Bringing Body Image Into Your Practice

In our high-tech, media-filled society, we have become increasingly more image focused. Negative body image was once thought of as something that only affected individuals with eating disorders and predominantly women, but today we are seeing the effects on everyone. Reportedly by age 6, 40-50% of children already have some dissatisfaction with their bodies. Although body image techniques that focus on cognitive distortions can be effective, these approaches often fail to integrate the social constructs and demands that influence the development. Body image has roots in social justice issues like women’s suffrage, racism, LGBTIQ and socio-economic status, amongst many others. Bodies are part of our identity, and we are constantly being told on how to look and feel about ourselves. Participants in this course will take a deeper look at the history of body image, how to critically think about the media, and will be empowered with tools to help deepen their body image work with clients. The goal of this session is to challenge the perspective of their beliefs about body, size and beauty, and give tangible tools for practitioners to take into their offices.

1.5 hours CE. Recorded video format (non-interactive)

ESTIMATED COURSE LENGTH: 1.5 hours 

CE CREDITS:1.50 continuing education/contact hours for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists

TARGET AUDIENCE: Mental Health Practitioners

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Introductory

PREREQUISITE(S): None

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Recorded video format (non-interactive)

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: Closed captioning of audio components. In order to request further accessibility accommodations, please email support@psychhub.com.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: To obtain your CE certificate, learners must complete a pre-test (not scored), progress through all course segments, complete a participant evaluation, and obtain a score of 80% or higher on a post-test. Learners are expected to complete the quiz within 3 attempts. If unable to do so, the learner will need to re-review the course segments.

FINANCIAL/COMMERCIAL SUPPORT STATEMENT: This course has no commercial support.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:  This course has no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support. Psych Hub's conflict of interest statement is found in the footer of the training center.

GRIEVANCE AND REFUND POLICIES: Grievance and refund policies are found in the footer of the training center.

PARTICIPATION COSTS:  The cost to participate in this CE activity is included in the subscription registration fee.

COURSE CREATION DATE:  1/27/2023

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe a brief history of body image issues in the US
• Identify at least three potential causes of body image distortions
• Apply at least four techniques to address body image issues with clients

1. History of body image and development of body related beliefs
   1. Changing body size standard based on wealth and child rearing 
   2. Thin ideal
   3. 1930-40 sizing and mass marketing start to hit the market 
   4. Capitalistic marketing
   5. Relationship of body image to social injustices: experiences of BIPOC or LGBTQ+ individuals
2. Exploring our personal history with body image and how this historical view has shaped us
   1. Potential areas of Countertransference 
   2. Body image as identity
   3. Timeline of awareness of your body
   4. Use of a letter to a small child tool
3. Triggers and mental health diagnosis that are affected by body image
   1. Objectification
   2. Major impacts to the formation of body image 
   3. Symptoms of body image issues in dx other than Eating Disorders
4. Techniques to help open the conversation of body and mind connections
   1. Using ACT Values based living: Circle of influence
   2. Allowing for body grieving 
   3. Trauma work and body image: Guided somatic work to help with mind/body connection