We understand mental illness and the difficulties it creates for those who suffer from it. At our San Diego Body Image Disorder Treament Center, we are sensitive to your challenges. Solara will find every possible solution to enable you to live the life that you are meant to live.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Body Image Disorders

A person’s connection with their body is not only integral to their self-image, but also their understanding of and experience with the world around them. When trauma and/or psychological illness disrupt that relationship the results can be distressing and intense This can cause unhealthy and distorted self-perception and even negative perceptions of the world.

Solara Mental Health understands the complicated relationship between mental health disorders and co-occurring body image disorders. We have created a program specifically designed to address the symptoms and needs of co-occurring body image disorders. Our expert clinicians use thorough assessments to gain a complete understanding of each client’s condition and subsequently to create a treatment plan that addresses their symptoms and needs. At our Mental Health Facility we combine individual psychotherapy, group therapy and holistic therapies tailored to each client’s needs. This helps clients learn to see themselves more realistically while also addressing their underlying primary mental health disorder. EMDR is also utilized to repair the mind-body connection, this allows clients to develop a healthy, positive relationship with their physical selves. The result is a repaired, strengthened sense of self-awareness, self-image and psychological peace and security.

Restoring Mind-Body Wholeness

In a society that sets impossible beauty standards and is highly body-conscious, it is common for individuals to feel some dissatisfaction with their physical appearance. But for some, this self-critique far surpasses normal dissatisfaction and reaches the realm of a body image disorder or body dysmorphia. Body image disorders cause a deeply distorted perception of the physical body; so-called “flaws” may seem more noticeable and important than they truly are. This, in turn, can cause intense psychological distress that, if left untreated, can negatively impact physical, occupational and social function or cause drastic or unhealthy behavior, including hazardous cosmetic surgery. Symptoms of body image disorders vary from person to person, but include the following:

Obsession with physical appearance (as a whole or specific areas) and/or intense unhappiness with physical attributes
Inaccurate perception of body
Low self-esteem or self-hatred because of dissatisfaction with physical appearance
Extreme amounts of time spent looking in mirrors OR total avoidance of looking in mirrors
Conviction that others are constantly staring at or judging perceived physical “flaws”
Avoiding social interaction because of body image anxiety
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide resulting from emotional distress

Body images disorders and their symptoms are often accompanied by a pre-existing mental health disorder or past trauma. These things can cause a disconnect between the mind and the body, causing inaccurate self-perception and the resulting psychological and emotional distress. In order for individuals to fully recover from body image disorders, it is vital that both the underlying health disorder and the co-occurring body image disorder are properly treated.

Solara Mental Health understands the complex nature of co-occurring body image disorders and has created a program specifically designed to address their complexity and promote healing. Our caring, expert clinicians will work individually with each client to explore the root of their distorted self-image and address the painful emotions that come with that image. From this understanding, clinicians and clients work together to develop a treatment plan that is as comprehensive as it is individualized. We utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities—including psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, and somatic therapies—that will address all symptoms and needs. All of this is enhanced by the safe, tranquil environment that our facilities provide. Through our program, clients learn to replace distorted and damaging thoughts with realistic, healthy ones. This helps to rebuild the mind-body connection, alleviate mental and emotional suffering and build self-confidence.

While our clients make considerable and rapid improvements, co-occurring body image disorders are often long-term conditions. Through years of experience, Solara Mental Health has learned how to provide the entire spectrum of care, from inpatient treatment to outpatient care, transitional living to continuing case management. We offer a long-term aftercare plan to ensure maximum, long-term success. Our Psychiatric Center is committed to freeing our clients from the clutches of co-occurring body image disorders, and each of our programs are created to ensure this.

What Our Clients Say

M.P. – Father

Your program provided our daughter with the most masterful therapist we have ever encountered (and we have used many). She has had an unbelievable ability to see the long-term trajectory of our daughter’s treatment and to approach her treatment in stages that fit where my daughter’s development was. We can’t say enough positive about her.

R.M. – Father

If not for Solara Mental Health, I am almost positive that our daughter would not be as advanced in her treatment, and would not have the almost miraculous confident and positive outlook that she has.

Bradley

The therapists and counselors and really whole team were extremely beneficial to me and my understanding of my issues. The treatment plan they developed was exactly what I needed

Dad

We are so grateful to you for the treatment and care you provided our daughter. She is doing unbelievably well now thanks to your program. We will gladly tell anyone we encounter that needs treatment about the wonderful work you do at Solara.

Bill

The program has given me the tools I needed to really gain stability. For the first time in years - maybe for as long as I can remember, actually, I’m learning how to cope and manage my stressors and triggers. I now believe that I can find some relief and happiness.

Lauren

The Solara program is truly amazing. I’ve never had more clarity or more good energy in my entire life. The attention the physicians and the therapists gave me was outstanding. I feel like they truly understood and addressed my issues, which had consumed my life for years. Thank you all.

Watson Family

Solara’s program was such a positive experience for our mom (and for us)! She had become almost impossible to deal with. Your entire staff was phenomenally supportive and kind and patient with her. We feel like we’ve got our mom back, now.

Alex

I have never felt better than I do now, since completing your program. The truly caring and supportive staff and the intensive program changed my life. What a neat place to stay for treatment - I love Pacific Beach! I have learned skills and behavior to move forward with my life thanks to you.

Husband

Solara was truly a life-changing experience for me and for our children, because of what you did for my wife! The treatment team was phenomenally supportive and perfect for helping her with her anxiety and depression. We are all now moving forward to put our lives back together and it started with you all in Pacific Beach. Thank you for what you do.

Lynn

Even though I’m not religious, I realized when I got sober that for the first time in my life I wanted to explore my spiritual side. I benefited hugely from the individual spiritual sessions that I had with Chris. I’m really grateful for that aspect of the whole treatment experience.

Terri

The Solara Treatment Program was a life-changing experience for me. To be able to heal in such a beautiful, peaceful environment, with such a terrific treatment team, was so amazingly positive. I have found my true self, again. I thank you and my family thanks you for helping me become the person I was meant to be.

Michelle Family

I want to thank you and the entire staff and support system at Solara for taking such good care of my sister. On behalf of my entire family, we want you all to understand that your patience and kindness stretches further than you can see… Thank you, again and again, from the bottom of my heart.