5 Ways to Heal Body Image From Race-Based Trauma [Video]

In this video blog, psychotherapist Danielle Robbins explores how race-based trauma shapes body image. It offers five tools for healing body image and trauma. It begins by defining body image as the way we see and feel about our bodies, and race-based trauma as the emotional and psychological harm caused by racial discrimination. These experiences can distort body image, leading to internalized stereotypes, shame, and dissatisfaction, particularly when societal beauty standards exclude or devalue the features of people of color. These pressures can contribute to harmful coping mechanisms and deeply impact one’s relationship with their body.

Read more about intergenerational trauma.

There are five healing strategies: sharing your experiences and finding community, limiting social media consumption, surrounding yourself with life-affirming images, prioritizing rest and pleasure, and making space for grief and anger. Each tool supports reconnecting with the body’s inherent worth, challenging oppressive narratives, and promoting emotional and psychological restoration.