Positive Bodies: Loving the Skin You're In

Dr Vivienne Lewis

Positive Bodies is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and thinking to foster a positive body image in yourself and others. It is based on tried and tested CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) principles and features real-life examples of those who have struggled but won their war against body image dissatisfaction and self-hatred. Appropriate for men and women of any age including adolescents and children, Positive Bodies can also assist parents, teachers and counsellors wanting to help others with body dissatisfaction issues. 

Helpful worksheets with activities are included along with information on the warning signs of eating disorders; tackling binge eating and fussy eaters; managing stress, anxiety and depression; being a positive role model; boosting self-esteem; and where to go to get additional help.

• 1. Introduction

• 2. Goal setting

• 3. What is body image and what is its significance?

• 4. The development of a negative body image and overcoming it

• 5. Changing your behaviour to change feelings

• 6. Dealing with anxiety and body distress

• 7. Changing the way you think to change the way you feel

• 8. Stopping ritualistic body behaviours and eliminating fears

• 9. Eating disorders

• 10. Body image is just for girls? Real men: Real bodies

• 11. General health

• 12. Self-esteem building

• 13. Promoting positive body image in children

• 14. Love the skin you're in: Finishing up

• Appendices: Work sheets and where to get additional help

• References