Eating disorders are often misunderstood, complex illnesses that affect people of all genders and ages. There is not one “cause” of an eating disorder, rather, they develop from a variety of biopsychosocial factors, such as genetics, temperament, and environment.
We are passionate about treating eating disorders through a Health at Every Size (HAES) lens. This means we provide weight-neutral care, as the presence or severity of an eating disorder is not something one can know based on weight/appearance. We help our clients consider how their eating disorder impacts not only their physical health, but their mental health, as well. We identify how one can work toward healing their relationship with food and their body while considering health markers – which go far beyond the number on the scale. We support an Intuitive Eating approach, meaning that we do not think of foods as “good” or “bad,” rather, consider how different foods make us feel and where we can relax rigid thinking that has perhaps contributed to maintenance of disordered eating.
We implement aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe maladaptive thoughts, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore openness to tolerating discomfort in order to live in line with one’s authentic values.
We also utilize tenets of Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support clients in navigating the complex (and often opposing) systems within their own mind. In other words, many people have a “part” of them that wishes to recover from their eating disorder, and another “part” that feels paralyzed by the idea of giving up their eating disorder. Understanding the complex interplay of these parts can help clients consider both how their eating disorder feels protective, and why they are curious about recovery.
We collaborate with our clients’ treatment teams (dietitians, prescribers, medical providers) in order to provide whole-person care, and will provide referrals as needed.