How do I know if I need counselling for body image?

You may want to talk to a counsellor if worries about your body take up a lot of your time or change what you do. For example, you might skip social plans, avoid mirrors, or check them often. You do not need to wait until it feels serious. Many people reach out simply because they are tired of feeling this way about themselves.

How does CBT help with body image?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talk-based therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions connect, can help you notice and question harsh thoughts about your body. Your counsellor helps you test those thoughts and try new habits, such as cutting back on checking or comparing. You set the pace and choose what to work on.

Do I need a diagnosis to start body image counselling?

No, you do not need a diagnosis to start. Many people with body image worries have never been diagnosed with anything, and that is fine. Your counsellor starts with what you notice in your own life. You can share as much or as little as you like.

What if my body image worries affect how I eat?

Yes, you can talk about food and exercise with your counsellor, at your own pace. Our intake team can suggest counsellors who fit what you need. If you have worries about your physical health, please also see a doctor or nurse practitioner. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger.

Can I do body image counselling online in BC?

Yes, you can meet online from anywhere in BC, or in person in Burnaby, Pitt Meadows or Surrey. Some people find it easier to start online, especially if being seen feels hard right now. We offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video to help you decide what feels right.

Body Image counselling in BC

Book a free consultation See body image counsellors

13 counsellors
In person or online

Signs

What body image can feel like

Most people feel unhappy with how they look sometimes. It may be time to reach out when thoughts about your body take up a lot of your day or keep you from things you enjoy.

Checking mirrors or photos again and again
Comparing your body to others on social media
Thinking about your weight or shape most of the day
Avoiding photos, swimming or certain clothes
Feeling ashamed or anxious about how you look
Hiding your body under loose or layered clothes
Skipping plans because of how you think you look
Strict food or exercise rules to change your body

How counselling helps

What working on it together looks likeHow counselling helps

Early on
Understand your thoughts
With your counsellor, you notice when body worries show up, what sets them off and where your beliefs about your looks first came from.
As you go
Ease the harsh voice
You practise tools to calm the urge to check or compare, and to answer critical thoughts about your body with kinder, more balanced ones.
Over time
Move forward
Together you set small goals, like wearing clothes you like or going to the beach, so worries about your body no longer decide what you do.

Approaches

Therapies our counsellors use for body imageTherapies used

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)7 body image counsellors use it

Where

In person in Burnaby, Pitt Meadows and Surrey, or onlineWhere

About

More about body image

Improving Body Image and Self-Esteem: How No Fear Counselling Can Help

Body image is a significant aspect of one's self-image, which refers to the overall perception of oneself. It is common to experience negative body image, but it can have a significant impact on one's self-esteem and overall mental health. At No Fear Counselling, we provide personalised counselling services to help individuals improve their body image and confidence.

What is Body Image?

Body image refers to how a person sees themselves physically, including their size, shape, and appearance. It is influenced by various factors such as culture, media, and personal experiences. Negative body image can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy, which can impact one's mental health and overall quality of life.

The Impact of Negative Body Image

Negative self-image can lead to a range of emotional and mental health issues, including:

Did you know that:

About 80% of women in the United States report being dissatisfied with their appearance. (Source: National Eating Disorders Association)
Up to 30 million people of all ages and genders in the United States suffer from an eating disorder. (Source: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)

How No Fear Counselling Can Help

At No Fear Counselling, we offer specialised counselling services for individuals struggling with body image and self-esteem. Our experienced counsellors provide a safe and supportive environment where you can express your concerns and work towards improving your self-image and confidence.

We use evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help you challenge negative thought patterns and improve your self-esteem. We work with you to identify the root causes of your negative body image and develop strategies to overcome them. Our counsellors can also provide support and guidance for related mental health issues, such as eating disorders and anxiety.

Our goal is to help you develop a positive self-image and improve your overall mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

Negative self-image can have a significant impact on one's self-confidence and overall mental health. At No Fear Counselling, we provide specialised counselling services to help individuals improve their body image and self-confidence. Our experienced counsellors use evidence-based therapies to help you overcome negative thought patterns and develop a positive self-image. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you.

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Counsellors who help with body imageCounsellors for body image

See all 13All 13

Anna MacGillivray
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Disordered Eating, Addictions / Substance Use, Emotional Regulation, Existential Concerns, Codependency, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Complex Trauma, Assertiveness/Boundaries, Suicidal Ideation, Self Compassion, Work Stress, Spirituality, Perfectionism, Couples/Marriage Counselling, Guilt/Shame, Goal Setting, Cult Abuse, Personal Development/Growth, Work and Life Balance, Life Transitions, Self EsteemBody ImageDisordered Eating+21 more
- Languages: English
- Where: Vancouver
View profile of Anna MacGillivray
Damian Dym
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Youth/Adolescence Counselling (12 to 17 years), Assertiveness/Boundaries, Men's Concerns, Goal Setting, Christian Counselling, Grief, Loss and Bereavement, Identity, Addictions / Substance Use, Anger Management, Perfectionism, Guilt/Shame, Personal Development/Growth, Work and Life Balance, Burnout, Stress Management, Anxiety, Self Esteem, Fears, Work Stress
- Languages: English, Polish
View profile of Damian Dym
Ainsley Tan
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Self Compassion, Social Anxiety, Attachment Concerns, Relationship Concerns, Self Esteem, Identity, Depression, Complex Trauma, Repairing Relationships, Perfectionism, Inner Child Work, Couples/Marriage Counselling, Guilt/Shame, Life Transitions, Emotional Regulation, Anxiety
- Languages: English
- Where: Surrey · Burnaby · Pitt Meadows
View profile of Ainsley Tan
Basil Dimou
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Couples/Marriage Counselling, Personal Development/Growth, Sport Performance Anxiety, Career Counselling, Depression, Anger Management, Men's Concerns, Work Stress, Pre-Marital Counselling, Health, Goal Setting, Covid19 Related, Divorce/Separation, Relationship Concerns, Work and Life Balance, Coping with Injury/Loss, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Burnout, Stress Management, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Improving Communication, Building Healthy Parent/Child Connections, AnxietyBody ImageCouples/Marriage Counselling+23 more
- Languages: English
- Where: Online
View profile of Basil Dimou
Colleen Marcoux
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Pre-Marital Counselling, Couples/Marriage Counselling, Improving Communication, Repairing Relationships, Relationship Concerns, Divorce/Separation, Non Conventional Relationships, Open Relationships Dynamics, Assertiveness/Boundaries, Goal Setting, Attachment Concerns, Career Counselling, Self Compassion, Loneliness, Polyamory Navigation, Work and Life Balance, Emotional Regulation, Burnout, Purpose, Personal Development/Growth, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Stress ManagementBody ImagePre-Marital Counselling+22 more
- Languages: English
- Where: Online
View profile of Colleen Marcoux
Devanshi Muni
Counselling Therapist
- Helps with: Body Image, Anxiety, Attachment Concerns, Complex Trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Relationship Concerns, Stress Management, Addictions / Substance Use, Burnout, Couples/Marriage Counselling, Depression, Fears, Guilt/Shame, Identity, Life Transitions, Neurodiversity, Repairing Relationships, Self Compassion, Women's Concerns, Work and Life Balance, Immigration & Acculturation, Improving Communication
- Languages: English, Hindi
- Where: Burnaby · Surrey · Online
View profile of Devanshi Muni

FAQs

Common questions about body image counsellingCommon questions

Can't find your answer? Ask us a question.

You may want to talk to a counsellor if worries about your body take up a lot of your time or change what you do. For example, you might skip social plans, avoid mirrors, or check them often. You do not need to wait until it feels serious. Many people reach out simply because they are tired of feeling this way about themselves.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talk-based therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions connect, can help you notice and question harsh thoughts about your body. Your counsellor helps you test those thoughts and try new habits, such as cutting back on checking or comparing. You set the pace and choose what to work on.
No, you do not need a diagnosis to start. Many people with body image worries have never been diagnosed with anything, and that is fine. Your counsellor starts with what you notice in your own life. You can share as much or as little as you like.
Yes, you can talk about food and exercise with your counsellor, at your own pace. Our intake team can suggest counsellors who fit what you need. If you have worries about your physical health, please also see a doctor or nurse practitioner. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger.
Yes, you can meet online from anywhere in BC, or in person in Burnaby, Pitt Meadows or Surrey. Some people find it easier to start online, especially if being seen feels hard right now. We offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video to help you decide what feels right.

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Body Image counselling in BC

What body image can feel like

What working on it together looks likeHow counselling helps

Understand your thoughts

Ease the harsh voice

Move forward

Therapies our counsellors use for body imageTherapies used

In person in Burnaby, Pitt Meadows and Surrey, or onlineWhere

More about body image