Wellness Isn't About Weight, It's About Well-being.
Health at Every Size
(HAES)
HAES, or Health at Every Size, is a movement and philosophy that promotes a holistic understanding of health that emphasizes body acceptance, intuitive eating, and well-being rather than focusing on weight or size. The core principles of HAES include:
Body Diversity: Recognizing and respecting that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and that health cannot be determined solely by weight.
Health Focus: Prioritizing health behaviors over weight loss, encouraging practices that promote physical and mental well-being, such as movement, balanced eating, and self-care.
Intuitive Eating: Encouraging individuals to listen to their body's hunger and fullness cues rather than following restrictive diets.
Social Justice: Addressing the social determinants of health and advocating for the rights and well-being of all individuals, regardless of size or shape.
Compassionate Care: Promoting an approach to healthcare that is free from weight bias and stigma, focusing on compassionate, person-centered care.
HAES aims to empower individuals to embrace their bodies and prioritize their health and well-being in a more inclusive and supportive way.
My approach as a HAES aligned therapist:
-
You will learn ways to accept your body as it is and challenge societal norms around weight and appearance.
-
Let’s oppose restrictive dieting practices and emphasize self-compassion and mindful living.
-
Together we will cultivate self-acceptance and make health choices that are right for you body, regardless of size.
-
I recognize how social determinants like race, gender, and socio-economic status impact health and body image.
-
Together we will focus on the emotional, psychological, and social aspects of health, recognizing that wellness is multi-dimensional.