There are many reasons we disconnect from our bodies, ranging from constant messaging that our bodies are never good enough to struggle with gender identity, eating disorders, or the impact of traumatic events. Each individual’s reasons for disconnecting are unique, but we often do so as a means of self-protection. Being in our bodies can sometimes feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or as if our bodies don’t truly belong to us at all. Yet, despite this disconnect, we long for a sense of embodiment, authenticity, and connection to our fullest selves.

Image of a smiling young man hugging himself. Begin to reconnect with your body and overcome past reasons for disconnection with therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT.

What is Embodiment?

Embodiment invites us to reconnect with our bodies, allowing us to experience pleasure, joy, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. It encourages us to listen to our bodies and embrace our true selves, cultivating compassion and self-acceptance. By shedding cultural expectations of how we “should” look, we can foster new relationships characterized by tenderness and acceptance. This shift enables us to treat ourselves with kindness, focusing on our feelings rather than external appearances. Ultimately, this journey of embodiment can nurture a more harmonious relationship with ourselves, promoting a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.

Common Reasons For Feeling Disconnected From Your Body

Here are some common reasons you might feel disconnected from your body:

Medical trauma
Eating disorders or disordered eating
For transgender and queer clients, years of disconnecting and dissociating from their bodies
Negative self-talk
Feelings of shame about one’s body
Believing that a body must conform to a specific size to be considered healthy
Past traumatic events

Image of a smiling young girl. With the support of therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT you can begin to reconnect with your body in positive ways.

5 Ways to Begin Reconnecting with Your Body

1. Put Away the Scale
Or even better, get rid of it! I would say donate it, but honestly, I hate scales, so maybe just destroy it! But, baby steps—do whatever feels doable to you right now.

We often keep compassion at arm’s length through daily measurements of approval, like weighing ourselves. By removing this constant source of self-evaluation, we create more space to simply be in our bodies and experience what feels good.

2. Limit Body Checking
Consider turning your full-length mirrors around or draping a sheet over them—make it a dramatic gesture if that resonates with you. Remember, reflections are everywhere; this isn’t about achieving perfection but creating spaces where you can take a break from constant self-evaluation. Instead of checking our appearance and criticizing ourselves, we can step back from that negative self-talk.

3. Think About What Makes You Feel Good
Focus on activities that bring you joy in your body, regardless of how you look. Take a moment to brainstorm what feels good—whether it’s playing video games on a Saturday morning, cuddling with a partner, or spending time with pets. Make a mental note or jot them down on your phone. By reflecting on what makes us feel safe, joyful, and connected, we remind ourselves of how we want to feel.

4. Give Yourself What You Desire Now
Building on the previous point, let’s challenge the mindset that we can only indulge in certain pleasures once we achieve a specific body image. Instead of waiting for a certain version of yourself, consider what you can give yourself right now. You deserve to experience joy and comfort in the present moment. This practice reinforces the belief that you are enough just as you are.

5. Feel Into Your Body
Take a moment to notice what it feels like to be in your body. Move slowly through the world—go for a walk, lie on the floor, or simply observe your body in its current state. It’s okay if this feels uncomfortable; just try it for a moment, even if it’s just for ten seconds. What do you feel? See? Hear? This practice of reconnecting with our bodies can be challenging but also pretty rewarding!

Reconnecting is a Process

Reconnecting with your body is a process that requires baby steps. While these suggestions are simple to articulate, putting them into practice can be more challenging. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection! If you are still reading this, I imagine you have a very real desire to feel differently. The paths we take to feeling embodied are unique to all of us. But practicing showing up for yourself with compassion and kindness will get each of us there a whole lot faster!

Finding Support

Sometimes, we need additional support to connect with our bodies. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by these ideas or sensing that there are deeper layers to unpack, it might be time to talk to a therapist.

Hi, I’m Lizzie (she/her), and as an eating disorder therapist, I would love to help you on this journey! At Therapy With Lizzie, I work with queer and trans adults who are struggling to feel at home in their bodies.

The reasons we feel disconnected from our bodies can often be complex and intertwined. In our work together, we’ll untangle these threads and I’ll support you in feeling more like your authentic self.

Image of a positive plus size woman standing in a field with her arms raised toward the sky. Start your journey toward self-compassion and reconnection with your body with the help of therapy for eating disorders in Burlington, VT.

Begin Reconnecting With Your Body With The Support of Therapy for Eating Disorders in Burlington, VT

Start your journey toward self-compassion and reconnection with your body through therapy for eating disorders with Therapy with Lizzie. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges you face and create a path toward embracing your authentic self. Therapy with Lizzie provides a supportive space for healing and fostering a positive relationship with your body. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Meet with me, Lizzie Werner-Gavrin, an experienced therapist specializing in eating disorders.
Build a stronger, more loving connection with your body.

Other Online Services I Provide Throughout Vermont

Along with supporting adults struggling to reconnect with their bodies with therapy for eating disorders, I offer EMDR therapy to help process trauma and emotional pain. At Therapy With Lizzie, my work also includes guiding individuals through anxiety, stress management, and building resilience. I provide a compassionate, affirming space for adults exploring their gender and sexuality. Whether you’re navigating past trauma, managing anxiety, or discovering your identity, I’m here to walk with you through every part of your journey with understanding and support.

5 Ways to Reconnect with Your Body When You’ve Been Living from the Neck Up: Tips From an Eating Disorder Therapist