NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE

It should come as no surprise that many women are unhappy with the way they look. Media and magazines often promote images of women that few of us "real women" will ever be able to emulate. For some women, this preoccupation with the way they think they should look begins to interfere with everyday activities that they may have once enjoyed. Have you ever declined an invitation to go swimming because you refused to let anyone see how you looked in a bathing suit? Do you make love only in the dark because you are embarrassed for your spouse to see your body? Do you generally feel that others are judging you based on your weight or appearance? Do you find yourself constantly trying to find the right diet? How many years of your life do you want to give up in exchange for your pursuit of "perfection?" Wouldn’t you prefer be happy and satisfied while living an active, healthy lifestyle rather than always chasing after an illusion? Psychotherapy may help you overcome some of the faulty thought processes that keep you from living the life you want. Brenda’s Master’s thesis dealt with issues relating to body image, self-esteem and depression.