Body Dysmorphia Therapy NYC
Body dysmorphia can feel obsessive, exhausting, and impossible to turn off.
Our approach goes beyond surface-level confidence work. We address the patterns that drive body dysmorphia and keep people feeling stuck. We also validate the impact of an appearance-obsessed world, and help you move toward compassion without denying reality.
Searching for body dysmorphia treatment in NYC often means you’re exhausted from feeling trapped in cycles of obsessive appearance thoughts, checking, comparison, and self-doubt. You may also feel worn down by relentless beauty standards that make it nearly impossible to feel at ease in your body. You’re not alone. Growing up fully bald, I experienced firsthand how deeply harmful and limiting appearance-based expectations can be—and how powerfully they can shape the way we see ourselves.
My approach to body dysmorphia therapy is compassionate, realistic, and OCD-informed. I integrate self-compassion, body neutrality, acceptance-based strategies, and mirror exposure therapy to help reduce both the intensity of obsessive body thoughts and the compulsive behaviors that keep them going. Mirror work is introduced gradually and thoughtfully, focusing on building tolerance and neutrality rather than judgment or forced positivity. Instead of trying to “positive-think” your distress away, we work to loosen the grip body dysmorphia has on your daily life so your energy can return to what truly matters—your relationships, values, goals, and sense of meaning. Over time, this leads to fewer appearance-driven spirals, increased confidence, and a calmer, more sustainable relationship with your body.
IN WHAT WAYS IS YOUR BODY IMAGE GETTING IN THE WAY OF BEING CONNECTED TO YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF?
Body image therapy might be the right fit for you if…
You notice yourself stuck in the mirror picking yourself apart
Mirrors are highly triggering so you try to avoid them
Looking at photos feels difficult
You are declining activities you enjoy
You are feeling preoccupied by fears about how others are perceiving you
Body thoughts consume your mind most days
if this sounds familiar, there is a path foward
Ways body image therapy can help you…
GUIDED EXPOSURE
Gently confront and participate in activities that have been long avoided (or maybe you thought you would never do again). Such as dating, going to the beach or looking in mirrors. Alison is also trained in mirror exposure therapy, particularly for those with body dysmorphia.
COGNITIVE RESTRUCTURING
Challenge your inner-critic with evidence-based strategies to increase overall self-compassion and body acceptance. Overtime, you will notice your brain is spending less time thinking about your body or that your body thoughts hold less power than they once did.
BODY NEUTRALITY & ACCEPTANCE
Transition from body hate to body-neutrality, peace and acceptance. Gaining respect for your body as a whole, rather than viewing it in parts. When you reduce the pressure to feel positive about your body, you open the door to a much kinder relationship with your body.
Body image distress is exhausting.
Years of dreading looking in the mirror or putting on a bathing suit
Picking yourself apart each time you look at a photo or catch your reflection
Dealing with degrading or cruel comments from family who are trying to “help”
Endless cycles of self-criticism that you have convinced yourself you deserve
the truth is you don’t deserve any of this
You deserve to work with a therapist who understands the complexity of body image and can help you explore the roots of your body image injuries, while giving you tools and strategies to move forward with a more peaceful life.
FAQs
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In our first session together, I will gather a detailed history of your body story thus far (of course, to the extent that you feel comfortable sharing). We will discuss your current thoughts/feelings about your body, how your lived experiences have shaped the way you view yourself and any coping patterns you have developed as a result. From there, we will discuss the goals you have for your body image journey and create a treatment plan to support these goals.
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Good body image is defined by a lack of body thoughts. If you notice your days consist of being preoccupied with thoughts about your body (such as, worries of how people perceive you or needing to consistently check in the mirror of you ‘look good’) then it is likely important to have a therapist who specializes in body image.
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Making sure you find a therapist who is a good fit is crucial. That is why we will start with a 15min consultation together. During this call, I will explore what you are looking for and you will be able to ask me any questions as well. If we decide it is a good fit, then we will schedule our initial appointment!
If for any reason it is not a good fit, then I am happy to offer you referrals.