Emotions, Eating Disorders & Body Image- What’s the Connection?

Inside Out Characters

When starting with clients, I clarify that I am not a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) therapist. While I appreciate CBT exercises, my approach focuses on accepting and understanding emotions to enhance self-care and emotional intelligence. By understanding our emotions and needs, our thoughts naturally shift, leading to changes in behaviour. Instead of self-judgment, we start practicing self-care.

That’s the real goal of therapy, isn’t it? To foster this self-care and acceptance.

Many misunderstand body image and eating disorders as issues that can be resolved merely by reframing thoughts, such as "JUST EAT." This approach overlooks the complex nature of these disorders and the effects of long-held belief systems. My method involves embracing emotions, much like befriending them. The practice of curiosity over judgment nurtures self-acceptance.

Self-acceptance doesn't mean accepting every emotion, behaviour, or thought unconditionally. While you can’t control your emotions, you can manage your reactions. Self-acceptance involves recognizing your emotions and triggers, understanding your automatic coping mechanisms, and intentionally choosing healthy coping strategies. This requires awareness and care for the needs expressed by your emotions. For those who have long ignored their needs, this can be challenging.

Emotions are not good or bad; they are simply information.

This is why I recommend the Inside Out movies to all clients. Yes, especially my adult clients.  They illustrate how emotions interact, motivate us, and coexist.

For example- In the film, Riley learns that sadness and joy are not opposing emotions, but allow for deeper connections with herself and others.

As you grew up, were you reassured that your emotions were valid? Did you feel safe expressing them? Did you learn to understand what your emotions were conveying and recognize that all emotions have their place?

Most people don't have this experience, which is why it often takes time for clients to recognize and experience their emotions daily without avoiding them. Developing emotional language is essential, involving both observing bodily responses and expanding your emotional vocabulary.

Two of my favourite resources for getting to know your emotions: 

The Emotion Wheel - The tool everyone LOVES to HATE. 

Emotion Wheel

Inside My Emotions (Part 1 & 2) By Rachel Harvey - https://www.dedicatedtomyself.com/category/emotional-processing

Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the U.S. She emphasizes strengths-based approaches and offers workbooks that foster personal growth and healing. Her Inside Out workbooks help you explore and understand your emotions.

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These resources provide the emotional vocabulary needed to understand emotions and to connect with the information your emotions are trying to communicate. 

The first step to having ‘control’ over your emotions is getting to know your emotions.

With Care,

Taylor Ashley RP