One of the defining features of ARFID is the need for predictability. Packaged foods offer a level of consistency that fresh or homemade foods often cannot. The taste, texture, smell, and appearance are usually the same every time, which reduces uncertainty and anxiety around eating.

For many people raised in conservative Christian environments, these patterns aren’t random. They are shaped by early religious teachings that defined love, commitment, and belonging long before there was room to decide what those things meant personally.

While GLP1s can be effective for some people, they come with challenges that many users don’t anticipate. Common reasons for discontinuation include nausea, fatigue, and digestive discomfort. Others find that the medication is no longer covered by insurance, or that the out-of-pocket costs become unsustainable.

As an eating disorder therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how the growing cultural obsession with GLP1s can create confusion, shame, and relapse triggers for clients in recovery.

When clients come off GLP1s, they often describe a sense of loss or confusion. Hunger cues return after being muted for months. The body may start to regain weight, sometimes quickly. For someone who has worked hard to trust their body, or has a history of body image struggles, this can feel destabilizing. Some clients express anger or grief: anger at losing access to a medication that seemed to “work,” or grief over seeing their body change again. Others feel shame, blaming themselves when weight comes back, even though these changes are a normal biological response to discontinuation—not a sign of failure or lack of willpower.

Clothes shopping isn’t easy for most people, and when you’re in eating disorder recovery, it can bring up an extra layer of stress.Trying things on often leads to body checking, comparing sizes, or getting stuck in front of the mirror. Add in crowded stores, bright lights, and well-meaning sales associates, and it can feel like way more than “just shopping.”

If you’re in recovery from Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), you’re not alone in wanting to “eat healthier.” Many of my clients name this as one of their biggest goals, but it’s important to define what “healthy” really means in the context of ARFID.

For some, summer can feel like a breath of fresh air because it brings more daylight, vacations, and time spent outdoors. But for those navigating an eating disorder, summer can bring a unique set of challenges that often go unnoticed by others.

Two common approaches to meal planning used in recovery are the Exchange System and the Plate-by-Plate Method. Both of these approaches aim to support individuals reestablish a stable relationship with food.

​Have you ever felt disconnected from your own body, as if it's governed by rules and expectations that aren't truly yours? For many raised in evangelical purity culture, this isn't just a feeling, it’s a lived reality. 

Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN) includes all the same restrictive behaviors and psychological distress as anorexia nervosa, but without the individual being classified as underweight. Despite the name, atypical anorexia is actually more common than anorexia.

The truth is, restriction can take many forms, all of which can contribute to the cycle of binge eating. Understanding these different types of restriction is key to breaking free from the binge-restrict cycle and developing a healthier relationship with food and self-care.

The first priority in ARFID treatment is ensuring that a person is meeting their basic nutritional needs. This often starts with introducing foods that feel “safe”—ones that the individual can tolerate and are less likely to trigger anxiety. Once an initial, balanced eating pattern is established, the focus shifts to the individual’s specific experiences and goals.

While it’s natural to seek community and connection, it’s important to be intentional with the process, especially if you’ve experienced religious trauma. Therapy for religious trauma can help you understand and heal from these past experiences, helping you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

While diagnoses can provide useful frameworks for understanding a person’s experience, they often don’t capture the full picture

Being on the path to recovery for an eating disorder can feel overwhelming, but finding the right support group can make all the difference in your healing journey.

As the understanding of religious trauma and religious trauma therapy grows, therapeutic approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are being explored for their effectiveness in helping individuals heal and rebuild their lives.

Opening up to your loved ones about an eating disorder is a significant step in the recovery journey.

It’s not easy to discuss something so personal, but letting those you trust in can be a turning point. Sharing your struggle isn’t just about informing them—it’s about finding support, reducing feelings of isolation, and lifting the weight of shame.

I want to help you understand why this step matters and how you can confidently approach these conversations.

If you suspect that you’ve experienced religious trauma, it’s important to reach out for support. Working with a therapist who understands the complexities of religious trauma can help you process your experiences, regain a sense of agency, and move toward healing.

Eating disorders require specialized care, and while there are many professionals out there, not all of them will have the expertise or approach that aligns with what you need. When searching for an eating disorder recovery therapist, there are a few key factors to consider: experience, treatment modalities, personality fit, and cost.