Marena Passarelli Psychotherapy
Body Liberation
We all have to step into the skin of the fiercely body compassionate to be free. So envision your freedom; assume it is for you and everyone else. Allow the softness to come.
- Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturtevant from Reclaiming Body Trust: A Path to Healing & Liberation
What exactly is body image? Simply put, it is how you perceive your own body. Body image encompasses the beliefs and assumptions you assign to your body, how you move and feel in your body, and how you feel overall in regards to your body's shape and weight.
While body image is in regard to your own view of your body, your body image was almost certainly formed from a young age from various people and situations in your life. I don't think it will come as a surprise to you, but most of us have been bombarded with the notion that we are not tall enough, thin enough, strong enough, pretty enough, or that we need to eat certain foods, wear specific clothes, etc. And to that, I say...
fuck diet culture!
You are good enough, we all are! There is nothing you should or shouldn't be, other than yourself. You were born enough, and you will remain enough.
You deserve the freedom to be fully you, in your body. You do not need to apologize for taking up any kind or amount of space. It is your body, and honestly it is no one else's business.
Through therapy, I can help you rebuild a healthy and connected relationship with your body, if you are willing. HAES, or Health at Every Size, is a core part of my beliefs and work in body image and acceptance. I fully believe and support body acceptance, and even love! Don't forget to check out an awesome short video below!
And if you are interested, which I hope you will be, I can help you establish boundaries with others in your life, and work with you on assertiveness and advocacy. You can accept yourself (and others) and all bodies, while letting people know it!