Embracing a Healthy Body Image: Expert Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Nutrition Support in Limerick, Cork & Online

By Claire Russell MSc. BSc. DipNT, Cl. M Hyp., Cl. Hyp, Adv. RTT, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, Rapid Transformational Therapy, Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Registered Nutritionist

Understanding Body Image: The Foundation of Mental and Physical Wellbeing

“Body image” is more than just how you see your physical appearance. It encompasses the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions you hold about your body’s shape, size, and features. Everyone experiences a blend of positive and negative feelings about their body, which can fluctuate daily. For some, certain aspects are sources of pride, while for others it may instead cause mild or severe discomfort or dissatisfaction.

A healthy body image means you feel comfortable and satisfied with your body as it is now — embracing its unique qualities and strengths without harsh judgment or unrealistic expectations. Achieving this positive relationship with your body is crucial not only for mental health but also for overall wellbeing.

Why Choose Expert Therapy in Limerick, Cork or ONLINE to Improve Your Body Image?

As a highly experienced clinical medical hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, counsellor, and registered nutritionist practising functional medicine for over 20 years, I provide full and comprehensive support tailored to both adults, teenagers and children in Limerick, Newcastle West, Adare, Cork, Fermoy, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, and online. My holistic approach integrates Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), Advanced RTT, clinical hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling, Nutritionist and personalised nutrition plans to help clients build healthier, sustainable relationships with their bodies and minds.

The Role of Therapy in Enhancing Body Image

Therapy for Body Image Issues: Negative body image can stem from childhood experiences, cultural pressures, media influence, trauma, and mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. As a specialist psychotherapist in Limerick, I use evidence-based techniques, including Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy and RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy), to uncover and address subconscious beliefs that sabotage your self-esteem.

  • RTT and Clinical Hypnotherapy: These methods combine hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to swiftly identify root causes of negative body image and reframe damaging beliefs. This therapy is particularly effective for those struggling with low self-esteem, eating disorders, or body dysmorphia.

  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Services in Limerick and Cork: Regular sessions provide a safe, confidential environment to explore emotions related to body image, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.

  • Online Therapy: For convenience and accessibility, my online sessions offer the same high-quality mental health, Nutrition,  and counselling services, reaching clients across Ireland and beyond.

The Impact of Nutrition on Body Image and Mental Health

As a Registered Nutritionist incorporating Functional Medicine, I understand that nutrition profoundly influences mental wellbeing and body perception. Poor dietary habits, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, GUT/digestive issues, and deficiencies can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and mood disorders, which negatively affect how you view your body.

  • Personalised nutrition plans are designed to support brain health, improve mood stability, address nutritional deficiencies that effect mental health, and enhance physical vitality, contributing to a more positive body image.

  • By integrating nutritional support and guidance with hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, we address both mind and body — creating holistic healing that lasts.

Who Can Benefit from These Services?

  • Adults, Teenagers and Children: Body image issues affect people of all ages. Whether it’s adolescent struggles with self-esteem or adults facing midlife challenges, my therapies are tailored to meet diverse needs.

  • Therapist for Specific Issues: Including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, self-esteem issues, and body dysmorphic disorder.

  • Therapist for Specific Populations: I work with individuals across Limerick, Newcastle West, Adare, Cork, Fermoy, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, and online, ensuring accessible care for rural and urban clients alike.

Body Positivity Movement and Its Therapeutic Significance

The body positivity movement challenges unrealistic societal standards perpetuated by media and culture, which often promote harmful, narrow ideals of beauty. Embracing body positivity encourages:

  • Self-acceptance regardless of size, shape, or appearance.

  • Reduced stigma and improved social inclusiveness.

  • Motivation for genuine self-care rather than punitive dieting or excessive exercise.

Through therapy and hypnotherapy, I help clients internalise these positive messages, replacing self-criticism with compassion and acceptance.

How Therapy and Nutrition Work Together to Restore Healthy Body Image

  • Hypnotherapy and RTT help dissolve deep-seated negative beliefs about your body, creating new, empowering thought patterns.

  • Psychotherapy and counselling support emotional processing and the development of healthier coping mechanisms.

  • Nutritional advice optimises physical and mental health, enhancing energy levels, mood, and body function.

  • Online and in-person services ensure flexible, accessible treatment for those living in Limerick, Cork, and surrounding areas.

Practical Tips for Building a Positive Body Image

While professional therapy is highly effective, combining it with everyday practices accelerates progress:

  1. Daily Appreciation: Focus on one body part or function you’re grateful for each day.

  2. Mindful Movement: Engage in activities that make you feel good physically and emotionally.

  3. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative body comments with affirmations.

  4. Limit Social Media Exposure: Curate your feeds to promote positivity and authenticity.

  5. Prioritise Self-Care: Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and kindness to yourself build resilience.

  6. Seek Professional Help: If negative body image affects your quality of life, booking therapy can be transformative.

Why Book Your Appointment Now?

Your body is your lifelong companion—it’s worth the investment to cultivate a loving and respectful relationship with it. With over 20 years of clinical experience across Limerick, Newcastle West, Adare, Cork, Fermoy, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal, and online, I offer you personalised, compassionate, and scientifically backed therapies that deliver real results.

Whether you need clinical medical hypnotherapy, RTT for body image, psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, counselling for eating disorders, or nutrition advice, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Take the first step today — contact me for a confidential consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier, happier you.

Contact Information

  • Therapist in Limerick, Newcastle West, Adare, Cork, Fermoy, Charleville, Midleton, Youghal & Online

  • Psychotherapist & Counsellor in Limerick & Cork and ONLINE Therapy

  • Registered Nutritionist with Functional Medicine Expertise – Serving your Location & Online

Book your appointment now to experience transformative care tailored uniquely to you.

Ring Claire or  Complete the Contact Form here

Academic References

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