Because I do not know what type of therapy you are receiving, I can't tell you anything about this picture. If you are reviving therapy regarding an eating disorder, than it is probably fine. If you are receiving therapy regarding physical abuse than it is an attempt to see if you can spot the abuse in this picture. Otherwise, the point of the picture is unclear. If this picture were used in a test, which it should not be, then other answers would be invalidated. You need to ask your therapist why you were given this picture. If the reason seems validated than it is fine but if it is odd then you may wish to think about finding someone else.

Did not see the part about this picture being you. Disregard the last comment. You're therapist is breaking the code of ethics and this can and is considered sexual abuse and misconduct. Find another therapist. If you are the victim of an eating disorder or physical abuse (the idea for that were the scratches on your leg, not saying they were caused by that at all), then it is some radical form of therapy which is still unethical. Whatever you choose to do, do not post anything about your case online or your therapist.

Thank you for choosing the EF community to share yourself one. You must put a lot of faith in the online group as a whole.

I think you have a nice body. Average, not too fat or thin. Nice curves. I don't know about the scratches or whatever on your leg.

Have a great weekend!

Obviously don't know the whole story, but how and why did this pic become involved with your therapy? The "scrathes" on your leg are of concern and why use this pic anyway?
No question is stupid!!

I noticed several things, but first I agree with the statements made by several members below. I think that it is out of line of your doctor to ask this.

1. I noticed the names on the picture, your Eden name and you language. You are reinforcing negative images in your own mind with your own language. Try to relabel the picture - even with some neutral as the date. Better with something positive.

2. I swear my first though was extraordinarily beautiful. Fine smooth skin. Strong slender waist, very well defined figure, looks muscular, nice breasts, well portioned. You have a better figure than I do. You are not fat.


3. Then I noticed the scar on the leg. So what. Something happened in life. Makes you who you are. Makes you interesting.

4. The bikini is a style that is very flattering to you. I don't like the pattern, but I know that's my issue. I don't like flowers in clothes. Pretty much ever.

I'm going to assume that you are going to a psychiatrist for you reasons in a positive way to improve some part of your life. The more you think about little things in your life or little things that you see in a good way, the easier life gets. "I like the fabric in the bikini. I like how soft my skin is. I like the interesting pattern my scar makes on my leg. I like how the sun shines on my skin today."

I like how you had the courage to post here even if you weren't sure. You're stronger and more beautiful than you're giving yourself credit for. Maybe you really don't need that doctor. Just a few new words. Giant HUG!

Your body is amazing you don't need us to tell you that.

I thought about this more in the shower this morning, and the additional posts have added some more thoughts.

The REASON that it's inappropriate that you ask anyone about what they think of you is because they have their own issues and emotions. People of a certain race COULD actually be somewhat hung up over skin color. People of a certain age could have emotions over the smoothness of skin. People that have been abused could have many issues. You have no idea what type of stupidity and random emotions and how they could answer you.

I choose to answer the post out of the belief that you were feeling pressured and would look for an answer somewhere else if not here. (And my honest thoughts are that your body is beautiful!)

I'm concerned that you let both your boyfriend and your psychiatrist decide if you should post this, and that you boyfriend watched you to make sure that you did. This sounds like coercion to me and not the healthy type.

By posting - you are opening yourself to a wide variety of new thoughts. Make sure that you take the time to reflect on them yourself.

She's looking for help in how to love herself. Not that simple...

There's a difference between looking for help, and asking for help, as opposed to posting a picture of your body online and asking for others to comment on how it looks.

Genuinely asking, "I need help in learning to love myself. What are some steps that I can take to do this for myself?" is a lot different from what was done.

What your therapist is doing is sexual harassment and you should not take any part of it. This is not therapeutic and is an exploitation.

"really this whole excersize feels terrable and miserable and is very embarressing."

That is the last thing that therapy should be making you feel. PERIOD. Please realize this and do something to change it. Your boyfriend also needs to butt out immediately.

Umm, you seem a bit harsh here. Especially if she really was told to do this. I agree with everyone else she needs to find a new therapist, but don't degrade her for trying to follow up on an, albeit strange, assignment. Everyone needs to feel good about themselves...that's why there IS sex toys..obviously because sometimes humans don't do it for us.

Again, please go easy here, you don't know the situation nor do you understand the deleterious effects your words could have. I have personally helped save several people from suicide, who posted on forums such as this..she obviously didn't know where else to turn. I say, she came to the right place and is receiving the right advice: find a new therapist!

Charity, Listen. I don't know what you are being treated for, but first of all. Let me advise you to delete that picture. NOT because it's bad, far from it. You have a beautiful figure. But because as it has been stated, it's very dangerous to post pic's like that on the Net. Even with no head-shot, there are still identifying factors than can be traced. I recommend you delete it and then take the regular picture to your friends or a support group for whatever it is you are being treated for.
I have seen a lot of women treated for anything from body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorders, cutting/self-harm etc. Your therapist, while possibly trying to help you, in the long run has actually hurt your progress in healing both mentally, physically and sexually. (This IS the Women's sexual health subforum, you have a right to post here).
You can look on my profile and email me if you would like for private conversation and direction to qualified help. You will be okay. Keep this thought in your mind ALL THE TIME: "I AM BEAUTIFUL". Just keep thinking it, say it out loud in the mirror to yourself. Think it till you believe it.
*Hugs* Sweetheart. It WILL be okay.

*Hugs* You are beautiful just because you are you.