Flourish Psychology | eating disorders therapist near me

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Relational Therapy for Adolescents and Adults
Based in California, operating in Maryland
+ 39 more states.
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We can't wait to work with you as your thought partner, advocate, and supporter.

We believe in the power of collaboration. Share your goals, needs, and values with us, and we'll provide authenticity, expertise, and perspective to support you on your wellness journey.

Therapy is for every one who is ready to break old cycles and learn new strategies. If you're ready to commit to yourself, we're here to help.

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Flourish Psychology offers a variety of services tailored to meet the unique and diverse needs of womxn. We prioritize collaboration, authenticity, and growth.

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@dr.kellirugless

The eating disorder space can be overwhelming, heartbreaking, and intense….and for good reason! ❤️‍🩹

We’re dealing with very real challenges both as a profession and in the daily lives of folks who are struggling.

But even we need a break. A moment to breathe and reflect on who we are, what we’re doing, and where we want to go. Thank you to the @alliancefored and @meta for creating that opportunity and bringing together so many organizations with the shared goals of making sure the internet not only a safe space, but a healing, space for folks dealing with eating disorders and body image issues. We have a lot of work to do but you have to start somewhere and @projectheal is proud to participate in those conversations. 💫

It’s always a privilege to talk about body shaming and all the ways it can happen without us even realizing it. Thank you @tvkatesnow for the wonderful dialogue! ❤️ If you’re struggling with body image feel free to hit the link in my bio to schedule a consultation today!

✨BIG NEWS! ✨

The listeners of the @GettinGrownpod showed up and showed out!

In April I will be starting The Unlearning Space, a food and body liberation support group for women of color! This is a virtual support group for women of color 18+ who are tired of the same old, same old when it comes to their relationship with food and body. We’re going to be unlearning everything we thought we knew about health, body image, and all the emotions we feel around eating. If you’re tired of the dieting rat race, not liking your reflection in the mirror, or you’re just curious about how body image and disordered eating could be a social justice issue, then this is the group for you!

Reserve your spot today by clicking on the link in my bio and signing up now!

I look forward to meeting you there!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

Thank you to @nbcnewsnow for actually doing a segment on eating disorders and black women! I could have never dreamed that I would have the opportunity to talk about an issue that means so much to me, representing an organization I respect so much @projectheal. And always a honor to chat with @tvkatesnow and @simplyzinhle ❤️

It’s always an honor to raise awareness about eating disorders and @projectheal but it’s especially meaningful when I get to talk about eating disorders in black women. It would have been a game changer for me and many of my friends and family members if I could have seen a segment like the one the team @nbcnewsnow produced! Thanks for having me and it’s always a pleasure chatting with you @morgankradford @vickynguyentv ❤️ Clip to follow!

So glad I was able to represent @projectheal and chat more about the realities of eating disorders in men and boys! Thank you @nbcnews for having me! ❤️ ♥️ 💜

There is so much more I would have liked to have said! But I hope that even in that short period of time I was able to pique someone’s curiosity, let someone know that treatment exists, and ease some of the confusion about what someone may be experiencing. Thanks again @nbcnews and for the opportunity!

If you or someone you love could use some support around eating disorders please follow @projectheal and take advantage any one of our direct service programs including FREE clinical assessments, cash assistance, treatment placement, and insurance advocacy.

What an exciting way to close out Eating Disorder Awareness Week! I had the honor to represent @projectheal on @nbcnews where we talked about the seriousness of eating disorders, what to look for, and how to get help…I’ve been quiet on here but there have been a lot of developments…swipe left 😂

Thank you to the hosts of @gettingrownpod for having me this week to discuss my favorite topic: eating disorders and what it looks like in the black community! It was an honor to be invited to connect with your amazing audience and I’m looking forward to returning in the future!! Currently streaming on all major platforms!❤️

Major keys discussed:

✨Eating Disorders impact everyone!

✨Emotional eating isn’t an inherently “bad thing

✨Diets don’t work because our bodies don’t like to starve

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#gettingrownpodcast #youmatter #selflove #wocpodcast #podsincolor #motivation #allamerican #therapyforblackgirls #blackgirlswhomanifest #blackwomenhealing #blackfemaletherapist #worthy #podsofcolor #amazon #spotify
#forgive #blackwomenspeak #blackmentalhealthmatters #blackwomenmatter #blackwomen #blackmentalwellnessmatters
#healingjourney #heal #nedawareness2022 #nedaawarenessweek #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorder #anorexia #bingeeating #bulimic

It was so nice to kick off Eating Disorder Awareness Week by chatting with the women @bwh_pod who really care about having open and honest conversations about the REAL eating issues in marginalized communities. Looking forward to reconnecting again in the future! ❤️

Repost from @bwh_pod
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We are back at it again! Starting off this week we had the honor of speaking with @dr.kellirugless about Eating Disorders. Today marks the start of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and we want to provide hope, support, and visibility to our community 💛

Link in bio☝🏽

#blackwomxnhealingpod #youmatter #selflove #wocpodcast #podsincolor #motivation #allamerican #therapyforblackgirls #blackgirlswhomanifest #blackwomenhealing #blackfemaletherapist #worthy #podsofcolor #amazon #spotify
#forgive #blackwomenspeak #blackmentalhealthmatters #blackwomenmatter #blackwomen #blackmentalwellnessmatters
#healingjourney #heal #nedawareness2022 #nedaawarenessweek #eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorder #anorexia #bingeeating #bulimic

❤️Love Language: Words of Affirmation❤️

I think we’re all aware of how words of affirmation can have a major impact on our mood and mindset. Most commonly, we tend to focus on external words: putting uplifting posters on the wall, wearing clothing with positive messages, putting up affirming post it notes. But what about our internal experience?

One of the best ways to use words of affirmation to strengthen the mind+body connection is to ask yourself if the language you use when talking about your appearance is judgmental or factual. If someone were to ask you to describe your legs or your stomach what words would you use? Would you say stubby or short? Flabby or soft? Both options might be accurate, but the factual response has a less negative connotation and communicates more compassion for your body.

Showing our bodies compassion in our thoughts and in our actions help to build and strengthen the mind+body relationship and improve your body image.

You only get one body! Show it some love! ❤️

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#HappyValentinesDay #selflove
#lovelanguages #eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

❤️Love Language: Quality Time❤️

This is actually the most popular love language for men and women! So let’s take a moment to reimagine what quality time means when it comes to our own bodies.

The best way to spend quality time with your body is to find moments of stillness where you can detach from your to-do’s and focus on your internal experience.

Two important strategies:

✨A social media break! Even though there some positive things that can happen on social media, the research tells us that the more time you spend on social media, the worse you tend to feel. So taking a social media break isn’t just a good idea, it’s integral for preserving your mental health.

✨Journaling and Meditating! These are both ways to capitalize on your stillness by being present and allowing yourself to focus on your emotions. Doing these things gives you the opportunity to experience more feedback from your body which can strengthen the mind+body connection!

You only get one body! Show it some love! ❤️

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#HappyValentinesDay #selflove
#lovelanguages #eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

❤️Love Language: Physical Touch❤️

This is typically the fan favorite of all of the love languages *for OBVIOUS reasons* but let’s take a moment to reimagine what physical touch means when it comes to our own bodies.

Physical touch is an integral part of mental health so finding ways to experience physical touch without another person is really valuable especially in these times when many of us aren’t able to be with loved ones in the usual way.

Two important strategies:

✨A weighted blanket (a blanket with weights sewn in to the edges) which can mimic the experience of a hug. May not be ideal if tight spaces make you anxious!

✨Slowing down your hygiene tasks! All hygiene tasks are self-care at their core, so if you slow them down and stay present you get the opportunity to experience more feedback from your body which can strengthen the mind+body connection!

You only get one body! Show it some love! ❤️

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#HappyValentinesDay #selflove
#lovelanguages #eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

❤️Love Language: Gift Giving❤️

Our bodies deserve gifts as well! And one way to build trust in our bodies and strengthen the mind+body connection is honoring our bodies when they tell us our clothing is too tight, too rough, or just plain uncomfortable. I’m not saying that you can’t choose times to prioritize an outfit or a look over comfort. Of course you can! But every now and then you should make an effort to honor your body’s discomfort and buy and wear clothes that feel good.

Some of our bodies have changed because of the pandemic and we’re refusing to by clothes that fit in protest of those changes. But that’s not the most loving and compassionate thing to do, especially when it isn’t actually our body’s fault that the world got turned upside down and routines flip. Our bodies did what they needed to do and they deserve to be loved and appreciated no matter what.

You only get one body! Show it some love! ❤️

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#HappyValentinesDay #selflove
#lovelanguages #eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

❤️Happy Valentine’s Day!❤️

Whether you have a significant other or you’re flying solo this year, it turns out we’re always in a relationship whether we realize it or not…and that’s the relationship we have with our own bodies!

So let’s talk about how to show our bodies some love using the popular 5 love languages as a foundation. Up first is “Acts of Service”. There are a lot of ways to perform an act of service for your body that emphasizes building the mind-body connection, but one of the most impactful *in my humble opinion* is eating mindfully. Using our meals as an opportunity to slow down and pay more attention to our senses and body cues is a great way to familiarize yourself with your emotions as well as your hunger and fullness cues. Listening to and honoring your body’s cues is an important step toward fostering trust between the mind and the body which deepens the connection!

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#HappyValentinesDay #selflove
#lovelanguages #eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

Binge eating disorder is more common than Anorexia and Bulimia combined but doesn’t get nearly as much attention. It’s also one of the rare eating disorders that impacts Black women as much, if not more, than it impacts White women. But are black women equally represented in treatment centers? Nope.

My experience has taught me that Black women don’t seek treatment because they see the binge as a sign of a character flaw and not a symptom of a medical problem. Part of this has to do with the messaging that diet culture pumps out about why their diets fail: no willpower, not enough discipline, not enough self-control. But it’s not true at all! In fact, with binge eating, it’s often caused by OVER control of food.

So, for anyone who is dealing with this or has dealt with this just know it’s not about willpower. It’s about your relationship with food and/or body and there are some research-proven strategies that can make a really big difference!

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #bingeeating #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

This is a very general idea of what the binge-purge cycle looks like. With my clients we often work to together to create a personalized chain of events because it gives us an opportunity to look at each step of the cycle and identify the best point to disrupt it!

Every cycle can be broken with the right support and intervention so if you find yourself stuck in a loop like this there are eating disorder professionals who are ready to help! ❤️

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

What we see on television and in movies about Bulimia isn’t wrong, it’s just not the whole picture…and we need the full picture! Wouldn’t you want to know the risks of a decision before you made it? So many people unwittingly engage in disordered eating behaviors and end up in a rabbit hole of mental and physical health problems that they can’t get out of without professional assistance.

At the end of the day, everyone is entitled to live their lives as they choose, this is just my way of making sure that you know that any decision you make about your food and body should be made thoughtfully and with all the consideration you would give any other major life decision.

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#eatingdisorderrecovery #bulimia #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

This is just a friendly reminder that beauty standards are completely made up! If you don’t believe me, browse through the “beautiful” people of the 1800s and compare that to the “beautiful” people of the 1970s. You’re going to see major differences. Why? Because humans like to change their minds *and there a lot of industries that have figured out how to profit of our human nature*

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not against trying the latest beauty trend. It’s fun! But it’s important to not lose sight of the fact that that’s all beauty standards really are: trends. Things that catch on and then fall off and then catch back on again. So make sure that when you’re considering which trends you’re going to adopt that you’re mindful about how much time, energy, and money you’re putting in to something that’s fleeting.

P.S. If you can’t find a trend that uplifts what you naturally bring to the table MAKE UP YOUR OWN! There are no rules!

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#eatingdisorderrecovery #eatingdisorderawareness #bodypositivity #beautystandards #mentalhealth #blackisbeautiful #lovetheskinyourein
#blackhistorymonth

✨Black is beautiful!✨

Let me just say that at the top.

But, sometimes the way we uplift the beauty in blackness can be just as harmful as Eurocentric beauty standards that often demean and diminish our unique features.

How, you might ask? By being just as rigid and narrow with our definitions of beauty. Sure we uplift curves, but the curves have to be in the right places, with the right skin color, and the right hair texture, etc. It’s these types of beauty standards that make people feel inadequate and push people to go to extreme measures to achieve said standards.

So be thoughtful about how tightly you hold on to exclusive beauty standards (even if you fit the mold!) because one day things are going to change. Whether it’s your body that changes or the standards that go out of style your value never actually waivers! You’re valuable because you just are.

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

It’s that simple!

And just to be clear, I’m talking about those who are thinking about dieting as a method of weight loss, body sculpting, etc. For those of you that may have health conditions that require a change in how you feed yourself, I recommend connecting with a registered dietitian that specializes in eating disorders so they can help you navigate your relationship with food in a way that promotes your wellness.

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

Diets are Dangerous. 🙊

I know. It’s hard to believe when all we’re ever told is that they’re quick, easy, and effective.

But the truth is they’re hard, ineffective, slow, and wreak havoc on our mental health. Check their own research! They own the fact that diets fail 95% of the time.

I’m not here to tell anyone what to do, but I am here to raise everyone’s awareness of the very real mental health risks associated with dieting. Weight may not be the only thing you lose the next time you diet and we should all re-evaluate if it’s actually worth it.

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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

Unfortunately, Anorexia is an equal opportunist.

That is all.

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Happy Black History Month!

I know…this isn’t the typical post that highlights all the contributions that people from the African diaspora have made to the US, but as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) and licensed psychologist, the biggest contribution I can make is to raise awareness about the silent impact that eating disorders are having in our community!

We have body image and food issues just like everyone else. The difference is that we’re often misdiagnosed because of long-held beliefs about what a person with Anorexia (or any other eating disorder) should look like.

Eating Disorders don’t have a look and there’s no shame in acknowledging our challenges and getting help from providers and communities that understand!

Like, Follow, and Share for more ED content!

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

#eatingdisorderrecovery
#blackhistorymonth

We’re living through really challenging times right now. As a nation and globally. And if you’re anything like me and you care, it can weigh on you and drain you even when you’re not actively thinking about it.
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One important strategy that can give you a mental break and improve overall mood is engaging in something creative. Research shows that creativity is a powerful tool for decreasing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing resilience days after the creative task. The best part is that you don’t even have to be particularly artistic in order to reap the benefits!
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So during this long weekend if you’re in need of a mood boost look for something to create. Maybe it’s a batch of cookies, a mood board, a garden bed, or paint-by-numbers. Who knows? The options are endless and so are the silver linings!
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Happy Flourishing! 🌱❤️

This time last week my family and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel The Bahamas 🇧🇸! The landscape is stunning…soft white sand, turquoise waters, and sunshine…but the most beautiful thing about the country was the people we met!

With less than 24 hours notice, Marlene @marlene_mckinney , a Bahamian native and plant-based chef invited us into her home on the strength of my husbands friendship with her sister! She had never met us but she cooked the most delicious meal, introduced us to her friends and family, took us on a tour of her island, and drove us to the airport the next day. But most importantly, she treated us like family.

I was reminded of the power of human connection and how transformational it is to show love and kindness BEFORE someone has had the ability to earn it. If you’re fortunate enough to have people in your life who give selflessly remember to express your gratitude, and if you’ve never experienced that kind of love, try and be that person towards others.

Thank you Marlene, Thelma, and NJ @youngsimba_neil !

And don’t forget to stop by Marelene’s Deli, Something Better, the next time you’re there! You won’t be disappointed ❤️

Happy Flourishing! 🌱

This is such an important piece!! We are being inundated with the message that our top priority should be to force our bodies to go back to the way they were by any means necessary and that is a DANGEROUS and unrealistic message. More importantly, it’s a marketing tactic. These companies don’t care about our wellness or our self-esteem. They are focused on their bottom lines.

Repost from @nytopinion
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“It was inevitable,” Jennifer Weiner writes. After a long period of hibernation and plenty of comfort eating, many are emerging from lockdown feeling a little more insecure about the way they look. “And where there’s insecurity and unhappiness, there are companies looking to make money,” she says. “So here come the weight-loss profiteers, the misery merchants dressed up as purveyors of ‘wellness,’” says @jenniferweinerwrites. Well, “I have one word for you: Resist.” #covid19 #coronavirus #dietculture #wellness #nytopinion

I love the @soyouwanttotalkabout account! They concisely share the most pertinent information about important things happening in the world and Mental Health Awareness Month is one of those important things.
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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

Repost from @soyouwanttotalkabout
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Here are some mental health resources to save + share 🧠 take care of yourself!

Check out an article I contributed to in @WeddingWire by @jennsinrich focused on practical strategies for coping with the pressure of “looking good” on your wedding day in the midst of a global pandemic.
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If you’ve followed me for any amount of time then you know I’m all about self-compassion and critically assessing why we value what we value. This is especially important for anyone who feels the pressure to change their body for aesthetic reasons. Swipe left to see a few of my tips!
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Happy Flourishing! 🌱

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You've already taken the first step

Relational Therapy for Adolescents and Adults Based in California, operating in Maryland + 39 more states. Click here to see if your state is included.

We can't wait to work with you as your thought partner, advocate, and supporter.

Therapy Services

Therapy for Women

Therapy for Teens

Therapy for Therapists

Therapy for BIPOC

Perinatal Therapy

Therapy for Eating Disorders

I can't wait to hear your story

AS SEEN ON

This is your life. Let us help you get the most out of it.

Tell us your goals and, together, we'll devise a plan to reach them

​

Relational Therapy for Adolescents and Adults
Based in California, operating in Maryland
+ 39 more states.
Click here to see if your state is included.

Therapy for
Therapists

AS
SEEN
ON