Therapist-Recommended Books & Body Positivity Influencers for Body Image and Self-Worth
April 4, 2025 | By Carissa Hannum
This is a repost of our blog originally posted in 2021.
Source- Canva.com
Many of my clients ask for book recommendations to explore body image and self-worth further. Below is a list of eight impactful books that cover everything from understanding the origins of body image struggles to societal influences and even workbooks to help you cultivate self-worth and embodiment. While this is just a starting point, I’m sure future book blogs will feature even more recommendations.
The Beauty Myth: How Images of Female Beauty Are Used Against Women, by Naomi Wolf
Source- Amazon.com
When discussing body image, The Beauty Myth is one of the first books that comes to mind. Originally published in 1991, Naomi Wolf examines how cultural beauty standards continue to police and restrict women despite advancements in leadership and power roles.
Wolf highlights how the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry, media, and publications reinforce implicit and explicit biases against different cultures, races, and disabled communities. Though written over 30 years ago, this book remains a powerful exploration of feminism, beauty standards, and societal expectations.
Learn more on Instagram, @naomirwolf.
The Body Is Not an Apology, Second Edition: The Power of Radical Self-Love, by Sonya Renee Taylor
Source- Amazon.com
This book profoundly impacted both my personal life and my clinical practice. Sonya Renee Taylor helps readers examine their own histories of body shame while also unpacking the systemic oppression that fuels it.
Taylor introduces the concept of body terrorism—the ways in which societal norms around racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia dictate how we see ourselves and others. What sets this book apart is its inclusion of disabled bodies in the conversation about body image.
For those looking to deepen their understanding, the workbook Your Body Is Not an Apology Workbook: Tools for Living Radical Self-Love offers practical exercises to cultivate radical self-love.
Learn more on Instagram, @sonyareneetaylor.
Perfectly Imperfect: Compassionate Strategies to Cultivate a Positive Body Image: by Amy Harman LMFT, CEDS
Source- Amazon.com
Amy Harman, a local DC-based therapist specializing in body image and eating disorders, brings a compassionate and holistic approach to body image healing.
Her book helps readers recognize that self-worth extends beyond physical appearance. Through self-compassion and self-care strategies, Harman teaches how to cultivate body respect and trust. Her insights are not just clinical—they are actionable steps toward embracing all aspects of oneself.
Learn more on Instagram, @amyharmanlmft.
Living with Your Body and Other Things You Hate: How to Let Go of Your Struggle with Body Image Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Emily K. Sandoz PhD
Source- Amazon.com
I first discovered this book while running body image therapy groups at a local treatment center. It applies Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques to help readers accept not only their bodies but also their emotions and physical sensations.
The book includes guided readings and meditations, making it a practical tool for therapy sessions or personal growth. There are even online recordings available to support the exercises in this book!
Learn more on Goodreads, Emily K. Sandoz.
Befriending Your Body: A Self-Compassionate Approach to Freeing Yourself from Disordered Eating, by Ann Saffi Biasetti
For those struggling with eating disorders or trauma-related body image issues, Befriending Your Body is an essential read.
Many individuals with disordered eating feel disconnected from their bodies as a coping mechanism. Dr. Biasetti introduces embodiment practices, including yoga-based movement, mindfulness exercises, and journaling prompts, to help readers rebuild self-compassion and body awareness. Her step-by-step program guides individuals toward greater self-acceptance and connection.
Learn more on Instagram, @anembodiedlife.
Body Positive Power: Because Life Is Already Happening and You Don't Need Flat Abs to Live It, by Megan Jayne Crabbe
Source- Amazon.com
Megan Jayne Crabbe is one of my favorite body positivity influencers, and I frequently recommend her to clients looking to shift their social media feeds toward more supportive content.
This book blends memoir, personal essays, and educational insights into body neutrality rather than traditional body positivity. Crabbe shares her journey from an eating disorder to self-acceptance while offering practical body image exercises—such as replacing harmful body-checking behaviors with self-soothing practices.
If you’re new to body neutrality, this is an excellent introduction.
Learn more on Instagram, @meganjaynecrabbe.
The Art of Body Acceptance: Strengthen Your Relationship with Yourself Through Therapeutic Creative Exercises, by Ashlee Bennett
If you love creativity, The Art of Body Acceptance is a must-read. Ashlee Bennett incorporates art, guided journaling, and other creative exercises to help readers explore and improve their body image.
Even if you don’t consider yourself artistic, this book is for you. Bennett emphasizes that creativity is about self-expression, not skill, encouraging readers to make art that heals, grounds, and fosters self-compassion.
Learn more on Instagram, @bodyimage_therapist.
Source- Amazon.com
Health At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight by Lindo Bacon
As a therapist specializing in body image and eating disorders, I practice through a Health at Every Size (HAES) perspective. Lindo Bacon’s groundbreaking book challenges the societal belief that health is determined by body size.
Through evidence-based research, Bacon debunks myths surrounding weight and health while advocating for intuitive eating, joyful movement, and a more inclusive definition of well-being.
If you enjoy this book, I also recommend Bacon’s other works, Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming it for the Better), which further explore weight stigma and body liberation.
Learn more on Instagram, @lindobacon.
Source- Amazon.com
Final Thoughts
These therapist-recommended books and body positivity influencers provide invaluable insights into the complex relationship we have with our bodies and self-worth. Whether you’re navigating disordered eating recovery or simply seeking to cultivate a healthier body image, these resources offer guidance, support, and practical tools. By following the work of these authors and engaging with their teachings, you can continue your journey of self-acceptance, healing, and empowerment. Remember, you’re not alone in this process—these experts are here to guide you toward a more compassionate and authentic relationship with yourself. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support.
Check out our Instagram for more body positivity and support,@monarchwellnesspsychotherapy.
For more of my book recommendations, check out my blog posts- An Eating Disorder Therapist’s Favorite Recovery Books, Essential Books for Parents & Caregivers of Teens with Eating Disorders, and Three Books I’m Enjoying as a Friendship Heights/DC Trauma Therapist.
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