Body Image Struggles: Why Therapy Can Help

Body image struggles are more than just feeling dissatisfied with your appearance—they are deeply intertwined with how we relate to ourselves and others. As a relational therapist, I often see that the way we experience our bodies reflects patterns formed in early relationships. If you grew up feeling unseen, criticized, or emotionally unsafe, it’s common for those dynamics to show up later as harsh self-judgment or shame about your body.

Therapy can be a powerful space to unpack these patterns. In a safe, nonjudgmental relationship, you can explore the origins of your body image struggles, understand how they impact your daily life, and begin to develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself. Through relational work, you learn that your worth isn’t tied to your appearance, and that the internal voice that critiques you doesn’t have to define your reality.

Body image work in therapy isn’t about changing your body—it’s about changing your relationship to it. It’s about noticing how self-criticism shows up, understanding its roots, and learning how to respond with curiosity and care instead of shame. Over time, these shifts can ripple outward, improving not only how you feel about your body, but how you show up in relationships, work, and life.

If you struggle with body image, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy offers a relational mirror: someone who sees you fully, reflects your worth, and helps you build a more compassionate connection to yourself. Healing your relationship with your body often starts with healing the relationship with the parts of yourself that have been overlooked or silenced.