Body Dysmorphia vs Body Image Struggles: A Christian Perspective on BDD with Dr. Erica Faulhaber
"Body dysmorphic disorder is not about body shape and size. It's about appearance. And that could be an actual feature of your appearance."
Dr. Erica Faulhaber is breaking down body dysmorphia in a way that finally makes sense. She's a licensed professional counselor, certified eating disorder specialist, and EMDR therapist in Erie, Colorado. Her practice, New Directions Colorado, specializes in eating disorders, body image, trauma, and helping women (and teens) break free from the exhausting cycle of perfectionism.
If you've heard the term body dysmorphia thrown around on social media but you're not quite sure what it really means, or if you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is body dysmorphia or body image struggles, friend, this conversation is for you.
We talk a lot about body image on the Old School Food Freedom podcast, but there's something we haven't fully explored yet... what's the difference between normal body image concerns and body dysmorphic disorder? And how do you know if you need help beyond what typical eating disorder recovery addresses?
Dr. Erica is walking us through the four criteria for BDD, explaining why it's classified differently than eating disorders (even though they often appear together), and sharing what God's Word says about how we see our bodies.
Here’s what we cover:
The difference between body image struggles and body dysmorphic disorder
Why BDD focuses on specific features (like skin, hair, or nose) rather than body shape
The four diagnostic criteria and how to know if you meet them
Muscle dysmorphia and how it shows up in men and women
Environmental factors like abuse, teasing, and sociocultural pressures
How co-occurring diagnoses like anxiety and eating disorders complicate BDD
Online screening tools you can use (from the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation)
What the Bible says about Imago Dei, being fearfully and wonderfully made, and comparison
The difference between our bodies as temples versus ornaments
Treatment options including CBT-BDD, exposure and response prevention, and ACT
How community and connection are essential for healing
If you're listening and Dr. Erica is describing your life, please don't let shame stop you from getting help. Body dysmorphia is isolating enough already, and the enemy wants you to think you're beyond help, that this is just how it's always going to be. But that's a lie.
"Your body is not an ornament, it's a treasure. How do we really honor it and treat it as such?" - Dr. Erica Faulhaber
Recovery from body dysmorphic disorder is possible. It won't be perfect healing on this side of heaven, but there is hope and there is help. Whether that's connecting with a body image support group, finding a therapist who specializes in CBT-BDD, or joining a community like Hello Freedom where you can be real about your struggles without judgment, you don't have to walk this alone.
The Bible is full of examples of God's intentional creation and craftsmanship. Genesis says we're made in His image. Psalm 139 says we're fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in our mother's womb. Romans 12 reminds us not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewal of our minds. Friend, that renewal? It's available to you.
If this episode opened your eyes to something you've been struggling with, would you take one brave step today? Maybe it's taking an online screening, or maybe sharing this episode with someone who gets it. Maybe it's reaching out to a therapist on the FINDINGbalance Christian Treatment Finder. Whatever that step is, Jesus is with you, and you're not in this alone.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop us an email at admin@findingbalance.com, send us a voice message via SpeakPipe, or you can also subscribe for more practical episodes coming your way.
Unsure if food and body struggles are affecting you? Take a moment to check-In
More About Dr. Erica Faulhaber
Dr. Erica Faulhaber PhD, NCC, LPC, CEDS, EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Certified EMDR Therapist. She is a therapist in Erie, Colorado who helps women struggling with trying to be perfect all the time. New Directions Colorado, is a therapy practice that specializes in eating disorders/disordered eating, body image, trauma and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hello Freedom Community
We're launching our Hello Freedom community. This is a Christ-centered space to find connection, encouragement, and gentle steps toward freedom from food and body-image struggles.
No pretending, no fixing yourself first, come just as you are. If you want in, your next step is to join our interest list at findingbalance.com/community.
You were not meant to walk this alone. We're saving a seat for you!
Mentioned Scriptures
Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, Isaiah 45:9, Gal 5:26, 1 Samuel 16:7b, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 3:3-5, Romans 12:2, Romans 12:24, Genesis 29:17
Links & Mentioned Resources
The Art of Body Acceptance by Ashlee Bennett (secular)
BBD Foundation - Do I have BDD? Test
Connect with Dr. Erica Faulhaber
FINDINGbalance
Facebook
Instagram
SpeakPipe – Send us a voice message!
CHRIST-CENTERED RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND FREEDOM
The Daily Vitamin eDevo: A free devotional with bite-sized truth emailed 5 days a week
Community Groups: Find connection with prayer groups and our Hello, Freedom! community.
Christian Treatment Finder: Connecting you with Christian providers experienced in treating eating issues.
Lasting Freedom Online Course: A Christ-centered, non-diet course to work through false beliefs about food and weight so you can live free from disordered eating and body image issues.
CREDITS
Interlude music by “Hotham” – Morning Thoughts
Intro music by “MokkaMusic” – Old Jeans (Funk)
Wrap-up music by Jesse Quinn – Christian Instrumental
Production & Editing by Leah Bryant Co
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The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe a particular course of action. If you have, or suspect you may have, an eating disorder, please consult your healthcare provider. If you desire to receive faith-based care, visit ChristianTreatmentFinder.com to browse professionals with a Kingdom campaign against eating disorders.
