Challenging Your Critical Brain When It Comes to Body Image

You’ve been there more times than you can count, and definitely more times than you care to admit aloud.  Those moments when your negative body image hijacks your moods, and sometimes derails or causes you to cancel your plans, even though this is the opposite of how you want your reality to be.  You genuinely believe that if this or that part of your body only looked differently, that you would feel okay, you’d attend the event, or you feel freed up in your own mind to be more present. You are cycling through every TikTok or IG post about how to change x about your body, but you’ve been there & done that, and your brain just finds more reasons to self-blame & reject yourself. You are discouraged, dejected, and “loving” your body seems like a scam. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and this is exactly the kind of pattern that body image counseling is designed to help you unpack and understand.

So What’s a Girl Supposed to Do In Moments Just Like This One…..

It is SO easy & SO convincing to listen to the messages from our culture right now about how a body “should” or “shouldn’t look”.  And quick fix ideas are so convincing & readily available, so refusing them can feel impossible.  So how do you actually show up in your life, even if your body image thoughts are always critical or show up in the most inconvenient moments or ways?

We’ve been socialized into believing that body image is an actual body problem. But what if we have that major detail completely wrong? I’m not being naive that cultural norms exist, have an impact, and that biases & discrimination can be very real. BUT, if we view this as a cultural problem, not a body problem, how might we fight our internal thoughts? This is often something explored more deeply in body image counseling, where the focus shifts from changing your body to understanding your thoughts.

Our brains are prediction machines & are organized to look for danger & keep us safe. 

This is essential to survival if we think about it.  Without this function, we might not be here today without our ancestors learning how to seek food & shelter, learn survival skills, and protect the young & vulnerable from outside threats. So while it seems like it would be so nice to divorce ourselves from that survival brain when it comes to self-criticism & body criticism, we might not survive without it.

However, letting that part of our brain go unchecked or run wild might kill our spirits, too. So what we want to do is learn how to label the threat-based thoughts & determine what to attend to & what to challenge & set aside. Our brain is also a prediction machine, so learning how your brain handles perceived threats can empower you to reject, befriend, or redirect its desire to keep you safe.  

So What Can We Do When the Fear-Based Brain Starts Attacking Our Body Image?

Name it to tame it, then reframe it:

This is a therapy phrase that exists for a reason.  Our brain actually has to understand what is happening in order to make sense of our experiences. And when it does this accurately, we can start to have a sense of calm because our brain loves clarity/certainty.  But here’s the catch, our brain does not care if the story we tell ourselves is true, it just has to make sense.  So this is often why believing the internal story that our body is flawed will reinforce itself.  But when we name the thought with accuracy, then our actions can be more empowering or serve us better.  

For example IF your internal story is something like:

“My body is too (fill in the blank with what your critical brain tells you) to wear this swimsuit & be seen at the beach.” 

Then our action will be in response to the perceived threat- your body.  In turn, your desired action might look like canceling our plans & hyperfixating on trying to change our bodies. 

Let’s Reframe it:

Spoiler alert: this can be tough if we try to find something we believe is different about our body (or whatever the topic of her critical brain is in any given moment). But if we return to the reality that our brain’s job is to warn of potential threat or perceived danger, then we benefit by labeling it as such. 

“Ouch, that was a painful survival brain thought disguised as a body shame thought. It's misfiring now.” If we can label is as mis-firing then we can see it as a voice we may not want to trust. 

Then re-framing it could sound like:

“Thanking it for wanting to keep you safe, but this is a perceived threat, not a real one. The truth is the beach is fun & we can be safe there with our friends who love us”.  This sometimes is enough to help us move forward, but when it is not, allow for other voices than the one in your head.

Check the facts with a supportive friend:

Good friends & caring family will always want you to be with them & participate in the fun.  When they see you, they value all of you.  They are not reducing your value to how your body does or does not look.  They love you for you & your body is just one part of it. The part that allows you to be with them!  The body they love to create memories with, laugh with, hug, and share connections.  They often see us with more kindness & compassion than we can see ourselves, especially when our critical brain is on overdrive. So, before you cancel or assume that they are focusing on your body, maybe check that out. 

This could sound like:

My brain is telling me that my body is unacceptable today and that I shouldn’t come to the event- is that what your brain is thinking?  

Or

My brain is so consumed with how my body looks that I want to cancel & not come today.   Can you remind me that I should come & that you prefer I show up instead of staying home?

I’m having a hard time getting out of my head & body criticisms.  Can you help keep me engaged in the activities or conversations today if you notice that I seem distracted by my thoughts?

It’s tempting to have them reassure us about our bodies, and if that’s what you need, that’s okay too.  But if we remind ourselves that this is a brain problem, then asking them for support with the brain messages will likely help a bit more.  Everyone has topics or times when that survival brain goes a little wild, so most people can understand that while not agreeing with the messages it is sending, you're in the moment. 

The Critical Brain Eases With Time, Practice, Support & Challenging It. 

While one’s relationship with their critical mind can be complicated & body image can feel messy, it can also be more straightforward than we think.  We often forget how many things we have done in life when we have felt nervous, underprepared, underqualified, untrained, un (fill in the blank).  All of these things are based on partial truths or only on the fear/critical side of our brains.  When we are starting a new job, it can be true that we are untrained, or under prepared b/c sometimes the only way to be qualified or competent is to do the job & learn as we go. 

Seeking support, seeking training, being patient with ourselves, and making lots of missteps.  And sometimes we take a job where we are qualified, but we are nervous, we don’t know the nuanced dynamics of the system, the new colleagues, so our critical brain fires loudly. Reach out for support, but we show up repeatedly.  And in the process of challenging our negative thought patterns, seeking support from those around us, and practicing what feels uncomfortable, our brains start to relax out of that overprotective, fear-based state.  And in time, our critical voice steps back, we find more presence, more self-trust, and more support.

Working with a body image therapist or engaging in body image counseling can support this process, helping you build awareness, challenge those patterns, and develop a more compassionate relationship with your thoughts and your body.

Ready to Quiet Your Critical Brain with Body Image Counseling in Utah?

If your inner critic feels loud, constant, or overwhelming, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Body image counseling in Utah can help you unpack the patterns behind your thoughts, ease the pressure you put on yourself, and build a more compassionate, balanced inner dialogue. At Inside Wellness, we support driven individuals in learning how to shift their mindset without losing the parts of themselves that help them succeed.

• Give us a call, we can help 801-699-6161.

• Learn about your Body Image Therapist

• You deserve more than just managing your thoughts—you deserve to feel at ease in your own mind.

Other Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

Struggles with body image rarely exist in isolation—they’re often connected to anxiety, perfectionism, and the pressure to feel “good enough.” At Inside Wellness, we offer more than just body image counseling. Alongside working with a body image therapist, we provide anxiety therapy, eating disorder treatment, support for perfectionism, online therapy, and therapy for burnout—all designed to address the deeper patterns that keep your critical brain running.

Whether you’re stuck in cycles of self-criticism, constantly comparing yourself, or feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions, our team is here to help you make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface. You don’t have to untangle it all on your own. With the right support, you can begin to quiet the noise, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how therapy can support your mental health, soften your inner dialogue, and help you move forward with more clarity and self-trust.

Imperfectly Adulting- Holiday Season Edition

The holidays tend to bring up a complicated mix of emotions for many of us. Part of us look forward to the connection, the traditions, the lights, and the change of pace. And another part of us quietly braces for “the most wonderful time of the year”.

We brace for the expectations.
We brace for the planning.
We brace for the emotional labor we’ll instinctively take on, whether or not anyone asks us to.

If we’re honest, a lot of us carry an invisible weight this time of year. We want things to feel meaningful. We want people we care about to have a good experience. We want to show up well, thoughtfully, generously, and be fully present.

But somewhere along the way, those intentions twist into a kind of pressure that lives inside our bodies:

Make it perfect. Keep everyone happy. Don’t let anything fall apart. Don’t let anyone down.

It is a lot. Full stop.
More than most people realize.
And we rarely say it out loud.

So this piece is an invitation for all of us who overthink, who overfunction, and overextend:
What if we permit ourselves to imperfectly adult-it this year?  Let’s try to let ourselves show up more honestly, show up messy, and show up outloud- even during the holidays.

This Pressure We Feel Is Likely Learned & Can Be Set Down or Tossed Aside

Many of us grew up absorbing messages that were the norms at the time, but can be challenged-our culture is now the culture of doing what actually works for you, your family, and your life. 

So if you’re getting tripped up over the: 

• “Be helpful.”

• “Don’t cause disappointment.”

• “Keep the peace.”

• “Be pleasant.”..........

It’s perfectly okay to kick those norms to the curb or ask them to kindly or not so kindly step out of your way.

Our Effort Deserves to Be Seen

Before we try to change anything, we deserve to name this truth:

Our desire to create meaningful experiences is beautiful.
Our instinct to care deeply is generous.
Our ability to sense the emotions in the room is a strength.

We’re not failing because we feel overwhelmed.
We’re not “too much.”
We’re not behind.

We’ve simply been carrying unrealistic expectations, often quietly, consistently, and alone.

No wonder our shoulders are tired.

We deserve a holiday season that offers emotional breathing room.

Our Bodies Deserve Our Respect 

Being raised in & exposed to a culture obsessed with thinness, dieting, body monitoring, and “earning” food and taking a holiday & turns into a minefield of expectations, guilt, and self-loathing. Not to mention fertile ground for eating disorders to take hold or dive deeper into a space that serves no one. 

We got here because we have been socialized into equating our worth with our bodies
It’s because we were trained to self-monitor
We were trained to take responsibility for things that were never ours to hold.

Seeing it clearly is the first step toward loosening its grip.

Three Gentle Shifts We Can Ease Into This Season

We’re intentionally keeping this list small. Women like us tend to take a list of ideas and turn it into a new self-improvement project. That’s not what we need.

These shifts aren’t “perform better” suggestions, they’re invitations to soften into a way of being that may serve you better.

1. The “Bare Minimum” Version Is Still Enough

So many of us default to all-or-nothing thinking:

• the perfect meal

• the perfect home

• the perfect outfit

• the perfect gift

• the perfect emotional presence

This year, we can ask a different question:
“What would the truly sufficient version look like?”

Examples might include:

• Lead with what works- I typically say- “let me know what I can bring that’s from Costco, Harmons, or Trader Joe’s”.  People seem to appreciate the honesty & get a good laugh!!

• wearing what feels comfortable

• hosting simply instead of impressively

• choosing just one gathering instead of every gathering

• allowing good-enough to be… good enough

The bar is yours to set & it does not have to be high for the holidays to be meaningful.

2. A One-Sentence Interrupt for Body Criticism

Many of us find our inner critic getting louder this time of year. When that happens, we don’t need to jump from self-judgment to self-love. That gap is too big.

We just need a gentle interrupt.

Something like:

• “My body is not a holiday project.”

• “I’m allowed to enjoy this without monitoring myself.”

• “I don’t need to earn being here.”

We may not fully believe it in the moment, but the interrupt helps us step out of the spiral and back into presence.

3. One Thing That’s Just for Us

Not a list of self-care tasks.
Not a new routine.
Just one thing.

One moment, one choice, one act that supports our need in a way that feels real.

It could be:

• leaving a gathering earlier

• asking for help with dishes

• a slow, quiet morning

• wearing cozy clothes

• stepping outside for a breather

• skipping something without apologizing

One small shift can change the entire tone of the day.

We’re Allowed to Experience the Holidays Differently

We don’t have to earn rest.
We don’t have to host perfectly.
We don’t have to carry other people’s emotions.
We don’t have to micromanage our bodies to feel worthy.
We don’t have to be “on” the whole time.

We’re allowed to be present—not perfect.
We’re allowed to take up space—not shrink.
We’re allowed to have limits—not just capacity.
We’re allowed to receive—not just give.

If holidays have always felt overwhelming or pressure-filled, it’s not because we’re doing anything wrong. It’s because we’ve been trying to meet expectations no one could reasonably carry.

This year, we can try something different.
Softer.
Kinder.
More human.

Start Perfectionist Therapy in Salt Lake City, Utah

If these reflections resonate and you want support in softening perfectionism, easing emotional over-responsibility, or quieting the internal pressure that shows up this time (and all times of the year), therapy can help. You’re not meant to carry everything alone. You deserve support—now, during the holidays, and every season after. You deserve to live with more ease. Start your therapy journey with Inside Wellness by starting these simple steps:

1. Give us a call at 801-699-6161 or message us on our website insidewellenss.com 

2. Learn more about perfectionism therapy

3. Start finding support and make the most of the holiday season!

Other Mental Health Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

At Inside Wellness, we understand the unique challenges that the holiday season can bring. That’s why we offer more than support with perfectionism therapy. Our holistic mental health services in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, also include eating disorder treatment, anxiety therapy, body image therapy, therapy for burnout, and support from body positive therapists who understand the emotional weight of navigating holidays.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how online eating disorder therapy in Utah can help you today!

The Holiday Hurdles of Eating Recovery

Some days, you wake up already in a battle with yourself.

You notice the tension in your chest before your feet hit the floor. You’re tired of thinking about food. You’re tired of thinking about your body. And at the same time, it feels impossible not to think about those things.

You’re juggling deadlines, classes, and social expectations, all while trying to follow your meal plan or stay connected to your “why” in the recovery process. You’re hearing your friends talk about their “good” and “bad” foods, new workout plans, and attaching calories, guilt, and shame to every conversation & every holiday event. You feel like you’re going to snap!  Why can’t the voice in your head just stop talking for 5 seconds & leave you in peace?!?!

Working on recovery is feeling very overwhelming and overrated right now. 

Doing the hard things that will move you into a good spot with food, & your body feels like an anxiety fest and low-key punishment at the moment.  While you know that the prison in your mind is a nightmare, so is the initial phase of losing your E.D. frenemy.  You have come a long way already, but getting help and "loosening" your grip around food & your body holds less meaning in the moment for you than getting praised by people who are dripping in diet culture feedback.  While it absolutely takes so much grit, hard work, and discipline to defy your eating disorder voice, you preferred the other types of praise.   You may know, logically, that healing requires gentleness… but the practice of it still feels like walking around in shoes that don’t fit. Being less rigid, loosening your grip of overcontrol, and trying to dial back the perfectionism almost feels like losing yourself.

Feeling this way is normal, and it will NOT last forever, but if so challenging in this phase of recovery.  Your brain and body are trying to unlearn years of conditioning, fear, and self-criticism. And that takes time, support, and consistent care. 

There are some common Holiday Hurdles that can trip you up & that everyone in recovery goes through.  Let’s look at a few of them & give you a few tools to help you ride out the holiday season.

Body Changes & Distrust

Body changes can feel chaotic, especially if your eating disorder has become the primary way your brain has shut down any uncomfortable emotions it feels unprepared to feel, or does not feel it has the tools to work through.  While body hatred feels awful, our brains LOVE predictability, and predictability to the scared brain feels safe.  So wanting to feel safe, especially safe in your body, makes so much sense.  However, restriction, limitations, and self-punishment are miserable and require an ongoing feedback loop that will never let you be free. 

It’s the ultimate chasing-a-rainbow type of gig.  You feel like when you do certain behaviors, meet or maintain certain weights, that you will feel better. And you do, for a hot second or until your patterns are challenged, and then the train comes off the rails real fast.  True freedom comes with giving your body the freedom & fuel it deserves.  So if you feel as if recovery feels like you're initially moving backwards, this is probably a good sign that you are starting to move forward in long term peace & recovery.   

What can help:

Use grounding language-talk to your body like she is listening and deserves kindness
Try saying to yourself: “My body is shifting because it’s healing. I don’t have to like the sensations to allow them.” or “My eating disorder brain is SO good at lying to me. It sends false signals & sensations that are hard to tolerate, but my team swears they will soften the more I challenge the lies”. 

Reduce mirror checking.
You don’t need to earn your right to eat by critiquing your reflection. Cover mirrors, limit time spent in front of them, or put sticky notes with compassion-based reminders. When we are already anxious or stressed, reducing these trigger points can be wise.

Let your team guide the process.
You do not have to decide alone what is “too much” or “not enough.” Let your dietitian, therapist, and medical provider make those decisions while you focus on practicing the skills. They’ve seen this process work time & time again. And they are amazed at every step forward and see struggles or “failures” as just data that guides us towards better tools or a signal or practicing tools that you’ll become an expert at if you can give yourself more grace & more time.

Food is still a love- hate or a hate- hate relationship

Eating disorder thoughts often show up the loudest when you’re doing the most healing. Even when you’re following your treatment plan, meals can still feel overwhelming. You may worry about eating “too much,” choosing the “wrong” foods, or you might freeze at the sight of a full plate.  Or want to run away or run towards the table filled with holiday specialty items that you haven’t seen all year.  Any food that we have limited exposure to impacts how we feel about it and interact with it. This is true for all humans, not just someone who is in recovery.  If we look at this in a non-food way, it may make more sense.

When people come to visit Utah, especially if they love the outdoors, they are always amazed by our national parks or “hidden gems” of outdoor beauty. 

While this is absolutely true, they are also surprised by how many people who have grown up here have not been to every national park or sought out the “hidden gems”.  Why? It’s because often times when you have full access to something, the sense of urgency or “pull” towards it is lessened.  You may have an interest in seeing it, but you infrequently plan your life around it.  But if you plan an month long trip to Utah, then you are going to be very excited & you’re going to feel the pull to see all of the things.  And so it is with holiday or “special” occasion foods. 

Our brain is keyed up & excited because they feel special and time-limited.  So if you are feeling panicked about these thoughts or in shame, know that these emotions are occurring simply because of the time-limited, lack of access to these foods. This is not a signal of anything else your brain might be telling you.  Your body can be trusted & eating differently -with food types of larger amounts than normal, is normal.  Relax into the experience, and if you get scared, your team will be there to give you support & direction if it’s needed.

What can help:

Break meals into moments.
Instead of thinking about the entire meal, focus on the next bite, then the next. Healing happens one decision at a time, not in perfectly confident leaps.

Pair eating with something regulating.
Lo-fi music, a calming podcast, sitting with someone you trust, or even lighting a candle can soften activation in your nervous system.

Avoid negotiating.
You may feel tempted to bargain with yourself (“I’ll skip this part if I eat more later”). Reduction of negotiating helps build trust in your body’s signals and your team’s plan.

When Planning Anxiety Partners up with Food Anxiety 

College social life is full of last-minute plans, dinners out, late-night snacks, and events where food is typically included. This can spark anxiety about losing structure, losing “control”, or being judged. You might find yourself wanting to distance yourself from friends, having the urge to turn down invitations, or only saying yes if you know exactly what food will be involved. While your brain wants “over-control” in the moment, long-term “go with the flow” is a much easier way of living.

What can help:

Prep a simple script.
If you’re going out to eat, try: “My body knows how much food to eat, even when it’s at a restaurant.” “I don’t have to estimate calories because my body knows what it needs & tells me through my hunger & fullness cues”. Or “not one meal or one day can make or break my recovery or my body shape/size”. This keeps you connected without feeding your anxious brain hours of advance planning.

Have a recovery buddy.
Someone who knows what you’re working on, such as a roommate, close friend, or partner.  A silent cheerleader or gentle nod of reassurance can go a long way when the voice in your head starts to get loud.  

Allow imperfection.
Social eating will not always feel comfortable or smooth. It’s okay if you feel awkward, unsure, or emotional. You’re learning a new skill in real time.

Coping with the “should’s”  

Healing does not follow a straight line. There will be days when you feel strong, and days when a seemingly offhand comment, a clothing fit, a stressful class spins you out. Setbacks don’t erase progress. They’re part of the process.

What can help:

Name the critical voice.
Sometimes giving it a name (“The Drill Sergeant,” “The Shadow” “Captain Should”) helps create emotional distance.

Practice opposite action.
If the critic says “work out to compensate,” the recovery action might be “rest and eat anyway.” Opposite action strengthens your recovery muscles.

Use compassionate self-talk, even if it feels fake.
You don’t need to fully believe the kinder voice yet. Just practicing it helps your brain form new pathways.

Let yourself be human.
You are not a project to perfect. You’re a person who is healing in real time. And all humans, when learning in real time, cannot make progress without many attempts. Babies must crawl, stand, & walk before they can learn to run.  And they fall down countless times before progressing to the new skills.  Falling down IS an essential part of the learning process. So celebrate when your falling down moments lead to you getting back up & getting curious about the why!

Finding Steady Ground—One Step at a Time With Eating Disorder Help in Utah

If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself in these words, take a moment to breathe. Your body is not betraying you. Your worth is not conditional. And you’re not expected to know how to do this alone.

Eating disorder recovery requires tenderness, skill, repetition, and support. A therapist at Inside Wellness who specializes in this work can help you navigate the moments that feel messy, overwhelming, or confusing. They can help you understand what’s happening in your brain and body, learn coping skills that actually fit your life, and build a relationship with yourself that doesn’t depend on constant self-criticism.

If the challenges you’re facing feel bigger than what you can carry on your own, reaching out for eating disorder help is a strong, courageous next step. You deserve support that helps you feel grounded, safe, and capable of healing. If you’d like help beginning or continuing that journey, follow these simple steps:

1. Give us a call at 801-699-6161 or message us on our website insidewellenss.com 

2. Learn more about online eating disorder therapy

3. Start receiving support to find lasting healing!

Other Mental Health Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

At Inside Wellness, we understand the unique challenges this time of year can bring. That’s why we offer more than just eating disorder treatment. Our holistic mental health services in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, also include anxiety therapy, body image therapy, therapy for burnout, and support from compassionate therapists who understand the emotional weight of navigating holidays.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how online eating disorder therapy in Utah can help you today!

Supporting Your Loved One in Eating Disorder Recovery at Thanksgiving

When You Want to Help but Don’t Know How

If someone you love is recovering from an eating disorder, Thanksgiving can be nerve-wracking.  Not just for them, but for you as well. You might worry about saying the wrong thing, triggering old patterns, or preparing for an internal or external fight about food.  You notice your anxiety starting to mount and yet the actual day isn’t even here yet. Your care comes from love, but there are limits to what love can do and if doing it for your love one worked, you would have it done by now.  This battle is not yours to fight but it is yours to help defend.  

The good news? You don’t have to be perfect to be supportive. You just need to approach Thanksgiving with awareness, compassion, and curiosity about what your loved one might need.  This may look like knowing what defending recovery might look like to your loved one—and knowing that online eating disorder therapy in Utah can be a critical piece of their ongoing support system.

What Thanksgiving Feels Like for Someone in Recovery

For a person healing their relationship with food, Thanksgiving can feel like walking a tightrope. There’s pressure to eat “normally,” pressure to appear “fine,” and pressure to not make anyone else uncomfortable. At the same time, there’s exposure to foods that once felt forbidden and commentary from relatives about calories, carbs, and weight and everything diet culture that landed them here in the first place. 

They may be managing invisible battles — intrusive thoughts, body image distress, guilt, or anxiety about eating publicly. That one crazy relative who always manages to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, no matter the topic. It can feel like they hopped on to a roller coaster that lasts all day or all weekend and they just want to be on solid ground.  Your calm, accepting presence can make a world of difference

What To Do to Support Them

1. Ask first. Before the day arrives, gently check in:
   “Hey, I know Thanksgiving can be tricky. Is there anything I can do (or avoid doing) that would make the day easier for you?”
   
   That one question communicates respect and collaboration.  It says, I’m on your team and I want to know how to be your teammate not your opponent, not the referee, not your coach calling plays & telling you how to do it “right”.  Ask if they are willing to share what their dietician or an eating disorder therapist encouraged them to focus on and how you can support those goals.
   
   
   

2. Model neutrality around food. Enjoy the meal without labeling foods as “good,” “bad,” “healthy,” or “indulgent.” Try to speak about food as nourishment, enjoyable, and a day to create connection & memories. Keeping the morality conversations at bay will keep you’re loved one’s negative critic at bay as well. 

3. Protect the environment. If relatives start in with diet talk (“I’m being so bad eating this pie”), you can intervene:
   “Let’s keep the food talk kind today, we’re all just here to enjoy the meal.” or If you family responds to more lightheartedness something like “‘I’ve never seen guilt make for a good side dish, let’s ditch this convo & just enjoy ourselves”
   
   
   

4. Offer emotional presence, not pressure. You don’t need to make them eat or praise how much they eat. Simply sitting beside them calmly and engaging in normal conversation is often the most supportive thing you can do.
   
   
   

5. Shift the focus of gratitude. Help keep the table talk centered on connection and appreciation instead of bodies.

What Not to Say (Even If You Mean Well)

Some comments, though well-intentioned, can feel loaded for someone in recovery:

• ❌ “You look so healthy!” (This may be heard as “You’ve gained weight.”)

• ❌ “You’re doing so much better now, right?”

• ❌ “At least you’re eating again!”

• ❌ “I shouldn’t have seconds, but I can’t resist.”

• ❌Any negative comments about your own body

Instead, focus on connection-based statements:
✅ “It’s so good to see you.”
✅ “I’m really grateful to spend today with you.”
✅ “I love our Thanksgiving traditions.”

These affirm the relationship, not their body.

Understanding HAES and Diet Culture

Your loved one’s recovery is probably grounded in Health at Every Size (HAES) principles. It is the belief that health and worth aren’t determined by weight. Diet culture, on the other hand, equates thinness with virtue and food restraint with success.

Every time you refuse to join in negative body talk, or you eat joyfully without guilt, you help dismantle that system. This system is is main contributor to your child’s inner battle & pain points. We want to model that life can be meaningful at any size and that their worth & being present is more important to you than their size.

If You Notice Struggles

Even with the best preparation, Thanksgiving can bring up old patterns. If you notice your loved one becoming withdrawn, anxious around meals, or overly focused on what others are eating, try not to panic or shift into frustration.  Curiosity is always the winning ingredient at this meal.  Typically the interactions you see play out with food make sense in context of their underlying beliefs, comments others may have said that day, or memories from past holidays that were fraught with overwhelm or struggle.  While we want this to be a day of connection, ease, and them being able to eat to fullness or overfullness (given that’s a normal part of the day) we know this may not happen until they are further down the road of recovery.  

Try implementing anything that they have identified as helpful to you for this day, even if that includes doing nothing given that you may be eating with extended family or friends and we don’t want them to feel singled out & go into a shame spiral. Also, don’t forget to breathe.  Not one day if going to make or break recovery, if your child’s treatment team isn’t panicked (and they are not or you’d likely know about it), then you don’t need to be either.  Mis-steps & “failures” in this journey are the best data points to moving them forward. Recovery isn’t linear, needing extra support doesn’t mean they’ve failed. It means they’re human.

Caring for Yourself, Too

Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally draining. Give yourself permission to have feelings about it including excitement, hope, confusion, worry, and even frustration. Consider scheduling a family consultation or short-term session with an eating disorder specialist to learn more about how to help without burning out..

Gratitude Beyond the Table

This Thanksgiving, let gratitude mean more than the food on the plate or the weight on the scale.  For you, and for your loved one.. Let it mean appreciating the courage it takes for your loved one to keep choosing recovery.  And gratitude for your own efforts & courage that keeps you walking beside them.

Your presence matters more than you know.

Is Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah the Support Your Loved One Might Need This Holiday?

Thanksgiving can be full of joy, but for someone in eating disorder recovery, it can also bring stress, anxiety, and triggers. At Inside Wellness, we offer online eating disorder therapy in Utah that makes it easier for your loved one to receive support—whether they need a grounding check-in before the holiday or deeper guidance afterward. These sessions can help reinforce the skills they’ve been building, provide space to talk through food- and family-related challenges, and remind them they’re not facing recovery alone. If you’re noticing your loved one struggling, trust your instincts; it’s okay to reach out. Encouraging therapy isn’t pushing them; it’s offering them a lifeline.

• Give us a call at 801-699-6161 or message us on our website insidewellenss.com 

• Learn more about Online Eating Disorder Therapy

• Because the holidays should feel like connection, not pressure—and help is always available.

Other Mental Health Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

Supporting a loved one in eating disorder recovery during the holidays can be emotionally complex. While you may be focused on creating a peaceful, inclusive environment, it’s normal to feel unsure about what helps, and what doesn’t. That’s why Inside Wellness offers more than just eating disorder treatment and body image therapy. Our services in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, also include anxiety therapy, burnout support, and care for perfectionism; because recovery affects everyone in the system, not just the person in treatment.

Whether you're navigating difficult family conversations, worried about triggering moments at the table, or just trying to be a steady presence for someone you love, our therapists are here to support you, too. You don’t need to have all the answers, just a willingness to show up with compassion and curiosity. And if this season brings up your own emotions or stress, we offer space for you to process and reconnect with your intentions.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how online eating disorder therapy in Utah can support both individuals and families through the emotional ups and downs of the holiday season.

Navigating Thanksgiving in Eating Disorder Recovery

The Thanksgiving Jitters

You are waking up the week before Thanksgiving already feeling a bit angsty, thinking about what your extended family members or others may say that could be triggering.  You’re trying hard not to stress out, but trying not to stress out is making you even more stressed out, haha.  If you have a relaxed relationship with food & your body,  Thanksgiving can be about gratitude, gathering, and connecting over delicious foods.  However, if you are in the throes of a complicated relationship with food, your body, your family, or are having a rough year, it can definitely feel like a complicated time of the year & a stressful holiday at best.

The day revolves around food, and for you, that equals anxiety & stress. It’s feeling overwhelmed by multiple side dishes, endless leftovers, and bracing for “casual”  conversations that are filled with diet culture or food guilt chatter- all of which skyrockets your internal fears & makes for bad side dishes at any meal. 

Thanksgiving can feel like walking into a storm of diet culture messages wrapped in warmth and tradition.

You might feel torn between wanting to enjoy the meal and wanting to pump the brakes & go into over-control mode. The pressure to appear “normal,” the amount of food choices, and the commentary from family can all make recovery feel shaky,  even if you’ve been making real progress. Take a deep breath. This day doesn’t have to derail your healing. It is just one day & one weekend, and in my opinion, one day or one weekend can’t make or break your recovery. You have the tools that help you stay grounded, present, and connected to your body, so take it one meal & one day at a time.

At Inside Wellness, we understand how challenging holidays like Thanksgiving can be for those in recovery. Our online eating disorder therapy in Utah is here to help you navigate these moments with tools, support, and compassion.

Handling Diet Culture at the Table

You know it’s coming:

• “I shouldn’t eat this, but…”
  

• “I’ll have to ______ because of how much I’m going to eat today!”
  

• “I wore my stretchy pants today.”
  

These comments can make your skin crawl, even if they’re said jokingly. The truth is, those remarks say more about the speaker’s relationship with food than yours. You’ve done the hard work of unlearning diet culture, and while I wish you didn’t have to hear it, you “get”  to practice combating those comments in real time, even if it’s just in your head. 

I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to deal with those types of comments; it’s about doing what works best for you in the moment.  And let’s be real, some family members are going to respond better than others, so it’s okay to “choose your battles” on this front.  You may use one strategy in advance, and one in person. Or you may use one strategy with your uncle and a different one with your brother.

 Here are a few ways to approach it all:

1. Talk to someone you trust prior to the day/meal to ask for support: Talking to a parent, sibling, or friend in advance can be helpful.  Share your fears about people’s comments, as well as things you may struggle with during the meal, within yourself.  Let them know if you need support plating your food, a gentle phrase or text giving you permission to try foods that in the past you labeled as off limits, or a gentle nudge to challenge yourself & go for seconds.  Also, let them know how they can help you disrupt any diet culture chatter that is said in your presence. 

2. Ground yourself before responding. Take a deep breath. Feel your feet on the floor, or focus on one comforting physical cue (the warmth of your drink, the sound of laughter nearby).
   

3. Set gentle boundaries if needed. You can say:
   

• “I’m trying to have a peaceful meal, so I’d rather not talk about food rules.”
  

• “I’m focusing on gratitude today — not calories.”
  

4. Redirect the energy. “These mashed potatoes are incredible. Who made them?” or “Tell me about your trip!” Changing the subject can diffuse the moment without confrontation.
   

If the comments sting, remind yourself: You’re not responsible for changing others’ food beliefs. You can only do your best to honor your body's needs & giving yourself permission to enjoy the day.  Food is meant for nourishment, connection, and joy!

Coping Tools for Thanksgiving Day

You don’t need to white-knuckle your way through Thanksgiving. You can plan for support and grounding:

• Bring a comfort item. A journal, calming playlist, or fidget item can help you self-soothe if you feel overwhelmed.
  

• Have a support text buddy. Let a friend know it’s a hard day and agree on a quick check-in message.
  

• Schedule breaks. Step outside to breathe fresh air or have a fun game nearby to get a few people joining you for some fun post-meal.
  

• Focus on gratitude beyond food. Reflect on non-food things you’re grateful for — relationships, healing, small moments of peace, your body’s resilience.
  

These intentional pauses can keep your recovery at the center of the day.

Progress, Not Perfection

Recovery is not a one-time accomplishment; it takes practice. Thanksgiving can resurface old feelings or behaviors, and that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human, and that your healing deserves continued care.

If you notice more anxiety around food, renewed body-checking, or thoughts of “earning” or “undoing” food, consider it a signal that you are feeling distressed; it’s not a setback. You can process anything that goes sideways with your team at your next appointment. Or it may be time for a therapy tune-up; your feelings and behaviors make sense when you can unpack them with support.

At Inside Wellness, our eating disorder therapists are here to help you navigate these challenges with care and understanding. Whether it’s through online eating disorder therapy in Utah or in-person sessions, we’re here to support your recovery journey—one step, one meal, and one day at a time.

Is Online Eating Disorder Therapy in Utah the Support You Need This Thanksgiving Season?

At Inside Wellness, we believe that just like you’d tune up your car before a long winter drive, a few therapy sessions can help recalibrate your tools and reinforce your confidence. You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming—our online eating disorder therapy in Utah is here to provide a quick “recovery check-in” so you can step into the holiday season with steadiness and self-trust.

You’ve worked hard to build structure, consistency, and peace with food. This Thanksgiving, you deserve to enjoy yourself, one mindful, compassionate bite at a time. And if the holiday leaves you realizing you need more support with your relationship with food, your body, or yourself, know that you’re not alone. These struggles are real, and Inside Wellness is here to help you find the support you deserve.

• Give us a call at 801-699-6161 or message us on our website insidewellenss.com 

• Learn more about Online Eating Disorder Therapy

• Midterms may test your knowledge, but you’re building something bigger—self-trust, balance, and the courage to keep going.

Other Mental Health Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

The holiday season can bring more than just turkey and pumpkin pie—it can stir up food anxieties, body image struggles, and feelings of isolation, especially for those in eating disorder recovery. At Inside Wellness, we understand the unique challenges this time of year can bring. That’s why we offer more than just eating disorder treatment and body image therapy. Our holistic mental health services in Provo and Salt Lake City, Utah, include anxiety therapy, therapy for burnout, and support from compassionate therapists who understand the emotional weight of navigating holidays in recovery.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by family dynamics, struggling with food guilt, or caught in the pressure to “just enjoy the meal,” we’re here to help you find balance. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. With the right support, you can approach Thanksgiving with mindfulness, self-compassion, and the tools to honor your recovery—one step (and one bite) at a time.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how online eating disorder therapy in Utah can help you stay grounded, manage holiday stress, and navigate Thanksgiving with confidence in your recovery journey.

Midterms Got You Spiraling? How Online Anxiety Therapy in Utah Can Help

Midterms have a way of sneaking up and taking over. One minute you’re juggling classes, maybe work, and a social life. The next minute, your calendar is packed with deadlines, tests, and late-night cram sessions. Suddenly, your brain feels like it’s buzzing nonstop: What if I don’t do well? What if this ruins my GPA? Why can’t I focus like everyone else seems to?

If you’re a high-achieving student or low-key perfectionist, these thoughts might sound all too familiar. You hold yourself to high standards, and with midterms around the corner, the pressure ramps up. Instead of motivating you, though, that pressure often spirals into anxiety.  You start to struggle with racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, trouble focusing, and that heavy sense of “not enough.”

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it. Talking with an anxiety therapist—especially online—can give you real tools and support to make midterm week less overwhelming. If you’re in Utah, online anxiety therapy might be more accessible than you think. Let’s unpack why.

Why Midterms Hit High Achievers So Hard

High-achieving students often thrive on structure and success. But midterms throw a wrench into that balance. Instead of feeling in control, you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. Common stress points I hear from students include:

• Sky-high expectations. You’re not just aiming to pass, you’re aiming for perfection.

• Time crunch. Between multiple classes, studying feels endless, and sleep falls to the bottom of the list.
  

• Comparison. It seems like everyone else has it more together, which makes you question yourself even more.
  

• “Failure = disaster” thinking. One grade starts to feel like it defines your whole future.
  

This combo creates the perfect storm for anxiety. And while stress is normal during midterms, anxiety can make it harder to concentrate, remember material, and show up as your best self.

How an Online Anxiety Therapist Can Help

You might be wondering: Okay, but how would talking to a therapist online actually help with my midterms or the rest of this semester?

Online anxiety therapy in Provo and Slat Lake City, UT isn’t about making exams disappear (wouldn’t that be nice?). Instead, it’s about equipping you with tools and perspective so you can show up differently in the middle of stress. Here’s what that might look like:

1. Learning what thought patterns spin you out. A therapist can help you notice cognitive distortions like “all-or-nothing thinking” or catastrophizing that fuel midterm anxiety. Once you can name these patterns, you can start to reframe them.
   
   

2. Managing perfectionism. Instead of letting “I have to get an A or else” drive your stress, therapy helps you find more balanced expectations so you make it all the way to finals with your sanity intact.
   
   

3. Building calming strategies that actually work. You’ve probably tried to “just relax” before and that was an epic fail & made things worse. An online anxiety therapist can teach you practical grounding, breathing, or mindfulness techniques you can use right before an exam or when your brain won’t stop buzzing at night.
   

4. Creating a pace that’s practical. Therapy isn’t just for midterms. Online sessions can help you build long-term study strategies, routines, and self-care practices that make every semester smoother.

Why Online Anxiety Therapy in Utah Makes Sense for Students

Let’s be honest: carving out time to drive to therapy when you’re already swamped isn’t realistic. That’s where online therapy comes in. Meeting with a licensed anxiety therapist online means:

• Flexibility. You can schedule sessions between classes & save yourself time.
  
  

• Privacy. You can log in from your dorm, apartment, or car, or wherever you feel most comfortable.

• Accessibility. If you don’t have a car or live off-campus, you don’t have to worry about leaving campus or your room & commuting.

• Continuity. Even if you go home during breaks, you can usually keep meeting with the same Utah-licensed therapist online.
  
  

For busy, stressed-out students, online therapy removes barriers so you can actually get the help you need when you need it most.

Practical Midterm Coping Tips You Can Try Now

Even if you’re not ready to jump into therapy yet, here are a few therapist-approved strategies you can start practicing today:

• Break down tasks. Instead of staring at an impossible-looking study list, break it into 20- to 30-minute chunks. Small wins reduce overwhelm.
  
  

• Catch your “shoulds.” Notice when you say, “I should be studying more” or “I should know this already.” Replace “should” with something more compassionate: “I’d like to review this tonight, and if I can’t, I’ll plan time tomorrow.”
  
  

• Build in recharge time. Short breaks aren’t wasted time; they actually help your brain consolidate memory. Even a 10-minute walk or stretch can lower anxiety.
  
  

• Talk it out. Share with a friend, roommate, or mentor what feels hardest right now. Saying your fears out loud helps shrink them.
  
  

The Bottom Line: Could Online Anxiety Therapy in Provo Be the Reset Button You Need This Midterm Week?

Midterm stress is real, and it wants to run the show. If you find yourself caught in thought spirals, perfectionism, or anxiety that makes studying harder, support is available. Working with an anxiety therapist online in Utah means you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can learn tools to manage stress, challenge thought traps, and bring more balance into both your academics and your life.

Inside Wellness offers flexible online anxiety therapy designed to fit your campus life—whether you're tucked away in a quiet study room, parked in your car between classes, or unwinding at home. All you need is a device, a little privacy, and the courage to take that first step toward feeling more grounded.

Grades matter, yes. But your mental health matters more, and when you take care of it, you’re more likely to succeed.  You don’t have to be at your wits’ end to get help; feeling stressed & overwhelmed can shift & we can help. 

• Give us a call at 801-699-6161 or message us on our website insidewellenss.com 

• Learn more about Online Anxiety Therapy

• Midterms may test your knowledge, but you’re building something bigger—self-trust, balance, and the courage to keep going.

Other Mental Health Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

Midterms don’t just challenge what you know—they can stir up anxious spirals, trigger perfectionism, and leave you second-guessing your every move. At Inside Wellness, we go beyond eating disorder treatment and body image therapy to offer holistic mental health support tailored to college students navigating high-pressure seasons. This includes anxiety therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah, therapy for burnout, and support from anxiety therapists who understand the emotional weight of midterm week.

Whether you’re putting off studying because you’re afraid to fail, caught in constant comparison, or pushing yourself to meet impossible standards, we’re here to help you regroup. You don’t have to power through alone. With the right support, you can study smarter, take care of your mind, and still work toward your goals—without burning out in the process.

Visit our blog or FAQ to explore how online anxiety therapy can help you calm anxious thinking, manage stress, and stay grounded when midterms hit hard.

Study Smarter, Stress Less: 5 Mindset Shifts for Midterm Week

Midterms have a way of turning even the most grounded college student into a bundle of nerves. The pressure ramps up—papers pile, exams loom, and sleep is something you wish for but have little of.  If you’re a high achiever, you probably feel this pressure more intensely. You hold yourself to sky-high expectations, aiming not just to pass, but to excel. And when you start to worry about whether you’ll actually meet those standards, anxiety goes from background noise to center stage.

Suddenly, studying isn’t just about learning material—it’s about quieting the constant loop in your mind: What if I’m not good enough? What if I blow this test? I have to get an A or I’m basically failing.  Everyone else seems like they are coping just fine, what’s my problem? 

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Many high-achieving students fall into “thought traps” during midterms. In anxiety therapy terms, these are called cognitive distortions or thinking errors. They are types of thinking that twist reality, fuel anxiety, and make stress feel bigger than it actually is. The good news? Once you can name these traps, you can challenge them and free up mental space to focus, breathe, and study more effectively.

And if you’re a student looking for anxiety therapy in Provo, you don’t have to wait until the end of the semester to get support. Even a few sessions during this busy season can help you learn how to reset your thoughts and reduce the intensity of academic stress.

Here are five of the most common thought traps I see students fall into around midterms along with ways to break free.

1. All-or-Nothing Thinking

The trap: You believe you’re either perfect or a failure. If you don’t ace the exam, it feels like you’ve completely bombed.

What it sounds like in your head:

• “If I don’t get an A, this class will be a disaster.”
  

• “Either I nail this test or I might as well give up.”
  

Why it’s a problem: This type of thinking creates enormous pressure and makes studying feel like life or death. It also ignores all the shades of progress between “perfect” and “failure.”

How to challenge it: Try asking yourself: What’s a more balanced way of looking at this? Instead of “all-or-nothing,” aim for “good enough.” For example: “Even if I don’t get 100%, I can still do well overall. This one grade doesn’t define my whole semester.”

2. Catastrophizing

The trap: You imagine the worst-case scenario—and then treat it as if it’s inevitable.

What it sounds like in your head:

• “If I fail this test, I’ll fail the class, then my GPA will tank, and then I’ll never get into grad school.”
  

• “If I stumble during my presentation, everyone will think I’m incompetent.”
  

Why it’s a problem: Catastrophizing ramps up your anxiety and convinces you you’re powerless. Instead of focusing on the actual test, you’re mentally spiraling into a future that hasn’t even happened. This isn’t your fault, it’s just how anxiety rolls.

How to challenge it: Pause and ask: What’s the most likely—not the worst—outcome? Play with probabilities. Chances are, one test won’t ruin your life. Even if you do poorly, you’ll likely recover, adjust, and move on. Remind yourself: I can handle setbacks. I’ve done it before.

3. Mind Reading

The trap: You assume you know what other people are thinking—and usually, you assume it’s negative.

What it sounds like in your head:

• “My professor probably thinks I’m stupid because I asked that question.”
  

• “Everyone in the study group knows this material better than me. They must think I’m incompetent."

Why it’s a problem: Mind reading keeps you stuck in insecurity and comparison. Instead of focusing on your own studying, you waste energy worrying about imagined judgments.

How to challenge it: Notice when you’re filling in other people’s thoughts without evidence. Ask yourself: What proof do I actually have? More often than not, none. Replace mind reading with curiosity: “Maybe others are struggling too. Maybe my professor actually respects that I asked for clarity.”

4. Should Statements

The trap: You pile on “shoulds” as if they’re motivational—when really, they just make you feel inadequate.

What it sounds like in your head:

• “I should have started studying weeks ago.”

• “I should be more focused right now.”
  

• “I should be able to handle this better.”
  

Why it’s a problem: “Should” language piles guilt and shame onto already high stress. It focuses on what you haven’t done instead of what you can do now.

How to challenge it: Swap “should” for more compassionate, realistic language. For example: “I wish I had started earlier, but I can still review today.” Or: “I’d like to be more focused, so taking a small break might help me to reset.” Shifting your self-talk helps you move forward instead of getting stuck in self-criticism.

5. Discounting the Positive

The trap: You brush off your accomplishments, focusing only on what you haven’t done.

What it sounds like in your head:

• “Sure, I got an A on that paper, but that was just luck.”

• “I did okay on the quiz, but that doesn’t matter because the midterm is harder.”

Why it’s a problem: When you dismiss your successes, you rob yourself of confidence and motivation. It keeps you chasing validation you’ve already earned but refuse to acknowledge.

How to challenge it: Practice catching the moments when you downplay your achievements. Try writing down one thing you did well each day, no matter how small. Let yourself actually feel proud: “I studied for two hours today. That counts.” Over time, this builds resilience and combats perfectionism.

Putting It All Together: A Practical Reset

When midterms anxiety hits, it’s easy to feel like your thoughts are the truth. But thoughts are not facts. 

Here’s a quick tool you can use whenever you notice yourself falling into one of these traps:

1. Name the distortion. (“Oh, that’s all-or-nothing thinking again.”)
   

2. Question the thought. (“Is this really true? What evidence supports this? What’s the bigger picture?”)
   

3. Reframe with compassion. (“I don’t have to be perfect to succeed. I’ve gotten through hard weeks before, and I will again.”)
   

Think of it as mental decluttering. The less energy you give to distorted thoughts, the more energy you’ll have for studying, resting, and actually enjoying parts of your college life.

Midterms don’t have to be a battleground between your high standards and your peace of mind. By spotting and challenging these five thought traps, you can approach exams with more balance, confidence, and calm.

Ready to Find Relief with Anxiety Therapy in Provo?

Remember, your worth is not measured by a single grade. You’re learning, growing, and building skills that go far beyond midterms week. And when anxiety spikes, take a breath: you’ve got tools, you’ve got resilience, and you’re not alone in this. For more support, give us a call 801-699-6161 or message us at insidewellness.com.  At Inside Wellness offer virtual anxiety therapy sessions you can do from the convenience of your room, car, or a campus study room. You only need your device & some privacy to get the support you need.

• Give us a call, we can help 801-699-6161.

• Learn more about Anxiety Therapy

• You’re not just chasing grades—you’re learning how to lead yourself through stress with clarity, care, and resilience.

Other Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

Midterms don’t just test your academic knowledge—they can challenge your mental stamina, trigger unhelpful thought patterns, and leave you overwhelmed by pressure to perform. At Inside Wellness, we offer more thaneating disorder treatment and body image therapy. We provide anxiety therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as support for perfectionism, burnout, and the deeper emotional patterns that tend to flare up during high-stress weeks like this.

Whether you’re stuck in spirals of self-doubt, avoiding studying out of fear of failure, or holding yourself to impossible standards, our anxiety therapists are here to help you reset and find a more grounded way through. College is demanding—but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind.

Visit our blog or FAQ to explore how therapy can support your mental health during midterms, help you interrupt anxious thinking, and offer realistic tools to manage stress without sacrificing your goals.

When College Life Triggers Food Anxiety

College can feel like a pressure cooker. You’re balancing classes, internships, friendships, and the constant drive to prove yourself. On top of that, every cafeteria line, group meal, or late-night study snack can feel like a minefield. Maybe you spend hours thinking about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” eat. Fear & shame rule your thoughts and seem to control your actions.  Maybe the thought of eating around others fills you with anxiety, so you think you'll avoid it altogether.

 For high-achieving students, food and body worries can easily become tangled up with perfectionism, pressure, and stress, making an already demanding season of life even more complicated.

Why College is a Unique Trigger Point

College is a major life transition, which is so much more than just attending school. For many women, it’s the first time living away from home, making independent choices about food, exercise, and daily routines. While that freedom can feel exciting, it can also be overwhelming, especially when your relationship with food or your body has been complicated.

Here are some ways the college environment can fuel disordered eating:

• Unstructured eating: Unlike high school, there’s no set lunch bell. Classes may be back-to-back, and schedules can shift daily. It’s easy to struggle with the day to day stressors, let alone choosing when, where, and what to eat every day.
  

• Cafeteria overwhelm: Dining halls are full of endless options and endless comparisons. “What are they eating? Am I making the right choice? Did I eat too much?” These thoughts can turn every meal into a stressful event.
  

• Stress and perfectionism: Ambitious students often push themselves to the limit. That pressure to perform academically or socially can fuel the belief that control over food and body will equal control over life.  It’s an easy trap to fall into, even though it doesn't prove true.
  

• Social comparison: Living in dorms or scrolling social media makes it easy to fixate on how others look, eat, or exercise. For many people, this comparison reinforces body dissatisfaction and unbalanced behaviors.
  

• Body changes: College often brings natural shifts in weight and body shape. Without support, those changes can trigger deep shame and fear in someone struggling with body image.
  

It’s not just about food. These patterns take a toll on focus, energy, relationships, and emotional health, making it harder to thrive in what should be one of the most transformative times of your life.

What Eating Disorder Treatment Offers

The good news is: help exists, and treatment can be tailored to fit the unique pressures of student life. In Utah, students have access to a range of care, from individual therapy to specialized eating disorder clinics. Here’s what that support can look like:

• Therapy that goes deeper – An eating disorder therapist in Utah can help you understand how perfectionism, anxiety, and self-criticism play into your eating disorder. Instead of only focusing on the “what” of eating, therapy addresses the “why.”
  

• Nutrition counseling – Dietitians trained in eating disorders guide you toward balanced eating that nourishes your body and brain, without rigid rules or fear. They also help you navigate real-world challenges like cafeterias, late-night snacks, and meal prep. And while TikTok has a lot of information, it has a lot of “nutrition fiction,” as Anna Sweeny, RD & eating disorder specialist, calls it. 

• Practical coping tools – You’ll learn skills to handle specific triggers: how to walk into your kitchen or cafeteria without panic, how to cope when roommates start dieting, how to manage stress without turning to restriction or bingeing.
  

• Community and connection – Many programs in Utah include group therapy or peer support. Connecting with other students who get it can be incredibly healing—you realize you’re not the only one fighting this battle.

• Levels of care – Depending on your needs, treatment can range from weekly outpatient sessions to more structured support like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or day treatment, which provide more hands-on help while still allowing you to attend school.
  

Recovery in Real Life

It’s common to wonder what recovery might actually look like while you’re in college. You might worry that treatment will slow you down or interfere with your goals. The truth is, recovery is what helps you sustain those goals.

Imagine being able to:

• Grab lunch with classmates without mentally calculating calories.
  

• Sit through a lecture focused on the material instead of your body.
  

• Study late without punishing yourself for needing a snack.
  

• Feel proud of your achievements because of who you are—not because of how you look.
  

Recovery doesn’t erase ambition.  It gives you back the freedom and mental space to pursue it in healthy, life-giving ways.

Why Utah Students Have Hope

Utah is home to a strong network of eating disorder specialists, outpatient providers, and treatment centers. Many programs also integrate families into the process, which can be especially valuable if you’re far from home and want your loved ones to understand how to best support you.

Additionally, Utah’s eating disorder treatment providers often weave in holistic approaches alongside evidence-based care—such as mindfulness, body image therapy, and values-based work—which resonate with many college students searching for balance in both mind and body.

If reading this blog felt uncomfortably familiar—if food, body image, or anxiety around eating are stealing your energy—you don’t have to keep struggling in silence. Eating disorders are serious, but they are also highly treatable. With the right support, you can find freedom from constant food rules and reclaim a life where your goals and relationships matter more than calories or weight.

Ready to Work with an Eating Disorder Therapist in Utah Who Understands Campus Life?

 If you’re a college student in Utah wrestling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, reaching out for eating disorder therapy online or in-person can be the first step toward healing. At Inside Wellness, an eating disorder therapist can help you navigate cafeterias, classes, and the triggers of campus life with tools, compassion, and support.

• Give us a call, we can help 801-699-6161.

• Learn more about Eating Disorder Therapy

• You deserve more than just surviving college—you deserve to thrive in it.

Other Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

College life can stir up more than just academic stress—it can also magnify anxious thoughts, fuel cognitive distortions, and leave you feeling stuck in patterns of avoidance, comparison, or overthinking. At Inside Wellness, we specialize in therapy that addresses the deeper mental and emotional toll of student life. Alongside eating disorder treatment and body image therapy, we offer anxiety therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah, support for perfectionism, and treatment for burnout.

Whether you’re constantly questioning yourself, spiraling after small mistakes, or struggling to meet expectations that feel impossible, we’re here to help you make sense of what’s going on underneath the surface. Together, we can untangle the mental loops keeping you stuck and help you find steadier, more compassionate ways to show up for yourself.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how therapy can support your mental health, calm your inner critic, and create space for real change—without losing the drive that matters to you.

When Your Thoughts Twist the Truth: How Therapy Can Help

You’re smart, motivated, and pushing hard to be a good student, roommate, and find your space, but at the same time, your brain won’t let you breathe. Every assignment feels like a test of will and your confidence. One mistake can send you spiraling. You replay conversations in your head, worried you sounded “stupid.” You compare yourself to classmates who seem effortlessly put together and wonder why you can’t just relax. Deep down, you know you’re capable, but your thoughts keep twisting reality in ways that fuel your anxiety.

That’s what anxiety therapists call cognitive distortions.  They are unhelpful thought patterns that bend or exaggerate the truth until it feels like fact. They sneak into your daily life so naturally that you may not even notice they’re happening. But once you start paying attention, you’ll see how often they shape your thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Common Cognitive Distortions that Fuel Anxiety

Here are a few of the most common ones that show up in the lives of high-achieving women:

• All-or-nothing thinking: Seeing situations in extremes. “If I don’t ace this exam, I’m a failure.” Life becomes black and white, leaving no room for “good enough” or progress.
  

• Catastrophizing: Always expecting the worst-case scenario. “If I mess up this presentation, I’ll tank my GPA and ruin my future.” This distortion tricks your brain into living in constant fight-or-flight mode, which is never any fun.
  

• Mind reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking. “She didn’t respond to my text, so she must be mad at me.” The truth is, most people are too wrapped up in their own lives to be critiquing yours. But when those emotions run high, so do these distortions.
  

• Discounting the positive: Brushing off accomplishments as luck or not good enough. You might think, “Sure, I did well on that paper, but anyone could’ve done it.” Over time, this robs you of confidence.

• Should statements: Living under the heavy weight of “I should be more disciplined, I should already know this, I should have it all figured out.” “Shoulds” create shame and anxiety instead of motivation.
  

When these distortions play on repeat, anxiety feels inescapable. They create a filter where everything looks like pressure, failure, or danger, and before you know i,t you’re in a panic mode or sleeping, unable to get off the couch

Why Driven Women Are Especially Vulnerable

You might wonder, Why do I fall into these thinking traps so easily? High-achieving, driven women often carry layers of pressure, both internal and external. Maybe you’ve always been the “responsible one,” the “good student,” or the one people expect to succeed. That identity can feel empowering, but is also SO exhausting, because it convinces you that you’re only as valuable as your performance. 

College adds another layer: comparison. Everywhere you turn, it feels like someone is doing more, achieving more, or handling stress seemingly better than you. Social media amplifies this because the “highlight reel,” if you will, is never really showing the middle ground of the “low light reel” that everyone faces during this window of time. 

This mix of perfectionism, pressure, and comparison becomes the perfect storm for anxiety. Cognitive distortions take root because they fit the story you’ve been telling yourself.  And our brains only have to make sense of our experience to reward us, even though our negative stories are often untrue. That’s why many students seek anxiety therapy in Provo; therapists offer to untangle those stories and shift the inner narrative.

How Anxiety Therapy Helps Untangle Distorted Thinking

The empowering truth is this: thoughts are not facts. Feelings are not facts. They are convincing, but they don’t always tell the whole story. Therapy helps you see the difference.

Here’s how an anxiety therapist might work with you to challenge distortions and lower anxiety:

1. Awareness – You’ll learn to notice distorted thoughts in the moment. For example, catching yourself when you say, “I’m going to fail this exam,” and pausing to recognize that it’s catastrophizing & implement tools to help your nervous system to get centered & pull out of that spot.
   

2. Questioning the thought – An anxiety therapist helps you ask: Is this true? Is there evidence for it? Is there another way to look at it? This step weakens the automatic power of the distortion. And when thoughts are running hot & fast, most of us are unable to identify the triggers, let alone match them with tools & truths that will allow us to get into a better headspace.
   

3. Reframing – Instead of “If I don’t get an A, I’m worthless,” you might shift to “I want to do well, but one grade doesn’t define me.” Reframing reduces anxiety because it replaces black-and-white panic with a balanced perspective.  Sounds simple enough, but learning new things takes support, time & practice. 
   

4. Building coping skills – Therapy goes beyond thought work. You’ll also learn grounding techniques, mindfulness practices, and nervous system regulation tools to calm your body when anxiety spikes.
   

5. Addressing the root causes – Often, distortions grow from deeper beliefs: fear of failure, pressure to be perfect, or old wounds around not feeling good enough. Therapy helps you uncover these roots so the distortions lose power.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine this: you walk out of a class presentation and immediately think, I totally blew it. Everyone could tell I was nervous. Your chest tightens, your stomach drops, and anxiety & shame start to spiral.

Here’s where therapy shifts things. With practice, you pause and check the distortion: “Am I mind-reading? What evidence do I have that everyone thought I failed?” Then you consider alternative explanations: “I stumbled a little, but I still got through it. People were probably focused on their own parts, not mine.”

That small shift may not erase anxiety overnight, but it begins to loosen its grip. Over time, your brain learns new, healthier default pathways—ones that support confidence rather than fear.

You Don’t Have to Fight Your Mind Alone

Anxiety is draining, but it’s not a life sentence. Cognitive distortions are learned habits of thought, not permanent truths. And the great news is, habits can change. With the right support, you can step out of the cycle of distorted thinking and start experiencing college—and life—with more balance, calm, and self-trust.

Therapy isn’t about making your drive disappear. It’s about helping you use that drive in ways that feel sustainable, compassionate, and aligned with who you really are. You can still be ambitious without letting anxiety rule your every thought.

If you’ve been noticing that your mind twists even the smallest situations into sources of stress, it’s worth paying attention. You don’t have to keep believing every anxious thought that shows up.

Reaching out to a therapist is a powerful first step toward changing your relationship with your thoughts. Together, we can untangle the distortions fueling your anxiety, uncover the deeper beliefs driving them, and help you create healthier patterns that support your success and your peace of mind. Whether you're looking for anxiety therapy in Provo or support from an anxiety therapist in Salt Lake City & Provo, UT, the first step is a conversation.

Because you deserve more than just getting through the day—you deserve to thrive. Give us a call at 801-699-6161.

Noticing Thought Traps Taking Over? Anxiety Therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah Can Help

If your brain has a way of turning minor moments into spirals of shame, fear, or self-doubt, it’s not just in your head—it’s how anxiety works. These thought traps, or cognitive distortions, are convincing, but they’re not the whole story. Anxiety therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah can help you spot those patterns, gently challenge them, and find more balanced ways of thinking that support your confidence and peace of mind. You don’t have to live in constant self-analysis or stress just to keep up.

At Inside Wellness, we offer therapy that understands the mental load you're carrying—and gives you real tools to lighten it. Here’s how to begin:

• Book a free consultation or contact us at 801-699-6161

• Meet with an anxiety therapist who gets how exhausting overthinking, people-pleasing, and internal pressure can be

• Start shifting your thinking patterns and building more trust in yourself, one conversation at a time

Other Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

College doesn’t just bring academics—it brings the pressure to perform, social comparison, and those exhausting internal narratives that tell you you’re not doing enough. At Inside Wellness, we understand how quickly high expectations can spiral into self-doubt, perfectionism, and anxiety. That’s why we offer more than just eating disorder treatment or body image therapy. Our services also include anxiety therapy in Provo & Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as therapy for perfectionism and burnout. Whether you’re stuck in cognitive distortions, overwhelmed by social pressure, or caught in a cycle of overthinking and avoidance, we’re here to help you untangle the thoughts keeping you stuck.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how therapy can support your mental health, reframe anxious thinking, and help you find new ways to thrive in college—with less pressure and more self-trust.

Perfectionism in College: How It Starts and How to Break Free

High school has some serious downfalls, but it also came with some perks too.  Gone are the days when your teachers, parents, and friends you passed in the hallways would keep you on track with it all.  You studied hard, enough, to get the job done & tee yourself up for the college of your choice, but it didn’t seem like the stakes were all that high.  But now, with your future career options & majors on the line, you are starting to panic and worry about your competition.   The pressure to succeed in college can push you to do better… but it can also push you over the edge into avoidance and self-criticism. And these two things can be a slippery slope into partners of perfectionism, anxiety, and sometimes even a full-blown eating disorder. For many students, working with a perfectionism therapist or exploring therapy for anxiety can be powerful ways to get support before perfectionism and pressure take over.

Why College Fuels Perfectionism

1. The pressure to be “the best.”

Whether it’s competing for scholarships, internships, or just trying to stand out in a sea of talented students, the pressure to excel can be intense. Suddenly,____% feels like failure to you, and so you’re pushing yourself to do more—no matter how exhausted you may be. For many, this is where working with a perfectionism therapist in Provo, UT becomes a way to untangle those unrealistic expectations.

2. Social comparison overload.

Let’s be honest: college is a breeding ground for comparison. In high school people did well but you also knew where you stood or how you could improve your standings if you wanted to focus more on academics.  Now, you are in a sea of people who are just like you and who did it all in high school, sports, music, you name it.  But now your roomates & people in your classes are all amazing test takers & are doing all of the resume building things to get into the program of their choosing, land top internships, and seem to have a thriving social life while you’re barely holding it together. Thanks to social media, you see everyone’s highlight reel 24/7, which can make you feel like you’re always falling behind. This constant stress can feed anxiety, which is why some students benefit from supportive resources like therapy for anxiety.

3. Fear of failure hits harder.

College can feel like your one big shot to get life “right.” That fear of messing up—whether it’s a test, a major, or a relationship—can lead to procrastination and avoidance. If you never start the project, you can’t fail, right? (Spoiler: that avoidance just makes the anxiety worse.) Learning how to break this cycle is often part of anxiety treatment where students are supported in facing fears without perfectionism dictating every step.

4. Independence can feel overwhelming.

For many students, college is the first time you’re truly on your own:  managing your time, your health, your social life, and your grades & your laundry! That much freedom can trigger perfectionistic tendencies as you try to control every detail of your life just to stay afloat or poor yourself into your social life or your bedroom & avoid it all.

When Perfectionism Turns Into Avoidance

Perfectionism isn’t just about working harder—it’s also about freezing when things feel “too hard.” You might avoid starting assignments because you’re scared you won’t do them perfectly. You might skip social events because you don’t feel “put together enough.” And while avoidance feels like a short-term relief, it’s really just a cycle of stress and guilt that feeds your perfectionism.

How to Loosen Perfectionism’s Grip

1. Practice “good enough” thinking.
Perfectionism thrives on the belief that only 100% is acceptable. Start challenging that belief. Ask yourself: Would 80% effort still get the job done? (Spoiler: the answer is usually yes.)

2. Focus on process, not just results.
Instead of obsessing over grades, notice the small wins like showing up for a study session, starting a paper on time, or taking care of your mental health. These steps count.

3. Break the avoidance cycle.
When you catch yourself avoiding a task because it feels “too big,” break it into tiny steps. Even setting a timer for 10 minutes to start an assignment can help you get unstuck.

4. Talk about it.
You’re not the only one feeling this way. Opening up to a trusted friend, counselor, or therapist can help you challenge those perfectionistic thoughts and create healthier coping tools.

Ready to Challenge Perfectionism?

You don’t need to carry the weight of impossible standards on your own. If you’ve noticed perfectionism or avoidance creeping into your daily life—or even your relationship with food, your body, or exercise—now is the perfect time to reach out for support. Therapy can help you untangle those thought patterns, build self-compassion, and find healthier ways to cope with stress. You deserve to feel free, not stuck in cycles of “not good enough.”  Reach out & give us a call 801-699-6161 or at insidewellness.com 

Feeling Stuck in Perfectionism? A Perfectionism Therapist in Provo, UT Can Help

When perfectionism keeps you from starting assignments, leaves you avoiding tasks out of fear of failure, or drives constant anxiety about keeping up, reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. But therapy with a perfectionism therapist in Provo, UT is designed to meet you where you are—helping you break cycles of avoidance, ease anxiety, and find balance in college life. You don’t need to have it all together to begin; anxiety therapy is about creating space for relief, clarity, and new ways of coping.

At Inside Wellness, we offer compassionate, flexible care that fits into your reality—not rigid standards of "perfect." You deserve support exactly as you are. Here’s how to begin:

• Book a free consultation or contact us at 801-699-6161

• Meet with a supportive perfectionism therapist who understands the pressures of perfectionism and anxiety in college

• Start loosening perfectionism’s grip and building healthier patterns for success and well-being

Other Services Inside Wellness Offers in Provo and Salt Lake City, UT

College doesn’t just bring academics—it brings pressure, comparison, and the heavy weight of perfectionism. At Inside Wellness, we know how easily high standards can tip into self-criticism, avoidance, and anxiety. That’s why our support goes beyond eating disorder treatment or body image therapy. We also provide therapy for perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout—helping students challenge all-or-nothing thinking, manage the fear of failure, and find healthier ways to cope with stress. Whether you’re stuck in procrastination, overwhelmed by social pressures, or caught in the cycle of “never enough,” we’re here to help you build balance that actually feels sustainable.

Visit our blog or FAQ to learn how therapy can support your mental health, ease the grip of perfectionism, and give you tools to navigate college life with more clarity and compassion.