Body Image Psychologists and Therapists in Mildura, VIC
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Therapy can support reconnecting with yourself, deeper understanding your emotions, and developing confidence to move forward in an authentic and meaningful way. Whether facing personal challenges, relationship concerns, or navigating a major life transition, I offer a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. I'll support exploring your inner world while strengthening the resources already within you.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. Therapy can support reconnecting with yourself, deeper understanding your emotions, and developing confidence to move forward in an authentic and meaningful way. Whether facing personal challenges, relationship concerns, or navigating a major life transition, I offer a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. I'll support exploring your inner world while strengthening the resources already within you.
Marie Bourke is our lead counsellor and has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, counselling, and community work across the globe. She has spent many years supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction (their own or a loved one’s).
She has helped hundreds of people improve, their emotional and mental wellbeing, improve their relationships, increase their resilience and confidence, and live more connected and fulfilling lives.
Marie Bourke is our lead counsellor and has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, counselling, and community work across the globe. She has spent many years supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction (their own or a loved one’s).
She has helped hundreds of people improve, their emotional and mental wellbeing, improve their relationships, increase their resilience and confidence, and live more connected and fulfilling lives.
This includes support for anxiety, low mood, neurodiversity (including Autism and ADHD), body image and fitness-related challenges, sexuality, relationships, and life transitions.
My approach is collaborative, warm, and tailored. I place strong importance on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in empathy, safety, and trust, and I work alongside you to make sense of what’s happening and identify practical ways forward. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, therapy is adapted to your goals, values, and needs.
This includes support for anxiety, low mood, neurodiversity (including Autism and ADHD), body image and fitness-related challenges, sexuality, relationships, and life transitions.
My approach is collaborative, warm, and tailored. I place strong importance on building a therapeutic relationship grounded in empathy, safety, and trust, and I work alongside you to make sense of what’s happening and identify practical ways forward. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, therapy is adapted to your goals, values, and needs.
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
Body Image Therapists
How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.
What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognise how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.
Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviours as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.
What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviours developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.