Body Image Therapy & Counseling

Kids face illustration

What is Body Image?

Body image is not simply what you see in the mirror. It is the relationship you have with your own physical self, including your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and behaviors connected to your appearance. It can range from positive to negative and often shifts from day to day. Societal pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards can shape it. Sessions are available in person and online.

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The Impact of Negative Body Image

When negative body image becomes overwhelming, with constant preoccupation, self-criticism, or distress, it can affect mental and physical well-being. It can also raise the risk of developing an eating disorder or other mental health challenges.

Adult face illustration
Adult face illustration

How We Help You Heal

Therapy provides a safe space to build a more peaceful and accepting relationship with your body. Our approach draws on evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We help you:

  • Question societal ideals
  • Challenge harmful beliefs
  • Build healthy coping skills
  • Cultivate self-compassion

Body Image Concerns are Common

Source: Mental Health Foundation, Body Image Report (2019 Survey of UK adults)

35%

of UK adults said they had felt depressed because of their body image.

34%

said they had felt anxious because of their body image.

13%

said they had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of their body image.

Why Therapy Can Help

Common, Not a Personal Failing

Struggling with your body image is common. Many people feel at odds with their bodies in a culture that sets narrow ideals.

Pressure From Outside, Not Willpower

It is hard to think your way to a better body image when you are surrounded by curated, unrealistic ideals. Therapy offers skills and perspective for handling those pressures.

More Than Appearance

Body image concerns can affect mood and daily life, and they are a recognized risk factor for eating disorders. Support is available at any stage.

What to Expect

Initial Consultation

We talk through your concerns and what you hope to change, and answer your questions about how therapy works.

Assessment

Your clinician learns about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around your body, and any eating, mood, or anxiety concerns.

Treatment Plan

Together we set goals and decide who should be involved, such as a dietitian or medical provider.

Ongoing Review

We review progress regularly and adjust the plan as your needs change.

Care That Connects Across Specialties

Body image concerns often overlap with other concerns, and our clinicians coordinate care when they do.

FAQ

Common questions

What is body image therapy?

Body image therapy helps people who struggle with persistent self-criticism or distress about their bodies. It focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors tied to how you see yourself.

Is negative body image the same as an eating disorder?

No. Negative body image is not a diagnosis, but it is a recognized risk factor for eating disorders. If you are also restricting, bingeing, or purging, an eating disorder evaluation can help.

How do I know if I should seek therapy?

Consider it if thoughts about your body are persistent, cause distress, affect your mood or relationships, or lead you to avoid activities or change how you eat.

What does therapy involve?

Therapy often uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to examine harmful beliefs, build coping skills, and cultivate self-compassion. The plan is tailored to each person.

Will therapy focus on changing my body?

No. Therapy focuses on your relationship with your body, not on changing its size or shape.

Does body image affect people of all genders and ages?

Yes. Body image concerns affect people of all genders, ages, and body sizes.

Do you work with teens?

Yes. We work with teens and adults, and parents are involved in treatment for teens when that is appropriate.

Can I attend sessions online?

Yes. Sessions are available in person at our Chappaqua and Hartsdale offices and by secure video.

What if there is an emergency?

PPG provides outpatient care and is not an emergency service. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, at any time. If you or someone you care about has chest pain, fainting, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or you are in immediate danger, call 911. For eating disorder information, support, and referrals, you can also call the National Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline at 866-662-1235, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.