We live in a culture that values appearance and is highly competitive.   Women and men often feel pressured to meet the cultural ideals of beauty and masculinity which can lead to experiencing a conflicted relationship with our bodies.  Further, we often don’t learn how to manage difficult emotions and conflict, and choose to “act out” upon ourselves to control uncomfortable feelings through food, exercise, and body modification.

 

When behaviors accompany the anxiety we feel, eating, exercise and body image disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia, binge eating, obesity, exercise addiction, and steroid abuse can develop.   Through supportive, but challenging, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and behavior modification,  a healthy and balanced relationship with food and the body can be achieved.