Self-Care: Sitting with Discomfort
Recovery, Special TopicsSelf-care is a practice of sitting with discomfort. It is more than a manicure, a massage, or even therapy and meditation. What lies behind all these acts of self-care that we deem so estimable? Why are these acts so difficult, and at times…
Safeguarding my Recovery as I Plan My Wedding
Recovery, Special TopicsMy anxiety started with dress shopping. I secretly hoped for a fantasy moment of bridal beauty, to pull on something slinky and white and glow. Instead, the saleslady shook her head at the sample size dress and my, well, non-sample-size body.…
Self-Care: 20 Minutes to a More Peaceful Space
Recovery, Special TopicsIt's easy to feel like you’re in disarray when your space feels cluttered. Do a quick tidy-up. Throw all clothes in a hamper, wash the dishes in the sink, and make sure everything is in its place! Even if you just take the time to straighten…
Self-Care: Yoga
Special TopicsThe calendar tells us it is summer, over halfway through the year, and months past the post-holidays and New Year’s intentions that were going to change your life.
I invite you to pause and recognize that YOU are enough, at this very moment.
No…
How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Food
Special TopicsEating disorders are a collection of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are not just weight and food related but also include disordered thoughts about health. This creates rigidity or chaos that impacts quality of life and perpetuates the…
A Work-in-Progress: Living My Best #FitLife Post Eating Disorder
Anorexia, Athletes, Binge Eating Disorder, Body Image, Bulimia, Orthorexia, Recovery, Social Media, Special Topics, Understanding Eating DisordersIf you ask my friends in NYC to describe me, you’ll be painted a picture of a boss lady taking on the city as a full-time professor, writer, and consultant, in addition to being a fitness influencer. They’ll also tell you I’m a people…
Perspectives on Diversity and Being Marginalized from Both Sides of the Couch
BIPOC, Special TopicsThe acknowledgement of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background and cross-cultural differences is necessary and vital to building the therapeutic relationship. All of these things contribute towards one’s identity and,…
Becca McCharen-Tran of Chromat on Receiving the NEDA Inspires Award
Activism, Body Image, News & Culture, Special TopicsAt the NEDA Annual Gala on May 16th, 2018 at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, Becca McCharen Tran of CHROMAT accepted the NEDA Inspires Seal of Approval Award. Her remarks that evening were powerful and we'd like to share them with you here...Thank…
When Autism is Hiding Behind an Eating Disorder
Disability, Special Topics“But you have always been able to look me in the eye.” This was the first thing my psychologist said when I told her I thought I had Aspergers.
The inability to make eye contact with others is a hallmark sign of an Autism Spectrum Condition.…
What’s Left Unspoken: Sri Lankan Culture and Eating Disorders
BIPOC, Recovery, Special TopicsSomething monumental happened on April 5th, 2017: for the first time in my life, I spoke openly with my mom about my eating disorder. I had returned home after advocating on Capitol Hill for eating disorder parity and called my mom to recap…