Body Image and Sex in Marriage - Jessica C. Gilliland

In this webinar learn how body image and sexual health can impact each other, understand how to foster healthy body image, and learn how partners can support each other and overcome body image-related struggles in their sexual relationship. 



Time Markers

0:00 – Introduction: Who is Jessica Gilliland 

3:26 – What happens when we’re “in our heads” instead of “in our bodies” during sex? 

4:26 – How do I deal with changes in my body? 

6:40 – Unhelpful messages (weeds) about bodies 

8:32 – Self-criticism as a form of stress 

10:30 – Body image and sexual satisfaction 

15:50 – Evaluating your body image  

17:15 – Fostering healthy body image 

19:45 – Your body is not the problem! 

20:45 – What makes a good body? 

26:21 – Reframing questions about your body 

28:20 – What is the focus on our bodies? 

31:10 – How does media affect body image? 

33:30 – Reduce objectification in your relationships 

35:31 – Date night discussion questions 

36:20 – Making helpful comments to your partner and self 

37:56 – Helping each other stay out of your heads and in your bodies 

40:00 – Can taking a media break help body image? 

41:30 – Resources for couples to help with body image 

42:42 – Question and Answer 

About Jessica Gilliland: 

Jessica Gilliland, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Throughout her training and career, she has prioritized developing expertise in helping clients manage body image and eating concerns. She currently works at Balance Health and Healing in Lindon, where she provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families managing eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and other concerns. 

Jessica Gilliland Social Media: 

@Jessicagilliand.mft 

Insights: 

Challenge what your idea of what makes a “good” or “bad” body. There is no such thing! Changing our view of judgments on our body can lead to higher sexual satisfaction and overall view of our own body image.  

Invites:  

  1. Read a book about body image with your partner.
  2. Sit down with your partner and ask the date night discussion questions to improve intimacy.  
  3. Practice being mindful of your body by touching the hand of your partner and focusing on the sensations your hands are feeling.

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