After two successful rounds of our pilot project which has seen Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (CBT-BDD) adapted to a group setting for the first time, we are happy to announce that we will be running another programme this year as part of the project’s third phase.
The unique feature of this group is that it combines the evidence-based therapeutic approaches – the same that you would find in the NHS – with the lived-expertise of the group facilitators, which participants have said was “the most powerful element of the group”.
One participant who took part in the programme told us how much the group has helped them to overcome fear and anxiety related to their appearance, which has in the past held them back:
“The group was amazing to help me see that I am not alone, to gain perspective on how BDD affects my day to day life and to find compassion for myself and the group for how it impacts us, daily.”
The results from the last two have demonstrated an improvement both in BDD symptoms as well as in their overall quality of life. Because of the groups, participants have returned to work, returned to university, and even got engaged!
Hannah Lewis, who is the Project Lead for the pilot, has said the following: “I’m really pleased with how successful the first and second pilots of the structured support group has been. It has been such a privilege to work with facilitators who have shared their own experiences of BDD and inspired others on the road to recovery. It has been really wonderful to see the participants engage with the therapy and overcome their anxieties – I’m now looking forward to helping even more people to overcome their BDD.
To express as interest in joining the next online group programme that will be starting this summer, please email hannah@bddfoundation.org