Welcome, I am an Inclusive Eating Disorder Advances Specialist whose work is informed by my personal eating disorder recovery as well as training founded in evidence-based, trauma-informed and somatic based practices. I am relational and have received training by individuals of diverse ethic and social backgrounds, as well as by those with lived experience. My work with eating disorder work is informed by Health at Every Size.  

Health at Every Size is a framework that promotes health-enhancing behaviors, body acceptance, and self-care for all body sizes, intentionally shifting focus away from weight loss. It tackles weight stigma, encourages intuitive eating, and promotes joyful movement, emphasizing that well-being can be improved regardless of body size. 

I use Emotionally Focused Therapy with families and couples to support building emotional connection to help heal and help each party to grow and move in the direction of health.

Credit to these definitions go to ASDAH (https://asdah.org/).

Core Principles of HAES®

Weight Inclusivity: Accepting and respecting the diversity of body shapes and sizes, rejecting the idealization or pathologizing of specific weights.

Health Enhancement: Supporting health policies and personal practices that improve access to care and enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Respectful Care: Acknowledging biases and ending weight discrimination in healthcare.

Eating for Well-being: Promoting flexible, intuitive eating based on hunger, satiety, and pleasure, rather than rigid, restrictive dieting.

Life-Enhancing Movement: Encouraging physical activities that are enjoyable and accessible, regardless of intensity or calorie-burning potential. 

Addressing Weight Stigma and Promoting Body Positivity 

Reducing Stigma: HAES® actively works to end size discrimination and weight stigma, which are known to cause significant physical and mental health issues.

Body Positivity/Acceptance: The approach advocates that all people deserve access to respectful, quality care, regardless of their weight.

Body Autonomy: It supports patient autonomy, encouraging individuals to make health decisions without fear of shame or bias. 

Potential Benefits of a HAES® Approach

Improved Health Metrics: Studies indicate that a weight-neutral approach can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, and metabolic health, even without weight loss.

Improved Mental Health: It often leads to improved self-esteem, better body image, and reduced rates of eating disorders.

Sustainable Habits: Focusing on sustainable behavioral changes, rather than dieting, is generally more effective for long-term health improvements. 

Please reach out for further information.