of the world’s leading experts on BDD, as she explores the lesser known but deeply painful condition known as BDD by Proxy.

In this conversation, we’ll explore what BDD by Proxy is, how it differs from BDD, and what we know about its symptoms, prevalence, effects on relationships and daily life. She will also discuss treatment options and offer practical advice for both clinicians and those supporting someone affected.

Meet the Speaker

Dr Phillips is a physician, scientist, educator, and author recognised for her pioneering research on BDD and other psychiatric conditions. Her National Institute of Mental Health–funded studies, spanning over 20 years, have advanced understanding and treatment of BDD through both medication and therapy research. She has received numerous honours, including a Special Presidential Commendation from the American Psychiatric Association and the Outstanding Career Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation. Dr Phillips has published more than 380 scientific works and authored or edited 11 books, including the first on BDD. She has delivered over 650 professional presentations and more than 140 Grand Rounds. A Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she has chaired and served on numerous national boards and editorial committees. To raise awareness about BDD, Dr Phillips has given over 500 media interviews with outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, BBC, and Oprah. She is regularly listed in Who’s Who in America, Best Doctors in America, and Castle Connolly’s America’s Top Doctors.

Winter Webinars – Mirror Retraining

This is an engaging, practical and highly requested session with Dr Rob Willson, cognitive behavioural therapist and Chair of the BDD Foundation, as he explores mirror retraining in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

In this session, he covers:

  • How individuals with BDD can start changing their relationship with the mirror
  • Understanding functional mirror usage
  • The theory behind mirror retraining within CBT
  • How mirror behaviours maintain and fuel BDD symptoms
  • Guidance on practical steps on practicing mirror retraining

Meet the Speaker

Dr Rob Willson is a CBT therapist based in North London, with a special interest in BDD, OCD and Health Anxiety. He currently divides the majority of his work time between seeing patients, conducting research, writing and teaching. He is chair of the BDD Foundation. Rob has co-authored several books, including the bestselling ‘Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies’ and ‘Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’. His main clinical interests are anxiety and obsessional problems, and disseminating CBT principles through self-help. He has featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles and had made several TV and radio appearances.

Winter Webinars – What should Good CBT for BDD Include?

For our second webinar of the series, we are joined by Dr Sarah Lavender to understand what CBT for BDD should include to be helpful and effective.

Dr Sarah Lavender is a Clinical Psychologist for the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders at The Maudsley.

In this webinar Sarah covers what’s been learned by studying the measurable outcomes of therapy, in research and everyday therapy sessions, as well as information directly from those who have made use of CBT for BDD. We hope that this session will be helpful for those wishing to access CBT for BDD or to advocate for themselves or their loved ones when navigating services. 

Meet the Speaker

Dr Sarah Lavender is a Senior Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Clinic at the Maudsley Hospital. She specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents.

Sarah also has a keen interest in parenting. Her doctoral thesis involved developing a short-term parenting intervention about supporting children to recognise and understand emotions. The intervention received funding from The Waterloo Foundation and is currently being piloted in South Wales. Sarah also has experience of working with Children who are Looked after and networks that support them including care staff, foster parents and adoptive parents. She has completed her Level 2 training in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Foundation level training in Systemic Therapy.

Louise’s Recovery Story

I was diagnosed with BDD in my mid 20’s. I am now 48.

I can remember as far back as 5 years old, my grandparents had a full-length mirror in their hallway and I struggled to get past it, I was mesmerised! I also couldn’t tolerate the smell of smoke on my clothes or in my hair and would want to bathe after leaving their house.

Throughout my school years, I always knew I was different. I was academically clever, but I was painfully shy and self conscious, especially when having to do PE, in particular, messing up my hair or getting dirty and dishevelled. I wrote weekly sick notes in my Mum’s handwriting from a very early age!

By my teens, I was hogging the family bathroom and taking ages to get ready for school, even getting my (late) Father to drop me off, so that I didn’t look dishevelled when I got there. I frequently made him late for work because everything had to be immaculate, not a hair out of place (which came across as being difficult or vanity.) This couldn’t have been further from the truth – I was very very ill in plain sight.

The problem only grew as I went into the adult world of work. I was frequently getting signed off from jobs as I was taking longer to get ready than the shift itself and spending my breaks re-adjusting myself in the mirror before putting on that brave face and getting back out there.

I was very very ill and it was around this time I started having various surgeries thinking that was the answer. I now know otherwise.

In my mid 20s I was to be signed off for the very last time. I was finally diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and it all made sense. I had been waiting for that day all my life!

I have spent 90% of the last 20 years or so since my diagnosis in my flat at home. I can only ever do day-to-day and my day goes by what I see in the mirror when I wake up, so I cannot plan in advance. I spend hours getting ready, and if I’m not happy with what I see, I will start again. It is draining and it is debilitating. I get anxiety leading up to any event, big or small, as any type of pressure makes sufferers of BDD very sick. I get run down frequently and spend my life trying to stay the right side of well. I keep myself to myself and keep people at arms length, as it is very difficult to maintain friendships/relationships due to my health being inconsistent, so I only keep a few very special people around me. I use sunglasses if I go out alone, as it is my shield to the world.

I use various tools daily, including maintaining a routine (which I feel is really important,) as well as exercise, daily brain training apps, and I try to do a 20 minute walk (as recommended by my health practitioner) but it is not always possible. I also have monthly Reiki sessions and am currently learning to practice Mindfulness. I like to learn and will research anything and everything – especially health-related.  I  have relapsed several times over the years and use these tools to get back the right side of well. My daughter is a protecting factor and is my biggest achievement in life.

I have done CBT and psychotherapy with some success. However, the illness has to be managed daily. (I am due to have more CBT soon but am currently in recovery from my (late) Father’s recent passing.)

I have written a journal since my mid-teens following my battle with this illness and would love to publish it one day, even if it helps just one person!

I attend regular support groups online. These support groups are invaluable and have enabled me to not only meet and share my experience of BDD with others like myself, but given me many useful tools for my toolbox along the way. Each and every person inspires me and I look forward to them. I aim to facilitate them one day.

I have 2 books I would like to read, ‘Overcoming’ (D.Veale, R.Wilson & A.Clarke) and ‘Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.’ (Susan Jeffers.) However,  I first need to overcome the hurdle of wearing reading glasses, which is sadly proving difficult – yet another example of how the illness impacts on my life.

The biggest issue I have with this illness is the fact that it is invisible, as it has left me open to relentless bullying in my adult life for not being able to work and live like everyone else does.

My main aim in life is to raise awareness of this illness as it is so very misunderstood, even by those closest to me. I have written 4 poems on the BDD website and drawn 2 pictures for Tilted East in collaboration with the BDD Foundation and I would like to do more. I regularly fill in research surveys on the website too. The world has a lot to learn about BDD.

The most helpful advice I have ever heard on an online conference is ‘if you are scared of an elevator, get into an elevator.’ This sums up this illness completely. It is based on fear.

I wish everyone with this illness all the best and feel that together we are stronger, so have to keep fighting to be helped and to be heard.

And to end with my favourite quote from Alice In Wonderland

‘BE BRAVE & ALWAYS GET BACK ON YOUR HORSE!’

Louise Chapman

Winter Webinars – Medication for BDD in Young People

We’re so excited to share with you the first topic of our Winter Webinar series.

Join us for a session with Dr Bruce Clark, a senior Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an expert in OCD and BDD, leading the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Service at The Maudsley Hospital. Bruce will be exploring the role of medication in treating BDD in young people.

In this session, he covers:

  • When medication should be considered in BDD treatment plans
  • Commonly prescribed medications and how they work
  • Balancing medication alongside CBT treatment
  • Managing expectations and monitoring progress in young people

…& more!

Meet the Speaker

Dr Bruce Clark joined the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorders Clinic at The Maudsley Hospital, London in 2013. He is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with an interest in treatment resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and related disorder. He is also an Honorary Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. The National and Specialist Team for OCD and related disorders is the only such specialist team in the United Kingdom. This service has an international reputation for innovation, research and delivery of the highest quality treatment of OCD and other anxiety disorders.

Dr Clark has a broad range of child and adolescent mental health experience. He previously worked in one of the Maudsley Hospital general community based clinics. Whilst working in that setting he became Lead Clinician for the service.  He has considerable expertise in the assessment and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders, OCD,  ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, as well as behavioural management issues. Dr Clark has considerable experience in the use of medications to support the treatment of mental health issues in children and young people.

The Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation. Charity no. 1153753.

Online BDD Conference

An opportunity for professionals, researchers, students, and those with lived experience to find community and to learn more about BDD.

Join this virtual event on Saturday, May 31, 2025!

Tickets available here