In the reading room: Senior lecturer and therapist, Dr Fiona Holland, looks at what language used in marketing materials says about body image (First published in International Therapist, Issue 118, Autumn 2016.)
Fiona says, ‘I’ve spent many years researching body image, body shaming, body esteem and well-being and feel strongly that to be equitable and ethical, all professions should adopt a philosophy where everyone is equally welcomed and treated with respect regardless of age, gender, size, shape, health status, race, socioeconomic status, religious belief, ability and appearance.’
Learn more about body image at the 2019 FHTConference
A senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Derby, Fiona supports students in modules and research projects that link with health and wellbeing. Fiona qualified as a massage therapist in 1997 and ran her own massage and wellbeing practice in the USA. Her research interests include behaviour change, body esteem, breast cancer and body image, and the benefits of wellbeing interventions on psychological health.
Fiona will give an overview of the impact of negative body image across different populations and outline the benefits of developing and maintaining body esteem. She will outline ways therapists can reinforce positive body image and esteem and will give delegates practical guidance in how to do this. Fiona will encourage delegates to consider creating a pro-esteem environment to benefit wellbeing and promote healthier self-talk and body-supportive behaviours.
