Body Image Therapy in Toronto
What are challenges related to Body Image?
Our relationship with our bodies is often impacted by how our body is perceived within the context of our family, peer groups, and overarching society. Some aspects of our bodies such as our weight, height, skin texture, or overall appearance, may be judged as “undesirable” or “inadequate,” and in turn may lead us to view ourselves critically and become more preoccupied with changing our appearance. Challenges with body image are often accompanied by distressing emotional experiences and may severely impact our relationship with nutrition and physical movement, as well as our external relationships with others.
Our therapists draw from an anti-diet and size-inclusive lens, focusing on frameworks related to body liberation to help understand how dissatisfaction towards our bodies connects to systems of oppression and systemic exclusion. We work to help dismantle internalized hierarchies and power structures to help connect back to genuine bodily autonomy and inherent worth.
What are symptoms related to a negative body image?
You experience frequent self-critical and harsh thoughts about your body that may be emotionally distressing
You spend a significant amount of time exploring ways you can change your body through food management, physical exercise, surgery, or medication
You withdraw from social connection due to shame or discomfort around your body
You find yourself stuck in cycles of all or nothing with nutrition and movement
You are constantly comparing your body to others and feel pressured to look at a certain way
Types of therapy we use to work with Body Image challenges
Somatic Therapy
Work on shifting the focus from how your body looks, to how it experiences the present moment. Rebuild connection with your body and release chronic tension related to experiences of shame and marginalization.
Emotion-focused Therapy
Explore the emotional underpinnings related to negative body image and cultivate a more accepting and empowering relationship with your body.
Compassion-focused Therapy
Explore how body dissatisfaction is often driven by an overactive threat-system acting as a defense mechanism, rather than inherent truth. Practice establishing a sense of safety with self-kindness.
Internal Family Systems
Understand how self-criticism can be a protective part of your larger system. Practice approaching these parts with curiosity to help create distinguish self-criticism from your core identity.