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Insight alone does not undo years of cultural conditioning.

Body dissatisfaction is reinforced by attention and environment.

Healing begins by loosening the link between body and self-worth.

When people talk about body image, the conversation almost always centers on appearance. The focus tends to be on whether someone likes how they look, feels confident in their skin, or is satisfied with their weight. While those questions are not unimportant, they often miss something more fundamental that shows up in therapy again and again. For many people, body image is not just about appearance. It is about belonging. Body image concerns are often rooted in a quieter, less visible question: Will my body make it harder for me to belong in the spaces I move through? This question tends to surface in subtle but powerful ways. It can show up when someone walks into a room and becomes aware of how their body might be perceived, when they choose clothing based on what will make them less noticeable, or when they feel a sense of relief blending in and discomfort when they feel exposed. These are not simply moments of insecurity. They reflect an awareness that bodies are read,........

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