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Pernille Yilmam Ph.D.

About

Pernille Yilmam, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist with training from universities including Harvard and Emory University. Originally from Denmark, she moved to the United States at the age of 21 to pursue her education. Yilmam has since led and contributed to groundbreaking research in brain development, sensory challenges, and trauma. Her 15-year personal struggle with body dysmorphia and eating disorders drives her passion for understanding how we perceive our bodies, and how our environment and genetics affect it. In this blog, she explores both the neuroscience and lived experience of body dysmorphia.

As the founder and CEO of Mind Blossom, a nonprofit organization, Yilmam is dedicated to providing free mental health education to underserved communities. Her work and inspiring personal story have been featured in numerous podcasts and news outlets.

Recent Posts
I Had Cosmetic Surgery to Appease My Body Dysmorphia

It can be difficult to understand what drives someone with body dysmorphia to get unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Here's one person's story.

It can be difficult to understand what drives someone with body dysmorphia to get unnecessary cosmetic surgery. Here's one person's story.

The Intersection of Trauma and Eating Disorders

We know very little about the cause of eating disorders, but one theme rings true for many: trauma. New research shows how trauma therapy helps recovery from an eating disorder.

We know very little about the cause of eating disorders, but one theme rings true for many: trauma. New research shows how trauma therapy helps recovery from an eating disorder.

How Therapy Can Reconnect Your Mind and Body

Body image dissatisfaction is highly prevalent and stressful. Here are three evidence-based methods for healing your relationship with your body.

Body image dissatisfaction is highly prevalent and stressful. Here are three evidence-based methods for healing your relationship with your body.

Could Exercise Be a Tool in Eating Disorder Recovery?

Exercise is often prohibited during eating disorder treatment, but research suggests it may help. Here's how exercise can help leave an eating disorder behind.

Exercise is often prohibited during eating disorder treatment, but research suggests it may help. Here's how exercise can help leave an eating disorder behind.

How a Stronger Body Can Transform Your Identity

Strength training does not just give you a stronger body, it can change your identity, which is important when recovering from addiction.

Strength training does not just give you a stronger body, it can change your identity, which is important when recovering from addiction.

The Role of Your Mind and Body in Coping With Trauma

Coping with trauma can be difficult, but it can be trained. Both your mind and body play pivotal roles in this process and can help you develop resilience.

Coping with trauma can be difficult, but it can be trained. Both your mind and body play pivotal roles in this process and can help you develop resilience.