Body image is how you see yourself when you picture yourself in your mind or when look in the mirror. Most people worry about how we look occasionally or see at least one aspect of our physical appearance we don’t like. But for some, these occasional thoughts can become frequent and disruptive. People with negative body image issues may avoid social situations and experience problems in relationships, depression, anger, anxiety, isolation, self-loathing and/or an obsession with weight loss. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (or BDD) is one example of a body-image disorder, characterized by persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect in one's appearance. The good news is that body image can be changed and BDD can be treated. Contact one of TherapyDen’s body image issues experts for help today!
Shifting perceptions of self can be hard and often takes personal commitment, self-compassion, and the willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone. Utilizing a person-centered and holistic approach, I work with clients, meeting them where they are on their journey, to develop reasonable and achievable treatment goals.
— Erica Zapata Gonzalez, Clinical Psychologist in Modesto, CAI will help you find a way to make peace with your body and to trust your body in a way that deemphasizes the focus you place on your body.
— Nicole Iwule, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Orlando, FLBody-oddy -oddy. Let's talk about your relationship with your body without shame. I want to help create a space for you to explore your body's needs and desires. Fat bodies are demonized, and individuals are made to feel that what they have to offer is directly tied to a number on the scale. But listen, there is pride at every size and there is Health at Every Size.
— Arianna Wheat, Creative Art Therapist in Los Angeles, CAI am a Health at Every Size (HAES) practitioner and a fierce advocate for body acceptance and liberation. I believe all bodies are good bodies, regardless of size, shape, or ability.
— Kirsten Cannon, Counselor in Memphis, TNAs women, our bodies and the changes that our bodies experience are always up for discussion. From the fluctuating numbers on a scale to feeling like certain body parts are not "appealing enough", we can be left with feelings of shame, frustration and hopelessness towards ourselves. I provide a nonjudgemental space where together, we develop tools in support of building your body confidence and establishing more pf a positive relationship woth your body.
— Rebecca Brown, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,I come from a HAES (Health at Every Size) perspective. I believe that "diet culture", which we are surrounded with each day can really cause immense struggles with body image. I will walk with you to come up with strategies and ways to see the beauty that is within.
— Alicia Roeder, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Council Bluffs, IAMost of us have felt, at one point or another, that our body's size or shape is somehow wrong. For those of us who identify as fat, or whose bodies are otherwise considered atypical, it can feel impossible to distinguish our authentic feelings about our bodies from the forces that profit off of our self-criticism. I approach our work from a fat-positive, all-bodies-are-good-bodies perspective that prioritizes individual bodily autonomy and experience.
— Abby Weintraub, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAMoving towards healthier self-beliefs regarding eating and body issues can become almost like a meditative path. Those who struggle with these issues battle media and societal expectations while yearning to feel comfortable accepting themselves as is. Not only do I have knowledge and expertise firsthand but have sought out many resources along my own path.
— Candis Zimmerman, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in , TXThe goal of CBT is to reduce preoccupation with perceived flaws and help the individual in treatment to develop a more realistic and positive perception of the body. CBT often involves psychoeducation, which aims to help individuals become aware of the nature of body image and of the role that certain factors play in the development of their personal body image. In therapy, individuals may be encouraged to engage in self-monitoring, often by keeping a diary, in order to become more aware of both the negative and positive thoughts and emotions regarding their body, as well as the factors that trigger them. As the therapist, I use cognitive restructuring, to help clients modify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be unhealthy, and clients may become better able to accept and love their bodies as a result.
— Amy Castongia, Counselor in Huntersville, NCI have worked with a variety of clients who struggle with body image issues. I know how society sets an unrealistic standard of beauty for both men and women, and I strive to help people gain a healthier idea about body image.
— Stephanie Milan, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerConstantly criticizing our looks and having persistent low self-esteem in our appearance seems to be a norm in our culture. Finding freedom from our own negative beliefs can be the biggest act of kindness you give yourself.
— Allison Doyle, Clinical Social Worker in Seattle, WAMost of us have felt, at one point or another, that our body's size or shape is somehow wrong. For those of us who identify as fat, or whose bodies are otherwise considered atypical, it can feel impossible to distinguish our authentic feelings about our bodies from the forces that profit off of our self-criticism. I approach our work from a fat-positive, all-bodies-are-good-bodies perspective that prioritizes individual bodily autonomy and experience.
— Abby Weintraub, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAWe live in a society that is SO hostile toward those who don't fit the traditional ideal of beauty, which, let's face it, is most of us! I practice under the principles of Health-At-Every-Size and Intuitive Eating and strongly believe one's health is NOT determined by one's weight. I do NOT promote diets of any kind and work with clients to improve their relationship with food and their bodies as is.
— Jacqueline 'Jackie' Abeling, Marriage & Family Therapist in ,Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own skin? This is a topic often normalized in today's society by creating a "fix it" mentality. If we are experiencing something emotionally, sometimes our bodies are what are focused on. Maybe you have been told or have thought "If I could just fix my body, everything else would be okay." I am here to help validate your emotions and also provide a space for a different narrative to exist. I believe in leaning into this inner narrative with compassion
— Meagan Fischer, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Tyler, TXI realize how difficult it can be to accept your body, let alone like or love it in today's diet culture & appearance driven society. I also know a way out & are ready to help you get there. Let's stop the body shame, and improve your Body Image using tools including CBT, Self Compassion, Body Neutrality & Functionality, & Mindfulness.
— Audra Coons, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in St. Petersburg, FLWe live in diet culture and can't go even a few hours without being reminded of "____ diet." With all the talk about how bodies have changed through a pandemic and the expectation that we need to do something about it, it's no surprise we feel bad about ourselves. Guess what? Little ears hear all of this and they make their own meaning and sense of it. Let's talk about it, I'm here to support you or your little one through this!
— Sarah Jane Thomas, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CAWeight-neutral, Health At Every Size aligned approach to body liberation
— Heidi Andersen, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in Asheville, NC