✨ Episode Summary:  “Love your body!” sounds great… until it doesn’t. In this episode, Jen and Allison sit down with Brenna Barnard, LMHC, a therapist from Collaborative Counseling and Nutrition, to talk about one of the most complicated relationships out there — the one we have with our bodies. Together, we unpack what body image really means, why “loving your body” can feel out of reach, and how the idea of body neutrality can offer some breathing room in a culture obsessed with appearance. We dig into how feelings (not just facts) shape the way we see ourselves, and how therapy, community, and compassion can help shift those internal narratives. If you’ve ever felt stuck between “love your body” and “I don’t even know where to start,” this one’s for you.

💕Connect w/Breanna: @healingwithbrenna

🧰 Takeaways:

• Body neutrality offers a realistic middle ground for body image.
• Feelings about our bodies are often rooted in deeper emotions.
• It's important to validate feelings rather than suppress them.
• Understanding the influences on body image can help in managing it.
• Practical strategies include focusing on comfort and self-care.
• Mantras can help shift perspectives on body image.
• Body image is just one aspect of a person's identity. 

⏰ Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Body Image and Body Neutrality
• 10:38 Exploring Body Image: Feelings vs. Facts
• 22:51 Understanding Body Neutrality
• 39:05 Practical Steps for Body Image Improvement
• 42:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Body Neutrality blog post by Brenna: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/body-neutrality
• You Don’t Have to Love Your Body blog post: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-love-your-body
• 8 Ways to Support Yourself on Tough Body Image Days: https://www.collab-counseling.com/blog/8-ways-to-support-yourself-during-tough-body-image-days 
• Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery by Colleen Reichman and Jennifer Rollins
• Body Neutrality by Eleanor Clark
• More Than a Body by Lexie & Lindsay Kite

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🔗 Connect With Us:

• Website: https://www.collab-counseling.com/
• IG: @collab.counseling