Today we have a post from Mary Ellen Alexander, one of our Masters Level Interns. Mary Ellen is a compassionate therapist who dedicates herself to the holistic healing of mind, body, and spirit. She embraces health and well-being with a comprehensive perspective, and there is nothing she finds more rewarding than supporting individuals on their path to self-alignment. With authenticity at the core of her practice, Mary Ellen provides a therapeutic environment rich with compassion, resilience, inspiration, hope, and practical wisdom. She firmly believes that transformation unfolds in an atmosphere where presence, safety, acceptance, and belonging are paramount. Mary Ellen is passionate about uncovering the unique beauty within each person and takes immense joy in aiding her clients to recognize, accept, and embrace their true selves. We hope you enjoy today’s post from Mary Ellen!
Cultivating peace with your body is a journey that involves nurturing both your physical and mental well-being. Here are some effective strategies to help you improve your relationship with with your body:
1. Surround Yourself with Encouragement: Be intentional about surrounding yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. This includes curating your social media feed to include body-positive content and unfollowing accounts that trigger negative feelings about your body.
2. Practice re-appraisals or cognitive defusion: Pay attention to your internal dialogue and consider replacing self-criticism with self-compassion. When negative thoughts arise, challenge them with kindness and curiosity, or practice separating, or distancing yourself from, the harsh thoughts about your body. Cultivating a kinder inner voice can significantly improve your body image.
3. Avoid Excessive Comparison: Resist the urge to compare your body to others. Focus on your own journey of self-acceptance rather than comparing yourself to unattainable standards.
4. Seek Support: If you find yourself struggling with negative body image, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can help you explore underlying issues and develop coping strategies to improve your body image.
Remember: Developing a healthy body image is a process that requires time and effort. Be patient with yourself and prioritize self-care as you work towards cultivating a positive relationship with your body.
Affirmations:
“I am worthy of self-care and self-compassion, both physically and mentally.”
“I appreciate the unique beauty that radiates from within me, transcending external appearance.”
Recommended Reading:
- Beautiful You: A Daily Guide to Radical Self-Acceptance by Rosie Molinary
- Embody: Learning to Love Your Unique Body (and quiet that critical voice!) by Connie Sobczak
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Mary Ellen
All of us at Anchored Counseling Co. are committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Company to assist in this mission. The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirming, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life. To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or visit our website today.
