SEARCH RESULTS

When you hear the phrase intuitive eating, what comes to mind? How does someone actually eat “intuitively”? Let’s start by breaking it down. Intuitive means “based on what one feels to be true, even without conscious reasoning; instinctive.” In other words, it’s something we already know how to do, it’s built in. Eating intuitively simply means listening to your body’s natural cues: hunger, fullness, and even cravings. At one point in your life, you were already a pro at this. Think back to infants and toddlers, they eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full. They don’t count calories, track meals, or stress about the “right” foods. They’re the perfect example of intuitive eaters. So what happened? Diet culture. Somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to ignore or override those natural signals. We’ve been told when to eat, what to eat, and how much to eat, often in direct conflict with what our bodies are asking for. Over time, that noise drowns out our instincts, and we start believing that someone else knows our body better than we do. Another common fear is that if we let go of food rules and eat intuitively, we’ll lose “control” and only want so-called “unhealthy” foods. But let’s pause here, why do we trust our bodies to breathe for us, to pump blood, to do thousands of incredible things every single day, yet assume it’s not capable of knowing how to nourish itself? Before dieting existed, intuitive eating was simply how people ate. So how do we relearn it today? The first step is rebuilding trust with your body. If you’ve ignored hunger cues for a long time, they may feel faint or even nonexistent. That’s why having a bit of structure at first can actually help. For example, try eating breakfast within an hour of waking, then aim for a meal or snack every 2.5–3 hours. It might feel awkward at the beginning, but with consistency, your body will start sending clear signals again. It’s also important to know that if you’ve restricted certain foods in the past, it’s normal to feel out of control when you allow them again. Sometimes that looks like overeating or binging. I know that can feel scary, but the key is not to respond with more restriction, that only keeps the cycle going. Instead, just move on to your next meal or snack. Over time, those foods lose their power, and you’ll find balance. Intuitive eating isn’t just about physical health, it’s about mental health and overall quality of life. Food is fuel, yes, but it’s also joy, comfort, culture, and connection. By ditching diet rules and rebuilding trust with your body, you free up energy for the things that truly matter. Your body is smarter than diet culture has led you to believe. If you’re willing to listen, it already knows exactly what you need.

When struggling with OCD or an eating disorder, it’s easy to become trapped in cycles of self-criticism, shame, and guilt. These mental health conditions often come with intrusive thoughts, compulsions, or disordered behaviors that feel deeply distressing—and in response, many people harshly judge themselves. This is where self-compassion becomes a powerful, healing force.   Self-compassion isn’t about ignoring problems or excusing harmful behavior. Instead, it’s about treating yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and patience you’d offer a loved one. Research has shown that cultivating self-compassion can reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and improve treatment outcomes for both OCD and eating disorders.   Why Self-Compassion Helps Interrupts the shame spiral: Shame often fuels both OCD and eating disorders. Self-compassion breaks the cycle by replacing harsh judgment with understanding. Reduces avoidance: When we’re kinder to ourselves, we’re more likely to face fears or triggers head-on—essential in exposure-based therapies. Builds resilience: Compassion fosters a sense of worth that isn’t defined by thoughts, symptoms, or appearance.   Tips for Cultivating Self-Compassion Practice mindful awareness: Notice your thoughts without judgment. Label them—“That’s an intrusive thought” or “That’s my inner critic”—and gently redirect your focus. Write a compassionate letter to yourself: Speak to yourself the way you would to a struggling friend. Use supportive statements: “I’m doing the best I can” or “It’s okay to feel this way”   Healing is rarely linear, and it’s never perfect. But when you respond to setbacks with compassion instead of criticism, you create space for growth, understanding, and lasting change.

September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to consider the impact that can be made when we normalize saying something is wrong or encouraging someone to seek help. I often recall a comic strip a friend shared with me, where people responded to physical injuries like they would typically respond to mental health struggles. One character in the comic showed his friend his broken limb, and his friend responded with "have you tried not thinking about it?" This comic sparked an important question for me. If we wouldn't hesitate to encourage our friend seek medical help if they were physically ill, why don't we treat mental illness in the same way? I understand that stigma around mental illness is very much present in our culture. Because of this there can be a certain level of "shame" in admitting there is something that hurts or needs attention. But again, would we be ashamed to say my broken foot hurts? Why as a society do we treat this differently? On a more positive note, we have most recently seen a shift in the younger generation taking more of a stand through social media and normalizing seeking help (kudos to our Gen-Z-ers). I really believe this will have a great impact for the future of mental health, because saying “I need help with my mental health” should be as acceptable as saying “I need help with my physical health.” If you are feeling depressed or in distress, please remember you are not alone. It's important to bring awareness to the impact that normalizing this dialogue can make on someone’s life. Suicide awareness and prevention begin with speaking out about and listening to someone’s struggles. Sometimes the most difficult thing to do is to speak about our vulnerabilities. However, we also know this is the most important factor in building connections and a possible avenue to saving a life. Having lost a dear friend to suicide, this initiative really hits home.   I remember feeling very upset about not having had a clear understanding of the kind of pain they were going through before they passed. Depression, distress, mental illness, should not be so foreign to us. Perhaps it is because it may not make sense to us, that we need to learn more about it. I invite you to take this opportunity this month of September to get more familiar with mental illness, and together we can make a difference in diminishing suicide rates and increasing mental well-being.   To get you started here is a list of common signs of suicide to watch out: Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use Statements about having no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life Experiencing anxiety, agitation, difficulty sleeping or sleeping all the time Stating that they feel trapped or hopeless. Withdrawal from friends, family and society Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking Drastic mood changes ·       Giving away possessions ·       Tying up loose ends, like organizing personal papers or paying off debts ·       Saying goodbye to friends and family   Here is a list of wonderful organizations that are active on this initiative:   ·      https://floridasuicideprevention.org/   ·      https://nspw.afsp.org/     ·      https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-PPslviC-gIVHcLCBB1-lww-EAAYAyAAEgI5e_D_BwE     ·      https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html     Also the number to dial is 988 . This is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline   Lastly, here is the comic I was referring to in case you were curious:   https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/11/12/mental-illness-advice-physical-illness_n_6144398.html

Explore expert videos on OCD and eating disorder recovery. Get practical tips, guidance, and support to help you or your loved ones on the healing journey. Video Library Welcome to our video library! Here, you’ll find expert insights, practical tips, and supportive resources on OCD and eating disorder recovery. Our videos are designed to educate, inspire, and guide you or your loved ones on the journey to healing—helping you feel informed, empowered, and less alone. info@healocded.com 561-679-1139 All Videos Sign in All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... All Categories All Categories Entertainment Nonprofits & Activism People & Blogs Now Playing 01:02 Play Video OCD vs. Eating Disorder: Differentiating Food Rituals #shorts Now Playing 56:00 Play Video Untangling the Connection: ARFID & OCD

CHI is currently looking for a psychology post doctoral fellow for the fall of 2024. Independent licensed clinicians are also encouraged to apply to be an independent contractor at CHI. Join Our Team At Compassionate Healing Institute we pride ourselves in taking a collaborate and compassionate team approach in the clinical care of our clients. We currently have positions open for a post-doctoral fellow and for a licensed psychologist. "Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life." - Amy Poehler About our team: Clinicians in our team are PsyPact® providers, eating disorders specialists, OCD specialists, Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned providers and professional members of the IOCDF and iaedp. Certified Eating Disorders Specialist PsyPact Provider Professional Member of the IOCDF Positions Available at Compassionate Healing Institute Psychologist and other licensed clinician: This position is available to clinicians who are looking to be part of a collaborative and compassionate treatment team, and/or want to further specialize in the field of anxiety, OCD and/or eating disorders and related conditions. Being a CHI team member includes: Competitive salaried position (70k - 80k) Flexible work week, with 4 days of patient care and 1 day of professional development Maximum of 25 client hours a week Stipend towards insurance and healthcare needs Bonus stipends toward national conferences attendance Training opportunities under CHI's specialties Clinical consultation and/or supervision Weekly team meetings to discuss shared cases Team participation around outreach, education and community events Opportunities for program development Networking opportunities and connections with other clinical specialists in the field Building your own brand and name in our treatment community Opportunities for collaborative presentations, conference attendance, publishing, and networking A comfortable and welcoming office suite environment with a waiting room, private bathroom and kitchenette Post-Doctoral Fellowship Position: Compassionate Healing Institute is offering a post-doctoral fellow position to start in the fall of 2025. Our post-doctoral position entails: Flexible hours while meeting the requirements for licensure in the state of Florida. The completion of 2000 hours, including a minimum of 900 hours in activities related to direct clinical contact 2 hours of weekly individual supervision. 1 hour of weekly team meeting Regular case consultation Flexible work week, with 4 days of patient care and 1 day of professional development Typical work week averages 20 to 25 client hours a week Participation in marketing efforts and social media This position offers: Competitive salary (55k) Full-time salaried position. Available health insurance plan stipend 12 days of PTO and sick leave, and 8 paid federal holidays after 60 days of employment Opportunities for stipends to attend national conferences Opportunities for monthly stipends for trainings and professional development Eligible candidates would have received a Doctorate degree from an APA-accredited Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology doctoral program. Applications will also demonstrate competence and knowledge of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy modality of treatment. Those interested in applying can submit the following application materials in one email to Dr. Lissette Cortes, clinical supervisor at info@healocded.com A cover letter indicating postdoctoral fellowship training goals. A current CV with names and contact information for 3 professional references, including either the internship training director or internship clinical supervisor. A recommendation letter from a training supervisor. An unofficial graduate school transcript. Join us! We look forward to hearing from you! Contact us today for more information! info@healocded.com (561) 679 1139

Panic attacks often seem to come out of nowhere. This creates a big alert response in efforts to prevent the next one from coming around, which often recreates panic. Therapy then focuses on breaking this cycle of panic. Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Are you experiencing sudden, intense fear or discomfort—often without warning or clear reason? You may be struggling with Panic Disorder, a treatable anxiety condition that can deeply affect daily life. At Compassionate Healing Institute in Coral Springs, Florida, we offer specialized therapy for panic disorder and panic attacks, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and mind—so you can take back control and feel safe again. We also offer telehealth sessions across all PsyPact states and NY. What Is Panic Disorder? Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear that peak within minutes. These attacks often feel overwhelming and can mimic serious medical issues, like heart attacks, leading many people to seek emergency care. To be diagnosed with panic disorder, people usually: Experience frequent panic attacks Worry persistently about having another attack Avoid situations or places where they fear a panic attack might occur This pattern can lead to avoidance, isolation, and significant disruption in work, school, or relationships. Common Symptoms of Panic Attacks Panic attacks come on suddenly and may include: Racing or pounding heartbeat Shortness of breath or hyperventilation Chest pain or tightness Dizziness or lightheadedness Trembling or shaking Sweating Nausea or stomach discomfort Feelings of unreality or detachment Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying Even though panic attacks are not dangerous, they feel incredibly real and frightening. Many people live in fear of the next episode—this is where therapy can truly help. What Causes Panic Disorder? While there’s no single cause, panic disorder may develop due to: Genetics or family history of anxiety History of trauma or significant stress Chronic worry or underlying anxiety conditions Brain chemistry or a sensitive nervous system At Compassionate Healing Institute, we take a holistic and personalized approach, working with you to understand the underlying causes and build effective tools to manage and reduce symptoms. Effective Therapy for Panic Disorder We specialize in evidence-based treatment for panic disorder that empowers you to reduce panic symptoms, challenge fear-based thinking, and return to the activities you once avoided. Evidence-Based Treatment Includes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Recognize and change the thought patterns that trigger panic and avoidance. Interoceptive Exposure Therapy: Safely and gradually expose you to panic sensations to reduce fear and avoidance. Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present and build nervous system resilience. Psychoeducation & Coping Skills: Understand the body’s fear response and learn how to interrupt the cycle of panic. Whether panic has just started or has been interfering in your life for years, our trained clinicians can help you regain peace of mind. Why Choose Compassionate Healing Institute? Anxiety & OCD Specialists with advanced training Empowering, individualized care for teens, adults, and families Inclusive and affirming therapy for all backgrounds In-person and online therapy options Conveniently located in Coral Springs, FL, serving Parkland, Coconut Creek, and surrounding areas Reclaim Your Life from Panic You are not broken—and you are not alone. With the right support, panic disorder is treatable. Our clinicians are here to guide you toward calm, confidence, and freedom! https://calendly.com/chiclinicalteam/15-minute-callback Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call