Understanding the Challenges
Eating disorders and BDD are complex conditions that go beyond just physical appearance. They often stem from deeper emotional and psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or trauma. Recognizing the signs early on is essential in order to intervene effectively.
The Role of 'Body Image Coach'
Working with the 'Body Image Coach' organisation can provide your child with psycho-educational coaching and therapy to improve their self-perception and relationship with their body. If you are a parent or provider, needing guidance, Body Image Coach has created a YouTube channel to support you on how to support children to feel their best.
The Role of Schools and Educators
Schools play a significant role in promoting positive body image and mental health among students and 'Body Image Coach (BIC) are all about prevention which is why they run free 1 hour workshops with schools to encourage children to step forward if they are struggling and need support.
Reasons to choose BIC
Specific Focus: For individuals struggling specifically with body image issues, Body Image Coach is better suited because it specializes in this area only and nothing else. BIC is also run by a team of people who all have lived experience of body image disorders in their early life as a teenager and know how young people feel and what they are going through.
Personalized Support: This service is highly personalized, with a focus on individual healing, tailored to personal mental health needs.
Accessibility: BIC may be more accessible to a broader range of people than specialized medical services, which often require physical visits and can be cost-prohibitive.
Affordability: BIC are a not-for-profit service and their prices are affordable to most people. They can offer affordability due to their many optional services. For example:
Accessing their full program with 19 hours online support with a professional coach, is £695 or less dependent upon household income, this includes parent/provider support and is a high intervention service at 3 hours support per week. All programs are delivered with a coach, who offers psycho-educational workshops in animation, as well as peer support groups and 1-1 coaching. The feedback from parents speaks for itself: TrustPilot
Conclusion:
Harley Street Clinic is ideal for those needing specialized medical treatment. Body Image Coach is better suited for those looking for support with body image, self-esteem, and related mental health issues. If your concern is more about improving your mental and emotional relationship with your body, Body Image Coach offers a more targeted, holistic, and accessible service.
Steps you can take:
-Find out if your child's school is running the BIC workshops already
-Contact BIC to see if they have funding to work with your child in your area
-Subscribe to their YouTube channel to gain insight
-Fill out the Parent Quiz on their website, to see if your child has an eating disorder
-Offer your child their online form on their website that only a 'Body image Coach' will see. This form will help your child to express how they are feeling.
-Sign BIC's petition on their website. they are on a mission to offer this service to every child for free
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