Body Image Therapy in Washington
Evidence-Based, Compassionate Therapy for Individuals or Couples
ReSpark Group is a premier therapy practice, with industry-leading clinicians, helping clients with relationships and sexual wellness. With ReSpark, you get the benefits of working with one of the biggest couples therapy and sex therapy groups in the country. All clinicians receive continuous supervision, consultation, and advanced education. ReSpark offers evidence-based, effective therapy and coaching. Clinicians obtain world-class sex therapy and couples therapy training from the Sexual Health Alliance.
Our team personally matches every patient with an expert who has the right personality and education for the best outcomes. Your time is valuable, and it's our goal for you to quickly develop rapport with someone who is a good fit for you and your needs.
ABOUT OUR BODY IMAGE THERAPY IN WASHINGTON
WHAT IS BODY IMAGE THERAPY?
Body image–the way we interact with and feel about our body–affects many aspects of our daily lives, including how we engage with our sexuality. Because our society normalizes many unhealthy habits like negative body talk and unrealistic expectations, it is no mystery as to why many struggles with their body confidence. All Respark therapists are experts in the sexuality field, a field of study already in tune with body differences, the pain that can come from lack of body positivity, and how bodies can change should they want to, and are here to help you fall back to love with yourself.
During your body image therapy sessions with a Respark therapist, you will chart a journey to radical self-acceptance. We will work together to untangle the web of lies our society has placed on our bodies, especially on women and queer bodies. The process to transition genders can include intense, negative thoughts and emotions towards your body; you may even experience symptoms of Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD) where your daily life is severely affected.
ARE BODY IMAGE ISSUES COMMON?
Body image is something so many people struggle with. Are you feeling frustrated or ashamed about your relationship with your body? Are you ready to face the struggle and engage in the self work to finally experience a sense of self-love? Our experienced Respark Therapists can help. We have trained therapists that specialize in body image issues.
Body image, and the way we interact with and feel about our body, plays into so many aspects of our daily lives, especially how we engage with our sexuality. Our society normalizes and sometimes even encourages negative body talk and being critical about your body, so it’s no mystery as to why so many of us struggle with this common issue.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED BODY IMAGE THERAPY?
Body image and confidence issues are, unfortunately, common. Below are some questions to help guide you towards body image therapy, should you need it.
- Are you feeling ashamed of parts or all of your body?
- Are you feeling frustrated with this negative relationship with your body?
- Do you find yourself constantly checking the mirror?
- Do you compare your body to your friends? Celebrities? Media posts?
- Do you cover up certain parts of your body before going outside?
- Are you excessively grooming or exercising?
If any of the above questions triggered a yes response or reaction from you, body image therapy may be greatly beneficial to you. Our experienced Respark therapists can help unravel these thoughts and assist in healing the relationship with your body.
Just want a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming?
Clients tell us we're friendly, down to earth and approach therapy in a collaborative manner. We offer a holistic, gentle yet direct, and tailored approach that includes well-researched theories with a relational foundation. Together, we will learn new techniques, assign at-home exercises, reading assignments, conduct in-session guided exercises and other activities that make therapy and coaching fun and productive. We'll work together to form an approach that will be tailored to your goals. Leading researchers, including Esther Perel, Brené Brown, John Gottman, David Schnarch, David Ley, Chris Donaghue, and Marty Klein influence our therapeutic work with couples and individuals. Additionally, as AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists, we will work toward improving intimacy, strengthening communication skills, and communicating your desires. Our therapists are here to help normalize your experience and walk through your body image issues together in a therapeutic setting. At Respark we cherish your wellness and sexual health and are on a mission to walk alongside you in your journey to fully loving yourself and accepting your body in all of its beautiful flaws.
Common issues around body image that bring clients to therapy may be:
- Negative self talk
- Constantly criticizing parts of your body
- Hating what you see in the mirror
- Over-exercising
- Binging and Purging
- Strict rules around food and exercise
- Not feeling comfortable in your own skin
- Forcing yourself to not eat enough
- Extreme dieting
- Lack of presence during sex due to being worried about how your body looks
- Thoughts about your body consuming your day
5 WAYS TO FEEL MORE BODY CONFIDENT RIGHT NOW
While you wait for your appointment with us, we want to help you find relief now. Below are just a few of the many ways to gently improve your mindset. Remember, changing is going to take time and patience is important here. Should one of the methods not work for you, keep trying others, we’re sure you can find at least one in-the-moment coping mechanism.
- Positive affirmations
At the beginning of your affirmation practice, it may feel silly to tell yourself a positive statement or compliment. It can also feel forced when you rely on “I look good today” to boost your positivity. Instead, try saying something such as “It feels good when I check things off my to-do list” or “Taking a walk fills my cup.” Another option is to finish the sentence: “Today, I choose…” and use the mini mantra throughout the day to return to your affirmation. - Compliment others authentically
Receiving and giving compliments is a tried and true way to boost not only your body confidence but also someone else's. When you genuinely compliment others, without requiring a compliment in return, you work to break down the need to compare ourselves that society has ingrained in us. Examples of authentic compliments are: “That color is perfect for you,” or “You really brighten the room when you come in,” or “I am so glad we are friends, you make me feel better about myself.” Focus on the true - Consume body-positive media
It is not surprising that social media can have a negative impact on our bodies. With countless face and body retouching apps, filters and edits there is no guarantee that the photo you see online is even real. Bodies in ads are airbrushed and touched-up via Photoshop and even live videos can have filters added to them. When you find yourself comparing your body to someone on Instagram, remember that these photos can be fake and are working to make you feel bad about yourself.
- Focus on the things you like about yourself
It may feel impossible to bring yourself out of a body-negative headspace, but try focusing on the aspects of yourself you do like, the parts you are proud of. This can be physical parts of yourself such as your hair, eyes, hands, tattoos, even scars. It can also be internal things like your compassion, your traditions, or your values. Whenever you find yourself nitpicking the parts of yourself you don’t like or wish to change, remind yourself of the parts your love about yourself. - Self-care sessions
The possibilities here are endless. Though taking bubble baths, using soothing body care products, and taking a nap are excellent ways to practice self-care, those don’t have to be your ways of self-care. Exercising is self-care. Watching your favorite movie is self-care. Meditating is self-care. Journaling is self-care. Playing your favorite video game, taking a walk, listening to your favorite songs, drinking water, baking something yummy, organizing a junk drawer, trying a new skill are all examples of self-care.
TESTIMONIAL
"I collaborate professionally with Heather on a regular basis and believe she is a talented, effective, and down-to-earth sex therapist. She is my go-to referral for clients exploring sexuality issues such as a sexless marriage, issues of sexual identity, kink, open and poly relationships. I feel so lucky to have her as part of our Austin therapist community!”
Dr. Jessica Michaelson
HOW IS RESPARK DIFFERENT?
We see 500+ clients every month through our Online Therapy Program. After a decade of practice, we look forward to serving you through online counseling or via phone therapy anywhere in Washington.
Respark is a talk therapy practice that is inclusive and affirming of all orientations, lifestyles, beliefs, and relationship styles. Respark’s team has a combined 70+ years of experience and consists of highly-specialized therapists who are committed to serving your individual and relationship needs. While most couples therapists do not receive any education in sexuality, the therapists on our team continuously seek advanced, expert training opportunities in sexuality and relationship issues so we can provide the most up-to-date and effective therapy to our clients.
We aim to provide high-quality couples therapy and the best sex therapy, individual counseling, and coaching throughout all of Washington. Our counselors and coaches are available online for anyone nationwide.
At Respark, we specialize in moving through sexual issues by creating passion in your relationship and working towards relighting the fire of love in your life. Your sexuality can be a sensitive and frustrating topic, let our professionals help guide you through it.