Building Courage and Community - BDD Conference 2026

This year, we are proud to host our 6th International Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Conference, centred around the theme of Building Courage & Community through shared lived experience.

Our conference is a unique opportunity to bring together the BDD community in a supportive, hopeful, and informative space. Individuals living with BDD, loved ones, clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals come together to deepen understanding of the condition, explore developments in treatment and recovery, and hear inspiring stories from those with lived experience.

This year’s event places a particularly strong emphasis on the power of lived experience, peer support, and connection. Alongside our main stage talks, we will be offering interactive workshops and support sessions designed to provide practical tools for recovery, reduce isolation, and help attendees build confidence and hope in moving forwards.

By creating opportunities for people to connect with others who truly understand, we hope to foster a safe and empowering environment where attendees can take meaningful steps in their recovery journey and leave feeling less alone.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from leading clinicians, researchers, advocates, and members of the BDD community. Together, these perspectives will offer a compassionate and balanced understanding of BDD, combining clinical expertise with real-world lived experience.

Workshops and sessions will focus on practical strategies, recovery-focused approaches, and overcoming common challenges associated with BDD.

Confirmed Speakers & Sessions Include:

• Dr Rob Willson & Professor David Veale — If it's not your appearance, then what is it?
• Motivation for Recovery Panel — featuring inspiring members of the BDD community
• Professor Georgina Krebs — Navigating Next Steps in recovery
• Dr Amita Jassi — Overcoming Obstacles in CBT for BDD
• Dr Lauren Peile & Scott Granet - Beyond Reassurance: Supporting Someone with BDD
• Lisa Williams - Cultivating Self-Compassion
  
• And more exciting speakers and sessions still to be announced over the coming months.

Beyond the educational content, the conference is also a space for comfort, solidarity, and connection. Many attendees tell us that simply being in a room with others who understand BDD can be an incredibly moving and hopeful experience.

Attending via Livestream

No matter where you live, you can attend the conference online via our livestream option at a reduced ticket price. The livestream covers all the main stage speakers. 

Livestream attendees will receive a Zoom link prior to the event, providing access to the live broadcast from 9:30am–5:00pm GMT.

Please note: A livestream ticket provides access to the online broadcast only and does not permit entry to the in-person conference at Regent’s University London.

Filming Notice

To help us reach and support as many people as possible, talks on the main stage will be filmed during the event. Please be assured that filming will focus solely on speakers and will be carried out sensitively and discreetly. Attendees will not be recorded.

If you have any concerns regarding filming, please speak to one of our volunteers on the day.

Accessibility & Support

Regent’s University is predominantly accessible with step-free access for individuals with mobility impairments. Please note that there is a short outdoor distance across a courtyard between some of the conference spaces, including the main theatre, catering area, and stalls.

If you would like further information regarding accessibility or support requirements, please contact us at: info@bddfoundation.org

Solidarity Rate & Bursary Tickets

We want the conference to be as accessible as possible. A limited number of bursary tickets are available for individuals who may otherwise be unable to attend due to financial or other barriers.

These tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact info@bddfoundation.org for more information.

Book Early

In previous years, our in-person conference tickets have sold out in advance, so we strongly encourage early booking to avoid disappointment.

Over the years, attendees have described the conference as a day filled with hope, understanding, and connection. We are incredibly excited about this year’s event and hope it will offer meaningful support, inspiration, and community to all who attend.

We look forward to welcoming you in October for what promises to be another powerful and memorable day.