Body Esteem & Self Esteem

Body image is both the mental picture you have of your own body and how you see yourself when you look in a mirror. Self-esteem is how you value and respect yourself as a person. Self-esteem affects how you take care of yourself, emotionally, and physically.

How do the two concepts relate

Body image and self-esteem directly influence one another. When you have healthy body image, you feel comfortable about your body and know how to care for it.

When someone doesn’t like their body, they may not feel good about themselves or take care of themselves. This can mean not eating or sleeping enough, staying away from friends and family, or turning down chances to do things they would otherwise enjoy.

How do I know if I have a healthy Body Image and Self Esteem

You see and think of yourself as a whole person, not a collection of specific body parts.
You accept and celebrate the uniqueness of your natural body shape and size.
You understand that a person’s physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person.
You feel comfortable and confident in your body, and avoid worrying about food, weight, and counting calories.

How do I know if I have a negative Body Image and Self Esteem

You focus on your body’s weight and perceived flaws.
You feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about your body.
You’re convinced you would be happier or ‘better’ if you were thin/thinner/small/smaller.
You believe that only other people are attractive.
You exercise to lose weight or to ‘make up’ for calories that you’ve eaten.

Therapeutic Approach at Uniquely Human Psychology

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

A different emotional outcome can be created by interrupting a pattern of thinking and behaving. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) uses thought-challenging (also known as cognitive restructuring) to challenge negative thinking patterns that contribute to destructive thoughts by replacing them with more positive, productive ways of thinking.

Steps Involved at Uniquely Human Psychology

1. Identify Negative Thoughts
With negative body image, physical appearance is given importance related to self-worth. Individuals may believe that a particular physical attribute defines them or casts them in such a negative way that they they may believe they are worthless. Recognising these inaccurate perceptions is difficult once they take hold. At Uniquely Human Psychology – we can help you to identify irrational and destructive thoughts.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
The next step in thought challenging involves evaluating negative thoughts and then challenging them. This requires evaluating the evidence that supports the negative pattern of thinking. For example, individuals may believe a particular physical attribute will make them unpopular or disliked. Strategies to challenge this idea include weighing the pros and cons of holding on to this belief and assessing the realistic probability that this belief is true.

3. Replace Negative Thoughts With Positive Thoughts
Once the negative thoughts have been identified and evaluated for truthfulness, it is time to replace them with positive, productive thoughts that create a favourable outcome. At Uniquely Human Psychology this will involve practice and dedication – but has been demonstrated to be extremely effective in breaking the cycle of negative thinking.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Body Esteem and Self-Esteem at Uniquely Human Psychology – aims to be as objective and realistic as possible in interpreting situations that tend to trigger automated, negative thought patterns. By becoming more aware of the power of your automated thoughts, the ability to interrupt them can be developed and engaged.