Body Image
Body image is the way an individual thinks and feels about their body which can be positive, negative, or both and it can change from time to time. Body dissatisfaction is when an individual feels unhappy about the way that they look. Body image concerns are influenced by many things such as relationships with family and friends, exposure to idealized unrealistic body images on social media, societal and cultural pressures to look a certain way.
Poor body image can lead an individual to reject their body and create the “right” one in their mind, which can often be unrealistic and unattainable. In an attempt to change their body to look more like their goal body, an individual may engage in unhealthy practices with food, exercise, and/or substances. Often, the goal is weight loss which triggers preoccupation with food, body shape, and size as well as a strong fear of weight gain. It is common for individuals who are experiencing a strong urge to lose weight to get caught in the diet cycle (yo-yo dieting), which can be overwhelming, all-consuming, and defeating.
It is important to seek help with body image concerns since they can impact an individual's quality of life, mental health (self-esteem, anxiety, depression), and are linked with substance abuse and eating disorders. In session, clients address their body image concerns by tackling some of the following goals:
Increasing self-compassion
Moving from body hate to neutrality
Building self esteem
Breaking free of the diet cycle
Cultivating a clear sense of self and identity apart from body image
Developing a healthy and respectful relationship with the body
Finding health at every size
Reducing comparison of self to others
Finding enjoyment in eating
Setting realistic body goals
Learning and practicing Intuitive Eating
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