Rock Recovery

With summer coming to an end, you may be wondering how your child will navigate going back to school in the middle of recovery. Returning to school and all of its academic pressures can trigger stress and anxiety, and the risk of resuming disordered eating habits.

The more prepared your child feels as they return to school, the better equipped they will be to continue their recovery journey. Here are some tips for helping your kid returned to school while recovering from an eating disorder:

🍎Integrate school slowly: Let your child gradually resume their workload, and remind them it’s okay to start slow and take breaks
🍎Develop a strong support system: Talk to your child’s treatment team and school staff about how to best support them while they’re at school
🍎Create a comprehensive nutrition plan: If your child needs meal supervision, that’s okay! Work with the school staff and treatment team to ensure your child gets consistent support during meal times if needed

Returning to school while in recovery can be anxiety-inducing, but it is possible! If you’re looking for more tips, has written a blog post, “Going Back to School in ED Recovery”, for parents. Head to the link in our bio to read it! 👏📘🍎

We want to wish a Happy Birthday to our founder, the incredible Dr. CaryLynn Larson!

Cary founded Rock Recovery 15 years ago with a clear vision: to help individuals of all backgrounds find real, lasting healing from disordered eating, and to bridge financial barriers to mental health treatment.

Thank you, Cary, for your heart and passion for this work, and for all of the energy, time, and soul you have poured into Rock Recovery. We would not be here without you and your guidance!

We hope you have an amazing day filled with joy, celebration, and love.

Comment below to wish Cary a happy birthday!

Meet Isabelle, one of our amazing clinical interns here at Rock Recovery! Izzy joined Rock Recovery in January 2024. As an intern, Isabelle sees individual clients, and helps lead our weekly meal support group. She is passionate about helping individuals find freedom with their relationships with food and is drawn to a person-centered counseling approach, mindfulness, and using acceptance strategies while working with clients with disordered eating and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Isabelle loves metaphors and believes in the power of writing! When not with clients, you can find her writing poetry on the beach with her dog, Reddick, breathing in the salty air, or up in the mountains counting the stars! 🌊⭐🐶

We love Isabelle and are so glad she’s on the Rock team! If you’re interested in therapy with Isabelle or another one of our therapists, head to the link below to learn more and schedule a consultation.

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/eating-disorder-therapy-services

Journaling can be a great way to process our experiences, thoughts, and emotions during eating disorder recovery. It can also help us learn more about ourselves, and what we need in each moment.

Here are some journal prompts to inspire you and help get the journaling process started. Remember - be curious, be open, and have compassion for yourself, even on the bad days.

Have you found journaling helpful? Do you have any tips or tricks for self-reflection? Comment below! 🌟✨📗

Society may tell you that you need to conform to certain standards when it comes to body shape, size, and weight. Growing up, you may have been told that certain foods were off limits, thinness equals beauty, and that your body was something to be modified, not celebrated.

We asked some of our clients about the messages they heard about food, weight, and their bodies growing up, vs. what they wished they had heard. Here’s what they had to say. Let it be a reminder that despite the lies the world may tell you, you are enough as you are, and you do not exist for the approval of others. You are lovable and worth the effort recovery takes.

P.S. We’ve created a free guide, “7 Keys to Building a Strong Foundation in Recovery”, to offer you encouragement and support as you navigate this journey....head to the link belowto download it today! 💯✨💛

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/7-keys-to-building-a-strong-foundation-in-recovery

Movement and sports can be a great way to have fun, connect with our bodies, and enjoy time with others. At the same time, research indicates that athletes are at a greater risk for developing eating disorders, due to the pressure to perform and maintain certain weight and body shape standards.

As the 2024 Olympics take place, we want to shine a light on the importance of prioritizing mental health and positive relationships with food and body image for athletes. Treatment and healing take time and commitment, and your health and well-being should always come before the competition.

Various Olympic athletes have courageously spoken out about their own struggles and journeys to getting help, and we commend and honor them for their strength and vulnerability. We hope it encourages you to do the same!

Enjoying the Olympics? Comment below your favorite sport to watch! ❤✨

Whatever this summer has held for you, wherever you are in your recovery journey - we want to empower you and affirm that you are strong, you are lovable, and you are worth the effort recovery takes. Contrary to what the world may tell you, your weight does not determine your worth. Your body deserves to be nourished, accepted, and loved.

If you’re looking for more support, We’ve created a guide, “7 Keys to Building a Strong Foundation in Recovery.” This guide contains practical tips to apply during your recovery journey, to help you find freedom from disordered eating. Download it for free at the link below today! 👏🌊🍧

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/7-keys-to-building-a-strong-foundation-in-recovery

In honor of Teen Mental Health Awareness month, we want to highlight the importance of eating disorder treatment for teenagers, and celebrate our Rock Recovery teen graduates! Here are a few reflections from teens who have come through our programs.

As the mental crisis worsens, the number of teens who struggle with disordered eating has grown rapidly. Research indicates that approximately 35% of teenage girls engage in dieting or purging behavior, and 50% of those who struggle with binge eating disorder or bulimia developed their disorder before the age of 19. What’s more, only 20% of teens will get treatment they need to heal. (anad.org/eating-disorder-statistic/)

Recovering from an eating disorder is hard, and for teens it can be especially daunting. At Rock Recovery, we believe every adolescent deserves a chance to heal their relationship with food and their bodies, so they can enjoy just being a teenager.

Looking for more support for your teen in ED recovery? Our teen body image group kicks off this September! Led by a therapist, this weekly group is designed to help teens develop a positive relationship with their bodies, connect with one another, and feel comfortable in their own skin. Learn more and schedule a consultation at the link below!

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/teen-bridge-to-life-therapy-group

Meet Brendan, one of our amazing Rock Recovery board members!

Brendan Sorem currently works in commercial real estate investment and development for Redbrick LMD, a private real estate firm based in Washington, DC. His primary area of expertise is in financial analysis/management, capital raising and small business growth.

Brendan is passionate about Rock Recovery’s mission and looks forward to increasing Rock’s capacity to serve exponentially more clients over the coming years. As a native Washingtonian, Brendan lives and dies (but mostly dies) for all things DC sports. In his free time he enjoys boating, golfing and any other excuse to be outside with a cold beverage.

We are grateful for Brendan and his support and passion for Rock Recovery’s mission to dismantle financial barriers to eating disorder treatment! If you’d like to get involved with Rock Recovery as a board member or volunteer, check out the link in our bio! 🎉🙌💯

ur Executive Director and Director of Partnerships were honored to attend Mind the Gap: The Cost of Mental Health Disparities event, in honor of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Many incredible speakers shared about the alarming challenges that individuals face when they don't have access to the health services they need and deserve, and the importance of creating equal access to healthcare for all but especially low-income individuals and communities of color.

We know that within the eating disorder world, there is so much work to be done to increase access to care. Our team is committed to being a part of the solution through our affordable services and financial support opportunities, and we're so grateful to our community who helps make this important work possible!

Our Executive Director and Director of Partnerships were honored to attend Mind the Gap: The Cost of Mental Health Disparities event, in honor of . Many incredible speakers shared about the alarming challenges that individuals face when they don’t have access to the health services they need and deserve, and the importance of creating equal access to healthcare for all but especially low-income individuals and communities of color.

We know that within the eating disorder world, there is so much work to be done to increase access to care. Our team is committed to being a part of the solution through our affordable services and financial support opportunities, and we’re so grateful to our community who helps make this important work possible! Swipe to see a snap of the event’s incredible panel! 🌟🎉

Recovery is not linear. The journey to healing has many ups and downs, and you may experience big wins one day, and setbacks the next. Have grace with yourself in this season, and remember to be patient with yourself. We’re cheering you on!

Looking for more support in the recovery journey? Our therapy groups have spots available. Check out the link below to see if one of them would be a good fit for you! 🌟🎉⚡

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/eating-disorder-therapy-services

Steffanie came to Rock Recovery in a lifelong battle with an eating disorder, certain she would never find recovery but desperate to try anyway. At Rock, Steffanie found hope and a community of women who walked with her through each step of her recovery journey.

Today, Steff is enjoying all that motherhood has to offer with her sweet son, and she continues her pursuit of full recovery and lasting freedom. 🌱✨💫

Wondering what a life free from disordered eating would look like? We'd love to walk alongside you! Schedule a free consultation at the link below:

https://go.oncehub.com/RockRecovery

We all need time to recharge and refuel in this life. Here are a few actions you can take to reclaim time for yourself and fill your cup. We’re cheering you on! 👏🍹🌴

Looking to take the next step in eating disorder recovery? Consider joining us for our free, 2-hour faith-based workshop, Living Free! You can learn more and register today at the link below!

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/events/living-free-workshop-2024

Recovery is not a linear process, and there can be lots of ups and downs. It’s important to be able to tell when someone may just be having a bad day, and when someone could be experiencing a relapse of an eating disorder. Here are a few signs to watch out for.

Research shows that up to 50% of people in eating disorder recovery relapse within the first few years of treatment. While this can sound discouraging, it’s important to know that true recovery is possible! Real, lasting freedom can be found.

To learn more about the warning signs and causes of eating disorder relapse, check out the article written by our clinical partner, Equip. The link is below! 💫⚡💯

https://equip.health/articles/treatment-and-recovery/signs-of-eating-disorder-relapse

Words matter. When your teen is navigating an eating disorder, it can be difficult to know what to say.

Here are some affirmations you can give them to use, to offer encouragement and hope. Take what you need, and remember - everyone’s journey to recovery is different. 🌻🌟🌱

We still have a few spots left for Teen Recovery Refresh, our two-day therapeutic workshop for teens, ages 14 - 18 (runs all day on August 1st and 2nd).

Schedule a free consultation at the link below to get started today!
https://go.oncehub.com/RockRecovery

Navigating your relationship with movement can be difficult and confusing during and after recovery. While movement can be a great way to release stress and connect with your body, it can also be used in unhealthy ways, and diet culture has twisted it into something we’re “supposed” to do. If you feel shame or guilt for skipping the gym, get anxious about not being able to work out, or view movement as a way to “make up” for what you ate instead of something to enjoy, it may be time to get help.

Want to learn more about how to promote a healthy relationship with movement? Our friends at Courage to Nourish have written an article, “4 signs you have an unhealthy relationship with exercise”, that contains practical tips for how to heal your relationship with movement. Check it out at the link below! 🌟🌱👟

https://couragetonourish.com/is-your-relationship-with-exercise-healthy/

Navigating your relationship with movement can be difficult and confusing during and after recovery. While movement can be a great way to release stress and connect with your body, it can also be used in unhealthy ways, and diet culture has twisted it into something we’re “supposed” to do. If you feel shame or guilt for skipping the gym, get anxious about not being able to work out, or view movement as a way to “make up” for what you ate instead of something to enjoy, it may be time to get help.

Want to learn more about how to promote a healthy relationship with movement? Our friends at .to.nourish have written an article, “4 signs you have an unhealthy relationship with exercise”, that contains practical tips for how to heal your relationship with movement. Check it out at the link in our bio! 🌟🌱👟

Happy Friday! Summer is in full swing.

Here are a few recovery reminders to take with you today. We’re cheering you on!

Vacations offer a fun way to rest and recharge, but they can also bring extra stress for those in eating disorder recovery.

From being off of your normal routine, to being surrounded with people constantly and confronted with what might seem like perpetual challenging food exposures, it can all feel overwhelming.

Scroll through to check out three tips from an eating disorder dietician to help you enjoy a stress-free summer vacation in eating disorder recovery.

Head to the link below to read more on our blog! ‘🌴🌞🌊

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/blog/your-guide-to-a-stress-free-ed-recovery-summer-vacation

Meet Natasia “Tasi” James, one of our incredible therapists at Rock Recovery! She leads meal support groups, teen body image groups, and maintains her own individual caseload. Her passion for working in the eating disorder community is deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a fat, q***r woman of color.

Tasi is committed to breaking down systemic barriers and advocating for social justice. She aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of disordered eating within the BIPOC community and to share information on how individuals in this community can access equitable and accessible care.

Outside of her professional career, Tasi enjoys being a cat mom, traveling the world, practicing Japanese (fun fact: she's lived in Japan twice), and engaging with the art community. Her diverse interests and experiences enrich her approach to therapy and her dedication to her clients.

We love our team, and we love Tasi! If you’re interested in therapy with Tasi or one of our other amazing clinicians, head to the link below to learn more and schedule a free consultation today! 🌟🔥❤️

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/eating-disorder-therapy-services

Self-Compassion is the ability to practice kindness and acceptance to oneself, and it is critical to eating disorder recovery! When you’re struggling with disordered eating, it can be all too easy to judge yourself. We can be all too quick to criticize our bodies, shame ourselves for “failing”, and tell ourselves we are not enough.

What if instead, we were able to practice kindness and compassion towards ourselves?

Here are a few ways you can start to develop self-compassion towards yourself. Remember, you are worthy of kindness and grace. We are cheering you on!

Happy 4th! If you’re anxious about the upcoming holiday weekend, we want you to know you’re not alone! With all of the fun of the Fourth of July comes lots of eating out with loved ones, parties, and food.

Here are some things to keep in mind as we head into this weekend….

🌟It’s okay to be eating when others aren’t. Listen to your body and what it says it needs!
🌟There are no good or bad foods - you can enjoy them all without guilt!
You don’t have to spend time making up for the food you’re going to eat. You don’t need to compensate for your food choices
🌟You have permission to be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace
🌟Don’t forget to have fun!

How are you planning on celebrating the Fourth of July? We want to hear from you below!
🌟🔥💥

Helping your teen develop a positive body image can feel like a losing battle. Fortunately, there are simple, practical steps you can take to model a good self-image, and help them gain confidence in their own skin. Remember - you are your teen’s biggest advocate, and the most impactful thing you can do is model a compassionate and healthy relationship with your own body.

Looking to help your teen in eating disorder recovery? We’re hosting a 2-day therapy workshop for high school aged teens on July 22nd & 23rd! Hosted at our office in Arlington, VA, this 2-day workshop is designed to help your teen gain practical recovery tips, connect with others, and engage in activities to promote healing and authenticity. Learn more and schedule a free consultation today at the link below! 🎉💯🌻

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/events/teen-recovery-refresh-2024

Happy Friday! We know summer can bring a bombardment of diet culture messaging and LOTS of talk about beach-body diets and workout plans. Wondering how to respond? Here are a few phrases you can use when someone makes a diet-culture comment:

💫“I believe all foods fit and health comes in all shapes and sizes”
💫“I would like to talk about something else right now”
💫"I prefer not to talk about physical appearance. Can we change the subject please?”
💫“I am not comfortable talking about body shapes and sizes. What if we talked about (topic) instead?”
💫“I am enjoying all the foods I’m eating right now. Would you mind not commenting on what I’m eating?”
💫“I am trying not to focus on diet culture this summer. Do you want to try that with me?”

Looking to finally break free from body image struggles this summer? Don’t forget to sign up for our FREE workshop, Living Free, on Monday July 22nd at 7 PM ET. We’ll dispel myths surrounding food and diets, discuss how God views our bodies, and learn practical tips on how to reframe our body image. Register today at the link below! 🎉💫🐬

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/events/living-free-workshop-2024

Meet Sarah, one of our amazing volunteers! Sarah has supported us as a leader for our faith support groups, and more recently has contributed by writing for our blog! We asked Sarah why she volunteers at Rock Recovery. Here’s what she had to say:

“Rock Recovery has allowed my passion and education in mental health to intersect with my own personal journey to body acceptance. By assisting with the New ID support group and writing for the blog, I have gained so much more awareness around what it looks like to live with and recover from eating disorders. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to walk alongside amazing individuals who are committed to their own healing process. I am so grateful to have connected with Rock Recovery as a volunteer!”

We’re grateful for Sarah, and all of the support she’s given Rock! Head to the link below to read the blog post she wrote for us, “Recipe for Resilience”, and gain helpful tips and skills for coping with anxiety in recovery.

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/blog/eating-disorders-and-anxiety

This past Friday some volunteers from Passion City Church came to the Rock Recovery office to serve! From fixing furniture, organizing supplies, and creating care packages for clients, they were a huge help and encouragement to us. The day was a blast!

We are so grateful for our volunteers and the time they give to help Rock Recovery, and we love our partnership with Passion City!

Want to learn more about how to get involved with Rock Recovery as a volunteer? Head to the link below!

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/work-with-us

Meet Nooshin Kiankhooy, one of our amazing board members!

Nooshin joined the Rock Recovery board in December of 2023 and has been a clinician in the field of eating disorders since 2010. She founded Empowering You in 2012, a therapy practice in Olney, MD which specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and trauma. As a member of the board, Nooshin is excited to help support Rock Recovery in expanding their clinical programs and outreach to other areas in the DMV. Nooshin lives in Olney, MD with her husband and two daughters. In her free time she loves reading, exploring new restaurants and recording episodes for the podcast she shares with one of her associates, Real Talk Therapy.

We are grateful for our board and the leadership and direction they provide. If you’d like to get involved with Rock Recovery as a board member or volunteer, check out the link below! 🎉💯🔥

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/work-with-us

Reminder: You still need to eat today.

Regardless of what you ate yesterday.

Regardless of how much you’ve moved.

Regardless of what the scale says.

Regardless of how hungry or full you are.

Food is a necessary fuel we need to live, not a luxury that must be earned. You deserve the freedom to eat what you want, when you want.

Looking to find peace with your body and food this summer? Our meal support groups have spots available! Led by a therapist, these weekly groups are designed to help you overcome food fears and develop compassion and flexibility for yourself when it comes to eating. We have virtual and in-person options for residents of DC, MD, VA, and FL. Learn more and schedule a consultation with one of our therapists at the link below!

https://www.rockrecoveryed.org/breaking-bread-therapy-group/

With school being out and all the talk about getting a “beach body”, summer can be a tough time for teens in eating disorder recovery. If you’re looking for more support for your teen this summer, consider our two-day recovery refresh workshop, taking place July 18th and 19th!

This two-day intensive workshop will provide teens with an encouraging, pro-recovery space to share with one another, gain new insights, practice recovery skills, and experience activities designed to promote healing and authenticity. Check out the link in our bio to learn more - we have financial support available!! 🎉🌟💛