Body shame can feel like an invisible weight you carry every day. It can be the voice that criticizes you in the mirror, the hesitation you feel before taking off your shirt at the beach, or the anxiety that comes with simply being seen. If you’ve ever felt like your body is “wrong,” “too much,” or “not enough,” you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not broken.

This Pride Month, I’ve been spending time each morning reading stories from The AIDS Memorial—honoring the lives of LGBTQ+ people lost during the crisis of the 80s and 90s. It’s emotional and often heartbreaking, but for me, it’s a way to grieve, remember, and stay connected to the legacy I’ve inherited. Pride is a celebration—but it’s also a tribute.

With LGBTQ+ rights and DEI under attack, it’s normal to feel anxious and unsafe. These aren’t irrational fears. They’re deeply valid responses to a climate that is, in fact, hostile. And if you’re feeling anxious, angry, exhausted, or numb—you’re not overreacting. You’re reacting appropriately to a culture that keeps telling you you’re a problem to solve or a threat to neutralize.

Anger is often the only emotion men are "allowed" to show. Learn what’s underneath the surface—and how therapy can help men access deeper emotional awareness.

As the temperature rises, so does the pressure to "look good. You might feel it creeping in when you swap out jeans for shorts or get an invitation to a beach day. Suddenly, the thoughts come flooding in: I should get back to the gym. I need to cut back. I don't look like I used to. I don't look like him. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

I believe that being open about my values isn’t about promoting a political agenda. It’s about giving people the information they need to make an informed decision about who they want to work with in therapy. For many, especially those from historically marginalized or targeted communities, therapy can only be healing when it also feels safe. Knowing a therapist’s values up front can be part of that safety. So, in that spirit of transparency, I want to be clear about what I believe and how I approach this work.

If you grew up in a culture steeped in diet ads, fitness challenges, and before-and-after photos, it’s no wonder your definition of health might be tied to weight. But health is far more complex than that. And when we only focus on the scale, we miss the full picture—and sometimes end up doing more harm than good.

As a psychologist, I believe that being clear about where I stand on key issues isn’t just good practice—it’s a matter of ethics, safety, and trust. This is especially important for clients who are part of marginalized communities, many of whom are seeking therapy in direct response to ongoing political harm.

If you’ve never heard of weight-inclusive therapy—or only have a vague idea of what it means—you’re not alone. Many people assume therapy will involve a focus on weight loss or “getting healthy,” and are surprised (and sometimes relieved) to learn that some therapists take a completely different approach.

A HAES-informed therapy approach isn’t about ignoring health—it’s about making health-promoting choices free from weight stigma and diet culture. Learn why HAES® is a compassionate, evidence-based framework.

As men, we’re often taught to keep our emotions in check—to “man up,” stay strong, and avoid showing vulnerability. While these messages might seem like they build resilience, they often do the opposite. Ignoring or suppressing emotions can take a toll on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

For decades, the conversation around health and weight has been shaped by a “thin equals healthy” mindset, but eating disorder professionals are increasingly challenging this narrative. More therapists and dietitians are adopting a weight-neutral, non-diet, and fat-accepting stance in their work—a shift rooted in research, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable recovery.

Social media can be a source of inspiration and connection, but it also has a powerful influence on how we see ourselves. Platforms filled with carefully curated images can leave us comparing ourselves to unrealistic ideals, distorting our perceptions of beauty and worth.

Perfectionism often feels like a badge of honor, especially for professionals who pride themselves on high standards and a drive for success. But when those high standards become rigid or impossible to meet, perfectionism can shift from being a motivator to a source of stress, burnout, and self-doubt.

By learning about common eating disorders—Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Orthorexia, and Binge Eating Disorder—we can break these myths and build greater understanding and compassion. If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available, and healing is possible.

Starting therapy this year? Learn key health insurance tips for understanding your coverage, deductibles, and benefits as the new year begins.

Body image concerns are often portrayed as universal, yet they can show up in distinct ways for LGBTQ+ individuals. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, body image struggles intersect with identity, cultural expectations, and societal pressures in ways that can feel deeply personal—and incredibly isolating.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the upcoming Trump administration may bring up feelings of fear, uncertainty, and frustration. While you may not have control over political outcomes, you do have control over how you take care of yourself and respond to these challenges.

Societal expectations to ‘man up’ or appear strong discourage men from acknowledging their struggles, let alone seeking help. It’s time to break this silence and recognize that men, too, deserve compassionate support and understanding.

For too long, body image concerns and disordered eating have been stereotyped as “women’s issues.” However, research shows that men are equally vulnerable to these struggles but often go unnoticed or untreated.