Body Image
Discover the Benefits of Body Image Counseling in Missouri
Every time you look into the mirror, you can’t help but notice all of the things you “know” aren’t “perfect” about your body.
When you lose the weight, then you’ll finally try online dating. This is the time that you win the office-wide Biggest Loser contest. You weren't trying that hard last time. This time around, you’ll commit to that workout schedule you found on Pinterest. Just wait until you get to show off those killer abs. It will happen this time. You’ll finally be happy with the way you look. Finally.
Negative body image can seep into all parts of your life. It can have a significant impact on your confidence. Your body image can change what you think of yourself and your mental health in general. The exact impacts body dissatisfaction can have on a person can vary. However, some things that you may be experiencing include:
Struggling getting dressed in the morning or picking out something to wear. It's hard because you don’t feel comfortable in anything. OR picking out clothes that cover certain parts of your body, despite the weather
Avoiding certain social situations. You avoid meeting new people because of what others may think about your body
Starting to “eat better” all the time. Or, trying the newest diet or workout. Shame if/when it doesn’t happen, doesn’t work, or isn't maintained.
Pressuring yourself to fit into the skinny jeans still sitting in the back of the closet. You know, the ones that keep taunting you.
Where does negative body image come from?
We were not born hating our bodies. When you were a baby, your body was amazing and exciting and interesting. Each new thing is something to explore. But somewhere along the way, we started to get the message that our bodies were wrong. We decided that they needed fixed, that we won’t be able to be happy. This is what we need to live a fulfilled life until we do. Hating our bodies is a learned thing. Which means we can learn to accept it as well. Negative body image doesn't have to stand in the way between you and happiness! You can learn to be comfortable in your skin, to feel confident. Despite what society tells you, you don’t have to hate your body. You can, as crazy as it sounds, feel okay about what you see in the mirror. I can help.
Body Image Counseling is the Answer
My Approach To Counseling For Body Image in Missouri
Embodied Self Counseling’s approach to eating disorders treatment is HAES (Health at Every Size) informed. Our approach is based in anti-diet beliefs. This means I believe that everybody has the right to pursue health and happiness. No matter what their body looks like. Weight is not a determinant of health. It also means that research states that 95-98% of diets fail to produce long term weight loss. Furthermore, learning to appreciate your body as it is can lead to greater health outcomes than years of hating it.
But most important, this isn’t something you will be going through alone. I’ll be there every step of the way. Right now, you may have a hard time seeing how you can change what others think is “so abnormal.” I get it. There’s a reason you feel this way. It might be scary or hard at times. But, it will be worth it.
Starting Body Image Counseling in St. Louis and Online in Missouri
You don’t have to hate your body. Counseling can help you learn to be comfortable in your own skin again. Going from body hate to body love may sound impossible, but what about going to body acceptance? To start your counseling journey,
Contact Embodied Self Counseling to set up a 20-minute consultation.
Meet with your new body image counselor, Erin
Set up your first appointment to start your journey to freedom from negative body image.
Other Therapy Services at Embodied Self Counseling
Counseling for body image is one of the many services provided at Embodied Self Counseling’s St. Louis office. I offer online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Wisconsin to accommodate your busy schedule. If you have "stuff with food" that others don't get, you could be a good fit for my eating disorder treatment. Additionally, I provide unique approach to working with atypical anorexia and perfectionism. I offer eating disorder treatment for men too. I am also adept at working with athletes and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.