• Mon., 06/16/2025 - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST
• Virtual

LR616B- Live Roundtable Discussion: Making Space for Every Body: Weight Inclusive Practices in Counseling

We live in a weight-normative society that emphasizes body mass index (BMI) and weight as primary markers of health (Tylka et al., 2014). While there has been progress in recognizing body size as a marginalized identity in counseling education, many counselors and counselor educators continue to uphold weight-normative perspectives (Boggs et al., 2023). Approaching clients through this lens can inadvertently cause harm by perpetuating stereotypes, discrimination, weight cycling, and weight regain. The resulting stress and shame have been linked to negative health outcomes and may lead clients to avoid further treatment (Cook et al., 2020; Nutter et al., 2020).

This roundtable discussion invites counselors to explore the benefits of adopting a weight-inclusive approach for both students and clients. Presenters will provide education on relevant terminology and weight-inclusive frameworks while leading attendees in a critical examination of current practices. Together, participants and presenters will collaboratively identify strategies for integrating a weight-inclusive perspective into counseling practice to promote equity and well-being.

• Participants will assess the impact of weight-normative and weight-inclusive counseling approaches on client well-being.
• Participants will evaluate the benefits of a weight-inclusive approach for both clients (improved self-esteem, body image) and counselors (reduced bias, more effective interventions).
• Participants will articulate strategies to integrate a weight-inclusive framework into counseling, counselor education curriculum, and supervision.