Body Image
How does body image impact on you?
Negative body image can have significant impacts on both mental and physical health. You may have low self-esteem, anxiety, and struggle to be with yourself. This dissatisfaction with appearance can lead to unhealthy behaviours, such as extreme dieting, binge eating, purging or excessive exercising, in an attempt to achieve an unrealistic ideal. Additionally, negative body image can hinder social interactions and relationships, as you feel overwhelmed and want to withdraw from social situations to avoid awkward moments around eating, or embarrassment or shame about your body.
How can counselling help you with body image?
Counselling can play a crucial role in helping you to improve your body image by providing a safe and supportive environment to explore your feelings and thoughts. We can explore together and gain insight into the underlying issues contributing to your negative body image, such as societal or past experiences. We can look to learn coping strategies and promote self-compassion, enabling you to develop a healthier relationship with your bodies. Ultimately, counseling empowers you to challenge negative thoughts and foster a more positive self-image.
​
I also work at a charity called First Steps ED and have a vaste experience of working with people with disordered eating behaviours, focusing on body image, self esteem, negative thought patterns, safe vs unsafe foods and much more.
​
As a starting point, I absolutely love the Dove campaigns which focus on body image.
Please give this a watch:
​
