In today’s fast-paced society, we get many mixed messages about food and our bodies. We are told how we are supposed to look, how much to exercise, what to eat, when to eat and how to feel about our size and shape. For many people, the relationship with their body is a difficult one. It is complicated by pressure to meet the thin ideal, constant comparison with social and cultural images and the need to be perfect in their roles as partners, workers, parents, or students. Body confidence is something that many strive for, but never achieve due to unrealistic and unhealthy standards. This continual striving creates feelings of failure which really damages self-esteem and self-confidence and affects other areas of life like relationships, performance and health.  A positive body image includes appreciation for all parts of yourself. It goes beyond body shape and physical appearance to things like connection with friends and family, hobbies, talents, goals, that create intrinsic self-worth.  Chronic body dissatisfaction is a major contributor to disordered eating patterns like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.

Your relationship with your body should not be marred by health, fitness or fashion industry standards, family norms, or social comparison. Our bodies are vessels through which we experience the world. They are not ornaments for others’ enjoyment, judgment, or condemnation. Restoring your relationship with your body is part of a larger journey to reclaim your right to enjoy life unrestricted by internalized messages of how you should look.

At Laird Counselling Services, I strive to support body confidence by helping you reconnect with your inherent self-worth that goes beyond the thin ideal.