![]() When I started my Masters program I thought I’m going to have to hide my bodybuilding lifestyle, ever changing physique, & routine discipline so they don’t judge my ability to help others. Then I thought of the benefit of exposure therapy & thought what better way to get them more comfortable with bodybuilders than by showing them one with a healthy relationship with food & her body. I didn’t decide to immerse into the field to play THEIR game, I’m immersing into the field to CHANGE the game! Any push back or doubt or judgment along the way is better to go through me so I have the opportunity to educate them on how much deeper than surface level this sport is for us. I just got tired of hearing so many sad stories about mental health pros & leaders judging/discouraging athletes from pursuing their passion. I believe intention is everything & while providing clients with the BEST chance at success is important—removing them from a lifestyle they love is as unsustainable as the negative behavior patterns the therapist works with the athlete to shift. If a client’s goal is to be able to compete with a healthy relationship with food, no more binging, no guilt, no fixation on food, no crazy body checks or fears of foods or the scale or the challenges that come with goals and expectations changing—THEN HELP THE CLIENT ACHIEVE THIS. In some cases, removing from the triggering environment can be helpful before returning. But it’s not 1 size fits all. The problem I see is as much as a non-judgmental & holistic approach the mental health practitioners are licensed & ethically expected to take is preached—it’s unfortunately not always practiced. Which is why I’m changing that with the services I provide now & my continued education. I applied for my psychology degree program with a letter about this, then when I went for my masters I had even more evidence & knowledge to substantiate the cause; I refuse to shy or hide away the community & lifestyle I love when it’s important to represent it. Helping competitors #BUILDMORETHANJUSTABODY is not a 1 man job which is why I want to bridge the gap between 2 worlds I respect to foster mutual understanding & expand support options for athletes. You with me? For more resources & to learn more visit: www.celestial.fit/links
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Celeste Rains-Turk
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