Body image concerns

Body image is defined as the subjective view, the internal perspective, the mental image, thoughts, and attitudes that a person has about their own body’s appearance.

Body image is subjective and therefore it is constantly shifting based on the experiences taking place in a person’s life. Some days there might be increased confidence and comfort in the body while other days it can feel like a ‘fat attack’ came out of no where and the number on the scale drastically spiked.

Assisting clients to notice the thoughts they hold about their appearance and how these thoughts are biased and can translate to alterations in mood and behaviors is a large part of healing the relationship and appreciation of the body.

The team at All Voices is stilled in assisting clients make peace and gravitate towards a neutral or possibly positive body image as we work to challenge the negative internal chatter than can distract a person from their life and their relationships.

Body Dysmorphia Disorder can be defined when a person’s livelihood is greatly altered and there is significant distress due to-

• appearance preoccupations, often due to perceived flaws that distract a person for at least an hour a day

• repetitive and compulsive behaviors in response to the appearance concerns such as: mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking, or clothes changing

• impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to the appearance preoccupation