Body Image

Body Image therapy & Support

We offer compassionate, specialist therapy to help individuals build confidence, emotional resilience, and a healthier relationship with their appearance.

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Body Image distress EXPLAINED

Understanding Body Image and How It Impacts Well-Being

Body image refers to the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs you have about your appearance, and the appearance expectations you place upon yourself. It shapes how you see and feel in your own skin, influencing confidence, emotional well-being, and day-to-day life. When negative or distorted body image develops, it can lead to distress, avoidance, and difficulty engaging in relationships or activities you once enjoyed.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

With the right body image therapy, these challenges can be understood and treated.

Body image concerns are common, personal, and absolutely deserving of compassionate support.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about their appearance

ASPECTS OF IMPORTANCE

Emotional and Psychological Aspects

Anxiety, perfectionism, and self-criticism often reinforce unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour linked to appearance. Therapy can help soften these emotional responses and support individuals to develop greater self-acceptance.

The Importance of Understanding Body Image Distress

Body image concerns are not superficial. They reflect meaningful emotional struggles that can significantly impact daily life. Recognising this is an important and validating step toward healing.

How We Support you

Signs and Symptoms of Body Image Difficulties

Body image challenges can show up emotionally, behaviourally, and physically. They may be connected to low self-esteem, anxiety, social withdrawal, or changes in eating and exercise patterns. Seeking support early can prevent these difficulties from becoming more entrenched. Recognising these experiences is an important first step toward understanding and recovery.

Common signs include:

  • Persistent dissatisfaction with appearance
  • Excessive checking or avoiding mirrors
  • Avoidance of clothing, social events, or photos
  • Distress or anxiety linked to self-perception
  • Preoccupation with appearance or how one feels in their body
  • Reduced enjoyment of activities due to appearance-related worries
  • Negative self-talk or comparison with others
  • Changes in eating, exercising, or social behaviour

How The London Centre
Supports Recovery

At The London Centre, we offer confidential, psychology-led support tailored to each person’s needs. Our approach explores the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that shape how you see yourself. We aim to help individuals develop greater self-compassion, confidence, and a more balanced relationship with their appearance.


Therapy also considers the broader emotional experiences that often accompany body image distress, such as shame, anxiety, or feelings of not being “good enough.”

Personalised Care

Personalised and
Collaborative Care

Our clinicians work collaboratively with clients, setting shared goals and adapting therapy as progress is made. Every individual receives a personalised plan grounded in evidence-based care and delivered with warmth and respect.

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Personalised Care

Therapies Used for Body Image Support

There is no single, standalone NICE recommended therapy specifically for body image difficulties. Instead, body image distress is most effectively addressed within established, evidence-based therapeutic models, using specific techniques that target appearance-related thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This approach allows therapy to be tailored to the individual’s wider emotional experiences, values, and goals.

At The London Centre, body image therapy is integrated into broader treatment plans, drawing on elements of different therapeutic approaches depending on what will be most helpful for each person.

Therapeutic approaches may include:

  • CBT-E: to explore and challenge unhelpful beliefs, comparison, and checking or avoidance behaviours
  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): to reduce shame and self-criticism and strengthen self-kindness
  • Schema Therapy: to address long-standing patterns linked to self-worth and identity
  • MANTRA-informed work: where body image difficulties are closely linked to emotional regulation and identity
  • DBT- informed approaches: to support emotional regulation and coping with distress
  • EMDR: where body image concerns may be rooted in distressing or traumatic experiences
  • Family Therapy: when relational dynamics or developmental factors play a role

These approaches allow body image concerns to be understood in context, supporting meaningful and sustainable change in how individuals relate to their body, emotions, and sense of self.

A Holistic Approach
to Recovery

Our therapeutic approach looks beyond appearance to understand the emotional and relational experiences that shape self-image. By supporting wellbeing on multiple levels, therapy can foster long-term change and a more compassionate internal dialogue.

Benefits of Body Image Therapy

  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • More balanced thoughts around appearance
  • Reduced self-criticism and anxiety
  • Stronger relationships and communication
  • Healthier coping strategies and emotional resilience
  • Enhanced overall wellbeing and quality of life
A Place of Specialist Support

When to Seek Support for
Body Image Concerns

It may be time to seek help when body image concerns begin to influence your emotional well-being, relationships, social life, eating habits, or overall functioning. You do not need to wait until things feel overwhelming – early support can make a significant difference.


Therapy is confidential, accessible, and suitable for individuals at any stage of distress, whether difficulties have recently emerged or have been present for many years.

Start your journey

Take the First Step Toward
Confidence & Well-Being

If you or a loved one is struggling, our team is here to help. Contact us to arrange an initial consultation or to learn more about our approach.
Recovery is possible with the right support.

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FAQs

FAQs About Body Image Therapy

Your initial assessment explores your experiences, what feels most difficult, and what you hope to change. Your clinician will understand your emotional well-being, history, and current patterns to create a tailored plan. The process is gentle and designed to help you feel understood and supported.

Yes. Many people seek body image counselling without having an eating disorder, and therapy can be very effective in reducing appearance-related distress. Our clinicians work with a wide range of concerns and tailor support to your goals.

Body image therapy focuses specifically on the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours linked to appearance and self-perception. Our approach is specialist, evidence-based, and grounded in a deep understanding of body image and related conditions.

Evidence-based therapies such as CBT, CFT, ACT and EMDR can be highly effective. Your clinician will discuss which approaches are most suitable for your needs.

Length varies depending on your goals and experiences. Some people benefit from brief work, while others prefer longer-term support. Your therapist will discuss this with you openly as therapy progresses.

Yes. We offer in-person, online, and hybrid appointments to ensure flexible access to specialist support. All formats are confidential and delivered by experienced clinicians.

In some cases, involving family or partners can improve communication and understanding. Your clinician will help determine whether this may be helpful for your treatment.

We aim to offer timely appointments and match you with a clinician experienced in supporting body image concerns. Our team will guide you through the process so you can begin as soon as possible.