Dressing Room Challenge: How a psychologist is helping women feel better when trying on clothes

"You are a role model about the words that are 'okay' to attach to women’s bodies"

Fitting rooms can be a daunting place (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

From fluorescent lighting, to cramped spaces and funhouse mirrors, fitting rooms can be a daunting place for anyone - but one woman wants to change all that.

During a shopping trip Dr Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Wooster, Ohio, overheard a pair of women criticising themselves in a store’s dressing room.

And it was in this moment that she realised just how negative shopping can actually be.

As a result, she posted a call to action on Facebook asking women to leave behind their “inner critic” and instead focus on having a good time and spreading positivity.

“Please remember that whether they are six or 60, everyone around you absorbs every word you say about your body. You are a role model about the words and phrases that are “okay” to attach to women’s bodies,“ she wrote.

While the urge to self-critique is without doubt tough to overcome, Albers went on to suggest replacing negative thoughts with positive more positive reaction.

“Once you walk into the dressing room, tell yourself, ‘I will leave my inner critic at the door,’” she added.

“Have fun in there. Say something affirming to yourself. Or, if that is too difficult, try directing positive vibes to someone else.”

A firm believer in spreading body positivity, Albers admitted that she regularly bestows praise upon other women in the dressing room and encourages others to do the same.

“Whenever I see a stranger who is looking in the full length mirror, and I genuinely like what she has tried on, I don't hesitate to tell her she looks absolutely amazing.

“Watch her reaction. I invite you to do the same.”