Remuda Ranch

Body Image Therapy Overview

"Our hope is to move our patients toward an acceptance of their bodies along with a commitment to treat their bodies with respect." Jenny Hazel, Body Image Specialist

Patients at Remuda Ranch are as physically diverse as they are emotionally and mentally diverse. Yet, one characteristic they often hold in common is a high level of body dissatisfaction or negative body image. This means they are deeply displeased and highly critical of their body.

We recognize this displeasure is a more accurate indication of how they feel on the inside than how they look on the outside. Family messages, peer comments, self-talk, and core beliefs such as, "I'm not good enough", "I'm disgusting", "I'm confident", or "I'm loved", will affect whether one looks at the body as disgusting, fat, or acceptable.

Many factors influence a person's body image including friends, family, society, puberty, the media, abuse, and trauma. For our purposes, the most important piece of the body image puzzle is that it's flexible, it can change from negative to positive. Once we assess each patient's degree of body distortion/dissatisfaction, we can begin to move from body loathing to body love.

Body Image is comprised of three domains: physical, emotional, and spiritual. We address the physical realm by confronting distortions. These reality checks are obtained through body tracings, mirror and photography work, and clothing challenges. We strive to refocus our patients' thoughts on the body's function versus their appearance. We also increase body awareness through movement activities such as relaxation, dance, equine events, stretching, and psychodrama.

Interestingly, with males, body image issues usually split down the middle, with 50% desiring a smaller body, and another 50% wanting to become bigger, with more defined muscles. Teaching proper strength training is therefore an important component of body work with boys.

The emotional domain of body image is addressed by identifying feelings about the body, understanding the connection between influences and body image, identity development, and exercises that enhance appreciating/loving the body and self. This is accomplished through peer and self affirmations, healthy comparisons, and intentionally practicing self-respect.

For Christians, the spiritual domain is addressed through the exploration of the patients' identity in Christ and the value experienced by being a child of God. For those with other beliefs, the spiritual domain is often addressed through a robust exploration of their uniqueness and loving relationship with their maker.

Though we may not be able to transform a patient's negative body image into one of complete self-respect, we work hard to encourage self-acceptance and self-respect. We use the best evidence-based methods available to assist our patients to heal their relationship with their bodies.

For additional information about Remuda Programs, please call 1-800-445-1900 today.