Is this the solution to your body image issues?

“Now, I want to ask you a strange question. Suppose that while you are sleeping tonight and the entire house is quiet, a miracle happens. The miracle is that [you no longer have any issues with your body]. However, because you are sleeping, you don’t know that the miracle has happened. So, when you wake up tomorrow morning, what will be different that will tell you a miracle has happened and [your body issues are solved]?” (DeJong & Berg, 1998, as cited in Pichot & Dolan, 2013, p. 14)

This is known as the “miracle question” in a type of counselling known as solutions based therapy. (I’m studying for a Diploma of Counselling and SBT is one of my favourite therapy techniques because it focuses on solutions rather than problems). As you can see, I’ve modified the question to make it focused on body image, although it could be used for any issue - like work problems, relationship issues or stress.

So, ask yourself the question, what would be different if you woke up tomorrow completely happy with your body, your health, your size, your looks, everything?

How would you know the change had happened? How would you feel? How would you act? What would you do differently to what you do now?

Now, think about some times in your life that you’ve felt that way, even if it was fleeting? What was going on in your life? How were you different? What actions were you taking? Who were you with? Where were you?

How can you do more of those things now? How can you create more of these conditions in your life? What sort of support do you need?

Now start to ask yourself… out of 10, how close are you to achieving this now? Out of 10, how confident are you that you can get there?

Create an action plan to get to yourself there. Put the steps in your calendar and check in with yourself regularly.

What do you think of the miracle question? Is it something you can use in your life? Let me know in the comments.

Of course, if you need support and accountabilty, I’m here! Book in for a free clarity call and see how we can work together to help you achieve your goals.