Body Image Inside Out: A Revolutionary Approach to Body Image Healing

by Deb Schachter, Whitney Otto (primary_contributor)

"Liberating and powerful, this is the best, most practical book about body image I have come across.”
-Claire Dale, Author of the award-winning book Physical Intelligence

What if your negative body image isn't trying to torture you but is actually trying to talk to you?

Embark on a transformative journey with Body Image Inside Out, where your body image isn't an enemy but a guide towards greater insight and inner alignment. Created by executive coach Whitney Otto and seasoned therapist Deb Schachter, this groundbreaking "inside out" approach invites you to explore - not ignore - your body image messages.

Body Image Inside Out teaches you to become more skillful at listening, interpreting and responding to your body image thoughts, so that you can develop a more constructive and connected relationship with your body. Think of it like couples therapy for you and your body image.

Weaving together Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Attachment Theory together, this process teaches you how Understand and shift your habitual body image thoughts and behaviors. Decode what you really want from that "fix my body" plan. Use your jealousy as a teacher rather than a tormenter. Identify which relationships trigger your negative body image and how to respond differently. Prepare for bad body image days so that when they show up, you can resource and connect rather than hate and ignore.
Based on their popular BodySelf Workshop series and highlighting a diverse spectrum of client stories and bodies, each chapter features teaching, journaling prompts and innovative exercises to personalize your journey in finding a kinder, more collaborative relationship with your body image.

Through playfulness and humor, Whitney and Deb expertly guide you to explore  a new approach to body image healing, offering everyone in every body the opportunity to translate their unique body image language.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Angie Wallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides so many great tools to unpack and grow your relationship with your body. I’m using this book with some of my clients now!

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Body Image Inside Out" by Deb Schachter and Whitney Otto offers a refreshing and transformative take on body image by advocating an "inside out" approach. Instead of avoiding or ignoring body image struggles, the book encourages readers to engage in self-exploration, using their own perceptions as a pathway to healing. Schachter and Otto focus on empowering readers to decode negative thoughts and replace them with more compassionate and constructive narratives about their bodies.

The book is structured to guide readers through the complexities of body image, starting with an understanding of what it means and how it affects mental health. It then moves into identifying harmful thoughts and offers practical exercises aimed at promoting a healthier self-image. The final sections emphasize the importance of self-compassion as a key to lasting change, providing readers with actionable steps to improve their relationship with their bodies.

"Body Image Inside Out" is a valuable resource for anyone grappling with body image issues, from individuals seeking personal growth to mental health professionals and educators. The inclusive, body-positive perspective makes the book accessible to a wide audience, offering insights that promote healing, empowerment, and self-acceptance.

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I absolutely love the dedication as someone who has struggled with body image from a young age and this book provided me with useful exercises I’ll still work on even though I’ve finished reading the book. I also found the BodySelf glossary helpful and the index will help me to flip back to what I need as I need it while I work on my self image more. I appreciated that the authors put a note at the beginning around the term ‘fat’ and how it will be used in this book as the term is often used by different people to think of different things and the potential privileges we may have around our bodies before we start. The blessings at the end of each chapter is a sweet touch, especially with how difficult and mentally taxing the work can be.

[Diah · Rating 5 out of 5]

digital ARC was provided by Netgalley and Sheldon Press

I have to say, it’s a game-changer! The book tackles those familiar bad days when we feel off about our bodies, but instead of brushing it aside, it encourages us to really listen to those thoughts. I loved how it’s filled with relatable vignettes from real clients, making it super easy to connect with.

The journaling prompts and exercises are fantastic! They helped me shift my perspective and find ways to combat my own low body image issues. It's all about curiosity and compassion, and it genuinely offers a roadmap for building a stronger relationship with yourself. If you’re looking to flip the script on how you see your body, this book is definitely worth checking out!

[Amber Barke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and innovative resource for mental health professionals, folks struggling with body image, and really anyone who is curious about the relationship between how we feel about our bodies and our deeper internal/emotional landscape. This book is full of accessible, digestible, inclusive, and skillful content. The prompts, exercises, and client spotlights are fantastic.

[Book Bench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reframing internal negative thoughts can completely transform how you view your physical body, and this book shows you how to do it. The author blends therapeutic frameworks with personal client stories to help you decode what your inner critic is trying to communicate. It's a clear, useful guide that encourages self-compassion to help address and silence constant mental body battles.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

dnf at 50% which was my goal

body image tremendously down bad, my nutritionist had me reading this lol