Eating Disorders and Body Image

Eating disorders go beyond the behaviors we engage in to mold our physical appearance, so the focus on eating disorders and body image at Little Bird may include reduction of behaviors and “getting rid of” the eating disorder but is primarily on understanding the function and nature of these very protective roles. Body image work is firmly grounded in principles of anti-fatness, fat positivity and weight inclusive care. While everyone’s bodily autonomy and choices related to weight loss are respected, weight los is not a focus at Little Bird. Body image work is dually focused on both the relationship we have with our bodies and the way our bodies show up in the world. Anti-fatness and ableism are two topics that frequently come up in my work with body image and eating disorders.

I also enjoy working with folks to process negative and traumatizing eating disorder treatment experiences that may have been caused by family based therapy, higher levels of care, and outpatient providers were not eating disorder informed or weight inclusive.

Gender & Sexuality

I enjoy working with alongside folks who are wanting to further dive into their relationship with gender identity/expression and sexuality. This can include providing letters for gender affirming care, processing discriminatory barriers, exploring the meaning and role these identities play in our life, and challenging a cis & heteronormative approach to relationships and identity. As we constantly grow and evolve, so does how we identify with ourselves and in our community.

College & Graduate Students

Beyond the transition of entering college or graduate school, there are many more specific concerns that exist throughout this experience, particularly for those at more selective universities. I enjoy working with young adults who are navigating a delicate balance of prioritizing their wellbeing, social life, and academic/work life in an environment where all three seem daunting to have at once. For graduate students, some of these additional concerns may be existing in a space where they are both student and professional, drawing boundaries with those in supervisory roles, and examining perfectionism.

Challenging Parental Relationships

While I do not facilitate regular family therapy sessions, I do enjoy working with individuals who are wanting to address their relationship with their parents/caregivers. There are always obstacles in the ever evolving parent-child dynamic. The focus of this in therapy is geared towards creating more mutually respectful relationships, addressing mother wounds, and navigating the hurt experienced as a child that caregivers may not always remember or struggle to see their child’s perspective. As an accompaniment to individual therapy, I find that family therapy and couples therapy are a well of resources for relational concerns and highly recommend these to clients.