A Compassionate Approach to Weight and Well-Being
JUDITH MATZ
Every therapist—no matter where they practice or who they see—has heard clients express shame about their body size. Often, this shame gets brushed aside as just an unfortunate byproduct of our cultural norms, but when people are at war with their bodies it can impact their work, relationships, and self-worth, often leading to anxiety and depression. To counter weight stigma and its damaging effects, it’s imperative that clinicians learn an alternative therapeutic framework in which to support physical and psychological well-being for people of all sizes. In this workshop, you’ll explore:
- Diet culture messages that lead to internalized weight stigma and negatively impact clients’ physical and mental health
- Strategies based on the Health At Every Size (HAES) paradigm to help clients become more attuned with their bodies when it comes to eating and physical activity
- How to avoid contributing to clients’ body shame, even inadvertently
- How to empower clients to respect and feel at home in their bodies through body-positive strategies and resources
Judith Matz, LCSW, is the coauthor of Beyond a Shadow of a Diet and The Diet Survivor’s Handbook. She’s a speaker and trainer with a private practice.