Therapy for

Eating Disorder Recovery

Woman looking at self in mirror | Body Image | 92831 | 92649

Make it stop!

Those never ending thoughts about food and your body are torture. Your pain, distress, and discomfort toward your body are taking up too much space and time in your brain,

Creating a state of feeling isolated, irritable and overwhelmed. The constant counting, controlling, obsessing, is starting to impair your ability to show up at school, work or in your relationships like you want to.

Your struggle is valid.

Whether you have a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder, or just know something's not quite right about how you are approaching food and/or your body.

It’s not too late. You deserve support. There is no such thing “as sick enough”. This angst does not have to be your normal.

Client

Story

Client Story

Liz* was terrified. The constant and intrusive thoughts around food and her body were wreaking havoc on her life, and she knew it couldn’t go on like this. Her symptoms have morphed over the years, and fad diets have come and gone, but the self-hatred remains. The voice in her head insists, “It will never be enough.”  She’s exhausted and desperate for relief, but her disorder tells her she doesn’t need help. Liz fears a therapist won’t believe her struggles because she “doesn’t look sick.”

Liz* began working with us despite feeling a great deal of resistance. For years she relied on her eating disorder as a survival mechanism, and learning to change those habits was one of the hardest things she’s ever done. But it was also the most rewarding. Alongside her therapist, Liz worked to create a sense of worthiness and trust in herself as she repaired her body self-image. Now, she’s reconnected with herself for a more embodied and grounded life.

*These stories are composites of multiple clients with whom we’ve worked. These are not real client names.

What to expect while working on eating disorder treatment with Stark Therapy Group:

  • Exploring Root Causes

    We are Fat-positive/Weight Neutral therapists. We delve into the underlying causes of eating disorders, which may include factors like trauma, social pressures/injustices, unclear identity, and emotional distress. Therapists help clients address these root causes and develop more aligned coping mechanisms.

  • Supportive Environment

    Our therapists work to create a safe and non-judgmental space for our clients to share their experiences and emotions related to their bodies and food. They encourage open and honest dialogue without shame or blame. We explore all of the intersectional components that can create complex relationships to food and body.

  • Joyful Eating

    Eating Disorder therapy often incorporates principles of intuitive eating, which encourages individuals to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues, rather than following external diet rules or restrictions. We often encourage clients to find additional support through working with a Registered Dietitian who also specializes in Eating Disorders. We have a preferred provider list we will supply you with.

  • Cultural Competence

    Our Therapists are constantly working to be culturally competent and aware of how societal attitudes about weight and body size intersect with other identities, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. They take these factors into account in their approach. They are willing to be wrong and seek repair when mistakes are made. YOU are the expert on your experiences and identities.

  • Collaborative Treatment

    Our therapists work collaboratively with our clients, allowing them to actively participate in their treatment plan and recovery journey. This approach empowers clients to make choices that align with their values and goals.

Have additional questions? Visit our FAQ section to find your answers.

Our treatments are based on science and trauma informed:

  • Health at Every Size (HAES) is a movement promoting well-being and body acceptance without focusing on weight loss. It recognizes that health is multidimensional and influenced by various factors beyond weight. HAES emphasizes self-compassion, joyful movement, intuitive eating, and respectful care. It challenges the societal norm equating thinness with health and advocates for body diversity and inclusivity. HAES encourages individuals to adopt sustainable habits and prioritize their overall well-being rather than pursuing a specific body size or appearance. It aims to reduce weight stigma and create a supportive environment where everyone can pursue health and happiness without judgment.

  • Brainspotting is a therapeutic technique that targets and processes unresolved trauma and distressing experiences held in the brain and body. It was developed by Dr. David Grand in 2003. Brainspotting uses the field of vision and eye positioning to access and activate deep emotional and physiological healing. By identifying specific "brainspots" that correlate with the traumatic or distressing experiences, our therapist helps the client engage in focused attention and body awareness to facilitate processing and resolution. Brainspotting can be effective for a range of mental health issues, including trauma, anxiety, phobias, and performance enhancement. It is a gentle, non-invasive approach that supports the body's natural healing processes.

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach developed by Richard Schwartz that views the mind as composed of various subpersonalities or "parts." According to IFS, each part has its own unique perspective, emotions, and behaviors. The goal of IFS therapy is to facilitate communication, understanding, and harmony among these internal parts. The therapist helps the client identify and engage with different parts, allowing them to express themselves, be understood, and heal. The IFS approach emphasizes self-leadership, self-compassion, and the belief that each part has positive intentions. By fostering cooperation and balance among parts, individuals can experience greater emotional well-being and integration.