ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on ways clinicians can support clients in developing values-based self-presentations and practicing acceptance around appearance-related programming. Helping clients identify and express their personal values with respect to self-presentation necessarily includes acceptance of painful emotions and defusion of programming related to how they "should" present themselves and their bodies. As clients continue acceptance work related to off limits or disallowed clothing choices, and begin to shift into values-based self-presentations, where they may begin to make more affirmative, creative choices around their appearance, programming will continue to emerge. Clinicians can and should serve as resources for clients in developing a more creative, values-driven self-presentation independent of size and weight-stigma-based programming. The clinician should consider his or her own rules and programming related to self-presentation and appearance, and may wish to practice acceptance activities leaning in on any rigid limitations, whether weight-related or not.