Abstract:

A negative body image is quite common in clients with eating disorders and in most cases a challenging matter in therapy. Furthermore there is a strong connection between negative body image and internalized negative self-concepts, which results in body image being an often underestimated prognostic factor not only in the treatment of eating but also many other mental and somatic disorders. Looking in the mirror can for clients with a negative body image be very triggering, sometimes immediately activating their punitive parent mode. Disempowering this „punitive inner voice“ and building up a compassionate attitude towards oneself and one's own body is the aim of the treatment approach presented in this skill class. The approach combines exposure as a classic CBT technique with chair work in front of the mirror to deepen the connection between therapist and client’s healthy modes.

Target Audience:

Everyone

Learning Objective:

- Deepening theoretical background: Participants will get a brief overview of the concept of body image disturbance and its influence on the development of the healthy adult mode in Schema Therapy.
- Extending technical skills: By video demonstration participants will get a step by step guideline on how to use chair work in front of the mirror to develop a positive body image and positive body experience and thus to the development of self-acceptance and self-love in Schema Therapy.

Level of Experience Required:

Intermediate (Participants have had basic ST training)

About the Presenter:

Yvonne Reusch

Yvonne is a licensed clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and an advanced level Schema Therapist and Trainer/Supervisor. She co-directs the Schema Therapy Institute in Stuttgart, Germany. She has formerly been head psychologist at the psychosomatic department of the psychiatric hospital in Weinsberg, Germany and is working in private practice since 2020. She is specialized in treating severe personality disorders, eating disorders and trauma-associated disorders in both inpatients and outpatient settings, working with CBT, ST, DBT, ACT and Body Psychotherapy (Downing).