Most of us can be self-critical about our bodies sometimes. At the extreme, painful thoughts and emotions about body image can lead to emotional suffering and even impact quality of life. In this episode, Debbie interviews Dr. Emily Sandoz about her acceptance-based approach to working with clients on body image and eating disorders. Dr. Sandoz explores the concept of “Body Image Inflexibility,” her values- and acceptance-based clinical approach, and cultural influences that can contribute to how we feel about our physical selves.

In this episode we discuss:

the emotional struggle and critical thinking we can get into about our own bodies

a values- and acceptance-based approach to treating eating disorders and body image concerns

social media and physical appearance

ideas for talking to children about their bodies

Dr. Emily K. Sandoz is the Emma Louise LeBlanc Burguieres/BORSF Endowed Professor of Social Sciences in the Psychology Department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Emily is the Director of the Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science. She has co-authored three books on acceptance and commitment therapy for struggles with eating and body image, along with chapters and journal articles on ACT, Relational Frame Theory, values, the therapeutic relationship, and psychological flexibility. Emily has led more than 70 professional training workshops around the world, and serves as a peer-reviewed ACT trainer. She also practices as a Clinical Psychologist, focusing on clinical behavior analysis of body-related difficulties.

Resources:

Living with Your Body and Other Things You Hate: How to Let Go of Your Struggle with Body Image Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Emily K. Sandoz and Troy DuFrene

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Eating Disorders: A Process-Focused Guide to Treating Anorexia and Bulimia Paperback by Emily K. Sandoz, Kelly G. Wilson, and Troy DuFrene

The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Bulimia: A Guide to Breaking Free from Bulimia Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Emily K. Sandoz, Kelly G. Wilson, and Troy DuFrene

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Body Image Dissatisfaction: A Practitioner's Guide to Using Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Values-Based Behavior Change Strategies by Adria Pearson, Michelle Heffner, and Victoria Follette.

The Anorexia Workbook: How to Accept Yourself, Heal Your Suffering, and Reclaim Your Life by Michelle Heffner and Georg H. Eifert

Article: “The Relationship Between Frequency of Instagram Use, Exposure to Idealized Images, and Psychological Well-Being in Women”

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