What's On Our Bookshelf? "More Than A Body: Your Body Is An Instrument, Not An Ornament"

By Riley Glasset, CSW Intern

Do you ever wonder what books therapists keep on their bookshelves? This month Riley Glasset, CSW intern shares her thoughts on a book that has shaped both her own worldview and the way she helps her clients.

Book: More Than A Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament

Authors: Lexi Kite, Ph.D and Lindsay Kite, Ph.D

In More Than A Body, Lexie and Lindsay combine personal anecdotes with empirical research to demonstrate to the reader that the self-doubt and anxieties you may experience as it relates to your physical appearance is a learned behavior that can be undone. More Than A Body invites readers to critique the world around them while simultaneously engaging in a practice that empowers the individual from the inside out to honor themselves and harness self-compassion.

This book feels as though you are speaking to a friend that has faced similar hardships - it’s as though the authors have peered into your mind and are offering you tools to deconstruct the messages that you have received from the world around you. Lexie and Lindsay offer realistic tools and methods to experiment with in order to challenge preconceived notions and embrace self-acceptance. Lexie and Lindsay don’t push positivity — rather, they invite the reader to experiment with neutrality, which may feel more accessible and authentic.

More Than A Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament is a powerful reminder that each person is valuable as they are, regardless of how they may look externally. This value of inherent worth is central to the way that I view the world, my clients, and myself. This is an idea that I work to thread throughout the therapeutic journey with my clients.

If you find yourself struggling with body image, self-acceptance, or self-compassion, a qualified therapist can help! Call or text The Healing Group at 801-305-3171 to meet with Riley or one of our other highly-trained therapists to support you on your healing journey.