When the Mirror Feels Like Your Enemy
You catch your reflection and instead of simply seeing yourself, the inner critic rushes in:
Too big. Too small. Too old. Not enough.
Poor body image isn’t just about appearance — it’s about the complicated relationship you have with your body. It can shape your confidence, impact your mental health, and even determine whether you step forward into opportunities… or hold yourself back.
The good news? Body image can be healed. You can learn to see your body with more compassion, respect, and acceptance
What Shapes Body Image
Your body image is more than how you look — it’s how you think and feel about yourself. It’s influenced by factors such as:
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Cultural messages & media — unrealistic beauty standards everywhere you look.
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Past experiences — bullying, criticism, or painful family dynamics.
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Social comparison — stacking yourself against friends, celebrities, or strangers online.
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Perfectionism — expecting yourself to meet impossible standards.
Over time, these influences can warp how you see yourself, making your worth feel tied to appearance.
The Real Impact of Poor Body Image
Poor body image isn’t just “in your head.” It can:
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Fuel anxiety and depression
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Lead to disordered eating or obsessive exercise
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Lower confidence in relationships, careers, and goals
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Keep you from fully enjoying life experiences.
Imagine this: your friend invites you out for dinner and Andy’s frozen custard—sounds simple, right? But in a flash, a storm of worry hits: “What if I don’t like how I look? What if they’re judging what I’m eating?” These thoughts, even over a casual treat, can feel paralyzing.
Healing Your Relationship With Your Body
Therapy can help you quiet the critic and build a healthier, kinder relationship with your body. At Psych Associates, we may use:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): challenging harmful thought patterns
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Somatic therapy: reconnecting with your body in a safe, compassionate way
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Mindfulness-based techniques: noticing without judgment how you feel in your body
We also work with you to unpack harmful beauty standards and create a new story — one that reflects your worth and strengths
Practical First Steps for Better Body Image
While therapy offers long-term change, here are small things you can start today:
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Practice daily gratitude for what your body allows you to do, not just how it looks
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Limit time on social media that triggers comparison
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Wear clothes that feel good — not ones that punish or restrict
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Speak to yourself as you would to a friend you love
You Are More Than a Reflection
Your worth isn’t measured in pounds, wrinkles, or likes. Healing poor body image is less about “loving every inch” and more about learning to live in your body with kindness and acceptance.
If negative body image is keeping you from feeling at home in your own skin, you don’t have to carry it alone. Therapy can help you rebuild confidence, rewrite your inner narrative, and reclaim your life.
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