Body Image Issues

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!

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I work exclusively from a Health at Every Size Approach with my clients and work from a lens of achieving body neutrality with use of modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion and Somatic-based modalities. We dive deeper into the purpose or intentions behind body image disturbances and how these take people away from their intended values.

— Dawn Leprich-Graves, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Aurora, IL

Do you constantly criticize how you look? Spend endless hours in front of mirrors or avoid certain activities because of your appearance? Body image struggles are common, but you don't have to keep feeling this way. I'll help you break free from body obsession and cultivate self-respect and acceptance. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

— Katherine Tague, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Greenwich, CT
 

I am an expert in body image therapy, helping individuals develop a healthier relationship with their bodies. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, I assist clients in challenging negative body perceptions, building self-esteem, and fostering body acceptance. My goal is to support individuals in overcoming body image struggles, improving their mental well-being, and embracing a positive, empowered view of themselves.

— Frankie Wanger, Counselor in York, SC

We all deserve to feel good about our bodies- but for many of us, that's complicated by years thinking or hearing that there's one right size or shape that we need to attain. I support you in sorting out diet culture programming from what's right for your health and well-being, and developing confidence and healthy habits that do not require a certain size.

— Abigail Thompson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in New York, NY
 

I 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, TN

We live in a fatphobic society, and diet culture only makes it worse. It's hard to feel good about yourself when we receive messages to NOT be happy with ourselves, to always be striving for more. If you struggle with feeling comfortable in your own skin, I can help you build body tolerance. It's OK if you're not feeling positive about your body! I've treated restrictive eating patterns, binge-eating, and symptoms of Bulimia in my practice. Let's get you to a place of acceptance.

— Tracy Vadakumchery, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

For over five years, I've supported clients in enhancing their body image. My approach integrates a Health At Every Size, Feminist, and Anti-Racist perspective, prioritizing weight-neutral care, fostering body acceptance, encouraging joyful movement, and elevating self-worth.

— Christina Arceri, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY

Rita is trained in Intuitive Eating and is a Health at Every Size aligned clinician. She uses intuitive eating principles to help Clients heal their relationships with food and their bodies. Rita believes that health looks different for everyone and comes in all shapes and sizes.

— Rita Aliperti, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

I provide body image counseling to determined women and femmes explore the stories they (and society) tell about their body, and develop a new value of their body’s wisdom and beauty, as well as genuine intentions behind self-care. My dual degree in counseling and nutrition means I have received specialized education around disordered eating and mental health. Trainings from The Body Positive and Be Nourished orgs have grown my understanding of how we can face, accept, and respect ourselves.

— Emma Doerner, Counselor in Seattle, WA

We will deconstruct myths and perceptions about bodies and work toward removing value, stigma, and judgment from your relationship with your body. Accepting and working with the body you have today. Your relationship to food and your body are powerful entry points into exploring more about yourself and what you truly want out of life.

— Angel Whitehead, Psychotherapist in Blacksburg, VA
 

I am completing my certification in the Be Nourished program- one of the only training programs on disordered eating that centers anti-opppression curriculum! And I have been working in fat liberation spaces for the last 10 + years.

— Maria Turner-Carney, Clinical Social Worker in TACOMA, WA

I work with Body Image concerns, including but not limited to: Body Dysmorphia; Eating Disorders; Weight Gain/Loss; Food Shame; Food Addiction; Exercise Addiction; Familial Trauma; Bullying/Harassment; Kink; Puberty and Body Changes; Gender Exploration; Plastic Surgery; Ageing; Pregnancy; Reclamation of Self

— Sarah Farnsworth, Psychoanalyst in Los Angeles, CA
 

I'm a psychotherapist dedicated to the "Health at Every Size" (HAES) framework. I advocate for holistic well-being, emphasizing that health is not determined by body size but by healthy behaviors and self-acceptance. I support clients in developing a positive relationship with their bodies, promoting intuitive eating, and embracing physical and mental health at any size. I prioritize a non-judgmental space for clients to explore their relationship with their bodies and make empowered choices.

— Amanda Jonikaitis-King, Counselor in Chicago, IL

Most 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 ,
 

Healthy Body Image is not popping out of bed to wink at yourself in the mirror with a narcissistic grin. Just like feelings about anything else, how we feel about our size/shape/body parts fluctuates, for better or for worse, due to lots of factors. But how able are you to ACCEPT yourself physically right now? Your body IS what it is right now- whether that's optimal in your opinion or not. It is much easier to change, grow, and improve, when we can accept what currently exists.

— Kathryn Gates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX

I help clients improve their body image by utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge negative thought patterns and by incorporating mindfulness and self-compassion practices to foster a kinder relationship with their bodies. Recognizing that body image issues can be linked to past trauma, I integrate trauma-informed care to provide a safe and supportive environment. By focusing on clients' strengths and achievements, I aim to build confidence and promote a positive self-image

— Sydney Wetterstrom, Clinical Social Worker
 

I've always enjoyed working with clients seeking to improve their relationship with food and their bodies. My experience is with behavioral visits in a medical/surgical weight loss setting, as well as a multi-disciplinary team in a college counseling setting. I believe that an intuitive approach to eating and movement is essential to self worth and that there can be value in understanding the stories we have been conditioned to accept about the space we occupy in the world

— Kristen Batchelor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Kannapolis, NC