For the first time, the BDD Foundation is harnessing the clinical expertise from its Trustees – and leaders in the field – Dr Rob Willson and Professor David Veale, in order to launch a guided therapy group. The group will entail tried and tested approaches to overcoming BDD, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
The project will mean that more people will have access to evidence-based treatment for BDD, which is crucial as we often hear that accessing sufficient support and treatment is often a challenge for those with the condition.
The group will have both the advantages of a peer support group whilst having the structure of evidence-based clinical approaches.
Hannah Lewis, who is the Project Lead for the pilot, has said the following: “This is an incredibly exciting time in terms of broadening the treatment available for people who have BDD. As a lesser known mental illness, it is crucial that we run pilots like these. Guided group therapy is a very progressive move in the field of BDD treatment, and can ultimately mean that we can reach more people and support them to overcome BDD. As someone who has lived experience of BDD, I can understand the frustrations of individuals who are struggling to access appropriate treatment. The BDD Foundation is embarking on an incredibly exciting journey and I am so excited to be a part of it.”
The group will last for 12 weeks and will take place in Central London on Wednesday evenings, the first being on the 5th September.
If you would like to express an interest in joining the group or find out more information, please email Hannah@bddfoundation.org