What a female therapist should know : appearance matters

Abstract

Lookism is a form of “discrimination or prejudice based on a person’s physical appearance” (Dictionary.com, 2014). This research study aimed to explore whether female therapists, in their practice, come into contact with clients who suffer from psychological or even experiential distress as a direct consequence of their perception of their appearance. In addition, the research examines whether the therapists themselves, as women who receive the same societal messages as their clients, too experience appearance-related anxieties and whether they feel these interfere with their ability to help their clients in therapy. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study and semi-structured interviews were conducted with four female therapists. The findings suggested that appearance-related dissatisfaction and distress does prompt women to seek therapy. The therapists highlighted their female clients’ main appearance-related complaints, the measures and motivations behind attempting to improve their outward appearance, the adverse emotions triggered by body dissatisfaction, the impact of women’s perception of their looks on overall life satisfaction and the precipitating psychological symptoms. Moreover, the participating therapists provided insight pertaining to therapy with appearance-related issues. The results also indicated the therapists’ experience body dissatisfaction themselves. They acknowledged that their personal appearance does have an impact on their clients yet their own appearance-related anxieties do not impinge upon the therapeutic process. Professional supervision was outlined as fundamental in dealing with any countertransference reactions that might arise in therapy. In addition, societal pressure, the media and advertising emerged as instrumental factors in the reinforcement of today’s ideal of beauty. Relevant recommendations include working thoroughly on one’s own appearance issues before choosing to work in this area.