Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Body Image, Perfectionism, and Metaphors

Feb 9, 2026
Dr Mark Whittington, psychiatrist and creator of Metaphorical Therapy, uses structured metaphors and 'mind movies' to teach coping strategies. Topics include when partner comments become harmful to body image. They unpack perfectionism’s push-rebel cycle. Mark demonstrates how metaphors reframe self-preservation, anxiety, and boundary-setting in practical, memorable ways.
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ADVICE

Act On Internalized Shame Early

  • Do address persistent negative self-talk triggered by a partner as an issue needing resolution.
  • Seek therapy or boundaries when comments cause daily shame around eating or touching your body.
ANECDOTE

Cookie Purchase To Signal Acceptance

  • Kirk describes buying Girl Scout cookies to reassure his partner that treats are okay and to signal attraction.
  • He confesses feeling shame while eating those cookies despite enjoying them.
INSIGHT

BMI Is A Simplistic Health Proxy

  • BMI and simple weight measures are poor proxies for individual health and can mislead conversations about bodies.
  • Overly simplistic social messages about weight drive unnecessary shame and conflict.
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