Recovering from an eating disorder is rarely a straight line. It’s a complex, deeply personal process that often requires more than one kind of support. While therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, many people find that adding recovery coaching alongside it creates a more comprehensive and effective support system.

Rather than duplicating each other, therapy and recovery coaching serve different but complementary roles. When used together, they can fill in gaps, reinforce progress, and help bridge the space between insight and action.


Understanding the Difference

Therapy typically focuses on the “why.” It provides a space to explore underlying causes, such as trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, or identity struggles. A licensed therapist helps process emotions, challenge harmful thought patterns, and address co-occurring mental health concerns.

Recovery coaching, on the other hand, focuses more on the “how.” Coaches work in the present and help clients navigate the practical, day-to-day aspects of recovery, things like meal support, accountability, routine-building, and real-life coping strategies.

Neither replaces the other. Instead, they work best as a team.


Bridging the Gap Between Sessions

One of the biggest challenges in recovery is translating what’s discussed in therapy into everyday life. Therapy sessions might happen once a week, but eating disorder thoughts and behaviors can show up multiple times a day.

Recovery coaching helps bridge that gap.

With more frequent check-ins and real-time support, coaching can help reinforce what’s being learned in therapy. For example, if a therapist introduces a new coping skill, a coach can help the client practice it during meals, social situations, or triggering moments. This kind of reinforcement makes it more likely that new behaviors will stick.


Increased Accountability Without Judgment

Accountability is often a key part of recovery, but it needs to be handled carefully. Too much pressure can backfire, while too little structure can make it easy to fall back into old patterns.

Recovery coaching offers a balanced form of accountability. Coaches help clients set realistic goals, follow through on commitments, and stay aligned with their recovery values. Because the relationship is collaborative rather than clinical, many people find it easier to be honest about struggles and setbacks.

When paired with therapy, this accountability becomes even more powerful. Therapy can explore the emotional resistance behind certain behaviors, while coaching supports the follow-through.


Support in Real-Life Situations

Eating disorders don’t exist in isolation, they show up in everyday experiences like grocery shopping, dining out, or navigating holidays. These situations can feel overwhelming, even when someone understands their triggers intellectually.

Recovery coaching provides hands-on guidance in these moments. Whether it’s planning meals, challenging food rules, or building flexibility, coaching helps bring recovery into the real world.

Meanwhile, therapy can help process the emotions that come up afterward, creating a cycle of action and reflection that deepens progress.


A More Personalized Recovery Experience

Every recovery journey is different. Some people need more emotional processing, while others need more structure and behavioral support. Combining therapy and coaching allows for a more tailored approach.

If one area feels stuck, the other can help move things forward. For example, if therapy feels emotionally heavy, coaching can offer practical wins that build momentum. If coaching feels challenging, therapy can help unpack the fear or resistance behind it.

Together, they create a more flexible and responsive support system.


Building Confidence and Independence

Over time, the goal of recovery is not just symptom reduction, it’s building a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.

Therapy helps individuals understand themselves more deeply and develop emotional resilience. Recovery coaching helps them apply those insights consistently in their daily lives. As these skills build, confidence grows.

Clients often find that having both types of support allows them to take more ownership of their recovery, rather than feeling dependent on a single source of help.


Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all path to recovery, and not everyone will need both therapy and coaching. But for many people, combining the two creates a stronger, more well-rounded foundation.

Therapy offers depth. Coaching offers momentum.

Together, they can make recovery feel not only possible, but more supported, more practical, and more connected to everyday life.
​

Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C and Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 


Interested in coaching?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

For a lot of people, spring and summer breaks are something to look forward to, like more freedom, sunshine, vacations, and a pause from academic stress. But if you’re in eating disorder recovery, breaks can feel complicated, overwhelming, or even scary.

If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not doing recovery wrong just because this season feels hard.

Let’s talk about why breaks can be challenging, and how to move through them in a way that supports your recovery.


Why Breaks Can Feel So Difficult

1. Loss of Structure
During the school year, your days likely have some built-in routine like classes, study time, scheduled meals between activities. When break hits, that structure often disappears.

​Without it, you might notice:

• Skipping meals or forgetting to eat
• More intrusive thoughts about food or body image
• Feeling ungrounded or out of control

2. Being Back at Home (or in a New Environment)
Whether you’re returning home, staying on campus, or traveling, a change in environment can bring up challenges:

• Family dynamics or comments about food and bodies
• Old habits or memories tied to that space
• Less privacy around meals or routines

3. Increased Social Pressure
Spring and Summer tend to come with:

• Pool days, beach trips, vacations
• Events centered around food (BBQs, parties, holidays)
• More body exposure and comparison

This can amplify body image struggles and make you feel like you’re being watched or judged, even when you’re not.

4. “Summer Body” Culture
Let’s be real: messaging around needing to “look a certain way” ramps up this time of year. Even if you know it’s harmful, it can still get in your head.


What You Can Do to Support Yourself

You don’t have to handle this perfectly. Recovery isn’t about perfection, it’s about continuing to show up for yourself in small, meaningful ways.

1. Create Gentle Structure
You don’t need a rigid schedule, but having a loose rhythm can help:

• Aim for consistent meals and snacks throughout the day
• Set reminders if eating regularly feels hard
• Anchor your day with a few predictable habits (morning routine, walk, journaling)

Think of structure as support, not restriction.

2. Make a Break Plan (Yes, Really)
Before break starts, or even now, ask yourself:

• What situations might be triggering?
• What coping skills have worked before?
• Who can I reach out to if I’m struggling?

You can even write a short “recovery plan” for the break. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just something you can come back to when things feel shaky.

3. Set Boundaries Where You Can
This might look like:

• Changing the subject if someone comments on bodies or food
• Spending less time in conversations that feel harmful
• Curating your social media feed (unfollow, mute, block—protect your space)

​You are allowed to protect your recovery.

4. Expect Body Image Fluctuations
Warmer weather, different clothes, and more social exposure can intensify body image thoughts. That doesn’t mean you’re going backward.

Try:

• Wearing clothes that feel comfortable instead of “acceptable”
• Practicing body neutrality (“My body is allowed to exist as it is today”)
• Limiting body checking behaviors

Bad body image days are part of recovery—not a sign of failure.

5. Stay Connected
Isolation can make everything louder.

Even if your schedule changes, try to stay connected to:

• A therapist, dietitian, or support group (if you have one)
• Trusted friends who understand or respect your recovery
• Online recovery communities (if they feel safe and helpful)

You don’t have to go through this alone.

6. Redefine What “Enjoying Break” Means
There’s a lot of pressure to make breaks “perfect” or “fun all the time.” But real life isn’t like that, especially in recovery.

Maybe enjoying your break looks like:

• Getting enough rest
• Relearning how to eat regularly without school structure
• Spending time with people who feel safe
• Having moments of peace, even if they’re small

 

A Reminder You Might Need

You don’t have to earn your place in summer.

Not by changing your body.
Not by eating “perfectly.”
Not by being fully recovered.

You are allowed to exist, take up space, and participate in your life exactly as you are.


If Things Feel Hard

If you find yourself struggling more than expected:

• Reach out sooner rather than later
• Go back to the basics (regular eating, rest, support)
• Be honest with yourself about what you need

Recovery isn’t linear, and breaks can bring up new layers. That doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made.

Spring and Summer might not feel easy, but they can still be meaningful. And every time you choose to support yourself, even in small ways, you’re continuing forward.

​That matters more than you think.


Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C and Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 

Interested in additional help beyond therapy?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

Seeking support for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming — and finding care that fits into your life shouldn’t add to that stress. Virtual therapy has made specialized treatment more accessible, flexible, and integrated into everyday living than ever before. In this blog, we’ll explore how online therapy can support eating disorder recovery, who it’s a good fit for, and why many clients find it just as effective as in-person care.


1. Greater Convenience in Your Daily Life

One of the biggest advantages of virtual therapy is how seamlessly it fits into your routine. There’s no need to factor in drive time, traffic delays, parking, or sitting in a waiting room. Instead, you log in from your laptop, tablet, or phone at your scheduled time.

For individuals juggling work, school, parenting, or other responsibilities, removing the commute can make therapy far more manageable. When recovery already requires emotional energy, simplifying logistics can make a meaningful difference.


2. Increased Scheduling Flexibility

Because you don’t need to travel to and from an office, appointment times can often be more adaptable. Some clients attend sessions during a lunch break, from a private office at work, or even from their parked car between commitments.

This flexibility can reduce the need to take extended time off work or rearrange your entire day, helping you stay consistent with treatment, which is essential in eating disorder recovery.


3. Expanded Access to Specialized Care

Not everyone lives near a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. In rural or underserved areas, qualified providers may be hours away. Virtual therapy removes geographic barriers, allowing you to work with a specialist who truly understands eating disorder treatment, even if they are located in a different city or region within the state your therapist is licensed in. 

This broader access means you don’t have to settle for general therapy when you need specialized support.


4. Research Support

A common question is whether virtual therapy is “as good” as in-person treatment. Based on extensive clinical experience providing both formats, many providers have found online therapy to be equally effective in supporting eating disorder recovery.

Research also supports this. Studies such as Hilty et al. (2013), Prescott et al. (2022), and Zhou et al. (2021) indicate that telehealth interventions can produce outcomes comparable to traditional in-office therapy across a variety of mental health conditions, including eating disorders.

Consistency, engagement, and therapeutic connection matter far more than the physical location of the session.


5. Opportunities for Creative, Real-Life Interventions

Virtual therapy opens the door to unique and practical recovery tools that may not be possible in a traditional office setting. For example:

• You can invite your therapist into your kitchen during a meal to process thoughts in real time.
• You might review items in your pantry or refrigerator together to challenge food-related fears.
• Closet exposures, such as trying on clothing or donating items that no longer serve you can be done live during session.
• Food preparation exposures can happen step-by-step with professional support.
  
  

These in-the-moment interventions allow therapy to occur in your real environment, making skills more directly applicable to daily life.


6. Comfort and Emotional Safety

Being in your own space can make difficult conversations feel slightly less intimidating. You have access to your familiar comforts — a favorite blanket, your pet nearby, a warm drink, soft lighting, or a scented candle.

For some individuals, this increased sense of safety makes it easier to open up about vulnerable topics such as body image, shame, trauma, or disordered eating behaviors. When you feel more grounded, deeper therapeutic work often becomes possible.


Who Might Not Be the Best Fit for Virtual Therapy?

While virtual therapy works well for many people, it is not ideal for everyone. It may not be the right option if:

• You have an unstable or unreliable internet connection (if you can stream videos smoothly, your connection is typically sufficient).
  
• You do not have consistent access to a private device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• You are in acute suicidal crisis.
  
  

In higher-risk situations, in-person care or a higher level of treatment may be more appropriate.


A Helpful Privacy Tip for Virtual Sessions

If you share your home with others and worry about being overheard, there’s a simple solution many therapists use in their offices: sound masking.

Placing a white noise machine or loud fan outside your door can significantly muffle conversation and increase privacy. Sound machines are widely available and affordable, and they can provide peace of mind so you feel more comfortable speaking openly during sessions.

Virtual therapy has transformed access to eating disorder treatment by making it more flexible, accessible, and integrated into everyday life. For many individuals, it offers an effective and empowering pathway toward recovery, all from the comfort of home.


Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C and Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 

Interested in additional help beyond therapy?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are often discussed separately, but in reality, they frequently overlap. Many people are surprised to learn just how similar eating disorders and OCD can be at their core. Both involve intrusive, distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors aimed at easing anxiety. Unfortunately, while these behaviors may bring short-term relief, they tend to worsen symptoms over time.


How Eating Disorders and OCD Overlap

Eating disorders often involve intense focus on food, body size, weight, and/or exercise (though not everyone experiences all of these). Individuals typically struggle with persistent eating-disorder-related thoughts paired with compulsive behaviors such as restricting, bingeing, purging, or excessive exercise.

OCD, on the other hand, is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges followed by mental or physical compulsions meant to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes.

While the themes may differ, the underlying cycle is often the same:

intrusive thoughts → anxiety → compulsive behavior → temporary relief → increased distress

It’s important to emphasize that eating disorders and OCD are mental health conditions, not choices. Many behaviors associated with these disorders function as attempts to feel safe, cope with uncertainty, manage trauma, or regulate overwhelming emotions. Unfortunately, these attempts often backfire, leaving individuals feeling exhausted, trapped, and discouraged.

For some people, eating disorders and OCD symptoms become tightly intertwined, with each condition fueling the other.


Helpful Strategies for Managing Both an Eating Disorder and OCD

1. Reduce reassurance-seeking behaviors

Reassurance-seeking is extremely common in both eating disorders and OCD. Examples include:

• Repeatedly asking a loved one, “Do I look like I’ve gained weight?”
• Asking a friend over and over, “Do you think I studied enough?”
  
  

While reassurance can feel comforting in the moment, it ultimately strengthens anxiety and keeps both disorders going.

Loved ones can help by responding with empathy instead of reassurance. For example:
“It sounds like these thoughts are really loud right now. I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time.”

Learning to tolerate and lean into uncertainty—and resisting the urge to seek reassurance—is a key part of recovery.

You might instead say to yourself when the thoughts are swirling, “It’s ok not to know. I can lean into uncertainty.”


2. Practice non-engagement with intrusive thoughts

When eating disorder thoughts or OCD thoughts feel overwhelming, non-engagement responses can feel hard. Still, with consistent practice, it becomes more natural over time.

Non-engagement means acknowledging the presence of a thought without arguing with it, obeying it, or trying to make it go away.

Example:

• OCD: “If you don’t touch the doorknob, your boss will fire you.”
  Response: “I notice that anxiety is really loud right now.”
  
  
• OCD: “If you lose your job, everything will fall apart.”
  Response: “Maybe that could happen. Maybe it won’t.”
  
  
• OCD: “You have to touch it.”
  Response: “I don’t have total control over outcomes, and I can accept that.”
  
  

The goal isn’t to feel calm—it’s to stop feeding the cycle.


3. Work with a therapist who specializes in both conditions

Treating co-occurring eating disorders and OCD requires specialized training and experience. While many therapists are well-intentioned, working without proper expertise can unintentionally reinforce unhelpful patterns such as excessive rumination or reassurance during sessions.

A therapist trained in evidence-based approaches for both eating disorders and OCD can help identify how these conditions interact and guide treatment in a way that supports lasting change. Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C and Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C are clinicians here at The Eating Disorder Center who have specialized training and experience working with those with OCD and eating disorders. They can provide support for each of these as standalone issues or those struggling with the intersection of the two. 


Final Thoughts

Living with both an eating disorder and OCD can feel overwhelming and isolating, but recovery is possible. With the right support, skills, and therapeutic approach, individuals can learn to disengage from compulsive cycles and build a more flexible, values-driven life.

If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you’re not alone—and help is available.

Interested in OCD and Eating Disorder Therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C and Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida and are OCD specialists on our team! Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 

Interested in additional help beyond therapy?
​
If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

As the calendar flips to a new year, we are flooded with messages rooted in diet culture that push the idea that we need to “fix” ourselves. Every January, the same themes appear again and again: promises to lose weight, become “healthier,” start a new workout routine, or overhaul our eating habits. Gym memberships surge, restrictive meal plans are marketed as “wellness,” and so-called “lifestyle changes” are praised—though many of these are simply diets wearing a new disguise.

For individuals who are recovering from an eating disorder, this time of year can feel especially overwhelming. When nearly everyone around you is talking about cutting out foods, shrinking their bodies, or “earning” their meals through exercise, it can be incredibly difficult to stay grounded in recovery. The constant noise of diet culture can make it feel like your healing journey is invisible, misunderstood, or even wrong.

What makes this even harder is the way diet culture often reinforces eating disorder thoughts. Messages about weight loss and control are not neutral—they validate the very behaviors and beliefs that recovery asks you to challenge. Diet culture is not about health or well-being; it is about profit. And unfortunately, it profits by convincing people that their bodies are problems that need solving.

Below are three practical and compassionate strategies to help you navigate the New Year while continuing to protect your recovery.


1. Take a break from diet-focused media

Let’s be clear: food “detoxes” are unnecessary, unscientific, and often harmful. Your body already has a built-in detox system—your liver, kidneys, and digestive system handle that job perfectly well. There is no special cleanse required.

However, there is one type of detox that can be incredibly beneficial during this season: a break from diet culture on social media. Begin by taking an honest look at your online spaces. Pay attention to how different accounts make you feel. If certain posts leave you feeling ashamed, anxious, or pressured to change your body, it’s okay—and healthy—to remove them from your feed.

Unfollow or mute accounts that center on weight loss, calorie counting, “before and after” photos, rigid exercise routines, or moralizing food choices. This includes content framed as “clean eating,” “wellness,” or “lifestyle change” if it still promotes restriction or body dissatisfaction.

Then, intentionally add voices that support healing. Follow accounts that promote body diversity, Health at Every Size principles, intuitive eating, and eating disorder recovery. Seeing people of different shapes, sizes, abilities, and backgrounds living full, joyful lives can be a powerful reminder that happiness and worth are not tied to weight.

You may not be able to eliminate diet culture entirely, but you can absolutely shape your environment in ways that support recovery instead of undermining it.


2. Set intentions that center recovery and self-compassion

Traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail because they are rigid, perfectionistic, and rooted in shame. They tend to focus on what we think is “wrong” with us rather than what we truly need. Instead of setting resolutions that last an entire year, consider creating short-term intentions that align with your recovery values.

The New Year can still be a meaningful time to reflect—just without the pressure to transform yourself overnight. Try setting intentions for the next few weeks or months rather than the whole year. Shorter timeframes often feel more manageable and realistic, especially during recovery.

Pro-recovery intentions might include gently challenging a fear food, practicing neutral or appreciative language toward your body, or noticing when negative self-talk appears and responding with kindness. You might focus on resting more, asking for help when you need it, or prioritizing activities that bring you peace or joy.

These intentions are not about being perfect. They are about showing up for yourself with curiosity and care. Recovery is not linear, and progress does not require constant forward motion—it requires patience and compassion.


3. Lean on your support system when things feel hard

Feeling triggered during the New Year does not mean you are failing at recovery. It means you are human in a culture that glorifies disordered behaviors. Be gentle with yourself when difficult thoughts or urges arise.

If you notice yourself wanting to return to old patterns, reach out to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, dietitian, or another member of your treatment team. Eating disorders thrive in isolation and secrecy, which is why connection is such a powerful tool in healing.

You deserve support, and you do not need to carry this alone. Speaking openly about what you’re experiencing can reduce shame and help interrupt harmful cycles before they take hold.

If you are not currently working with a therapist, consider seeking one who specializes in eating disorders and practices from a Health at Every Size perspective. Professional support can make a meaningful difference and provide guidance tailored to your unique needs.


The bigger picture

The New Year can feel hopeful and motivating—but it can also be deeply triggering for those in recovery. Both experiences can coexist.

As you move through this season, try to extend compassion not only to yourself but also to others who are still caught in the cycle of dieting and body dissatisfaction. When someone says they want to lose weight, they are often expressing a deeper desire—to feel confident, accepted, safe, or loved. Diet culture teaches people to chase these needs through body control, even though it rarely delivers.

Remind yourself that your value does not depend on your size, your food choices, or your appearance. People of all bodies are worthy of respect, belonging, and care.

If you feel pressure to make a resolution this year, consider letting go of things that cause harm instead of trying to change your body. You might work on releasing diet culture’s expectations, the thin ideal rooted in systems of oppression, harsh self-criticism, and the belief that weight determines health or worth.

When that inner voice tells you that you are not enough, challenge it. When it suggests that shrinking your body will somehow improve your life, remember that this voice is not telling the truth. Focusing on weight loss often narrows your world—it takes up time, energy, and joy that could be spent living.

Your eating disorder lies by promising control and happiness while taking so much away.

You are already enough—exactly as you are.


Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C and Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 

​
Interested in additional help beyond therapy?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

Here at The Eating Disorder Center, we have a team of trained clinicians who specialize in eating disorders. Our team is unique in that all of our professionals have personally recovered from an eating disorder or have helped a loved one through recovery. Because of this personal experience, our therapists get it and have a passion for helping others going through a similar situation. If you are looking for a therapist who has been there, we may be a good fit for you! 


Hope That Comes From Real Recovery

Recovery is not abstract for these clinicians—it’s a lived reality. Their presence alone is a quiet but powerful reminder:

Recovery is possible, and you can get there too.

Many clients describe feeling more hopeful when working with a recovered therapist because they see someone who has walked through the same darkness and come out the other side. This isn’t just motivational—it can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and increase motivation to engage in difficult but meaningful work.


A Unique Ability to Challenge the Disorder Compassionately

A recovered clinician understands how difficult an eating disorder can be. They know the mental loopholes, the fear-driven logic, and the resistance that often shows up in treatment.

Because of this, they can challenge the eating disorder without adding shame to the equation.They use a  combination of empathy and firmness to help clients feel safe enough to be honest and supported enough to make changes.


Reduced Stigma and Increased Transparency

Eating disorders carry heavy stigma, and many clients fear being misunderstood, minimized, or labeled as “irrational.” Working with someone who has lived experience can reduce this fear dramatically.

Clients often report:

• Feeling more comfortable disclosing difficult thoughts
• Being less afraid of judgment
• Feeling more validated in their emotional experience
• Being more open about relapse patterns or urges
  
  

Recovered clinicians may also be more transparent about the recovery process in general, its non-linear nature, challenges, and triumphs—because they have lived through it themselves.


A Balanced Blend of Empathy, Boundaries, and Professional Skill

Clinicians with lived experience undergo rigorous training, supervision, and ethical education just like any other provider. They learn how to use their personal history appropriately—not as the center of treatment, but as a supportive lens that enhances their understanding.

This means they can offer:

• Clinical expertise grounded in evidence-based modalities
• Professional boundaries that protect the therapeutic relationship
• Selective, thoughtful use of personal insight 
• Empathy rooted in real experience

​This blend can create a deeply attuned environment where clients feel both supported and guided.


Representation: “Someone Like Me Can Recover and Thrive”

For many people, especially those who feel unseen or who struggle with identity-related barriers—representation matters. Seeing a therapist who has recovered can disrupt harmful myths, such as:

• “People like me don’t recover.”
• “My disorder is too severe.”
• “No one truly understands what I’m going through.”
  
  

Recovered clinicians embody a powerful counter-narrative: not only can you recover, but you can go on to lead a meaningful, vibrant life.


Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C and Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 


Interested in additional help beyond therapy?
​
If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​

When everything feels urgent, it helps to go back to the basics. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs reminds us that our well-being depends on a foundation of essentials: things like sleep, nutrition, safety, and connection. When those needs aren't met, everything else — including work, school, relationships, and personal goals — becomes harder to manage.

Self-care and therapy often fall into the “love and belonging” or even “self-actualization” levels of the hierarchy, but when we consistently ignore those needs, it starts to affect even the more basic ones. Poor mental health can lead to burnout, trouble sleeping, a lack of motivation, or even physical illness. So while therapy or a quiet walk outside might not feel urgent compared to a deadline or a doctor’s appointment, they’re still crucial in keeping us functional and emotionally regulated.


Saying No and Setting Boundaries

One of the most powerful tools for protecting your mental health — especially during busy seasons — is learning to say no. This doesn’t mean you’re letting people down or falling short. It means you’re choosing to invest your limited energy into what matters most, so you can show up fully when it counts.

Saying no might look like:

• Turning down a social event because you need rest
• Delegating tasks when you’re overwhelmed
• Letting go of guilt around skipping a workout or chore to recharge
• Saying no to internal pressure — the voice that says you have to do everything perfectly
  
  

Setting boundaries is another key piece. It means clearly communicating what you can and can’t take on and honoring that line even when it feels uncomfortable. That could be as simple as blocking off time for yourself in your calendar, limiting screen time in the evenings, or not answering work emails after a certain hour.


Final Thoughts

Balancing life and mental health doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly, it means doing what truly matters, and giving yourself permission to let the rest go.
​
Make space for therapy. Prioritize your mental health. Say no when you need to. Rest when your body asks you to. And remember: you don’t have to earn your right to care for yourself. That care is your right, always.

Your well-being isn’t selfish, it’s the foundation for everything else.
​

Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?

At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C, Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C, and Rachel Steinhardt, LMHC provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 


Interested in additional help beyond therapy?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

When we talk about mental health, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and eating disorders are mental health disorders that often overlap. It’s not just a coincidence that these two issues frequently appear together. In fact, research has shown that between 50% and 75% of individuals with an eating disorder also experience symptoms of depression (Eating Disorders, 2021). This overlap is significant, and it highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how these conditions are connected and how they should be treated.


The Connection Between Depression and Eating Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions diagnosed alongside eating disorders (Mischoulon, et al., 2011). This connection goes beyond research and numbers, these disorders are also connected through emotions and psychological issues. 

Both conditions can feed off each other in a harmful cycle. For instance, someone struggling with low self-worth or chronic sadness may turn to disordered eating behaviors as a way to cope or regain a sense of control. On the flip side, the isolation and shame that often come with an eating disorder can intensify feelings of depression, leading to an even deeper emotional struggle.


Shared Risk Factors: Where It All Begins

To truly understand how these disorders are linked, it's important to look at their shared causes and risk factors. While every individual’s experience is unique, there are some common contributors that increase vulnerability to both depression and eating disorders.

For depression, common risk factors include:

• Chronic or overwhelming stress
  
• A family history of mood disorders
  
• Physical illnesses or chronic pain
  
• Hormonal imbalances
  
• Traumatic life events
  
  

For eating disorders, similar risk factors apply, such as:

• Genetic predisposition and family history
  
• High levels of stress or anxiety
  
• Low self-esteem and perfectionism
  
• Exposure to unrealistic body image ideals
  
• Other co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression itself
  
  

It’s not hard to see how these factors can overlap—and in many cases, amplify each other.


Recognizing the Behavioral Signs

Beyond the risk factors, both depression and eating disorders share similar behavioral and emotional warning signs. Recognizing these early can be crucial in getting someone the help they need.

Common signs of an eating disorder may include:

• Obsessive thoughts about food, calories, or body image
  
• Skipping meals or strict food rituals
  
• Intense feelings of guilt or shame after eating
  
• Withdrawal from social situations, especially those involving food
  
• Low self-worth or distorted body image
  
  

These behaviors often go hand-in-hand with symptoms of depression, such as:

• Persistent sadness or emotional numbness
  
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
  
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  
• Loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy
  
• Isolation from friends and loved ones
  
  

When these symptoms co-occur, they can significantly worsen each other, making early intervention even more important.


Why Therapy Matters — And Which Ones Work Best

Therapy is one of the most effective and essential components of treatment for both eating disorders and depression. It offers individuals a space to safely explore what’s driving their behaviors, emotions, and thought patterns. More importantly, it provides tools to rebuild healthier coping strategies and shift maladaptive mindsets.

Some of the most effective therapeutic approaches for treating both disorders include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to disordered eating or depressive symptoms.
  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness—especially helpful for those experiencing intense emotions.
  
• Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Involves family members in the recovery process, particularly effective for adolescents with eating disorders.
  
  

The right treatment plan often involves a combination of these therapies, tailored to the individual's specific needs.


Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center?
​
At The Eating Disorder Center in Boca Raton, Florida, our clinicians, Jennifer Rollin LCSW-C, Lauren Levine, MSW, LCSW-C, and Rachel Steinhardt, LMHC provide virtual therapy throughout the state of Florida. Reach out to us via our contact form or call us at 301-246-6856 to get started with a free 15-minute consultation with an eating disorder specialist. We are happy to answer any questions you have and provide more information about our center or the clinicians on the team! 


Interested in additional help beyond therapy?

If you’re looking for more help to supplement therapy, we offer eating disorder recovery coaching. Coaching can be a great addition to your treatment, and it can be a game-changer during recovery! Our coaches, Javoni Cobb, MA and ​Sarah Baginski, MSW are here to help you in your journey to finding freedom from food and body obsession.

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Eating Disorder Therapy Boca Raton  is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide virtual eating disorder therapy in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Pinecrest, Parkland, Naples, Miami Shores, and Palmetto Bay. Virtual eating disorder therapy throughout Florida. ​