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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

Although we all experience anxiety to a degree, anxiety disorders can be debilitating. Cognitive-behavioral interventions help the individual better cope with their anxiety, and decrease avoidance of anxiety triggers. Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a normal human response to stress, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming, or disruptive, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns, affecting individuals across the lifespan. At Compassionate Healing Institute, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help clients manage anxiety, regain control, and improve quality of life. We understand that anxiety can affect every aspect of daily functioning—from work, school, and relationships to sleep, concentration, and physical health. Our clinicians work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s unique needs, experiences, and goals. Understanding Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders are more intense, persistent, and often accompanied by physical symptoms. Common lived experiences of anxiety include: Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating Feeling tense, restless, or on edge Avoiding situations due to fear or worry Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or stomach upset Sleep difficulties or fatigue Irritability, self-doubt, or feeling “stuck” in worry loops Types of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders can present in many forms. At CHI, we provide assessment and treatment for a range of anxiety disorders, including: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Persistent, excessive worry about everyday events or responsibilities Difficulty controlling worry or calming racing thoughts Physical symptoms: muscle tension, headaches, stomach discomfort Lived experience: Feeling “on edge” constantly, second-guessing decisions Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others Avoidance of public speaking, social gatherings, or new relationships Lived experience: Feeling extreme self-conscious, experiencing panic in social interactions Panic Disorder Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear Physical symptoms: heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness Lived experience: Feeling like you are “losing control” or having a medical emergency during an attack Specific Phobias Intense fear of specific objects or situations (heights, animals, medical procedures) Avoidance behavior that interferes with daily life Lived experience: Feeling paralyzed by fear even when you know it is unlikely to cause harm Separation Anxiety Disorder Excessive fear of being apart from loved ones Worry about safety or wellbeing of caregivers Lived experience: Difficulty leaving home, school, or routines due to fear of separation Selective Mutism (in children and adolescents) Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite speaking in other settings Often linked to social anxiety or extreme fear of embarrassment How Anxiety Is Treated at CHI At Compassionate Healing Institute, we provide evidence-based, individualized treatment to help clients manage anxiety and build resilience. Treatment may include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradual, guided exposure to feared situations Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Developing values-based coping strategies Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Supporting emotional regulation Skills-based interventions: Improving problem-solving, organization, and coping skills Family and caregiver support (for children and adolescents) Collaboration with medical providers when medication may support treatment Our approach is personalized, flexible, and designed to meet each client where they are—whether anxiety has been present for years or has recently emerged. Our Commitment at Compassionate Healing Institute Our clinicians provide compassionate, personalized care for children, teens, and adults. We focus on helping clients: Understand the roots and patterns of anxiety Develop coping skills and emotional regulation strategies Build confidence and resilience Improve relationships, school, work, and daily functioning We empower clients to regain control, reduce distress, and live meaningful lives aligned with their values. Begin Anxiety Treatment at CHI If anxiety is affecting your life or your child’s daily functioning, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Contact Compassionate Healing Institute to schedule an initial evaluation and learn how our evidence-based, individualized treatment can support lasting change. 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

At CHI we offer a FREE Montlhy OCD and Eating Disorders support group for adults, the last Tuesday of every month online via Zoom. This group is available for adults reciding across the Unites States and the globe. Free Monthly OCD and Eating Disorders Support Group Second Tuesday of the month online on Zoom 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Information We are happy to announce our free clinician led, monthly OCD and eating disorders support group! This group is intended for adult individuals, with OCD and eating disorders and/or body image concerns. It is led by Cognitive Behavioral Therapists and is based on Exposure and Response Prevention Principles. To receive Log-in information: Please send us an email at info@healocded.com to receive a registration link for the group. You will need to register each month. Contact Contact us today for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation, or to learn more! (561) 679 - 1139 Click here to schedule a call