Dr. Christina Stai
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are not about food—they're about control, emotion, and coping.
At Holistic Resources Clinic, we understand that eating disorders are complex, deeply personal struggles that often mask emotional pain, anxiety, trauma, or identity challenges. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or your child, we offer a compassionate, clinical approach to healing both the behaviors and the underlying hurt.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that involve distorted thoughts and behaviors related to food, body image, and self-worth. They can affect people of all genders, ages, and body types—and are often misunderstood or missed entirely.
Common types include:
Anorexia Nervosa – Restricting food intake due to fear of gaining weight or distorted body image
Bulimia Nervosa – Cycles of binge eating followed by purging, fasting, or excessive exercise
Binge Eating Disorder – Repeated episodes of uncontrolled eating without purging
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) – Extremely selective or limited eating, often unrelated to weight or body image
Disordered eating may also include obsessive food rules, shame around eating, or emotional distress tied to body image.
Eating Disorders & Neurodivergence
Many neurodivergent individuals (especially those with autism or sensory sensitivities) may struggle with rigid eating patterns, texture aversions, or food-related anxiety. These can be mistaken for behavioral issues when they actually reflect sensory, emotional, or control-based needs.
Dr. Christina Stai approaches eating disorders with a neurodiversity-affirming lens, ensuring clients are never shamed or pathologized.
How We Help in Eating Disorders
Recovery is not about fixing your body—it’s about healing your relationship with yourself.
Dr. Stai provides trauma-informed, individualized therapy to help clients:
Understand the emotional function of eating behaviors
Build healthier coping skills and self-regulation strategies
Develop body neutrality or body kindness
Address trauma or anxiety that may fuel disordered eating
Support parents and caregivers in managing mealtime stress
Therapeutic approaches may include CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Attachment-Based Family Support depending on the age and needs of the client.
You Deserve Freedom from Food Fear
Eating disorders are treatable. With support, it’s possible to reduce shame, regain trust in your body, and build a life driven by values—not by control or fear.