Body Image

We live in a world that often emphasizes and re-emphasizes external appearances, and many people struggle with body image concerns. Our therapists deeply believe that positive change stems from a place of feeling self-love and self-worth, not self-loathing, and as such, we are dedicated to creating a culture that supports everyone in accepting and loving themselves and their bodies.

You may find yourself fixated on how you look, constantly criticizing everything you see in the mirror or completely avoiding mirrors altogether. A perfectionist lens has drawn up a mile-long list of how your body “should be” and this leaves you feeling drained, depressed, hopeless, and powerless. These feelings start to seep into other areas of life, taking a significant toll on your self-esteem and wellbeing, or leading you to withdraw socially or skip out on opportunities that may present themselves. Loving your body and feeling comfortable in your own skin has begun to feel like an impossible reality, and we are here to help you with this. You don’t have to do it alone.

At Manhattan Psychotherapy, we will work with you in building a healthier relationship with your food, exercise, mind, and body. In our sessions, we will identify and process underlying factors that have contributed to a negative body image, whether they stem from societal pressures, past traumas, or personal beliefs. Enhancing self-awareness helps us to then be able to engage in challenging and reframing negative thinking (cognitive distortions), replacing self-critical, harsh thoughts about ourselves with ones that are more accurate, productive, and positive. We can pinpoint tools to better cope with the various thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that lead to unhealthy behaviors, and practice more self-compassion and mindfulness along the way. While loneliness and shame can define much of one’s struggle with body image, we would be honored to join you on your journey to begin healing, growing, and thriving.