Affirming Bodies, Affirming Occupations: Occupational Therapy’s Role in Body Image Intervention for LGBTQIA+ Adults

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Course Description

Adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience significant mental health disparities and disproportionately high rates of body dissatisfaction (The Trevor Project, 2023). Body image concerns within this population may involve distress related to body weight, body shape, appearance, or gender expression and can negatively impact occupational performance, including health management, activities of daily living, social participation, and engagement in meaningful routines. Persistent body image distress is associated with increased mental health symptoms, reduced healthcare engagement, and barriers to occupational participation across multiple life domains (Mirabella et al., 2020; National LGBT Health Education Center, 2018).

This presentation will explore the unique role of occupational therapy in addressing body image concerns among LGBTQIA+ adults through analysis of a group therapy intervention developed as part of a fellowship capstone project. The project involved the development and implementation of an affirming, occupation-based occupational therapy group program designed to support mental health, reduce body image distress, and promote engagement in meaningful occupations.

The presentation will highlight considerations for developing population-specific programming that is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, and responsive to the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Program outcomes, participant feedback, and clinical implications will be examined to demonstrate the value of occupation-based and affirming interventions in addressing body image concerns within LGBTQIA+ populations. The presentation will conclude with discussion of opportunities to expand occupational therapy’s role in LGBTQIA+ health through inclusive program development, and intervention recommendations focused on body image, mental health, and occupational participation.

Speakers

Content Level

Introductory: This level assumes the audience has little or no information regarding the content area.

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Practice Areas

Emerging Practice Area; Mental Health; Other