A Theology of the Body: Providing Conviction and Compassion to Body Dysmorphia and Gender Dysphoria

Dr. Ben Mathew, Ph.D., LPC-S

The realities of body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria continue to affect individuals, yet the responses from either side of the spectrum leave people either battered by the "truth" or confused by culture. This presentation will provide a theologically informed view of the human body and seek to clinically apply those truths in helping individuals who struggle with gender dysphoria and/or body dysmorphia.

Learning Objectives:

• Learning Objective #1: Participants will compare and contrast existing research and clinical interventions applied to body dysmorphic and gender dysphoric disorders.

• Learning Objective #2: Participants will identify the key elements in the development of a biblical theology of the human body.

• Learning Objective #3: Participants will develop a theologically robust understanding of the human body and therapeutic tools that will aid mental health professionals in the clinical care of those affected by body dysmorphic and gender dysphoric disorders.