Feeling Good about the Way You Look: A Program for Overcoming Body Image Problems

by Sabine Wilhelm

In a society where a blemish or “bad hair” can ruin an otherwise perfect day and airbrushed abs dominate the magazine rack, many of us feel ashamed of our bodies. If dissatisfaction with your looks is a distressing preoccupation, this compassionate book offers a way to break free from the mirror. Harvard psychologist Sabine Wilhelm leads you through a step-by-step program that helps you fight the urge to spend hours “fixing” your skin and hair, working out, or shopping for flattering clothes. Reality-check exercises based on cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrate how to identify unfounded beliefs about your appearance. Once you understand the negative thoughts and feelings that distort your self-image, you’ll be able to shed lengthy grooming rituals and overcome the embarrassment that keeps you from enjoying life. With Dr. Wilhelm’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to replace self-doubt and insecurity with confidence and a positive outlook. Whether you’ve spent thousands on plastic surgery or avoid trips to the beach, dating, or socializing, you owe yourself this opportunity to make peace with your looks. If you or someone you care about is struggling with a body image problem, effective care is finally at hand.
Health care professionals, see also the related treatment Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder .

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Nonfiction

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Newmoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for a class I'm teaching the girls at church (age 12-17). I thought the first half was very insightful for anyone who has struggled with self-acceptance and their looks. It gives some background and greater understanding into why we feel the way we do, what might have brought us to this point. The second half was the self-help section, primarily for people who are struggling more severely, to the point that their struggles are interfering with their lives. I only skimmed that part, but it did seem really good if that is something you need help with. Some of the ideas could be modified for the class I'm teaching to help all girls who struggle with their appearance.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've used this with my clients. Gripping, easy to follow. I have another one that seems way more complicated.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for a therapist who is counseling someone with poor body images. Uses the CBT model.

[Amy]

Skimmed this book. It focuses on body dysmorphic disorder problems (disliking certain parts of your body) rather than weight-related body image problems. Suggests some similar techniques to those of I've seen in other books, but did not find it useful for me.