How to Reverse Exposure to a "Toxic" Diet Culture
As a counselor who helps clients heal their relationship with food I come across their stories of growing up around critical family members who shamed and criticized their appearance, weight and body shape. Some of them were told: "If you don't watch what you eat you'll look just like Aunt Sally." What a damaging message to imprint on a child's mind! When clients show me a picture of their younger Self (around age seven) I typically see a precious child at a normal and healthy weight.
As children we need to be seen, supported and loved for who we are. The therapeutic journey is to "re-program" and "delete" negative hurtful messages from the past, and to replace them with strong and solid affirmations of self-acceptance and unconditional love.
"It is never too late to become the person you needed the most."
My intake form contains the following questions:
How was food and eating treated in your family of origin?
Did any of your family members struggle with weight and body image issues?
Was anyone in your family diagnosed with an eating disorder?
Truth #1: It was not your fault.
Truth #2: You can learn to heal your relationship with food.
Truth #3: Healing takes time and is not linear.
What daily practices (rituals) can you think of that will strengthen the inner self-love muscle over time? It takes dedication to carve out a little time every day to sit quietly and infuse your mind with messages of self-kindness, self-empathy, self-acceptance and unconditional support.
How would you help a child who is unhappy with their appearance, or has been shamed and ridiculed? What tone of voice would you use? What words of understanding, encouragement and wisdom would you offer? Now, do this for yourself... every day for a minimum of three months - and witness the shift. Adding a loving self-embrace and/or putting both hands over your heart will enhance the practice.
Research suggests that we can rewire our brains and heal inter-generational trauma over time. I believe that we can. I trust that by setting an intention to reverse and heal early imprinting, one can forge a new path: A path paved with self-compassion and a strong commitment to support one's own journey with loving-kindness.
If you are ready to let go of limiting beliefs and old patterns of shame and guilt regarding your relationship with food, I am here to support you. Let's explore a new way of living and being - slowly, gently and safely. There are no taboo foods in my program. There is no constant weighing or calorie counting. Instead you will learn how to nourish yourself well- both physically and emotionally. You will learn to discern whether you are celebrating or self-medicating. You will rediscover the joy of eating. You will explore what your heart is truly hungry for.
Give yourself time to heal your relationship with food. I am here to support you on this journey! Reach out to me to schedule your initial complimentary consultation to see whether we are a good match. I look forward to hearing from you.
With compassion,
Petra
Yorumlar