What to Expect in Weight-Inclusive Therapy

Introduction

If you’ve never heard of weight-inclusive therapy—or only have a vague idea of what it means—you’re not alone. Many people assume therapy will involve a focus on weight loss or “getting healthy,” and are surprised (and sometimes relieved) to learn that some therapists take a completely different approach.

Weight-inclusive therapy recognizes that your weight is not the problem to be fixed. Instead, it honors your lived experience, focuses on your relationship with food and body, and aims to support your overall well-being without pressure to change your size. If you're considering this approach but aren’t quite sure what to expect, this post is for you.

What Is Weight-Inclusive Therapy?

At its core, weight-inclusive therapy is based on the understanding that health and well-being are not determined by body size. This approach:

• Rejects the idea that weight loss is inherently beneficial or necessary

• Embraces the principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES)

• Supports clients in healing their relationship with food, movement, and body image

• Centers autonomy, self-compassion, and sustainable well-being

It’s not anti-health. It’s anti-shame.

Common Misconceptions

1. “So… you’re telling me I can never want to lose weight?”
Not at all. Many clients enter therapy with body dissatisfaction or a desire to lose weight—that’s completely valid. Weight-inclusive therapists won’t shame you for those feelings. Instead, we’ll explore why weight loss feels important, what values are underneath that desire, and how to move toward those values without harming your mental or physical health.

2. “Does this mean I have to love my body right away?”
Absolutely not. Body respect is a journey, and it looks different for everyone. We might aim for body neutrality, compassion, or even just less distress as a starting point. There’s no expectation that you’ll suddenly feel great in your body—just that you’re open to exploring what healing could look like.

3. “Will therapy be all about food and body stuff?”
Sometimes—especially if that’s what you’re seeking support around. But often, we also talk about perfectionism, self-worth, trauma, relationships, anxiety, and identity. Your body image concerns don’t exist in a vacuum, and therapy reflects that.

What You Can Expect in the Process

A Collaborative, Compassionate Space
We’ll work together to define your goals. This is your therapy, not a pre-set program.

A Focus on Your Lived Experience
We’ll explore how family messages, societal expectations, medical bias, or trauma may have shaped your body image or eating behaviors.

Permission to Let Go of Rules
Many clients find relief in unpacking rigid beliefs around food, movement, and worthiness. Therapy can help you reconnect with hunger cues, pleasure, and self-trust.

A Therapist Who Won’t Pathologize Your Body
You’ll never be told your body is “the problem” or that your health depends on shrinking yourself. Your body will be respected as is.

Why It Matters

Traditional weight-focused models often reinforce shame, disordered eating, and a chronic sense of failure. Weight-inclusive therapy offers a different path—one grounded in dignity, nuance, and sustainability.

This approach isn’t about pretending body-based oppression doesn’t exist—it’s about helping you build resilience, reduce harm, and reclaim your relationship with your body on your own terms.

Final Thoughts

Weight-inclusive therapy isn’t about ignoring health. It’s about redefining it in a way that makes space for your humanity. If you’ve been stuck in cycles of dieting, body dissatisfaction, or disordered eating, there is a different way forward.

Ready to learn more or see if this approach feels right for you?
Schedule a free consultation or check out my recent posts on HAES and Therapy or Why ED Professionals Take a Non-Diet Stance.

You deserve support that doesn’t make your worth conditional on your size.