Body Compassion Workshop for Clinicians

Body Image Basics and Beyond

• Understand body image, self-worth, body dysmorphia and more
• Inclusive work with gender diverse populations
• The intersection of body image work and systemic oppression
• When to refer out
• Cultural, societal, and social media factors that contribute to negative body image
• The role of trauma and co-occurring conditions
• Examine your own biases, beliefs, and assumptions regarding body image
• How compassion helps clients take steps toward acceptance

Assessment Tools and Techniques for Body Image Issues and Body Dissatisfaction

• Assessment tools and scales
• Self-report measures, interviews, and clinical observation
• Incorporating cultural sensitivity
• Recognize diverse body norms and gender diversity
• Use the clinical interview to explore underlying beliefs and emotions

Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Based Practices:

• Enhance your clients body awareness and body-compassion
• Guided body scan meditations to tune into physical sensations
• Body focused mindfulness practices for body image and self-perception
• Self-compassion and guided imagery meditations to increase body appreciation and reduce shame
• Use sensory cues to evoke feelings of acceptance towards the body
• Ways to incorporate movement practices into daily life

CBT, ACT and Positive Psychology Techniques:

• End negative body talk, regulate their emotions and foster body image flexibility
• The power of language in shaping body perceptions and relationship
• Uncover the origins of harmful body talk patterns
• CBT strategies for reframing unhelpful thinking patterns about their bodies
• ACT tools to foster body image flexibility
• Positive psychology affirmations to challenge negative body talk
• Use emotional regulation tools from ACT, CBT, yoga therapy, and more

Yoga, Somatic Practices, Creative Arts and Other Complementary Approaches:

• Build your clients body self-care, self-expression and body acceptance toolkit
• Yoga for improved body satisfaction and acceptance
• Somatic movement practices for self-exploration and bodily expression
• Use therapeutic art for emotional expression and self-reflection
• Therapeutic writing to improve weight and body shape bias internalization
• The connection between gratitude and cultivating positive body image
• Body gratitude exercises to practice self-compassion towards their body

Ethical Considerations and Self-Care for Clinicians

• Maintain client autonomy
• Promote body diversity
• Address potential harm
• Manage countertransference and burnout
• Healthy at Every Size (HAES)

Limitations of the Research and Potential Risks

• Research limitations for discussed interventions
• Inclusion/exclusion – who to use these techniques with and when
• Potential risks associated with discussed interventions
• Areas for further study