For many of us, our relationship with our body is one of the most private — and most complicated — relationships we will ever have. It’s shaped by our earliest experiences, our culture, the media we consume, and the words spoken to us by parents, peers, and even strangers. At its worst, a poor body image can cast a shadow across every area of our lives — how we relate to others, how we show up at work, and even how we experience intimacy.

But this relationship, like any other, can be repaired. With care, attention, and sometimes therapeutic support, we can begin to reclaim a sense of connection with our bodies — one that is rooted in compassion, not criticism.