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Body Dysmorphia/Body Image
Hi guys! I have my basic training and wondered if anyone had any suggestions (whether that’s on how to find resources or discussions already here on IS-ART or just comments here) on suggestions on working with a client who struggles with body dysmorphia or as my client also likes to say “body discomfort.” We have worked through some childhood experiences with the basic script and have tried typical day script. I’ve tried to include little liar as well as other metaphors from the basic manual and there’s just these stuck blocks that we can’t get past. I am seeing her again tomorrow evening. Would love any suggestions or thoughts!
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2 Replies
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Hi Emily,
It sounds like you have tried several scripts already. I am finding that with my clients with body image dissatisfaction/dysmorphia that this takes several sessions, similar to addiction/substance use disorders. ART works beautifully with these clients in working with so many layers that have built up over the years.
If you would like to discuss further, I am happy to do so.
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Hi Emily, I just finished the Basic training and can’t get the advanced training until late next year. I have a client with body dysmorphia, stemming from childhood and teen shaming by a parent. This client loves growing and nurturing plants from seed. I was toying with the idea of seeing herself grow, just like a plant, from an early age and noticing/seeing herself at different ages. I have just had two sessions with her and we just worked on the theme of ‘gaslighting’ going back to childhood. We will work on other ‘trauma’ themes before addressing dysmorphia. Hopefully, just the trauma work will resolve the dysmorphia but if it doesn’t I may try the metaphor of a plant growing.