Rachel Coleman, MFT

therapist, eating disorder specialist, ppd survivor, beach lover, cohost of Mom Genes the Podast @momgenesthepodcast @monarchrisingtherapy

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

My school is having a Adventure Zone Fundraiser to raise money for programs we love. I would be thrilled if you could support me! https://t.co/ySPL2d52Gs

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

Rural Maternity and L&D needs support - as an advocate for perinatal mental health I’m happy to support this cause!

Save Miles Hospital Labor and Delivery - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/qTvcNmonYk via @Change

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

I think they may be on to something for a future advertising idea!

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

@Schweppes - my son and his cousins made a PR video for you while they were at a family wedding! I love how it displays kids being able to feel sophisticated and it’s an all family drink everyone can enjoy!

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

I was reviewing various coping skills my 10 y.o. could utilize during a three day long class trip to help with the physical and emotional exhaustion that was inevitable and he added to the list with:

“I could always eat snacks. Snacks are my most valuable resource”

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

I overheard the resurrection be twisted into idealized body size.

"I hope my heavenly body is a thin one!"

"I can't wait til Heaven so I can eat all I want and not gain any weight!"

"Resurrection means a new body - I wish I could have a new body without these stubborn pounds!”

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

This Easter season, instead of trying to control your body, try questioning the rules you were taught about it.

Lent/Easter are not about shrinking or withholding but about letting go, embracing, and receiving. Let it be a time of renewal: of your body image and food rules.

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

How did faith get tangled up with food rules?
How did worth and morality get tangled up with weight?
When diet culture wears a cross it's losing the entire meaning of Easter.

Easter is about renewal, freedom, grace.

Diet culture is prisoning, guilt ridden, and punishing.

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

I watched Lent get twisted into a socially acceptable way to restrict or an excuse to cut out "forbidden" foods.

"I'm giving up chocolate, hopefully this breaks my guilty habit to give me a fresh start"

"I'm giving up candy, might as well try to lose those stubborn pounds"

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

Growing up, I was surrounded by Christian women who made the Easter holiday season synonymous with diet culture.

Like maybe this time, if God was involved, they'd finally have enough discipline to fix their bodies.

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

There isn’t one right answer.

It depends on recovery stage, medical safety, and support.

If you’re navigating this, talk with your treatment team.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

It’s:

Is this movement supportive or compulsive?

Is my body asking for motion — or for rest?

Is this about care — or control?

Will I feel rejuvenated if I connect with my body through movement - or take care of it through rest?

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

This made me reflect.

Movement can help regulate mood.
It can shift our neurochemistry, reduce stress, and reconnect us to the present.

But in ED recovery, the question isn’t just should I exercise?

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

My 10 year old: “Mom I know what kind of therapist you are: a food therapist. I know this because you always say ‘food isn’t good or bad & all bodies are fine & you always yap about all foods are healthy & listen to your body”

ED prevention starts young!

#proudfoodyapper #nedaw

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

“….. at first I didn’t want to go because my head hurt and I wanted to rest but then I realized it would just make me more tired and if I went I would be happier because the girls at soccer aren’t drama and it reminds me that it was just a bad day at school but not forever!”

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

We can use movement to activate our neurotransmitters or shift our minds at times. But how do we know when the best medicine is rest or joyful movement?

These are nuanced questions dependent on recovery status, medical conditions, etc. Encouraging you to talk to your team today!

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

“….. at first I didn’t want to go because my head hurt and I wanted to rest but then I realized it would just make me more tired and if I went I be happy because the girls at soccer aren’t drama and it reminded me that it was just a bad day at school but not forever!”

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

My very intuitive 11 year old had wise words after sports practice recently that made me reflect:

“Running around at soccer helped me untangle the knots in my head from all the focusing at school and drama with the girls at school today.….”

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

Exercise can be a tricky element to navigate during ED recovery. How do you learn how to exercise for reasons other than body change? When do you exercise and when do you rest? Moving intuitively is a fine line to find and walk

[Rachel Coleman, MFT @RachelCMFT]

I love holiday anxiety. It’s extra sparkly!