The Reality of Struggling with Binge Eating Disorder in the Military

When I was still living with the shame, secrecy, and fear surrounding my history with binge eating disorder (BED), I never could have imagined sitting across from anyone—let alone my Congressman—to share my story. But at #EDCHillDay, that’s exactly what happened. My teammates for the day, Beth and Jocelyn, are also constituents of Congressman Don […]

Nancy Kerrigan’s Upcoming Documentary Sheds Light on Eating Disorders in Athletes

Something I’ve always stated in my talks and workshops is that eating disorders thrive in secrecy. This rang true for me during my eating disorder and through recovery. If someone cannot talk about their eating disorder or share how they’re feeling, then how can they get better? Since I graduated college in 2008, I’ve really […]

An Autistic Person’s Perspective on Building a Healthy Body Image After Trauma

In the beginning of April, I participated in a NEDA chat about eating disorders, body image issues, and how they affect me as an autistic woman. After the chat, I had so many thoughts swirling around in my brain. The questions and answers brought forth memories long forgotten. Trigger warning: Mentions of eating disordered behavior.  […]

What Does the Research Tell Us About Social Media and Body Image?

There’s been no lack of speculation about the effects of social media on body image and eating disorder recovery. On one hand, social media has fostered a diverse and vibrant body-positive and recovery community. On the other, social media often serves as a platform for anonymous bullying and face-and-body-altering filters. But what does research actually […]

Embarking on the Long Road to Recovery

I grew up in a very athletic family. Every morning, the first thing we did was go for a run and lift weights. After that, we typically took walks and went water skiing. We were always busy working out and being active. Trigger warning: Mentions of eating disordered behavior.  I also was an actress from […]

Fostering Body Positivity in Children

I have been practicing psychotherapy for close to 18 years now. In this time, I’ve focused most of my work on the treatment of eating disorders. Having suffered with an eating disorder in high school, prevention, education, and treatment have become my passion. In 2014, after a series of health and emotional struggles, I relapsed […]

I Have an Eating Disorder Because I’m Autistic

People often say that an eating disorder is about control and not about weight. They say it is about anxiety, not body image. I don’t know what my eating disorder is about. It’s about so many things and nothing at the same time. I do not have anorexia or bulimia, I have autism. At the […]

My Climb to Binge Eating Disorder Recovery

I’ve struggled with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) since I was nine years old. Or, at least, that was the first time I remember using food to push away what I was feeling. I would sit in the pantry while my parents fought. The chewing sound drowned out their screams. Most times, I didn’t turn on […]

Are You Struggling With a Substance Use Disorder?

This Alcohol Awareness Month, it’s important to carefully consider your relationship with alcoholic substances. Today, April 6, marks National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), and there’s no better time to educate yourself and your loved ones about the symptoms of substance use disorders, which commonly co-occur with eating disorders. According to a piece published on the […]

It’s Virtual Advocacy Day! Can you Spare 5 Minutes?

I’m joining advocates from across the country on Capitol Hill today and we need your help. We’re asking for increased funding for eating disorders research and in just five minutes, you can help amplify our voices. How Can You Help? Take action today by urging Congress to increase funding for eating disorders research. We’ll also […]