Susie Orbach

Susie Orbach is a British psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, writer, and social critic best known for her work on the relationship between body image and society. Her 1978 book "Fat Is a Feminist Issue" became an influential text in feminist psychology and eating disorder treatment. As a practicing clinician and theorist, Orbach has written extensively about women's mental health, the politics of the body, and the intersection of consumerism and psychology. She co-founded the Women's Therapy Centre in London in 1976 and the Women's Therapy Centre Institute in New York in 1981. Her expertise has influenced public policy and clinical practice, including her role as a consulting psychotherapist to Princess Diana. Orbach's other notable works include "The Impossibility of Sex," "Bodies," and "In Therapy: How Conversations with Psychotherapists Really Work." Her academic contributions extend to her position as a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and her regular media appearances as a cultural commentator on issues related to body image, feminism, and psychological well-being. Orbach continues to write and speak about contemporary issues in psychotherapy and social justice.

Readers value Orbach's frank discussion of eating disorders, body image, and feminist psychology. "Fat Is a Feminist Issue" draws praise for addressing emotional eating and societal pressures with concrete examples. Multiple reviews highlight how the book helped readers understand their relationship with food. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex psychological concepts - Personal anecdotes that illustrate therapeutic principles - Practical exercises and action steps - Focus on systemic social issues rather than individual blame Common criticisms: - Some concepts feel dated, particularly in earlier works - Writing style can be dense and academic - Limited discussion of intersectional perspectives - Some therapeutic approaches described as oversimplified Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Fat Is a Feminist Issue" - 3.8/5 (5,800+ ratings) "Bodies" - 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: Average 4/5 across titles Several reader reviews note the books work better as educational resources than self-help guides.

Fat is a Feminist Issue (1978) Explores how compulsive eating and body image in women are linked to cultural expectations and feminist perspectives.

What's Really Going on Here? (1993) Collection of essays examining relationships, psychotherapy, and social pressures through a feminist lens.

On Eating (2002) Analysis of eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and societal attitudes toward food and weight.

Bodies (2009) Examination of how modern culture shapes our physical self-image and relationship with our bodies.

In Therapy: How Conversations with Psychotherapists Really Work (2016) Detailed look at the process of therapy through reconstructed sessions and clinical insights.

The Impossibility of Sex (1999) Series of fictional stories about therapeutic relationships, based on composite clinical experiences.

Understanding Women (1983) Analysis of female psychology and socialization patterns in contemporary society.

Hunger Strike (1986) Investigation of anorexia nervosa as both a personal and cultural phenomenon.

What Do Women Want? (1983) Exploration of female desire, relationships, and identity in modern society.

Susie Orbach on Eating (2001) Practical examination of eating patterns and their psychological underpinnings.

Naomi Wolf writes about feminism, beauty standards, and their effects on women's psychology and social status. Her work "The Beauty Myth" explores similar themes to Orbach's analysis of body image and cultural pressures.

Kim Chernin focuses on eating disorders and women's relationship with their bodies through psychoanalytic perspectives. Her book "The Hungry Self" examines the psychological roots of eating disorders and female identity.

bell hooks analyzes feminist theory through intersectional lenses of race, class, and gender. Her writings on self-love and body politics connect with Orbach's exploration of women's psychological struggles.

Judith Butler examines gender performance and identity formation in contemporary society. Her theories about how bodies are culturally constructed complement Orbach's work on body image and social conditioning.

Marion Woodman writes about feminine psychology and eating disorders through a Jungian framework. Her work on the connection between food, body image, and feminine identity parallels Orbach's psychoanalytic approach.