Helping Young Clients Navigate Body Image Distress

By: Margot Gaggini, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

​Why Body Image Distress Matters Now
In today’s world, young people are navigating constant messages about how they “should” look from on social media, in their friends groups, and even in well-intentioned conversations about “health.” In an international study of over 21,000 adolescents, 55% expressed dissatisfaction with their bodies and that rate was higher among those with greater social media screen time. Whether it’s a high schooler scrolling through TikTok or a college student adjusting to new routines and pressures, body image concerns can quietly shape self-esteem, relationships, and emotional health. 


What Body Image Distress Looks Like
Body image distress isn’t always obvious. It can range from frequent negative self-talk (“I hate my stomach”) to avoidance behaviors (skipping social events or meals), or more serious patterns like disordered eating. Clinically, it often overlaps with anxiety, depression, and identity struggles. Recognizing these signs early and addressing them with empathy can make a significant difference.


Three Therapeutic Frameworks That Help

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps clients identify and challenge distorted beliefs about their bodies. For example, replacing “I have to look perfect to be liked” with “My friends care about me for who I am.”
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT skills, like distress tolerance and emotion regulation, help young clients manage intense emotions without resorting to harmful behaviors. When a teen feels triggered by a photo online, practicing paced breathing or grounding can help shift focus away from impulsive reactions.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): These frameworks teach clients to approach thoughts with kindness rather than judgment. A college student might practice noticing a negative thought, “I hate how I look in this photo” and responding, “I’m allowed to feel this way, but I don’t have to believe it.”
   
   
   

How Caregivers and Providers Can Support
Support starts with listening. Comments like “You’re beautiful, don’t worry about it” often minimize distress. Instead, try: “I notice you seem uncomfortable talking about your body, would you like to share what’s been hard lately?”
Avoid focusing on appearance or food, and instead explore emotions and experiences. Collaborate on small realistic goals. If distress interferes with daily functioning like skipping meals, constant preoccupation, or self-harm thoughts, it’s time to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent symptoms from deepening.


Tools and Prompts to Try Right Now

• Reflection Prompt: “What messages about my body have I internalized from others, and which ones do I want to let go of?”
• Self-Compassion Practice: Write yourself a brief note as if you were speaking to a friend who felt the same way.
• Body Neutral Practice: List three things your body does for you daily such as walks you to class, hugs a friend, dances to music and thank it for those actions.

​Body image distress doesn’t have a quick fix, but compassion, curiosity, and connection go a long way. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or student, remember that healing starts with understanding and not judgment. If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or related anxiety, Taproot Therapy offers a supportive space to explore these challenges.


Reference:
University of Waterloo. (2023, May 30). Study: Negative body image among teens a global issue. University of Waterloo News. https://uwaterloo.ca/news/media/study-negative-body-image-among-teens-global-issue-0