Healing from Cultural Trauma and the Pressure to Be Thin with a Therapist in Riverdale, UT

We recognize that cultural trauma is a profound force shaping the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and communities. Cultural trauma occurs when a group’s collective identity is harmed or threatened by events such as colonization, war, forced migration, systemic discrimination, or historical oppression. Unlike individual trauma, cultural trauma is shared across generations, influencing how entire communities see themselves and their roles in society.

For many of our clients, the impact of cultural trauma is reflected in their relationship with their bodies. When a culture is marginalized or devalued, its members may internalize negative stereotypes about their appearance, traditions, or physical characteristics. For instance, people from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds may encounter societal messages that idealize body types, skin tones, or features different from their own. This can lead to feelings of shame, dissatisfaction, or even disconnection from their bodies. Forced assimilation or the banning of traditional attire can further alienate individuals from their cultural identity, deepening these challenges.

We see firsthand how these experiences can contribute to higher rates of body image concerns, eating disorders, and other mental health issues within affected communities. Our holistic approach addresses not only the individual’s psychological needs but also the broader context of cultural healing. We support our clients in reclaiming their cultural practices, challenging harmful societal norms, and building a more positive relationship with their bodies.

At Gold Counseling, we recognize the profound impact that growing up in a culture promoting the “thin ideal” can have on self-esteem and mental health—especially for children, adolescents, and young adults. The “thin ideal,” perpetuated by media, advertising, and even family and peer expectations, often equates slenderness with beauty, success, and worth. For many, repeated exposure to these messages fosters unrealistic standards that can be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.

Our clinicians see firsthand how internalizing the thin ideal can lead to body dissatisfaction and diminished self-worth. When individuals—regardless of age or gender—feel that their bodies do not match idealized images, they may struggle with negative self-perceptions, heightened self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy. Over time, these struggles can contribute to anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, or the development of unhealthy behaviors such as restrictive dieting or disordered eating.

We offer a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore these issues and begin to challenge harmful beliefs about body image. Our team is experienced in helping individuals and families:

● Build resilience against societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards
● Develop healthy coping strategies and self-acceptance
● Address and treat body image concerns and disordered eating patterns
● Foster critical thinking about media messages and cultural norms
● Promote body diversity and self-worth that goes beyond appearance

We also recognize that the pressures of the thin ideal are not limited to girls and women—boys and men are increasingly impacted by shifting ideals around lean and muscular bodies. Our inclusive approach ensures that all clients, regardless of gender, can find support and guidance to improve their self-esteem and overall mental wellness.

We understand how deeply body image pressures can affect your emotional well-being. Many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic societal standards, media messages, or painful personal experiences like teasing and criticism. These pressures can often lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or patterns of disordered eating.

Our experienced therapists provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences related to body image. We help you identify the roots of these concerns and work with you to challenge negative thought patterns. Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), we guide you in developing healthier perspectives on your body and self-worth.

At Gold Counseling, our goal is to empower you to build resilience against societal pressure, reduce self-criticism, and cultivate a more positive and accepting relationship with your body. We are committed to supporting your journey towards healing emotional wounds and achieving greater well-being. If you’re struggling with body image concerns.

We understand that cultural standards of beauty significantly shape how individuals view themselves and their self-worth—often in ways that can be harmful. In today’s world, ideals that equate thinness with attractiveness, success, or even moral value are everywhere: in the media, advertising, fashion, and especially on social media. These messages are pervasive, setting narrow and often unattainable standards for what is considered “beautiful.”

For many of our clients, repeated exposure to these ideals can result in internalizing the belief that value is tied to physical appearance. When this happens, it’s common to experience dissatisfaction with one’s own body, especially if it doesn’t match the societal ideal. This dissatisfaction can sometimes trigger unhealthy behaviors, such as restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, or other disordered eating patterns, in an attempt to change one’s body.

We also recognize that these cultural beauty standards often stigmatize certain body types, leading to teasing, bullying, or discrimination. This social pressure can cause feelings of shame and isolation, further increasing the risk of developing disordered eating. The fear of not fitting in or being accepted can be overwhelming and may drive people to extremes to conform.

Importantly, these struggles are not limited by gender, age, or cultural background—though the shape these pressures take may differ between communities. The widespread promotion of unrealistic beauty ideals creates an environment where body dissatisfaction and disordered eating can thrive.

Healing from cultural trauma and the pressure to conform to unrealistic body ideals can be a challenging journey. At Gold Counseling, Kandace Wilson offers compassionate support to help individuals break free from these societal constraints. Through tailored therapy, clients work to heal emotionally, rebuild their confidence, and redefine beauty on their own terms.

Our therapists at Gold Counseling are committed to helping clients challenge these harmful standards, build a healthier relationship with food and body image, and foster self-acceptance. We advocate for the acceptance of all body shapes and sizes, and we work with our clients to develop resilience against unrealistic societal pressures. If you or a loved one is struggling with body image or disordered eating, know that you are not alone—and support is available. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Riverdale UT, Washington Terrace UT, Clinton UT, Kaysville UT, Clearfield UT, Farmington UT, Draper UT, Riverton UT, Sandy UT, St. George UT, Bloomington UT, Santa Clara, UT, and surrounding areas.