Gender and Body Image Issues

Gender-affirmative and body positive approaches often presumes that the goal the client has in mind will resolve their difficulties. If this were effective there would be no need for therapy. However, as is common in human nature, many people experience difficulty knowing how to respond to or manage emotions.

In body dysmorphia this can cause people to obsess over perceived imperfections in their body, being relentlessly tormented until every problem is “fixed.” Gender dysphoric clients can obsess over how others perceive them. Those with binge eating disorder may have a difficult relationship with food.

At our clinic, we advocate for a comprehensive and informed approach. We firmly believe that individuals experiencing body image issues need a bio-psycho-social assessment and treatment. We encourage a multi-disciplinary approach that brings together support from medical and mental health providers.

Each client is unique, needing services custom-tailored to their needs. To provide a few examples of what this can look like. For clients with binge eating disorders this could include seeking medical guidance on appetite suppressants or other medical weight loss options. Some consider hormones an essential part of treatment for gender. Anti-depressants can help manage intrusive or obsessive thoughts. We talk with clients to explore the treatment options that are right for them, along with the risks and benefits of different options.