We all know the significant impact that systemic oppression can have on our client’s mental health (hello racism, transphobia, colonialism, capitalism, and ableism). Weight stigma is no different. Clients in bigger bodies are often hesitant to seek care from doctors and counsellors alike – not only can providers contribute to body shaming because of their own weight bias, but physical spaces can make it clear whose bodies are welcome and whose are not.

In this engaging, interactive, and info-rich workshop, we’ll explore:

Weight stigma is unavoidable and harmful. We will explore our own relationship with body & diets, break down ways weight stigma shows up in our spaces and our interventions, and dive into research on the impact of weight stigma. We’ll also touch on desirability politics, the racist roots of the BMI, and common presenting concerns for plus-sized clients.

Ozempic and other GLP-1s have changed the conversation around intentional weight loss. What does the latest data say, how could intentional weight loss lead to worse health outcomes, and how do we navigate the conversation as counsellors? Most medical professionals are not engaged in informed consent practices, so we’ll cover questions your clients can ask to support their body sovereignty.

We will share actionable steps you can take immediately to make your practice more welcoming to people in bigger bodies, as well as key strategies, tools for clients to use, and self-reflective exercises to help shift entrenched narratives about body and self-worth so that your clients can arrive at home in their bodies with more self-compassion.