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Our body image involves perceptions, emotions and physical sensations of and about our bodies. Our experience of our bodies is not objective and factual but highly subjective and heavily influenced by changes in mood, our environment and our physical experience. Early childhood experience, the culture we live in, and trauma (physical, sexual and emotional) have a significant impact on our self esteem and body image. It is extremely common for women and men; straight, gay and lesbian, young and old, to suffer from negative thoughts and feelings about one’s body. It can be very helpful to explore these self-perceptions to promote a more positive and healthy identity and an experience of safety and pleasure in your body.

More serious emotional and physical problems may develop that can be life-threatening. This is indicative of an Eating Disorder and requires mental health treatment. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms I strongly recommend a consultation to assess your emotional and physical well being and to collaborate with me in developing an appropriate treatment plan:

1. •    Periods of uncontrolled, impulsive eating
   

2. •    Self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, diuretics or diet pills
   

3. •    Extreme exercise and/or repetitive dieting
   

4. •    Intense fear of weight gain
   

5. •    Feeling “fat” or overweight despite dramatic weight loss
   

6. •    Extreme concern with body weight or shape
   

7. •    Loss of menstrual periods
   

8. •    Feelings of shame and self-hatred