Trauma and body image: Using therapy to address past experiences impacting self-perception  

Trauma and a negative body image can go hand and hand. As these experiences feed into each other over time, it can become difficult to overcome these obstacles alone. Therapy is an effective way to improve how you feel about yourself and address the past experiences that may have led you to this point. You are not alone as this is a common human experience. Our past impacts the ways in which we live our daily lives, but you don’t have to continue on this path on your own. 

Understanding Body Image in Context

The relationship you have with yourself and your body is extremely complicated and it’s hard to feel as if you are not in control. Whether you grew up with a critical family member or had friends who constantly pointed out your flaws—these events impact your self-perception regardless of whether you notice it or not. Getting support for negative body image or eating disorders is a challenging but impactful first step to regaining that control and building up your confidence. Knowing you have the self-esteem to get you through each and every day is one of the most important tools for maintaining your self-worth.

Addressing past experiences through therapy allows you to process the reality of traumas and connect the dots in a way you haven’t before. Building a trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship is essential for individuals to feel safe and comfortable in talking about their past experiences related to trauma and body image. When a therapist creates a nonjudgmental and open environment,  you will feel seen and heard as you self-explore. 

When we shed the negativity, we come across the positives in our lives that we didn’t even know existed. Therapists help to challenge your negative beliefs and therefore challenge you and your thoughts. Through this cognitive restructuring, you can learn to reframe those negative thoughts and develop a more positive, healthy self-talk. 

Adjusting Self-Perception

Once you understand and identify which traumas and past experiences that led you to this point, you can begin developing a greater awareness of your negative self-perception and use strategies to change this mentality. Here are a few helpful tips to help you reframe this pattern of thinking. 

Practice Self-Compassion

We can often get so worked up in what we are doing wrong and why. When we practice self-compassion, we are actually giving ourselves a break from the negative self-talk and allowing ourselves to accept who we are and treat ourselves with kindness. By acknowledging each of our strengths, we can begin to have a more positive outlook on ourselves and the life that we are living. Be gentle—self-compassion is one of the best ways to realize your needs. 

Promote Body Positivity

Humans have amazing bodies that accomplish so much, and we need to honor and care for those amazing bodies. Body positivity empowers individuals to embrace their bodies and accept who they are with love. Surround yourself with like-minded people who are supportive and encouraging based on who you are, regardless of your body insecurities. 

Social Media Cleanse 

It is hard not to compare yourself to others on social media. Unhealthy social media habits can be a detriment to your mental health. A social media cleanse involves taking the necessary steps to make a positive impact for your body image and self-esteem. If there is a specific account that triggers negative feelings,  comparisons of your body or a worsening of your body image, unfollow or mute them. Structure a no-scrolling time frame each day. Sometimes our triggers in the present can bring forward a bigger traumatic response connected to our childhood or experience prior in life. 

Address Your Trauma with Therapy in Manhattan, New York

Therapy can help address past experiences impacting self-perception, trauma and body image. Employing strategies learned in therapy, practicing self-compassion, promoting body positivity and doing a social media cleanse can all help alleviate the negative perception we have about ourselves. Our team of skilled body image and self-esteem providers can help you move forward from the traumas of the past that do not define you. 

FEEL MORE CONFIDENT WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN BROOKLYN & MANHATTAN, NEW YORK

At Manhattan Wellness, we understand that with all the messages we receive from the world, it can be difficult to maintain a positive narrative about ourselves. From social media, movies, and even people close to us, it can be hard to drown out the negative. So much so that our inner critic takes over and we forget to show ourselves the same compassion as others. That’s why our female therapists want to support you in building the confidence you need to reach your highest potential. Let us help you create an empowering narrative that will benefit all aspects of your life, from personal to professional. If you are interested in beginning counseling for women:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team and Our Areas of Expertise
3. Begin Seeing Yourself in a Whole New Light!

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES AT MANHATTAN WELLNESS IN MANHATTAN, WESTCHESTER, BROOKLYN & THROUGHOUT NEW YORK

Our therapists understand that building confidence takes time and that other issues can come up along the way. To better support you, we offer a variety of services to cater to your individual needs. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Self Esteem, Anxiety Treatment, and therapy for dating and relationship issues. As well as therapy for college students, support for maternal mental health, body image therapy, and so much more. Are you feel like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.