A fat-affirming therapy group for finding connection, navigating weight stigma, and building a life that doesn't have to wait for your body to change.
At a glance
she/her
What we’ll explore:
Navigating weight stigma, anti-fat bias, and diet culture
Body image, body neutrality, and self-acceptance
Shame, self-worth, and internalized weight bias
Healthcare experiences, medical advocacy, and medical trauma
Relationships, dating, intimacy, and belonging
Setting boundaries and protecting emotional energy
Visibility, taking up space, and challenging self-limiting beliefs
Navigating family dynamics and unsolicited comments about bodies
Building community, connection, and mutual support
Living a meaningful life without waiting for your body to change
Who this group is for:
T-Shirt Swim Club is an ongoing, fat-affirming therapy group for adults who want a space to explore what it means to live in a larger body in a world that often makes that experience more difficult than it needs to be.
Whether you're navigating weight stigma, complicated relationships with your body, difficult healthcare experiences, or the pressure to change yourself to fit others' expectations, this group offers a place to connect with people who understand.
Rather than focusing on weight loss or changing your body, we focus on the emotional and relational experiences of living in it. Through honest conversation, shared experiences, and mutual support, members explore themes of shame, self-worth, boundaries, belonging, and what it means to take up space.
You don't have to love your body, have everything figured out, or be in a particular place in your body image journey to belong here. You just have to be willing to show up as you are.
What to expect:
T-Shirt Swim Club is a process-oriented therapy group, meaning our conversations are shaped by the experiences, questions, and challenges members bring each week. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, we create space for honest discussion, shared reflection, and connection.
Sessions typically begin with an open-ended question or check-in, followed by group conversation facilitated by Dr. K. Along the way, we may explore relevant psychological concepts, practice setting boundaries, challenge internalized beliefs, or simply make room for experiences that aren't always understood elsewhere.
There's no homework, no weigh-ins, and no expectation that you feel positively about your body all the time. Members are encouraged to participate at their own pace while respecting the experiences and confidentiality of others.
This is an ongoing group, allowing relationships and trust to develop over time. A brief individual screening is required before joining to help ensure the group is a good fit.
Schedule & Availability
Details
• Ongoing with rolling enrollment opening up in 2027
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays at
various times
• Virtual meeting on Zoom
Have questions about if this is the right fit?
MEET YOUR FACILITATOR
Dr. Alisa Karmel, PsyD, LPC, MScN
Dr. Alisa Karmel (she/her) is a psychologist and licensed therapist who specializes in supporting people in larger bodies. She works with clients struggling with body dissatisfaction, emotional eating, binge eating, and the psychological impact of weight stigma — especially within medical and healthcare settings. Her approach is weight-inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in dismantling shame.
Interested in joining?
If you’re interested in this group, we’d love to hear from you. Our team can help you learn more about availability, insurance, and next steps.
Get StartedPlease include the name of the group you’re interested in on the prospective patient form.
Questions? Call or email us:
(503) 334-3035
info@orpsc.com
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