Coastal Collaborative Care provides therapy through a HAES® lens in Virginia and other states throughout the country.
At Coastal Collaborative Care, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, respectful care free from judgment and stigma. Using a Health At Every Size (HAES)® lens means we provide an inclusive, empowering approach to well-being that focuses on self-acceptance, self-care, and mental wellness – no matter your body shape or size.
What is Using a Health At Every Size (HAES)® Lens?
HAES® is an approach to health that emphasizes body acceptance, regardless of size, and focuses on overall well-being rather than weight loss as the primary goal. It is based on the belief that health can be achieved in a variety of body sizes and that people of all shapes and sizes deserve respect and dignity.
The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) has the most current principles and framework of care for someone practicing in a HAES® lens. These principles center on the idea that health is not determined by size alone, and that everyone deserves access to compassionate care and the freedom to engage in health-promoting behaviors without the pressure to conform to societal weight standards.
How Using a HAES® Perspective Supports Your Wellness Journey
If you’ve struggled with body image, dieting, or disordered eating, seeing someone who works from a HAES® point of view can help you:
- Develop a positive and respectful relationship with your body
- Reject diet-culture and embrace intuitive eating
- Embrace body diversity
- Cultivate self-compassion and body acceptance, reducing the impact of weight stigma and societal pressures
- Build a more positive and sustainable approach to health that aligns with your unique needs and experiences, without relying on disordered behaviors or unrealistic standards
- Improve your emotional and physical well-being
- Create sustainable self-care practices
Our dedicated HAES therapists provide nurturing, affirming support, guiding you toward lasting body acceptance and self-compassion.
Who Can Benefit from HAES Therapy?
HAES is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
- Body Image Issues
- Anxiety or Depression linked to body dissatisfaction
- Individuals wanting to improve their relationship with food, movement, and/or their body
- Individuals with a history of dieting or weight cycling
- Negative impacts of dieting and weight stigma
- Family history of body image comments or negative food comments
And really, anyone who has ever found it challenging to navigate a society where diet culture and weight stigma are so pervasive. It’s a lot for anyone to manage, and you’re not alone in feeling that pressure.
Why Choose Coastal Collaborative Care HAES® Therapists in Virginia?
At Coastal Collaborative Care, inclusivity and respect are at the heart of everything we do. With welcoming offices in Alexandria, Norfolk, and Fredericksburg Virginia, our HAES® therapists offer compassionate, trauma-informed, and affirming care tailored to your unique wellness journey.
Choosing us means you’ll experience:
- A therapist who will always support and affirm your body, and approach food and appearance with kindness, respect, and understanding
- HAES®-specialized therapists trained in inclusive care
- Personalized approaches that respect your unique experiences
- A supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment
- Evidence-based methods rooted in acceptance and empathy
Begin Your Journey Toward Body Acceptance and Wellness
You deserve care that honors your body and your mental well-being. Connect with our Virginia HAES therapists today to start building a healthier relationship with yourself. Schedule your first session at our Alexandria, Norfolk, or Fredericksburg locations or via online therapy and embrace the freedom of body acceptance and holistic health.
Contact Coastal Collaborative Care today and take the empowering first step toward body acceptance and emotional well-being.