By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Therapist & Outreach Coordinator Summer can be a challenging time for people struggling with eating disorder urges.  During the summer months, people tend to wear less clothing to compensate for the increase in temperatures.  Wearing less clothing and/or tight clothing can bring up icky body image thoughts.  I’ve found that these thoughts often lead to eating disorder urges to restrict or use other eating disorder behaviors. For example, you may put on a pair of shorts for the first time this year and say to yourself, “I don’t like the way my l ..read more

We have created an eating disorder/body image timeline to use that includes reflection questions at the end! Download the the FREE handout below! eating_disorderbody_image_timeline__2_.pdf File Size: 72 kb File Type: pdf Download File Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in MD, VA, DC, NY, FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, buli ..read more

We have created a worksheet with journal prompts for eating disorder recovery motivation! ​ Download the the FREE worksheet below! journal_prompts_for_recovery_motivation__2_.pdf File Size: 43 kb File Type: pdf Download File Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in MD, VA, DC, NY, FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED ..read more

By Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C The Eating Disorder Center based in Rockville, Maryland has a team of therapists who specialize in working with clients with eating disorders and who struggle with compulsive exercise.  As an eating disorder therapist, I've noticed that compulsive exercise isn’t talked about enough in the media.  The following are just a few tips and thoughts from an eating disorder therapist who also previously struggled with an eating disorder and compulsive exercise. On a regular basis, we are inundated with unhealthy messages about exercise. From fitspo on Inst ..read more

By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Outreach Coordinator *Content Warning: This blog post discusses grief and loss.  If this is something that you are struggling with or have struggled with, we invite you to take care of yourself in whatever that looks like for you. What is Disenfranchised Grief? Kenneth Doka coined the term, “disenfranchised grief,” meaning grief that is not “openly acknowledged, socially validated, or publicly mourned” (Doka, 2002).  Some examples of disenfranchised grief include pet loss, miscarriage, or loss of a person who is not familial/blood-related.   ..read more

By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Outreach Coordinator This blog will discuss eating disorder recovery, what it means, how it can differ from other forms of recovery, and how recovery takes time.  The end of this blog offers some journal prompts for further reflection.  These journal prompts can be done independently, with supportive friends or loved ones, or with your therapist or other treatment team members. Eating disorder recovery may mean different things to different people.  For many folks, eating disorder recovery means that being able to live a life free from eating disor ..read more

We are excited to announce that our blog has been named number 26 out of 100 Best Eating Disorder Blogs!  Our blog provides content for clinicians, individuals struggling with an eating disorder, and loved ones looking for information on how to support someone with an eating disorder. Our team is happy to provide blog content with the goal of helping to increase education and awareness about eating disorders.  Our blog features content around eating disorders, eating disorder recovery, body image, OCD, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, trauma-informed care, and more! Here is th ..read more

By Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C Many individuals who struggle with eating disorders have a harsh inner critic. Some folks also struggle with perfectionism and “all or nothing thinking.” One example of “all or nothing thinking” and self-criticism in eating disorder recovery is as follows: “I restricted at snack today-I’m failing at eating disorder recovery; I may as well just give up!” A more self-compassionate response: “I restricted at snack today. I’ll work to do better in the future AND I can be kind to myself for having a tough day today in recovery.” ​Many people believe that being ..read more

By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Outreach Coordinator Eating disorders differ from other mental health disorders as they often require a multi-disciplinary approach.  What that means is that multiple specialties may be needed to monitor and reduce symptoms. Having a multi-disciplinary team can improve and speed up recovery outcomes and treatment goals, especially if team members collaborate with one another frequently.   Here are some people who may be a part of your eating disorder recovery treatment team: Therapist An eating disorder therapist (that's us!) can diagnose and tr ..read more

By Megan Samuels, MSW, LMSW, Outreach Coordinator This year, eating disorder awareness week is from Monday, February 26 to Sunday, March 3, 2024. Eating disorder awareness week helps to promote education about eating disorders and get people connected with treatment options. I wanted to provide some statistics to emphasize that eating disorders do not discriminate - they are happening all around us and they are impacting people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations.  The second half of this blog will dive into warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders. 87 ..read more