Body image and distortion exists among women across the life line and color line, beginning as young at 5 yrs old. As an expert in the field, practicing psychotherapy in New York, I have seen countless women with and without eating disorders struggle with feelings of inadequacy versus what they love about their bodies. I teach them to focus on what they love about their body, reminding them what their body does for them, going organ by organ, beginning at the feet and ending at the head. Women themselves are surprised by how they focus on the outside rather than taking care of the inside of themselves: eating, nurturing, mindfulness, meditating, and radical self-acceptance. These skills are a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, and it works in time with trust in the process, which is a precious asset to our work.
Kira M. Mantell, LCSW
Smithtown, NY
Social Worker of the Year 2014-Town of Smithtown
Health tap founding health consultant
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Thank you, Nurse Maryann! I thought I had to submit a pitch and didn't know the pitch went public right away. I am very excited to complete and post a finished product this week. Thank you for the encouragement.
May 25, 2014 - 10:40amI really look forward to sharing my treatment methods to get men and women to appreciate their bodies rather than being at war. Life isn't black and white. A young lady who made a miraculous turnaround in a strict outpatient facility said the most important thing she learned was to see not just black and white but "vibrant colors" that scare her at times. She is ready to see vibrance despite anxiety everyday now with new coping tools learned and more to be learned together through our process...
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Hello Kira Mantell,
I would like to welcome you to the EmpowHER community. I look forward to reading your article on the topic of body image. The perception of body image is such an important issue.
Regards,
May 23, 2014 - 4:43pmMaryann
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