Body Image Therapy at Remuda Ranch
Patients at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders are as physically diverse as they are emotionally and mentally diverse. Yet, one characteristic they often hold in common is a high level of body dissatisfaction or negative body image. This means they are deeply displeased and highly critical of the body in which they live.
We recognize this displeasure is far more a reflection of how the individual feels about herself; it’s a more accurate indication of how she feels on the inside than how she looks on the outside. Messages and core beliefs such as “I’m not good enough”, “I’m disgusting”, “I’m confident”, “I’m loved” will affect whether one looks at the body as disgusting, fat, or acceptable.
Many factors influence a person’s body image including friends, family, society, puberty, the media, abuse or trauma. For our purposes, the most important piece of the body image puzzle is that it’s flexible, it can change from negative to positive. Once we assess each patient’s degree of body distortion/dissatisfaction, we can begin to move from body loathing to body love.
Body Image is comprised of three domains: physical, emotional and spiritual. We address the physical realm by confronting distortions. These reality checks are obtained through body tracings, mirror and photography work and clothing challenges. We strive to refocus our patients’ thoughts on the body’s function versus appearance. We also increase body awareness through movement activities such as relaxation, dance, stretching, and psychodrama.
The emotional domain is addressed by identifying feelings about the body, understanding the connection between influences and body image, identity development, and appreciating/loving the body and self. This is accomplished through peer and self affirmations, healthy comparisons and practicing self respect.
The spiritual domain is addressed through the exploration of the patients’ Spiritual Identity and the value she has as a child of her Higher Power.
Though we may not be able to transform a patient’s body image into one of complete love, we work hard to encourage acceptance and respect.
For additional information about Remuda Ranch, please call 1-800-445-1900 today.
