Mission Statement

I desire to provide nonjudgmental physical therapy for people living in all sizes of bodies. I’m particularly passionate about helping people repair their relationship with movement. For some individuals, exercising can be a scary and uncomfortable activity associated with judgment and shame. In other cases, initial efforts to use traditional exercise as a means of decreasing stress or pursuing their sport can lead to an often rigid, overuse of exercise in a way that is unsafe for both their physical and mental health. My goal is to reframe exercise as intentional and joyful movement focused on a balance of lifestyle choices, social engagement, and fun, while removing the pressure to meet impossible standards of physical appearance or a desired weight. I would ideally like to work collaboratively with your other medical providers, dietitian, and/or mental health therapist. I advocate for the healing potential of diverse, flexible, and joyful movement with my knowledge and expertise as a physical therapist based on a safe, evidence based, and recovery focused mentality. 

Creating a Welcoming, Safe, and Nonjudgmental Space

Trauma-Informed Care

I am aware that individuals who have experienced trauma, particularly in medical settings, may have some hesitations about the hands-on nature of physical therapy. As such, I understand the importance of clear consent and respect within my practice. I always ask verbal permission before making physical contact with my patients, after first clearly explaining the purpose of the exercise or body positioning technique. If at any point a patient is uncomfortable with certain activities or exercises, we will work collaboratively to explore alternatives that feel safer or less vulnerable.

Providing More Inclusive Treatment:

Unfortunately, in our medical society, individuals living in larger bodies find it difficult to find truly unbiased medical care. Despite the overwhelming societal pressure to fit into an “ideal” body type, I believe all bodies are good bodies. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. I believe all people have the ability to recover from disordered eating and exercise, and in addition, people who don’t enjoy traditional exercise should have the freedom to explore alternative methods of movement.

Emphasizing Patient Goals:

I understand the frustration of dealing with the often-restrictive exercise guidelines associated with both eating disorder recovery and injury rehabilitation. Given my belief that exercise can be beneficial and healing for everyone if done safely and intentionally, I will advocate for greater inclusion of healthy and appropriate exercise on your behalf. While patients often feel powerless within the larger medical system, I aim to collaboratively determine treatment goals and find a balance that makes each individual patient feel heard and understood.