Group Therapy for Appearance Concerns
Grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), this psychotherapy group offers a supportive, structured space to explore appearance concerns and build a healthier relationship with body image. Sessions run weekly for 50 minutes and are held either online or in person. This group runs for a total of 7 weekly sessions and is open to adults aged 18 and up.
CBT GROUP THERAPY
Appearance Concerns: Beyond the Mirror
Group Description
This therapy group is designed to support adults who feel stuck in cycles of appearance preoccupation and self-criticism. Grounded in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), each session offers practical tools to help you reduce unhelpful habits like body checking, avoidance, and reassurance seeking—while also learning to shift focus toward your values and sense of self beyond appearance.
Week by week, we’ll explore how appearance concerns develop and what keeps them going, including the role of focused attention, comparison, and perfectionistic standards. Through a blend of psychoeducation, group discussion, and guided practice, you’ll learn strategies to quiet your inner critic, increase self-acceptance, and re-engage with life more freely.
You’ll receive a weekly PDF with core concepts, worksheets, and real-world strategies to help you let go of what no longer serves you and begin building a more compassionate, confident relationship with your body and yourself.
Group Facilitator
Michelle Lehoux holds dual professional registrations with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT). With a background in both psychotherapy and education, she has facilitated workshops across diverse sectors—including mental health, family wellness, and refugee resettlement—bringing a trauma-informed lens and deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Known for her calm and grounding presence, Michelle brings a gentle, steady energy to her work, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can reflect, connect, and grow.
Weekly Topics
Week 1
The Impact of Appearance Overconcern
- We’ll start by exploring how concerns about appearance can affect various areas of your life. This session offers general information on appearance preoccupation and highlights the emotional, social, and functional impacts that may come with it.
Week 2
What Keeps Appearance Concerns Going
- This week introduces a psychological model to better understand what maintains appearance-related anxiety and distress over time. We’ll unpack the cycles that keep these concerns active.
Week 3
Appearance-Focused Attention
- In this session, we’ll look at how often and intensely we focus on our appearance and introduce ways to shift your attention, reducing the mental energy spent on appearance-related thoughts.
Week 4
Body Checking and Reassurance Seeking
- We’ll examine common habits like body checking and seeking reassurance, and how they contribute to ongoing distress. You’ll learn concrete strategies to gradually reduce these behaviours.
Week 5
Appearance-Altering Behaviours
- This week addresses the urge to “fix” or alter aspects of your appearance. We’ll explore how these behaviours may reinforce dissatisfaction and offer steps to break free from them.
Week 6
Avoidance and Safety Behaviours
- We’ll explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways we avoid situations due to appearance concerns, and how safety behaviours can limit your life. The focus will be on strategies to re-engage with avoided areas and rebuild confidence.
Week 7
Overvaluing Appearance and Self-Management Planning
- In our final session, we’ll reflect on how placing too much value on appearance affects self-worth. We’ll discuss aligning with your deeper values and create a self-management plan to support long-term change.
Next Session:
Start Date:
End Date:
Format:
Frequency: Weekly
Total sessions: 7
Cost per session: $40/session (Total: $280)
Group size: Limit of 6