Body Image
Do you obsess about certain parts of your body? Do you believe you are ugly, and constantly try to hide yourself behind clothes or cosmetics? How many times a day do you stand in front of the mirror and criticize yourself?
Issues around body image are often detrimental to our health and happiness. Poor relationship with the body stops many in their tracks from feeling free to live in the moment, unable to enjoy what is right in front of them.
Some patterns found with both poor body image, or possible body dysmorphia include:
- Repetitive behaviors such as checking the mirror, picking skin or excessive grooming
- Thought patterns that ruminate on dissatisfaction with the body – cluttering the mind from being able to rest, or think on other things.
- Avoiding social situations because of appearance
- Hyper critical thoughts of others bodies and how they dress and appear
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness around self and the body
- Anxiety that perpetuates fixing and hiding the body
As a counselor I am very passionate about meeting clients right where they are, regarding this work. Wherever a client is ready to begin, I am there to support. I believe this journey is very unique for each client, but ultimately the movement away from self-loathing to self-acceptance is a powerful and life changing one.
To better understand my clinical philosophy around body image, I’ll share that I am very inspired by the work of twin sisters Lindsay Kite, PhD & Lexie Kite, PhD. Here is a link to their website and book “More than a Body; Your Body is an Instrument, Not an Ornament”: https://www.morethanabody.org
If you suffer from issues around body image, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.