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By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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:
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:
3. Increased Social Pressure Spring and Summer tend to come with:
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:
Think of structure as support, not restriction. 2. Make a Break Plan (Yes, Really) Before break starts, or even now, ask yourself:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
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By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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:
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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
References: Hilty, D. M., Ferrer, D. C., Parish, M. B., Johnston, B., Callahan, E. J., & Yellowlees, P. M. (2013). The effectiveness of telemental health: a 2013 review. Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association, 19(6), 444–454. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2013.0075 Prescott, M. R., Sagui-Henson, S. J., Welcome Chamberlain, C. E., Castro Sweet, C., & Altman, M. (2022). Real world effectiveness of digital mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. PloS one, 17(8), e0272162. Zhou X, Edirippulige S, Bai X, Bambling M. (2021). Are online mental health interventions for youth effective? A systematic review. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27(10), 638-666. doi:10.1177/1357633X211047285 By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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:
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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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:
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:
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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
 The holiday season is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” right? But if you’re in recovery from an eating disorder, it can also be one of the most challenging. Everywhere you turn, there’s food, family gatherings, and a change of routine — all things that can stir up anxiety or make it harder to stay grounded in recovery. If you’re feeling that way, please know you’re not alone. Many people in recovery find this time of year overwhelming. Between travel, parties, and endless conversations about food or diets, it’s easy to feel out of sync. I want to share three common challenges that tend to come up around the holidays — and some compassionate, realistic ways to work through them. Challenge #1: When Your Routine Gets Shaken Up One of the biggest hurdles during the holidays is the disruption of your normal routine. When you’re in recovery, consistency can be incredibly stabilizing. You might have a structured schedule during the week: set mealtimes, therapy sessions, classes, or work commitments that keep you anchored. Then suddenly, the holidays arrive, and everything changes. Maybe you’re coming home from college, staying with relatives, or traveling to a new place. The foods are different, the timing of meals changes, and the rhythm of your days might feel totally off. That can be unsettling, especially if structure helps you feel safe in your recovery. Here’s something that might help: bring some familiar snacks or foods with you. It might sound simple, but having your go-to granola bar or favorite crackers nearby can make a world of difference. Those familiar foods can provide a sense of stability when everything else feels unpredictable. It can also be helpful to plan ahead. Before you leave for break or go to a holiday dinner, think about your general meal structure, what times you usually eat and what kinds of foods you typically include. Even if things aren’t exact, having a loose plan can help you stay consistent. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s about giving yourself enough structure to feel supported. And if things don’t go perfectly? That’s okay. You’re human. Flexibility is part of recovery, too. Try to show yourself compassion if the day looks different from what you imagined. Every time you choose nourishment and care for yourself, you’re reinforcing your recovery, even if it looks a little messy in the moment. Challenge #2: Family, Food, and Boundaries Let’s be honest — family time can be both wonderful and stressful. You might love your relatives deeply and still find being around them hard. Especially when food and body comments start flying around the table (“I’m being so bad eating this pie!” or “You look so healthy!”). Even well-meaning remarks can be triggering when you’re recovering from an eating disorder. One helpful step is to set clear boundaries ahead of time. You can kindly ask family members to avoid talking about food, dieting, or bodies while you’re together. It might feel uncomfortable to bring it up, but you deserve a safe space where recovery is respected. You could say something like, “I’m focusing on my recovery, and it would really help me if we could avoid diet or body talk during meals.” If that conversation feels too intimidating, consider asking someone you trust, a parent, sibling, or close friend to help advocate for you. Having an ally in the room can make a big difference. Another strategy is to identify a support person, someone you can check in with before, during, or after a family gathering. This could be a friend, a therapist, or someone else who understands what you’re working through. You might send them a text when you start feeling anxious or schedule a quick check-in call after dinner. Recovery can feel lonely at times, but you don’t have to face triggers on your own. It’s also okay to take breaks. If you need a few minutes to breathe, step outside, or listen to music, that’s not “escaping”, that’s self-care. Give yourself permission to protect your peace. Remember: you are allowed to enjoy the holidays without getting caught up in the diet talk or food comparisons that so often surround them. You’re doing recovery on your own terms, and that’s something to be proud of. Challenge #3: Staying Grounded in Recovery When routines shift and triggers appear, staying connected to recovery can feel harder. That’s completely normal. But a little preparation can go a long way. If you work with a treatment team — like a therapist, dietitian, or support group, try talking with them ahead of the holidays. Together, you can come up with a plan that supports your meal structure and coping strategies while still leaving room for flexibility. Maybe that means bringing specific foods you feel safe eating or brainstorming responses to triggering situations. It can also help to reflect on why you chose recovery in the first place. What made you decide to fight for freedom from your eating disorder? What do you look forward to experiencing as you heal? Writing these reflections down in a journal or your phone can be powerful. When things feel tough, you can come back to your words and remind yourself of your purpose and strength. Another idea is to make a short list of “recovery reminders”, things that ground you when your eating disorder voice gets loud. It might include quotes that inspire you, names of people who support you, or small comforts that make you feel safe. Keep it with you throughout the season as a gentle anchor. Most importantly, remember that one difficult moment or slip does not erase your progress. Recovery isn’t linear. What matters most is your willingness to keep coming back to yourself, to keep choosing healing, even when it feels hard. The Bottom Line Holidays can be complicated, full of joy, love, connection, and yes, stress. But you’ve already done one of the bravest things possible: choosing recovery. That courage doesn’t disappear just because the calendar changes. Lean on your support system. Stay in touch with your treatment team if you have one. Remind yourself that you deserve to feel safe, nourished, and included. You don’t have to navigate this season perfectly — you just have to keep showing up for yourself, one day and one meal at a time. You are doing better than you think. You are strong, capable, and worthy of peace during this holiday season. Take a deep breath — you’ve got this. 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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  It’s a busy time of year. Summer is over, making school back in session, less vacations, and holidays coming in the next couple of months. It can feel overwhelming and hard to balance all of our daily commitments such as school, work, doctors appointments, duties around the house, extracurricular activities, therapy, self-care, and more. It feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, or as my mom says “drinking from a fire hose.” Sometimes we have to prioritize duties or activities over others to get done what we need to, given the limited hours in our days. But what if everything is important? How do we balance it all? Some things may feel easier to put on the back burner than others because it doesn’t seem like a necessity or doesn’t feel like the largest issue. Oftentimes, in the mental health field we see things like self-care and therapy as some of the first things to be put on the back burner. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs  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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
References: Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0054346 By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  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:
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:
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:
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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
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Recovering from an eating disorder is a deeply personal, often nonlinear journey. It requires immense strength, vulnerability, and support. In a world increasingly dominated by curated images and “wellness” content, social media can be both a source of encouragement and a trigger. For those in recovery, navigating social media can feel like walking a tightrope—one misstep can destabilize hard-earned progress. The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media Social media is designed to connect us, inform us, and entertain us—but it’s also carefully engineered to keep us scrolling. Being in eating disorder recovery, this constant stream of content can expose you to:
The Emotional Toll Even with strong intentions and support systems, it's easy to feel triggered, ashamed, or isolated after just a few minutes of scrolling. The subtle messages—thinness equals happiness, control equals worth, appearance equals value—can erode recovery work if they’re absorbed day after day. Download our free handout! We have created a free guide to help cope with triggering social media posts during eating disorder recovery. Take your time to read through each prompt and use this guide whenever you are feeling triggered by your social media feed. This happens to all of us– but by getting the help and support you deserve, you can lessen these feelings and triggers. Click here to download our free handout! Wanting more specialized support? Here 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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
By: Olivia Kline, EDC Administrative Assistant  When you’re in the depths of an eating disorder, it can feel like your whole identity is wrapped up in food, weight, control, and shame. Even if you’ve started recovery, that little voice of doubt might still whisper, “You’ll never really be free.” But here’s the truth: full recovery is possible—and it’s more than just managing symptoms. It’s about reclaiming your life, your mind, and your relationship with your body. What Is Full Recovery? Let’s be clear: full recovery doesn't mean pretending the eating disorder never happened. It means:
Why Do People Think Full Recovery Isn’t Possible? There’s a common myth that once you’ve had an eating disorder, you’ll always struggle. That you’ll always need to “manage it” or tiptoe around triggers forever. But this belief is often rooted in outdated treatment approaches or the fear of disappointment. The truth is, many people do fully recover—and their stories deserve to be heard. Recovery is not only possible, it’s likely, especially when:
What Full Recovery Feels Like If you’re wondering what life could look like on the other side, imagine this:
The Journey Is Not Linear, But It’s Worth It Recovery isn’t a straight line. There may be relapses, detours, or periods of grief. But each step forward matters. Each meal, therapy session, tear shed, and boundary set is part of the transformation. Some days you’ll feel stronger. Some days you won’t. But healing isn’t about never struggling—it’s about knowing you don’t have to go back. What Helps People Fully Recover?
A Note to Anyone Still in the Fight If you’re in early recovery—or considering starting—you might not feel hopeful right now. That’s okay. Borrow hope from others who’ve been where you are. You don’t have to believe in full recovery yet; you just have to believe in the next step. And remember: you are not broken, and you are not alone. The Eating Disorder Center is Here to Help! Many clinicians on our team have fully recovered from an eating disorder or have helped a loved one through recovery. We’ve been there and know from our experience and the experiences of our clients that recovery is possible. Our clinicians are dedicated and care about helping you through your recovery journey. We know it’s not easy, so we’ll be there every step of the way. Interested in therapy at The Eating Disorder Center? Here 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. Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in FL, or recovery coaching worldwide. Click here. 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.
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