Intersectionality & Body Image: Considering Cultural, Gender & Identity Factors in Therapy

Visualize a completed puzzle. This puzzle represents a person, and each piece represents the different identities and characteristics that come together to make up this person as a whole. One piece is their race, one piece is their gender identity, one piece is their sexuality, one piece is their love of baking or their hatred of horror films and so on. This concept is known as intersectionality. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality acknowledges that individuals have unique experiences based on their many identities, and these experiences shape their perceptions of the world. 

Intersectionality

Intersectionality is an important consideration when thinking about body image. Different groups of people may have different views of what a desirable body looks like, and this can result in pressure to conform to the beauty ideals of their social or cultural group. However, because they may have multiple identities, a person may also deal with various conflicting beauty standards. 

For example, imagine a young woman named Maria. Maria is of Mexican descent and has cultural ties to her Mexican community. Within this community, there can be an ideal of beauty that values curvier figures as they are often associated with health and vitality. However, Maria also identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, which, in her individual experience, leads her to believe that beauty leans toward a more androgynous or fit body type. So, in this aspect of her identity, Maria might feel some pressure to have a different body type in order to conform. She doesn’t feel like her body falls completely into either of these ideals, causing her to think negatively about her body image. 

When considering how intersectionality plays with body image, it’s important for a therapist to be culturally competent so that they can consider all of the nuances associated with diverse identities and beauty standards. This cultural competence enables a therapist to provide more support and guidance by acknowledging the multifaceted nature of their clients’ experiences and helping them navigate the complex interplay between their intersecting identities and their body image concerns. It also ensures that the therapist can create a safe and inclusive space where clients feel understood and empowered to work toward a positive and healthy relationship with their bodies.

Your Body

Regardless of your identities, remember that your body is neither a fad nor a trend; it is a unique and valuable component of who you are, deserving of love, acceptance and respect just as you are. Beauty standards can change with time and culture, so it’s essential to recognize that your worth is not determined by the latest fashion or fleeting ideals. Your body is an incredible, living vessel that carries you through life’s experiences, and it is unique in its own right. It’s not something to be altered to fit someone else’s idea of beauty. Embrace your body for all the wonderful things it allows you to do, and remember that self-acceptance and self-love should be at the core of how you view and treat your body.

If you have troubling thoughts about body image, our skilled providers at Manhattan Wellness are trained in cultural competence, and we understand that with all the messages we receive from outside forces, it can be difficult to maintain a positive narrative about our bodies. That’s why our female therapists want to support you in building the confidence you need to completely accept yourself. If you are interested in beginning counseling for women:

• Submit a contact form or email us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
• Learn more about our team and our areas of expertise
• Begin seeing yourself in a whole new light!

FIGURE OUT WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN

The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all definition of success. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their life to look like. That is why it’s important to get clear on what that looks like for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you. 

Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out what success looks like for you. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
3. Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step. 

We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES OFFERED IN MANHATTAN, BROOKLYN, & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK

At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about