Research has confirmed that many women are dissatisfied with their bodies. Seen from a pastoral perspective, this study examines the women that are dissatisfied with their bodies. An empirical qualitative study was done to evaluate the spiritual women’s thoughts, feelings, causes and effects regarding their bodies. A comprehensive literature study was done to verify the results already found. Social science and theological literature were used to determine the ethology of bodily dissatisfaction, which confirmed that it is multifactorial. A variety of therapeutic aids were studied. Cognitive behavioural therapy appears to be the most effective for the women that are dissatisfied with their bodies. The eight cognitive behavioural steps indicated by Cash were thoroughly explored and the value thereof was confirmed. The therapeutic aids found by means of the study were furthermore researched and confirmed by the Word of God and theological literature. Every woman is an individual with an individual body image and must be approached as an individual holistic being. The six dimensions of Clinebell’s holistic-liberation growth model are important for the woman’s healing process, as well as maintaining a balanced, healthy life. The implications of the research include the six dimensions of Clinebell’s holisticliberation growth model, incorporated in a pastoral counselling method to assist the woman with her healing process. Her relationship with God and positive God-centred thinking patterns ought to be of vital importance to her. By integrating the eight steps of Cash’s cognitive behavioural therapy and the six dimensions of Clinebell’s holistic-liberation growth model, the researcher was able to develop a pragmatic diagram for the woman and therapist as a possible aid in her healing process. The researcher followed the four tasks of practical theology as theoretical framework, as explained by Osmer: · Descriptive-empirical Task – “What is going on?” · Interpretive Task – “Why is this going on?” · Normative Task – “What ought to be going on?” · Pragmatic Task – “How might we respond?” / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Research has confirmed that many women are dissatisfied with their bodies. Seen from a pastoral perspective, this study examines the women that are dissatisfied with their bodies. An empirical qualitative study was done to evaluate the spiritual women’s thoughts, feelings, causes and effects regarding their bodies. A comprehensive literature study was done to verify the results already found. Social science and theological literature were used to determine the ethology of bodily dissatisfaction, which confirmed that it is multifactorial. A variety of therapeutic aids were studied. Cognitive behavioural therapy appears to be the most effective for the women that are dissatisfied with their bodies. The eight cognitive behavioural steps indicated by Cash were thoroughly explored and the value thereof was confirmed. The therapeutic aids found by means of the study were furthermore researched and confirmed by the Word of God and theological literature. Every woman is an individual with an individual body image and must be approached as an individual holistic being. The six dimensions of Clinebell’s holistic-liberation growth model are important for the woman’s healing process, as well as maintaining a balanced, healthy life. The implications of the research include the six dimensions of Clinebell’s holisticliberation growth model, incorporated in a pastoral counselling method to assist the woman with her healing process. Her relationship with God and positive God-centred thinking patterns ought to be of vital importance to her. By integrating the eight steps of Cash’s cognitive behavioural therapy and the six dimensions of Clinebell’s holistic-liberation growth model, the researcher was able to develop a pragmatic diagram for the woman and therapist as a possible aid in her healing process. The researcher followed the four tasks of practical theology as theoretical framework, as explained by Osmer: · Descriptive-empirical Task – “What is going on?” · Interpretive Task – “Why is this going on?” · Normative Task – “What ought to be going on?” · Pragmatic Task – “How might we respond?” / PhD (Pastoral Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014