Body Dysmorphia with Therapist Joss

On this week’s episode I am so happy to be bringing you our next special guest Joss Armstrong. Joss is a provisional psychologist and family therapist here at BodyMatters currently completing her Masters of Professional Psychology at Macquarie University. Joss holds a Bachelor of Psychological Sciences Majoring in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills. With a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Sciences as well as being a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Joss is passionate about all things disordered eating, body image and the internalisation of diet culture. Hoping to raise awareness for the consequences of dieting and body shaming particularly for young women. This is where Joss hopes to address the core of these body image concerns in a way that can then begin to build a healthier relationship with our bodies and who we are as people. This is where Joss so beautifully unpacks the impact of body image, body dysmorphic tendencies and body dysmorphic disorder. To greater understand the extent of negative body image, hoping to shed some light on the effects of this mental health condition.

This episode is especially helpful for those who feel as though they frequently examine their appearance, obsessively focus on a perceived flaw, avoid situations or photos, spend hours a day looking in the mirror, try numerous plastic surgeries as well as perceive themselves to look different to the reality of their appearance. With body dysmorphia being triggered intermittently or experienced constantly, this episode may help in identifying this cause. As a way to hopefully allow those struggling to seek treatment especially if you are unable to stop thinking about your appearance, perceived flaws or overall appearance. So, on that note, please as always take care and enjoy our lovely guest Joss!

Podcast Summary:

1. Body dysmorphic disorder

2. Body image as the mental representation of our body

3. Choosing not to internalise what people say

4. Social media distorting our perception of self

5. Ritual prevention and perceptual retraining

6. People often like an array of multiple things about you

Links from the episode:

BodyMatters Australasia Website: https://bodymatters.com.au/

BodyMatters Instagram: bodymattersau

Butterfly Foundation Helpline: Call their National Helpline on 1800 33 4673. You can also chat online or email