Over the last 30 years, the prevalence of eating disorders has increased to become a widespread problem across the UK and worldwide. This book offers a comprehensive guide written by people with eating disorders, their families and leading researchers, clinicians and therapists, all aiming to improve understanding of practical ways of helping people with eating disorders to live and thrive in their communities. The handbook covers the important topics of understanding eating difficulties in our society's context, including the role of social media and the fashion industry, and how health care professionals and voluntary organisations currently support those with an eating disorder. It explores the value of exercise, nutrition and sleep, and considers support from parents and schools for children, as well as making reasonable accommodations for young people and adults in higher education and the workplace. Particular therapies for stabilisation and recovery are detailed, and a final section sets out examples of creative and arts-based approaches.

Covering a range of embodied, trauma-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, mindfulness and yogic practices, this guide addresses the impact of trauma and shame in the development of body dysmorphic disorder. The chapters are written by professionals in the field and experts-by-lived-experience and feature practical exercises and activities designed for use in therapy.

False Bodies, True Selves explores the phenomenon of growing numbers of people in western society and beyond completely embedding their sense of identity in their appearance. Unlike other books which address either theoretical models of appearance-focused identity struggles or explore lived experiences of appearance-based battles, False Bodies delves into both. Importantly, the spiritual aspects of what it is to become enemies with one's body are given centre stage in the context of Donald Winnicott's theory of the true Self and the false Self. The book begins by looking at some of the myths, superstitions and fairy tales related to mirrors before moving on to western society's current obsession with appearance, which seems to have been compounded by the mass media. After looking at some of the most common manifestations of appearance-focused anguish including eating disorders and body dysmorphia, it begins to unpick the possible underlying meanings beneath such struggles with a particular emphasis on issues of a systemic nature.

Do you struggle with your body image? Are you walking beside someone who does? Are you suffering on account of dieting, disordered eating, over-exercising, compulsively seeking cosmetic surgery or obsessively resisting the ageing process? Psychologist and Psychotherapist Nicole Schnackenberg delves into how your identity may come to be pinned on to your physical appearance, and what you can do about it. Bodies Arising offers a series of meditations and reflections to support you on your journey of moving beyond food and body image struggles. It is an invitation to remember that your true Self is not the physical body and offers many tools for moving towards a love of every aspect of your being. Includes foreword by Sunday Times bestselling author, Theresa Cheung.

The first book offering support for parents and carers of children and young people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), this guidebook explains the condition as well as the impact that it may have in education settings, family life and socialisation. The guide begins by explaining how and why BDD emerges, before moving onto an exploration of how the mental health condition presents itself emotionally, psychologically, physically and behaviourally. It then offers practical advice and guidance for parents and carers on talking to their child about BDD, seeking professional treatment, considering medication, managing social media use, working with schools to build a recovery team and more. The Parent's Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder is an essential guidebook for parents of children of children and young people with BDD.

With a Foreword by Professor Katharine Phillips and an Introduction by Professor David Veale and Doctor Rob Willson. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterised by a preoccupation with a perceived defect, or defects, in one's appearance. These 'flaws' are either unnoticeable to the outside eye or seen as nothing more than a normal physical variation. To the person with BDD however, the abhorred aspects of their appearance cause significant shame and distress. Some hide away and become housebound, sometimes for many years. BDD affects males and females almost equally and has one of the highest suicide rates of any mental illness. Despite the extreme suffering experienced by people with BDD, it is possible to learn to cope with and even completely move beyond it. The stories in this volume powerfully attest to this. Gathered here are thirty-six lived experiences of people with BDD and their loved ones. They are stories of tremendous bravery, immeasurable determination and incredible hope.

A Hug In The Mud. A picture book written by Nicole Schnackenberg and illustrated and designed by Ingrid Sanchez. Piggy Wig decides to leave the comfort of his muddy home and go off in search of a hug. He is reminded of an important lesson about self-love along the way.