Group Therapy

Fat Affirming Specialty Series:
Healthcare While Fat

Healthcare While Fat is a closed 6-week virtual psychotherapy group for adults living in larger bodies who have experienced weight stigma, bias, or distress within healthcare settings.

This group is designed for adults who may feel caught between wanting healthcare and wanting protection—including those who avoid medical appointments due to previous negative experiences, feel dismissed or blamed because of their body size, struggle to trust healthcare providers or their own bodies, or are seeking to heal from the emotional impact of navigating healthcare in a weight-centric culture.

This is a fat-affirming, trauma-informed process and support-oriented group grounded in interpersonal process, relational therapy, self-compassion, cognitive and emotional processing, values-based interventions, and psychoeducation. Topics may include:

  • Medical trauma and healthcare avoidance

  • Weight stigma in healthcare

  • Rebuilding self-trust

  • Grief, shame, and anger related to healthcare experiences

  • Self-advocacy and boundaries

  • Navigating healthcare decisions while protecting mental health

  • Healing one's relationship with healthcare

    The group is not intended to provide medical advice, promote or discourage specific medical treatments, or serve as a weight loss group. Participants are welcome regardless of whether they are pursuing weight loss, using GLP-1 medications, considering bariatric surgery, or choosing weight-inclusive approaches to care.

    Participants will be screened prior to enrollment to support group fit, readiness, and cohesion. No materials are required beyond a private space, internet access, and willingness to engage thoughtfully in group discussion.

Details:

  • Where: Telehealth (Zoom)

  • Date & Time: Wednesdays 4:15-5:15pm. October 7th - November 11th.

  • Other: Open to Oregon residents ages 18+; Most insurances accepted.

    Reach out to schedule an intake today!

GET STARTED

Group Therapist

Dr. Alisa Karmel, PsyD

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.

A group of eight young adults participating in a discussion or study group in a bright living room with white walls, wooden floor, and minimal decor, sitting on a carpet, sofa, and floor.
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Group therapy can help with…

  • Learn Coping Strategies

  • Build Self-Awareness

  • Increase Confidence

  • Develop Healthy Boundaries

  • Grow in a Safe Space

  • Feel Less Alone

  • Gain New Perspectives

  • Improve Communication

  • Receive Support

  • Practice Social Skills