What is Body Image?
Body image isn’t simply about what you see when you look in the mirror; it’s a deeply complex and dynamic relationship you have with your own physical self, encompassing your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and even behaviors connected to your appearance. This internal experience can range from positive to negative, often shifting day by day, influenced by societal pressures that frequently promote unrealistic beauty standards.
The Impact of Negative Body Image
When negative body image becomes overwhelming, leading to constant preoccupation, self-criticism, or distress, it can significantly impact one’s mental and physical well-being, potentially increasing the risk of developing an eating disorder or other mental health challenges.
How We Help You Heal
Therapy provides a safe space to cultivate a more peaceful and accepting relationship with your body. We guide you to:
Dismantle societal ideals
Challenge harmful beliefs
Develop healthy coping skills
Cultivate self-compassion
Who Reports General Body Dissatisfaction?1
Why You Should Consider Treatment
Your Struggle is Real, Valid, and Incredibly Common
First, it’s critical to understand you are not alone. The feeling of being at war with your body is a shared experience in our society. This isn’t a niche problem; it’s an epidemic of dissatisfaction. Recognizing this helps move the conversation from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What can I do about this external pressure?”
A Battle Against Culture Not Willpower
The idea that you can simply “think your way” to a better body image ignores the reality of our environment. We are surrounded by a constant stream of curated, unrealistic ideals. Treatment isn’t about giving you more willpower; it’s about giving you armor and a strategy to navigate a culture that profits from your dissatisfaction.
The Stakes are Dangerously High: Not Just Appearance
This is the most critical reason to seek help. While negative body image might start with a feeling, it rarely ends there. The statistics reveal a direct and alarming link to severe mental health challenges:
35% of adults feel depressed and 34% feel anxious over their body image. A staggering one in eight adults (13%) has experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings2 because of their body. t’s a primary risk factor and a known gateway to developing a clinical eating disorder.
It’s not just a reflection. It’s a relationship.
How you think and feel about your body impacts every aspect of your life, for better or for worse. We are here to help you heal that relationship and foster a connection built on respect, care, and compassion.