Group Therapy

T-Shirt Swim Club

T-Shirt Swim Club is a fat-affirming, weight-inclusive therapy group for people who are tired of hating their bodies and ready for something different.

This group is for adults living in larger or fat bodies who are navigating body shame, complicated relationships with food, and the constant pressure to change their bodies in order to feel worthy. Many members come in feeling stuck in cycles of self-criticism, all-or-nothing thinking, or feeling like they’ve “tried everything” and are still at war with themselves. T-Shirt Swim Club (TSSC) offers a space to step out of that cycle.

This is both a support and process group, meaning you won’t just learn tools—you’ll be in relationship with others who get it. Through guided conversations, gentle skill-building, and real-time support, members begin to build self-trust, reduce shame, and reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel more sustainable and humane.

We draw from approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), parts work (IFS), and trauma-informed care—but you don’t need to know any of that to benefit. What matters is your willingness to show up as you are.

In this space, we don’t center weight loss. We center your lived experience.
You don’t have to earn care here.
You don’t have to fix your body to belong here.
You just have to show up.

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 2:00–3:00pm (every-other week)
- Mondays 4:15–5:15pm (every-other week)
- Mondays 5:15–6:15pm (every-other week)
- Wednesdays 1:00–2:00pm (weekly)
Other: Open to Oregon residents ages 18+; Most insurances accepted.
Reach out to schedule an intake today!

Additional Info:

TSSC is specifically for individuals who identify as living in larger or fat bodies and are open to a weight-inclusive, fat-affirming approach. This is not a weight loss group; for those seeking weight loss support, please consider the Weight Loss Support Group, also offered by Dr. Karmel.

TSSC is held exclusively on Zoom and begins with a required 30-minute screening appointment to ensure goodness of fit. Groups typically range from 5–15 participants. Each member’s experience is individualized—many participants remain until they feel ready to “graduate” from the space.

Group culture centers respect, autonomy, and non-judgment. Diet talk, weight-loss advice, and body comparison are gently redirected to maintain a supportive environment. Participants can expect a blend of facilitated discussion, psychoeducation, and peer support.

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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.