Eating Disorders

Eating Disorder Treatment at MMHC –A HAES and Intuitive Eating Approach

At MMHC, we believe in supporting individuals through eating disorders by fostering a relationship with food and body that is compassionate, non-judgmental, and rooted in respect for each person’s unique needs. Through the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES) and Intuitive Eating, we focus on healing both the mind and body, encouraging a shift away from harmful dieting practices, restrictive eating, and disordered behaviors. Our goal is to help you cultivate a more balanced and peaceful relationship with food and your body while prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are complex and involve unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. These disorders can severely impact emotional health, daily functioning, and social connections. Common eating disorders include:

  • Anorexia Nervosa – Restricting food intake and having an intense fear of gaining weight, often accompanied by distorted perceptions of body image.

  • Bulimia Nervosa – Episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

  • Binge Eating Disorder – Recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, accompanied by feelings of distress and loss of control.

  • Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED) – Disordered eating patterns that may not fit into specific categories but still cause significant distress or impairment.

These behaviors are often rooted in deeper emotional, psychological, and societal issues, and we approach treatment with the understanding that healing comes from reconnecting with your body’s innate wisdom rather than pursuing restrictive or harmful external ideals.

Our HAES and Intuitive Eating Approach

At MMHC, we focus on healing through Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating—two approaches that reject diet culture and promote body acceptance, health at any size, and sustainable, intuitive behaviors. This model encourages individuals to trust their body’s natural signals of hunger, fullness, and satiety, while embracing body diversity and rejecting unrealistic ideals of weight and appearance.

1. Health at Every Size (HAES)

HAES is a weight-neutral approach that focuses on overall health rather than weight loss. We believe that health can exist at every size, and it’s crucial to focus on behaviors that promote well-being, such as:

  • Eating nourishing, balanced meals without the focus on restrictive diets or weight control.

  • Engaging in joyful movement rather than exercise designed for weight loss or punishment.

  • Cultivating body respect by honoring your body as it is, without the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards.

Through HAES, we encourage individuals to shift away from harmful dieting practices and embrace sustainable habits that foster well-being. Rather than focusing on weight as an indicator of health, we focus on how you feel—physically and emotionally.

2. Intuitive Eating

Intuitive Eating is a self-care eating framework that encourages individuals to listen to and trust their body’s natural cues rather than adhering to external rules or restrictions. It’s about reclaiming the innate ability to eat in a way that feels good for you and brings satisfaction. Intuitive Eating is composed of 10 principles, including:

  • Rejecting the Diet Mentality: Saying goodbye to dieting and the endless cycle of restricting, bingeing, and feeling guilty.

  • Honoring Hunger and Fullness: Learning to listen to physical hunger cues and stop eating when satisfied.

  • Making Peace with Food: Allowing yourself to enjoy all foods without guilt or restriction, removing the labels of “good” or “bad.”

  • Challenging the Food Police: Overcoming the inner critic that judges your food choices and creates shame around eating.

  • Respecting Your Body: Learning to appreciate your body for its function and value, rather than focusing on its size or appearance.

We work with clients to guide them through the principles of Intuitive Eating, helping them rebuild trust with their bodies and learn how to eat in a way that feels nourishing, satisfying, and empowering.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a core therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors surrounding food, weight, and self-image. By shifting unhelpful thought patterns, CBT encourages healthier attitudes toward food and the body. We combine the principles of CBT with HAES and Intuitive Eating to help individuals uncover the emotional and cognitive roots of their eating struggles while learning new ways to nourish themselves both physically and emotionally.

4. Mindfulness and Body Acceptance Practices

At MMHC, we integrate mindfulness and body acceptance practices into our treatment. This involves helping individuals reconnect with their bodies through mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and guided reflections. These practices allow clients to become more attuned to their internal cues and emotions, fostering a healthier and more balanced relationship with food and their bodies. Learning to sit with discomfort and body judgments is an essential part of the healing journey.

5. Family Support and Education

Eating disorders can deeply affect family dynamics. We offer family therapy and education to help loved ones understand the principles of HAES and Intuitive Eating. Family involvement is crucial for building a supportive, non-judgmental environment that promotes healing. We aim to equip families with the tools and understanding to help their loved ones without reinforcing harmful diet culture or behaviors.

Why Choose MMHC for Eating Disorder Treatment?

  • Holistic and Compassionate Care: We offer a comprehensive, body-positive approach that focuses on healing both the mind and the body, emphasizing self-acceptance and self-compassion.

  • Expert Team: Our therapists specialize in HAES and Intuitive Eating approaches, providing you with expert guidance in a safe, supportive environment.

  • Non-Judgmental, Weight-Neutral Environment: We embrace body diversity and work to create a space free from the pressures of diet culture, focusing on wellness in every form.

  • Tailored, Empowering Treatment: Each treatment plan is customized to your unique needs, helping you reclaim autonomy over your eating behaviors, body image, and mental health.