Body Image Issues in Teenagers

Body image issues in teenagers are more common than ever. In a world driven by social media, unrealistic beauty standards, and peer pressure, teens today constantly compare themselves to others and often feel like they fall short.

For many adolescents, these negative perceptions about their bodies can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and low self-worth.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, we help teens and their families navigate these struggles with compassion, evidence-based therapies, and a community that encourages self-acceptance and healing.

Our programs for troubled teens in Florida are designed to address body image issues and related mental health challenges head-on.

Body Image Issues in Teenagers

What Are Body Image Issues in Teenagers?

Body image refers to how a person views their physical appearance, sees themselves in the mirror, and thinks others perceive them. For teenagers, whose bodies rapidly change during puberty, this self-perception can become a significant source of stress.

Common body image struggles include:

  • Constant comparison to peers or influencers
  • Feeling “not thin enough,” “too big,” or “not muscular enough”
  • Obsession with appearance, weight, or diet
  • Frequent negative self-talk or body checking
  • Avoiding photos, mirrors, or social situations

If left unaddressed, body image issues in teenagers can evolve into more serious concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm.

Why Body Image Issues Are Rising Among Teens

Several factors contribute to the rise of body dissatisfaction among teens:

  • Social Media Pressure: Filters, photo editing, and curated content create unrealistic beauty ideals that teens try to live up to.
  • Peer Comparison: Adolescents are highly influenced by the opinions of their peers and are quick to compare their looks to others in their social circle.
  • Cultural Expectations: Both boys and girls receive messages from media and society about what’s considered attractive, often reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
  • Comments from Family or Coaches: Even well-meaning remarks about weight, appearance, or food can negatively affect a teen’s self-esteem.

Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling with Body Image Issues

Parents and caregivers can play a pivotal role in spotting early signs and intervening before the issue worsens. Here are some red flags to look for:

  • Drastic changes in eating or exercise habits
  • Avoidance of social situations, especially those involving photos or swimwear
  • Constant mirror-checking or body criticism
  • Preoccupation with calorie counting or “clean eating”
  • Withdrawal from friends or favorite activities
  • Depression, irritability, or anxiety symptoms
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling with Body Image Issues

The Link Between Body Image and Mental Health

Body image issues in teenagers are often connected to deeper emotional struggles. Teens who feel dissatisfied with their appearance may also experience:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Social anxiety
  • Mood disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

Programs for troubled teens in Florida, like those offered by AWA, provide critical support not just for body image issues, but for the underlying mental health challenges that often accompany them.

How We Help at Adolescent Wellness Academy

At AWA, we take a holistic, teen-centered approach to healing. We understand that body image struggles are deeply personal and often tied to identity, trauma, and self-worth.

Our therapy programs include:

  • Individual Therapy: Teens work one-on-one with licensed therapists to explore the roots of their body image issues and develop healthier thought patterns.
  • Group Therapy: Teens connect with peers facing similar challenges, building community, empathy, and shared resilience.
  • Family Involvement: Parents participate in support groups and coaching to understand better how to support their teen.
  • Nutritional Counseling: Registered dietitians help teens rebuild a balanced relationship with food and body.
  • Creative and Experiential Therapies: Including yoga, mindfulness, art therapy, and movement-based practices that promote body acceptance.

Whether your teen is dealing with disordered eating, low confidence, or other effects of poor body image, we’re here to help them feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Programs for Troubled Teens in Florida Your Teen Deserves Healing

Programs for Troubled Teens in Florida: Your Teen Deserves Healing

Located in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, our programs for troubled teens in Florida offer both a Therapeutic Day Program (PHP) and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

These options allow teens to receive intensive support while continuing their academic journey and maintaining family connections.

We help with:

  • Body image concerns
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Trauma and low self-esteem
  • Co-occurring behavioral health conditions

Each teen receives a personalized treatment plan crafted by our team of clinical experts, including psychiatrists, therapists, dietitians, and educators.

Helping Teens Build Confidence and Self-Worth

Body image issues don’t disappear overnight, but with the right support system, teens can learn to:

  • Challenge unrealistic beauty standards
  • Practice self-compassion and acceptance
  • Build emotional resilience and confidence
  • Create a healthier relationship with their body

At AWA, we don’t just help teens manage symptoms; we guide them through a transformative healing journey.

About the Author

Founder

Discover how our judgment-free, evidence-based care can support your teen mental health and your family

Request a call back and our admissions team will get in touch with you to answer all your questions.

We will support you in finding the right treatment for your teen – even if it is not ours.

We are here to help 24/7.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Note we are not a crisis hotline, in case of emergency, please call 911 

Tatiana Shiber - Therapist (Davie)

Tatiana Lourenco Shiber, MS, RMHCI is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She has extensive experience working with adolescents navigating intellectual disabilities, trauma, self-harm, family conflict, depression, and anxiety. Tatiana has also worked with diverse populations providing culturally responsive and affirming care.
 
Tatiana’s therapeutic approach is strength-based and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) and Narrative therapy. Tatiana is passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and foster meaningful change. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in their healing journey with compassion, authenticity, and respect.

Tiffany Rivera - Therapist (Davie)

Tiffany Rivera holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University.

With a passion for empowering young people, Tiffany specializes in client-centered approaches that foster trust, growth, and resilience. She brings a strong background in mentoring youth and supporting individuals struggling with substance use, always meeting clients with empathy, patience, and genuine care.

Tiffany is known for her compassionate nature, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to helping adolescents navigate life’s challenges.

Ornella Barille - Therapist (Davie)

Ornella is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including children, families, and young adults. Ornella has worked in both K-12 schools and at the college level, where she has developed a strong commitment to helping adolescents thrive by supporting their personal and academic growth and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable exploring their needs and expressing themselves authentically. Ornella utilizes a blend of mindfulness, existential therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques to empower clients in navigating life’s challenges.

Ornella’s compassionate approach fosters self-awareness and encourages clients to build effective coping strategies to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Jamie Namer - Therapist (Davie)

Jamie specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) guiding individuals and families toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. With a focus on positivity, self-growth, and holistic healing, Jamie integrates spiritual perspectives and deep empathy into the therapeutic process. Using solution-based methods and emotionally focused therapy, Jamie helps clients navigate past trauma, enhance self-discovery, and strengthen relationships.

Jamie’s approach combines therapeutic techniques with mind-body healing practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. Experienced in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, Jamie specializes in addressing issues like anxiety, grief, self-confidence, burnout, family dynamics, depression, PTSD, and life transitions. The goal is to promote overall well-being and support clients in living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.