Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the relationship between trauma and body image. It’s something we see all the time in the studio, and something I witnessed firsthand as a psychiatric nurse. Trauma—whether it’s from shitty childhood experiences, toxic relationships, illness, or just living in a society that constantly tells you your body isn’t good enough—has a sneaky way of lodging itself into how we see ourselves.
And let me tell you, it doesn’t just live in your mind. It takes up space in your body.
We see it when clients walk into the studio, eyes scanning the floor instead of meeting ours. We hear it when they nervously joke about “needing to lose weight first” or “not being sexy enough” to do boudoir. And we feel it when their shoulders are tight and their breathing is shallow as they step in front of the camera, convinced they don’t belong there.
Spoiler alert: They do. And so do you.
Trauma Fucks With Your Perception of Your Body
Trauma isn’t just an emotional wound—it’s physical. Your body holds onto it, whether you realize it or not. Ever heard of trauma being stored in the nervous system? Yeah, it’s not just a catchy Instagram quote. When we experience trauma, our bodies sometimes disconnect from our minds to protect us. It’s survival mode. The problem? When the danger passes, the disconnection often sticks around.
That’s why so many of us feel like strangers in our own skin. We get stuck seeing our bodies through the lens of that trauma:
- The ex who made shitty comments about your weight.
- The illness or surgery that left you feeling broken or less-than.
- The societal bullsh*t that convinces us that unless we fit into a size-whatever, we’re invisible.
Your brain starts to believe the lies, and soon, every glance in the mirror becomes a critique session instead of a celebration.
We are not going to sit here and tell you that boudoir is some magic cure for trauma. That’s not how this works. Therapy? Highly recommend. Time? Absolutely. But boudoir? Nah…BUT… It can be a step toward reconnecting with the body you’ve been battling for so long.
When you come into our studio, it’s not just about the photos (though, trust me, you’ll leave with some f*cking amazing ones). It’s about giving yourself permission to take up space in your own skin again.
You don’t need to “fix” your body before you do a session. You don’t need to “earn” the right to feel beautiful. You just need to show up. We handle the rest—posing, lighting, hype speeches, and making sure you see what’s been there all along: a body that’s been through hell but is still standing. And still f*cking gorgeous.
Trauma teaches us to shrink ourselves—to stay small, stay quiet, stay unnoticed. But boudoir? It flips that script.
We watch clients walk in with that trauma-weighted posture—shoulders rounded, arms crossed protectively over their stomachs. And we’ve watched those same clients leave with their heads high, shoulders back, and an undeniable lightness in their step. Because when you see yourself through a different lens—when you stop looking for flaws and start recognizing strength—it changes everything.
No, a boudoir session won’t erase trauma. But it can remind you that your body is more than the pain it’s carried. It’s a survivor. A storyteller. And it deserves to be seen, celebrated, and loved.
If you’ve been battling the aftermath of trauma and the distorted body image that comes with it, know this:
- Your worth isn’t defined by your body.
- Your body isn’t defined by its past.
- And you don’t need anyone’s permission to start seeing yourself differently.
Boudoir won’t solve everything. But it might just be the nudge you need to start reclaiming your space—your skin, your confidence, your damn self.
And if you’re worried about being vulnerable? That’s okay. we get it. I’ve been in the mental health world long enough to know how big this step is. But I also know you’re stronger than you think.
When you’re ready, We’ll be here—with a camera, a playlist, and a whole lot of f*cking belief in you.
Amy & Brie
P.S. If your inner critic is already talking sht, tell her to sit the fck down. You’ve got this. ❤️