"Reclaiming Body Trust" is a powerful and affirming guide to improving our relationship with our bodies and cultivating a more positive, trusting relationship with ourselves. Written by Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturtevant, two licensed therapists with extensive experience working with people struggling with body shame and disordered eating, the book is rooted in the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES) and offers a fresh perspective on body acceptance.
At the heart of "Reclaiming Body Trust" is the idea that our bodies are inherently worthy and deserving of care and respect, regardless of their size, shape, or appearance. The authors provide a roadmap for working through trauma, cultivating a sense of safety and agency in our bodies, and developing self-compassion. They offer practical tools and exercises for building body awareness and developing self-compassion that can be applied both in and out of the therapy room.
One of the key principles of the book is the idea of embodiment, or the practice of staying present and connected to our bodies in the present moment. The authors encourage readers to develop a practice of mindfulness, body scanning, and other techniques for building body awareness and attuning to our body's needs and sensations.
Another important theme in "Reclaiming Body Trust" is the impact of systemic oppression on our relationship with our bodies. The authors acknowledge the ways in which cultural messages about body size and shape, as well as experiences of marginalization and discrimination, can contribute to body shame and disordered eating. They encourage readers to engage in social justice work as part of their healing journey, and provide resources for learning more about the intersections of body acceptance and social justice.
As a therapist, I appreciate how this book provides guidance for therapists and other healthcare providers on how to provide compassionate and empowering care for people struggling with body shame and disordered eating. The authors offer practical tools and exercises for building body awareness and developing self-compassion that can be applied both in and out of the therapy room.
Overall, "Reclaiming Body Trust" is an essential read for anyone seeking to improve their mental health and well-being by healing their relationship with their body. It's a powerful and affirming book that encourages readers to reject harmful cultural messages about body size and shape and embrace a more loving, compassionate relationship with themselves. The book is full of practical tools and exercises, as well as powerful insights into the impact of systemic oppression on our relationship with our bodies. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to cultivate a more positive, trusting relationship with themselves and their bodies.
