Evidence-Based, Compassionate Therapy for Individuals or Couples
ReSpark Group is a premier therapy practice, with industry-leading clinicians, helping clients with relationships and sexual wellness. With ReSpark, you get the benefits of working with one of the biggest couples therapy and sex therapy groups in the country. All clinicians receive continuous supervision, consultation, and advanced education. ReSpark offers evidence-based, effective therapy and coaching. Clinicians obtain world-class sex therapy and couples therapy training from the Sexual Health Alliance.
Our team personally matches every patient with an expert who has the right personality and education for the best outcomes. Your time is valuable, and it's our goal for you to quickly develop rapport with someone who is a good fit for you and your needs.
WHAT IS THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS?
Eating Disorder behaviors can significantly affect a person’s physical, psychological, and social functioning and well-being. Eating Disorders are not a choice. These mental illnesses do not discriminate based upon race, gender, age, religion, or body type, nor do they manifest the same way in everyone. They are serious mental illnesses that have the highest mortality rate (from suicide and medical complications) of any other mental illness/disorder. Whether you have stepped down from a more intensive level of care and need ongoing outpatient support, or you are worried that you may be slipping into engaging in past Eating Disorder behaviors and patterns, we can help.
Respark’s Therapy for Eating Disorders is relapse prevention-based therapy and focuses on assisting and supporting clients while they learn and practice the skills necessary to remain healthy and recovery-focused. Therapy for all bodies, minds, and spirits – celebrating body diversity and experience treating special populations (athletes; mid-life and beyond; individuals who identify as part of the disabled community; LGBTQIA+; all sex, gender, race, religion inclusive). Therapy modalities are person-centered and recovery-centered and may include the utilization of proven, effective techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Family Systems, artistic expression, joyful movement, trauma-informed therapies such as ITR (Instinctual Trauma Response Therapy), Health at Every Size ™ informed, Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy® and Humanistic Sand Tray Therapy (for face-to-face therapeutic experiences).
A study published in 2018 by the Trevor Project reports that approximately 54% of the 1,034 LGBTQ+ survey participants between the ages of 13 and 24 are struggling and have been diagnosed with an Eating Disorder. 75% of them have presumed that they struggled with an Eating Disorder throughout their lifetime. At Respark Therapy & Associates, we strive to create a safe and trustworthy space for you to feel understood and validated as you share your experiences. Recovery is possible – and you are worth it.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS?
Eating Disorders (including, but not limited to, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, “Orthorexia”, OSFED) are serious mental illnesses that are symptomatically described by extreme concerns about body weight, body shape, eating/diet, and body image which can lead to patterns of disordered eating and utilization of unhealthy behaviors.
Some of these behaviors may include (but are unique to each individual case):
- restricting/monitoring food intake
- eating an exceptionally large quantity of food at once (bingeing)
- fasting
- counting calories in a strict manner
- avoiding social events that involve food
- vomiting (purging)
- misuse of laxatives
- excessive or compulsive exercise; compensatory exercise
Below are some questions to help guide you towards therapy for disordered eating, should you need it.
- Are you feeling ashamed of parts or all of your body?
- Are you feeling frustrated with this negative relationship with your body?
- Do you find yourself constantly checking the mirror?
- Do you compare your body to your friends? Celebrities? Media posts?
- Do you cover up certain parts of your body before going outside?
- Are you excessively grooming or exercising?
If any of the above questions triggered a yes response or reaction from you, therapy for an eating disorder may be greatly beneficial to you. Our experienced Respark therapists can help unravel these thoughts and assist in healing the relationship with your body.
Just want a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming?
Clients tell us we're friendly, down to earth and approach therapy in a collaborative manner. We offer a holistic, gentle yet direct, and tailored approach that includes well-researched theories with a relational foundation. Together, we will learn new techniques, assign at-home exercises, reading assignments, conduct in-session guided exercises and other activities that make therapy and coaching fun and productive. We'll work together to form an approach that will be tailored to your goals. Leading researchers, including Esther Perel, Brené Brown, John Gottman, David Schnarch, David Ley, Chris Donaghue, and Marty Klein influence our therapeutic work with couples and individuals. Additionally, as AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists, we will work toward improving intimacy, strengthening communication skills, and communicating your desires.
COMMONS REASONS TO GO TO THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS
Eating Disorders (including, but not limited to, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, “Orthorexia”, OSFED) are serious mental illnesses that are symptomatically described by extreme concerns about body weight, body shape, eating/diet, and body image which can lead to patterns of disordered eating and utilization of unhealthy behaviors
As a team with your expert Respark therapist, your sessions may address any of the common topics that overlap with disordered eating therapy.
- Eating disorder relapse prevention, partner and family support, and pro-recovery awareness and education
- Any form of disordered eating including body image issues such as body dysmorphia and compulsive exercise
- Post-intensive care (such as residential, PHP, or IOP) support
- Education and support for partners of individuals struggling with an eating disorder
- Creating a gentle, non-judgemental space both in the office with your therapist and in your residence so you can feel empowered and encouraged to achieve your personal goals
- Ways to challenge societal “normas” and change any negative internal narrative around your body, self-esteem, and life with an eating disorder
- Recovering pleasure after an eating disorder’s notorious “numbing” effect
THERAPY FOR EATING DISORDERS ADDRESS
Therapy for Eating Disorders Address:
- Eating disorder relapse prevention, partner/family support, pro-recovery awareness and education
- Therapy for individuals who are struggling with eating disorders and issues including, but not limited to, binge eating disorder, anorexia, bulimia, OSFED, “orthorexia”, as well as generational disordered eating, body dysmorphia, body image concerns, and compulsive exercise
- Healing and recovery support for individuals, partners, and the whole family
- Therapy for individuals who have stepped down from intensive care (residential, PHP, IOP) to support and promote recovery and relapse prevention skills
- Therapy for all bodies, minds, and spirits – celebrating body diversity and experience treating special populations (athletes; mid-life and beyond; individuals who identify as part of the disabled community; LGBTQIA+; all sex, gender, race, religion inclusive).
- Support and education for partners of individuals in recovery
- Holistic, nurturing, and compassionate therapeutic approach
- Gentle, non-judgmental space for clients to feel empowered and encouraged to embrace personal responsibility to achieve their goals
- Challenge societal “norms” and change narratives around body image, self-esteem, and life without the eating disorder’s grip
- Recovering pleasure after the eating disorder’s “numbing” effects
- Therapy modalities are person-centered and recovery-centered and may include utilization of proven, effective techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), Family Systems, artistic expression, joyful movement, trauma-informed therapies such as ITR (Instinctual Trauma Response Therapy), Health at Every Size ™ informed, Eating Disorder Intuitive Therapy® and Humanistic Sand Tray Therapy (for face-to-face therapeutic experiences)
TESTIMONIAL
"I collaborate professionally with Heather on a regular basis and believe she is a talented, effective, and down-to-earth sex therapist. She is my go-to referral for clients exploring sexuality issues such as a sexless marriage, issues of sexual identity, kink, open and poly relationships. I feel so lucky to have her as part of our Austin therapist community!”
Dr. Jessica Michaelson
When you are ready, Respark Therapy is here for you with online services in Texas, Colorado, and Washington or in-person sessions in Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas.
At Respark Therapy, we are here for you. Whether you choose to see a therapist for an online session anywhere in Texas, Colorado, or Washington, or an in-person session in Austin, Texas or San Antonio, Texas, our caring and knowledgeable team is here to answer all of your questions. It is our priority to help you feel confident and cared for.