Our Philosophy

Treatment first and foremost consists of medical nutrition therapy. We assess the adequacy of intake and each person’s nutrition and health status. We collaborate with the client’s physician and assess for higher level of care needs. We create meal plans that are individualized based on each client’s preferred foods and personal needs. We give both nutrition education as well as psychoeducation on eating disorders including etiology, effects of, and treatment options. We believe that “all foods fit” in Recovery and do not demonize any particular food or food group. The goal for most of our clients is intuitive eating. We guide each person to reconnect to their innate body wisdom and learn how to honor their hunger and fullness cues. Furthermore, we are both trauma and HAES-informed. This means that we are aware of the damage that sizeism and healthism perpetrate. 

We take a team approach and believe in the importance of close collaboration with each client’s therapist, primary care physician or psychiatrist. Because eating disorders are biopsychosocial in nature, we must also talk about the psychological and cultural aspects lest we leave large portions unaddressed. Many of our tools have therefore been acquired from the teachings of the wise clinicians and pioneers of early eating disorder treatment. Marlena had the fortune of being supervised for a decade by Dr. Francie White, PhD, (previously RDN). The foundation of our eating disorder treatment consists of the philosophies of Francie White and her closest colleagues Dr. Anita Johnston, PhD, and Carolyn Costin, LMFT. We believe that the eating disorder serves a function and that symptoms have meaning. The first step is often acknowledging that there is another “part of Self”—the eating disorder part, and to listen to the story that it has to tell. Ultimately, we believe that recovery is an integration of the ED part into the whole “True” Self, rather than an excision of the eating disorder and that much can be learned from this illness. 

Marlena’s early recovery was influenced by the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Without health insurance and financial restraints, Marlena found herself at the doors of a community that proved to be very healing. If the 12-steps is something a client is interested in incorporating, we understand the power of these steps and are happy to help incorporate them. Briana finds her Christianity an important aspect of her own Recovery and is open to weaving faith into her client’s program if this is something they are seeking. However, we do not discriminate based on religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural or ethnic backgrounds. We acknowledge the powerful time of change we are currently in and are in full support of black lives matter as well as the LGBTQ+ community. 

Marlena, also received years of supervision by Dr. Lucia Capacchione, founder of the Creative Journal Expressive Arts Method (CJEA). This approach allows for better connection to our bodies, to our inner family system and tangible tools to protect and nurture our inner child.  We further weave in skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy such as understanding our triggers and belief systems and how our thoughts effect emotions and behaviors. Finally, we employ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy’s mindfulness and values-based approach to behavioral change.