Body Image Issues Therapy
“The body is not calamity.
The body is not a math test.
The body is not a wrong answer.
The body is not a failed class.
You are not failing.
The body is not an apology.”
— Sonya Renee Taylor
What is body image?
Body image describes your relationship with your body - how you see it, how you interact with it, and what thoughts and feelings are associated with it.
Bodies are our physical vessels and help us live and interact with the world outside of ourselves. When you accept your body as only a part of who you are rather than it being the focus of your entire personality, you feel comfortable in the body you are in and are able to live in an embodied way.
Body image issues arise when the body becomes the target of criticism, shame, harm or abuse (physical or emotional). As we all live in a culture that praises thinness, fitness, “health” and exercise to the detriment of individuals in it - we call this phenomenon diet culture - body image issues are prevalent in the majority of our society.
But it doesn’t need to be this way. You too can begin reclaiming your body for yourself, away from the harmful effects of diet culture and the rampant anti fat bias that surrounds it. You too can be free.
Body image issues can show up as:
Dieting
Attempting to control your weight through various methods, be it food restriction, exercise, intermittent fasting, elimination of certain foods or through eating less.
Body checking
Feeling like you need to look at yourself in the mirror frequently, checking out your reflection in any reflective surface, accompanied by criticizing/shaming/negative thought patterns. You may be weighing, measuring, pinching and examining yourself frequently.
Low self-esteem
You may feel like you are not good enough unless you are at a certain weight, look a certain way or fit into a specific size. You may experience intense negative emotions when thinking about your body.
Avoidance of places and people
You may avoid social interactions with others for fear of being judged about your body or what you eat. You may also avoid mirrors or other reflective surfaces altogether, not wanting to see your body.
Qualifying food as “good” or “bad”
You may call certain foods “good” and others “bad”. You may also go to significant lengths to avoid eating foods you consider “bad” in preference of the ones that are “good".
Forced exercise
You may force yourself to exercise after you had a big meal, or when you have a trip/vacation/event/wedding coming up. You may do this despite not enjoying it.
“And I said to my body, softly, "I want to be your friend.”
It took a long breath and replied, “I've been waiting my whole life for this.”
- Nayyirah Waheed
How can therapy help?
The first step to healing and change is awareness. Beginning therapy can help you become aware of the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you have about your body. Consequently, together we can begin to change the narrative you have about your body and begin befriending it as the true companion that it is.
Your body wants to be your friend. Let’s start that process together.
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