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. It can also manifest in finding comfort in food.

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 and your body.

Often times, clients are more focused on changing their behaviors instead of focusing on their relationship with themselves. The tendency to avoid certain clothes, use self criticism, restrict, bing, or engage in emotional eating are manifestations of emotional distress, the habit of viewing ourselves negatively, and and unfostered relationship with ourselves.

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 and willpower. 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.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, taking the first step can make a difference. You can book a consultation today.

📍Offering virtual sessions in California and in-person sessions in Orange County, CA.