Group Therapy

T-Shirt Swim Club

This is a process group that supports people living with a fat body in a weight-centric world. Participants will be invited to challenge their own fat stigma which will include exploring their beliefs about weight, interacting with their identity as a fat person, examining the impact of weight on other life domains, considering attitudes towards health and health behaviors, learning to navigate the healthcare system as a fat person, understanding various weight loss and weight maintenance options, and practicing acceptance. Practices will include emotion identification, values-based belief exploration, health behavior activation, advocacy work, cognitive re-framing, self-compassion, and mindfulness.

Details:

  • Ongoing therapy groups offered at different times with rolling enrollment. Please click “Get Started” to submit a prospective patient, or contact Dr. Karmel for details.

  • When: Groups run on Mondays (every-other week) and Wednesdays (weekly) at the following times:

    • Mondays 2–3 PM (every-other week)

    • Mondays 4:15–5:15 PM (every-other week)

    • Mondays 5:15–6:15 PM (every-other week)

    • Wednesdays 1–2 PM (weekly)

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

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Group Therapist

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.

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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