Find a Body Image Therapist

Understanding body image and how it can affect you

Body image describes the thoughts, feelings and perceptions you have about your own body. It includes what you notice about your appearance, how you interpret those observations and how those interpretations shape your behaviour and mood. For many people, body image is influenced by early experiences, cultural messages, social media, relationships and physical changes over time. When negative body image becomes persistent it can affect daily life - from how you dress and socialise to how you engage with food, exercise and intimate relationships.

Everyone experiences concerns about their body from time to time, but when those concerns cause ongoing distress, rumination or avoidance, you might start to feel isolated or stuck. You may notice that your self-worth is tightly linked to appearance, that you spend a lot of time trying to control or hide your body, or that you frequently compare yourself to others. These patterns can be wearing and may lead you to look for support from a counsellor who specialises in body image work.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for body image

There are several signs that therapy could help. You may find that thoughts about your body occupy a lot of your mental energy, interfere with work or relationships, or trigger self-critical internal dialogue. You might avoid social situations, mirrors or certain clothes, or engage in checking behaviours and reassurance-seeking. Changes in eating or exercise patterns linked to appearance concerns can be distressing and hard to manage on your own. You could also notice low mood, anxiety or difficulties with intimacy that seem connected to how you see your body. If appearance-related thoughts lead to shame, withdrawal or reduced enjoyment of life, reaching out for therapeutic support is a reasonable next step.

What to expect in body image therapy sessions

When you begin therapy for body image, the first few sessions typically focus on building a therapeutic relationship and understanding your history. Your counsellor will ask about how your body image concerns began and how they affect your daily life. You will have the opportunity to describe what you want to change and to set collaborative goals. Counsellors usually discuss confidentiality, fees and practical arrangements at this stage, and explain their registration and training background, for example registration with BACP, HCPC or NCPS, so you know they follow recognised professional standards.

After the initial assessment you and your counsellor will agree a plan. Sessions commonly last around 50 minutes and take place weekly or fortnightly depending on your needs. Therapy may include in-session exercises and tasks to try between appointments. You should expect a mix of exploration - looking at beliefs, early experiences and emotions - alongside practical techniques to reduce distressing behaviours. Progress is often gradual; your counsellor will check in regularly and adjust the approach as work develops.

Common therapeutic approaches used for body image

Several evidence-informed approaches are used to address body image. Cognitive behavioural approaches help you identify and test unhelpful thoughts and learn new ways of responding to body-related triggers. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasises making room for difficult feelings while taking actions that reflect your values, rather than being driven solely by appearance concerns. Compassion-Focused Therapy works on cultivating a kinder relationship with yourself, reducing shame and harsh self-criticism that often underpins negative body image. Mindfulness-based approaches can help you notice bodily sensations and thoughts without getting caught up in them.

Some counsellors use narrative approaches to help you reframe the stories you tell about your body and reclaim agency over your identity. Psychodynamic work can explore how early relationships and internalised messages shaped your self-image. Where trauma is present, trauma-informed approaches and specialist interventions may be suitable, always tailored to your pace and readiness. Movement-based therapies or guided exposure to body-related situations can also be part of a programme if you and your counsellor agree these methods would be helpful.

How online therapy works for body image concerns

Online therapy makes it possible to work with a counsellor from home or another comfortable environment. Many counsellors offer video sessions that mirror face-to-face appointments in timing and structure, while some also provide telephone or messaging options. Online work can be especially convenient if you live in a rural area, have mobility limitations, or prefer the convenience of remote appointments. It can also make it easier to access therapists who specialise in specific areas, such as body image or eating-related concerns.

To get the most from online sessions you should find a quiet, comfortable setting where you feel safe to speak openly. Use headphones if that helps maintain privacy in shared households and test your internet connection beforehand. Your counsellor will explain how they handle personal data and appointment records and will agree boundaries around contact between sessions. Some therapeutic activities - for example mirror work or experiential tasks - can be adapted for online delivery, and your counsellor will discuss sensible ways to practise these safely between meetings.

Practical tips for choosing the right counsellor for body image

When you search for a counsellor, look for clear information about their training, professional registration and experience with body image issues. Many counsellors list specialisms such as body image, eating-related concerns, body dysmorphic tendencies or related trauma work. Check whether they are registered with a recognised UK professional body such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS and read about their therapeutic approach so you understand how they work. Some counsellors offer a brief initial conversation - often called a consultation - which gives you a chance to ask about their experience and decide if the fit feels right.

Consider practical factors too. Think about whether you prefer online or face-to-face appointments, the fee and session length, and the counsellor's location and availability. It is reasonable to ask about how they handle safeguarding and what steps they would take if you were at risk. Trust your instincts about how comfortable you feel when speaking with a counsellor; feeling understood and respected is central to effective work. If you have additional needs - such as language, cultural understanding or LGBTQ+ affirming practice - look for a counsellor who emphasises that competence.

Next steps and additional considerations

Deciding to seek help is an important step and you do not have to do it alone. Start by reading profiles to find counsellors whose training and style match your priorities, and arrange an initial conversation to ask practical questions. Therapy gives you an opportunity to examine the beliefs and behaviours that keep negative body image active, and to build new ways of relating to your body and yourself. If you have concerns about physical health or eating patterns that affect your wellbeing, your counsellor may suggest you consult your GP or another appropriate healthcare practitioner as part of a joined-up approach to care.

Finding the right counsellor can take time, and it is okay to try a few conversations before deciding who you want to work with. With consistent, compassionate support you can develop tools to reduce distress, increase self-acceptance and make choices that reflect what matters to you now.