Support Groups
Support groups can play an important role during and after treatment in helping you recover from and manage your BDD and often they also include family members too. They provide a safe environment where you can talk openly about your BDD, as well as giving support and encouragement to others.In addition to local support groups there are also online groups. The online groups run over Skype (camera optional) or you can choose to be added in with your phone. You can find a full list of the online groups here. All the support groups the BDD Foundation advertise are independent of the Charity.There are very few specific BDD Support Groups. We want to enable more to be set up. Please let us know if you are thinking of starting a group by emailing us at info@bddfoundation.org with the heading ‘starting a support group’ and we will try to support you.We are stronger together!
LOCAL GROUPS
1. Marylebone, Central London (BDD)
2. Southgate, North London (BDD)
3. Reading (BDD)
4. Plymouth (BDD/OCD)
5. City of London (BFRB)
6. Inverness, Scotland (BDD)
7. Stockton, California, USA (BDD/Body Image)
8. Glasgow, Scotland (BDD)
9. Oldham (BDD and Social Anxiety)
ONLINE GROUPS
1. OCD Action Online Daytime BDD Support Group (2pm, Third Wednesday of each month)
2. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Support Group (7pm, Wednesdays)
3. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Parents Support Group (7pm, Second Monday)
4. OCD Action Online Evening OCD, BDD & Hoarding Family Members Support Group (7pm, First Monday)
5. OCD Action Online Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania Support Group (7pm, First & Third Tuesdays)
6. Online Mindfulness Group for BDD (Various)
7. Online Skype BDD Support Group (9pm (EST) USA, Fridays)
8. BDD evening support group – Zoom (NEW)
9. OCD & BDD & Eating disorders group (NEW)
10. OCD & BDD & Relationships (NEW)
11. LGBTQ OCD & BDD support group (NEW – begins in August)
LOCAL GROUPS
1. Central London (Marylebone) (BDD)
Where: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic this support group will now be held online via zoom. Please email if you would like to join.
Dates for 2020: Apr 6th, May 4th, Jun 1st, Jul 6th, Aug 3rd, Sep 7th, Oct 5th, Nov 2nd, Dec 7th
Meeting Time: 6.30pm – 8pm
Contact: Kitty (Kitty@bddfoundation.org)
Type: User led. The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.
2. Southgate – BDD
Where: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic this support group will now be held online via zoom. Please email if you would like to join.
Contact: Kitty (Kitty@bddfoundation.org)
Time: 4pm – 6pm
Dates: Apr 19th, May 17th, Jun 21st, Jul 19th, Aug 16th, Sep 20th, Oct 18th, Nov 15th, Dec 20th.
This group is for people with BDD and their carers, families and friends. The group is user led and does not offer therapy or professional guidance but is an opportunity to share ideas and provide mutual support.
3. Reading in Conjunction with Still the Hunger (BDD)
Still the Hunger runs a support group for people with BDD.
Time: Apr 11, 2020 03:30 PM Greenwich Mean Time
Every month on the Second Sat, until Sep 12, 2020, 6 occurrence(s)
Apr 11, 2020 03:30 PM
May 9, 2020 03:30 PM
Jun 13, 2020 03:30 PM
Jul 11, 2020 03:30 PM
Aug 8, 2020 03:30 PM
Sep 12, 2020 03:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/290757321?pwd=by9lRndBQ3BQVUt0eTlaQmZpU0VHZz09
Meeting ID: 290 757 321
Password: 094610
Phone: 07733 300 705
Contact: Beverley Hutton
Website: http://stillthehunger.co.uk/
Type: Professionally led.
The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.There is no fee to attend this group and no need to book. Free Parking
4. Plymouth – OCD & BDD Support group
Where: Mind Oasis, 8 Woodside, Greenbank, Plymouth, PL4 8QE
Dates: Every other Wednesday.
Please phone to check times
Meeting Time: 7pm-9pm
Contact: Joe Higman (01752 254 004)
Type: This group welcomes people with OCD, BDD and related disorders. The group is professionally led. We are a friendly support group for anyone with BDD, OCD or related disorders. Ten-twelve people attend regularly.
5. City of London – Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB) Support Group
Peer-led support group for sufferers of Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania and related disorders. Our group is open to sufferers as well as family members, carers, and friends.
Monthly Meetings: please contact for up-to-date meeting information.
Come along for friendly, informed and confidential support.
Email for more details and venue information.
Facilitators: Pavitt & Bridget (bfrbgrouplondon@gmail.com)
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TLCinUK/
There is no fee to attend this group but an email to facilitators prior to attending is required to confirm location, time and dates.
6. Inverness, Scotland (BDD)
Where: The Hive Project, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Scotland
Dates: First Saturday of each month. Beginning Saturday April 7th 2018Time: Pop in anytime between 6 pm and 9 pm.
Contact: Carole MacLeay
Email: gacmacleay@btinternet.com
Type: User led.
The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.There is no fee to attend and no need to book – please feel free to turn up on the day. Venue is right across street from railway station with plenty city centre parking.Carole Macleay, the group organiser is also more than happy to travel within the North of Scotland to meet up with anyone who feels they need some support. We can meet for a cuppa and a chat. I am aware that Inverness is some distance away from most of the Highland area but please don’t let that stop you from speaking to someone about BDD. You most certainly are not alone. Carole can be contacted at gacmacleay@btinternet.com
7. Stockton, California, USA (BDD/Body Image) Bi-weekly telephone group
Where: Telephone
Dates/ Time: Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 5pm (PST)
Contact: Lon @ Phone: 1 209 513 2319
Email: lss602014@icloud.com
Type: User led. Welcoming BDD sufferers, family members, and carers of those who have struggled with BDD.
Our collective perspectives are invaluable, our voices are powerful, and ‘WE’ uniquely understand the experience of BDD. Together we can conquer this incredibly disabling condition: BDD. Our stories of tremendous bravery, immeasurable determination and incredible hope, are why BDA exists, to facilitate this. Despite the extreme suffering experienced by people with BDD, it is possible to learn to cope with and even completely move beyond it.
The 12 Step group Utilizing the highly effective & time tested 12 Step model, since 1935 – will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD challenges, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support.
This group does not offer professional guidance but is an opportunity to share ideas and provide mutual support. The group is open to those afflicted and or caring/supportive others.
8. Glasgow, Scotland (BDD)
Where: NEW Venue! : The Gateway Centre, North Methven Street, Perth PH1 5PP
Date: Saturday 14th March
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm. Pop in at any point.
Contact: Carole
Glasgow support group for BDD sufferers and their families.No charge. Very friendly and relaxed group.
9. Oldham (BDD/Support Anxiety)
Where: Meeting Room 2, Oldham library (Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL)
Dates: Wednesday 25th March and then on the last Wednesday of every month
Time: 6-7pm
Contact: Momoe
Social Anxiety and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Support Group. Open to anyone suffering including carers, families and friends.
Feel free to just turn up on the day or email Momoe.
ONLINE GROUPS
1. OCD Action Online Daytime BDD Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Dates: First and Third Wednesday of the month
Meeting Time: 11am
Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
Tel: 0303 040 1112
This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
2. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Dates: Second and Fourth Wednesday of each month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
Tel: 0303 040 1112
This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
3. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Parents Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Dates: Second Monday of each month (Skype/Phone session)
Fourth Monday of each month (Zoom session)
Meeting Time: 7pm
Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
Tel: 0303 040 1112
This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having a child with BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
4. OCD Action Online Evening OCD, BDD & Hoarding Family Members Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Dates: Tuesday Group – First Tuesday of the month
Friday Group – Third Friday of the month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
Tel: 0303 040 1112
This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment for family members of a person with OCD, BDD & Hoarding issues to share experiences and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
5. OCD Action Online Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Dates: Second and Fourth Wednesday of every month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.ukTel: 0303 040 1112
This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (skin picking) issues and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
6. Online Mindfulness Group for BDD
Where: Skype (choice for audio only if preferred)
Dates: Various days to allow as many people as possible
Meeting Time: 8pm
Contact: Nicole Schnackenberg
Email: nicole.schnackenberg@gmail.com
A monthly support group, exploring mindfulness-based approaches to body dysmorphic disorder, takes place online on various days each month (to allow as many people to access the group as possible) at 8pm. The group is co-facilitated by Nicole Schnackenberg, a trustee of the BDD Foundation, and Richard Cox, a certified meditation teacher. You can opt to use sound only (no use of video is required to participate in the group).For more information, please visit or to be added to the mailing list and receive notifications of upcoming meeting dates, please email Nicole on nicole.schnackenberg@gmail.com
7. Online Skype BDD Support Group (USA)
Where: Skype (choice for audio only if preferred)
Dates: First and Third Friday of each month
Meeting Time: 9pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Contact: John M.Phone: 848-218-7398
Email: jmornings711@yahoo.com
8. BDD Evening Zoom Support Group
Where: Zoom
Dates: Second and Fourth Wednesdays of each month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
This Zoom group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Zoom meetings with video. The group is for any members of the BDD Evening Skype/Phone Support Group who wish to use video instead.
We send the meeting details out and there are no costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
9. OCD & BDD & Eating disorders group (NEW)
Where: Skype/Phone
Dates: Third Monday of each month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Tel: 0303 040 1112
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
This Skype/Phone group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment for people to share experiences of having eating disorders, OCD and BDD and to offer encouragement to other people.
10. OCD & BDD & Relationships (NEW)
Where: Skype/Phone
Dates: Third Wednesday of the month
Meeting Time: 7pm
Tel: 0303 040 1112
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
This Skype/Phone group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment for people to share experiences of having issues with OCD, BDD and relationships and to offer encouragement to other people.
11. LGBTQ OCD & BDD support group (NEW – begins in August)
Where: Skype/Phone
Dates: First Tuesday of every month from August 2020
Meeting Time: 7pm
Tel: 0303 040 1112
Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
This Skype/Phone group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend.
The group is an informal and supportive environment for people who identify as LGBTQ+ to share experiences of OCD & BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.