Mirror, Mirror: New Therapy for Body Image Issues - ThinnerTimes

Gladitsme · 03-16-2006, 01:23 PM

Mirror, Mirror: New Therapy for Body Image Issues

Thursday, March 16, 2006 Suffering from poor body-image or distorted weight perception can be more than just a nagging insecurity. With a heightened risk of developing depression, eating disorders and even suicide, body image problems can lead to serious health consequences. That fact has not been lost on Boston researchers who recently published a new study on an innovative, surprisingly successful therapy to help women overcome poor body image. According to researchers, who conducted the study at Massachusetts General Hospital, a therapy known as "mirror exposure" can correct body image problems by literally looking in the mirror. Female patients who participated in the therapy engaged in daily sessions with a counselor, part of which involved self-evaluations of their appearance and weight followed by discussion. At the conclusion of the study period, women who engaged in mirror therapy were found to have dramatically improved body image and a significantly lower vulnerability to eating disorder symptoms. The therapy was supplemented with diet and nutrition counseling.

I think someone had advocated doing this here on the forum. It makes sense to me.

chrisie_92020 · 03-16-2006, 01:28 PM

Very interesting, I know I try to avoid the mirror because true enough it is very depressing and much easier to ignore the problem. But with the GBS I'm making a lot of healthier choices and will be eager to start looking into those mirrors. Soon.

melanie hirschorn · 03-16-2006, 03:16 PM

I would like my daughter who is 14 to try this. She's having a hard time. She thinks she's fat, ugly. She's not fat. she may be slightly overweight and all her friends are skinny sticks. Thanks.
Melanie