Your body image refers to the way that you experience your body as well as assumptions about how others people perceive your body. Body dissatisfaction may focus on appearance but it may also focus on the your perceptions of the capabilities or failures of your body. A negative perception of your body can lead to isolation, low-self esteem, critial self-talk, anxiety, and changes in your behavior in an attempt to alter your appearance. You may also notice that you are avoiding things that bring attention to your body or remind you of how your body has changed.
Many of my clients experience frustration with their bodies and find themselves stuck in patterns of self-blame or self-judgement that impact their self-confidence and make it difficult to authentically engage in their relationships. Therapy can help you learn to reconnect with, listen to, and take care of your body. As a clinician I help clients create a space where they can reconnect with and attune to their bodies, building awareness of ways that their bodies can be a source of wisdom and power. My hope for each client that I work with is they can begin to explore their bodies with a sense of compassion, and in doing so create a relationship with their bodies that is built on strength and empowerment.
