Why we aim to be a body neutral practice

The Progressive Therapeutic Collective is a body neutral practice. This means we endeavour to view all bodies through a neutral lens; we don’t adhere to any specific approaches to our bodies, nor do we advocate any specific forms of diet and exercise.

Body neutrality, body positivity, and body negativity are all different ways of thinking about our bodies. While they may sound similar, they represent different attitudes towards our physical selves.

Body Positivity

Body positivity is a movement that encourages people to embrace and celebrate their bodies, regardless of their shape, size, or appearance. It was created as a response to the unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media and fashion industry. Body positivity advocates believe that all bodies are worthy of love and respect, and that every individual should feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

While body positivity has been an important movement in promoting body acceptance, it has been criticised for placing too much emphasis on appearance. Some argue that the focus on appearance can be damaging, as it can reinforce the idea that our bodies should be our primary source of self-worth.

Body positivity, as a movement, is often criticized for being exclusionary to disabled and LGBTIQA+ people. While the original intention of the movement was to promote self-love and acceptance for all bodies, the emphasis on a narrow definition of beauty standards and able-bodiedness can perpetuate ableism and heteronormativity.

Body Negativity

On the other end of the spectrum, body negativity refers to the belief that our bodies are flawed, imperfect, and unworthy of love and respect. Body negativity can manifest as self-hatred, shame, and even self-harm. It can be the result of negative experiences, such as bullying, trauma, or social pressure.

Body negativity can have serious consequences, both physically and mentally. It can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as disordered eating, substance abuse, or self-harm. It can also contribute to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Body Neutrality & Inclusivity

Body neutrality is a relatively new concept that seeks to promote a healthy, balanced way of thinking about our bodies. It encourages people to focus on how their bodies feel and what they can do, rather than on how they look. Body neutrality recognizes that our bodies are complex, multifaceted entities that are much more than their physical appearance.

Body neutrality is not about rejecting or denying the importance of physical appearance. Rather, it is about acknowledging that our bodies are more than just objects to be admired or criticized.

Body neutrality encourages us to treat our bodies with kindness and respect, regardless of how they look or feel.

Body neutrality can be a powerful tool for promoting mental and physical health. By focusing on what our bodies can do, we can develop a greater appreciation for our abilities and strengths. Through treating our bodies with kindness and respect, we can cultivate a more positive self-image and reduce the negative effects of body negativity.

By focusing on accepting one's body as it is, rather than trying to achieve a specific type of body, body neutrality allows for a wider range of bodies to be celebrated and accepted. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities and LGBTIQA+ people, as it allows for acceptance without the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.