Therapy Techniques: Learning to Love Yourself
As we learn more about mental health and well-being, it becomes important to be aware of certain tools and techniques that we can use in our daily lives to take care of ourselves. Since mental health includes our emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive well-being, it affects how we think, feel, and act. While making healthy choices is often emphasized, it is helpful to know what steps can actually benefit our well-being. Though therapy is a professional space conducted by trained persons, knowing a few basic techniques we can apply can be very helpful. iDare aims to create awareness on this.
The Struggle with Body Image
Over the years, whether through friends, colleagues, clients, or even random people online, I have observed a common insecurity about bodies. This is a gender-neutral issue — many men also struggle to accept their bodies.
My own insecurities began early, from people making fun of my brown complexion, my family, and my relatives. The child in me was deeply affected by these remarks, although I couldn’t understand it then. Comments about complexion, hair texture, body hair, and weight are common in South Asian cultures and have been for a long time.
Without realizing it, my insecurity about my complexion expanded to my whole body, how I looked, dressed, and carried myself. The shame surrounding bodies in our culture crosses socio-economic backgrounds. For years, I tried diets, dressed to hide my belly, and became self-conscious about acne and stretch marks.
The Turning Point: Reducing Media Influence
It took me 27 years to start seeing my body differently, thanks to the many people spreading body positivity. I was never obese, nor am I now, but those around me were often pressured to lose weight, hide their curves, cover acne with makeup, and follow fad diets that led to health problems.
What helped me most was reducing exposure to idealized and unrealistic body images in media. Comparing myself to people on social media with flat bellies and flawless skin gave me a pit in my stomach. Why wasn’t I enough? Over time, I realized the goal should be a healthy body and skin, not just one that looks lean but might hide health issues.
This isn’t to say lean people don’t face body struggles. Many have told me they also find it hard to accept themselves. Society and media celebrate only certain bodies, leaving others struggling to meet impossible standards.
Moving Forward: Empowerment and Acceptance
It breaks my heart when young girls say, “I don’t love my body.” We have failed to teach people to treat their bodies with love, respect, and appreciation for what they do, beyond just appearance.
The first step we can take is reducing and eliminating comparisons on social media. Filters and photo editing tools do not define beauty. It’s time to seek empowering content and online communities celebrating all shapes and sizes. Every time we look in the mirror, we need to find something to like about ourselves.
Our focus should be on becoming the healthiest versions of ourselves rather than chasing unrealistic ideals.
Please remember, these techniques are not substitutes for professional therapy. If mental health challenges affect daily life, consulting a trained professional is essential.
If you or someone you know needs help understanding therapy techniques or struggles with mental health issues, consider reaching out to our ‘Support’ and ‘Engage’ verticals for affordable and inclusive help!
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