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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

Licensed Psychologists Lissette Cortes PsyD CEDS, Michael Sheffield PsyD, PsyD, Registered and Licensed Dietitian Katie Jeffrey MS, RDN, CSSD, MB-EAT-QI, LDN. Psychological services, neuropsychological serviced and nutritional services for the treatment of OCD, eating disorders, anxiety and related conditions in Coral Springs, FL. About Us Compassionate Healing Institute (CHI) helps children and adults of all genders find freedom from OCD, eating disorders, and related challenges through evidence-based, compassionate care. Our expert team integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and nutrition therapy to promote lasting healing. At CHI we also pride ourselves in training our clinicians to deliver specialized, high-quality care. Whether you meet with us in our Coral Springs office, through telehealth, or in your community for out-of-office exposures, our mission remains the same: to guide each person toward healing with compassion, expertise, and hope. Our Story It's not every day that like-minded passionate individuals find each other, and in each other they find a common purpose. Compassionate Healing Institute was founded on a common goal of specialized clinical care, based on evidence-based interventions and self-compassion practices in treatment. Our approach to treatment is based on our shared values of authenticity, light hearted practice, learning, growing, connection and compassion. Meet The Team Lissette Cortes Psy.D. CEDS she/her CHI Founder and Director of Clinical Services Licensed Psychologist Certified Eating Disorders Specialist PsyPact® Provider Michael Sheffield Psy.D. he/him CHI Co-Founder and Director of Clinical Programs Licensed Psychologist PsyPact® Provider Isaac Tourgeman Ph.D. he/him Licensed Neuropsychologist Certified Brain Injury Specialist Paije Nobles she/her MS, RDN Licensed and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Licensed in FL Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Dr. Cortes is a licensed psychologist and certified eating disorders specialist. She provides evidenced based treatment for OCD and eating disorders. Lissette Cortes Psy.D. CEDS Dr. Cortes is a licensed psychologist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and PsyPact® provider able to treat individuals in all PSYPACT® states. She treats adolescents and adults. She specializes in the treatment of co-morbid OCD and Eating Disorders. She also treats anxiety disorders, BDD, BFRBs and tics and Tourette‘s. Dr. Cortes is trained in CBIT for the treatment for Tourette's and in SPACE for parenting interventions. She practices from a CBT approach using ERP and implementing ACT principles. Certified Eating Disorders Specialist PsyPact Provider Professional Member of the IOCDF About Dr. Cortes I am a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and my pronouns are she/her.I am a Cognitive-Behavioral therapist and specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I provide individual therapy, group therapy and parenting training. My main treatment focus is on eating disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as BDD, Trichotillomania, phobias, panic disorder, anxiety disorders and depression. I am a Health At Every Size (HAES) aligned clinician and practice from a size-inclusive and diet-rejecting perspective incorporating Intuitive Eating principles. In my treatment approach I focus on creating an environment that supports a collaborative relationship in which goals are set in unison with my clients. I help my clients become more familiar with their own unhelpful thinking patterns, while developing more adaptive ways to cope with distress and to ultimately make supportive life changes. I support my clients in making changes to improve the quality of their lives by approaching otherwise avoided situations and obtaining self-confidence. I also facilitate improvements in family relationships by providing an environment where family members can feel comfortable in expressing their emotions, being heard and effectively communicating with one another. During my training at Nova Southeastern University and throughout my clinical practice while living in South Florida, I have served multicultural populations. I was born in Bogota, Colombia and Spanish is my first language, which has given me the opportunity to provide services in both English and Spanish languages. My client focus is inclusive of the LGBT population, and of folks of all genders, diverse religious backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities as well as affirming of neurodivergence. I am very passionate about community involvement, advocating for mental health treatment, education and outreach. Since 2011 I have been a group facilitator for The National Alliance for Eating Disorder. I also hold leadership positions for the board of Florida Psychological Association Palm Beach Chapter and for the board of iaedp (International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals) South Florida Chapter. Together with my colleagues, we founded the OCD and Eating Disorders Special Interest Group through IOCDF. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call

Compassionate Healing Institute provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic individuals, supporting wellbeing, identity, and personalized mental health care. Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy for Autistic Individuals Autism is a natural and meaningful neurotype. Autistic individuals bring unique strengths in focus, creativity, honesty, pattern recognition, and deep interest-based learning. Yet the world is often designed around neurotypical expectations, which can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, and challenges in daily life. Our practice provides neurodiversity-affirming therapy for autistic individuals, including those who are diagnosed, self-identified, or are exploring the possibility that they might be autistic. Therapy is adapted to your sensory needs, communication style, and goals—you never have to mask or “be less autistic” to receive support. What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy? Neurodiversity-affirming therapy recognizes that: Autism is a natural neurological variation, not a disorder to cure. Differences in communication, sensory processing, and routines are valid. Many challenges come from environmental mismatch—not from autism itself. Autistic individuals deserve therapy that adapts to them, not the other way around. This approach provides mental health support while respecting and celebrating autistic identity. Areas of Support for Autistic Individuals Autistic clients come to therapy for a wide range of reasons. Common focus areas include: Autistic Burnout & Chronic Stress Understanding causes, rebuilding energy, and preventing future burnout. Anxiety, OCD, and Co-Occurring Conditions Evidence-based treatment adapted for autistic individuals. Sensory Overload & Emotional Regulation Identifying sensory triggers, creating supportive environments, and developing regulation strategies. Executive Functioning & Daily Life Skills Collaborative tools for organization, planning, task initiation, and structuring routines—without shame. Relationship & Communication Support Working on mutual understanding, boundary-setting, and authentic communication. Identity Exploration, Late Identification, & Unmasking Processing new self-understanding, reducing internalized stigma, and building a sustainable lifestyle Autism and OCD: Understanding the Overlap Many autistic individuals also experience Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but standard OCD models often overlook the unique ways it can appear in autistic individuals. Distinguishing autism-related traits from OCD is important so treatment is both effective and affirming. Why Autism and OCD Are Frequently Confused Some autistic traits can resemble OCD, including: Preference for predictability or routine Repetitive behaviors or stimming Intense focus on specific interests Sensory-based patterns or avoidance These are not OCD and should not be treated as compulsions. What OCD Looks Like in Autistic Individuals OCD in autistic individuals often includes: Intrusive, unwanted, anxiety-causing thoughts Compulsions performed to relieve distress, not to self-regulate Rituals that feel burdensome rather than soothing Mental compulsions or rumination Difficulty explaining internal experiences due to alexithymia A neurodiversity-informed assessment helps differentiate autistic routines, sensory stims, and comforting patterns from true OCD compulsions. This ensures clients receive the right type of support. Why Autism and OCD Often Co-Occur Research shows a higher rate of OCD among autistic individuals due to: Chronic anxiety from inaccessible environments Masking and pressure to conform Sensory overload and high vigilance Detail-oriented cognitive styles This is not because autism “causes” OCD, but because certain life conditions overlap. Neurodiversity-Affirming OCD Treatment for Autistic Individuals Traditional Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard for OCD—can be highly effective for autistic individuals when adapted respectfully. Our approach includes: Sensory accommodations during ERP Predictable structure and clear explanations Modified pacing to avoid overwhelm Direct communication without ambiguity Adjustments for autistic burnout Protecting stimming and sensory regulation (never treating them as compulsions) The goal is to treat OCD effectively without suppressing autistic behaviors or identity. We use evidence-based modalities, including CBT, ACT, ERP, and sensory-informed strategies, adapted specifically for autistic communication, processing, and sensory needs. Every session is collaborative, transparent, and paced according to client comfort. Clients never have to mask, translate their experience into neurotypical language, or pretend to be someone they’re not. This service is designed for: Autistic individuals Self-diagnosed or questioning individuals Late-identified autistic individuals Autistic individuals experiencing OCD or anxiety Neurodivergent individuals seeking affirming, respectful mental health care If you’re unsure whether your experiences stem from autism, OCD, anxiety, or a combination, therapy can help clarify and support you. You Deserve Therapy That Honors Your Neurotype If you’re looking for therapists who understand autism, respect neurodiversity, and provide affirming support for autistic traits and co-occurring challenges like OCD or anxiety, we can help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or learn more about neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call