The Wellful Welcomes Shira Rose!
Shira is an eating disorder therapist with a private practice, author of a body positive style blog, TheShiraRose.com, and is passionate about doing what she can to make this world a safer and more inclusive place for people in larger bodies which she shares through her instagram account, @theshirarose.
Introduce Yourself!
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for helping people feel their best in their body at any size. I specialize in the treatment of disordered eating, eating disorders, and body-image dissatisfaction using a weight-neutral approach. I’m also the author of TheShiraRose.com, an inclusive body positive style blog and you can find me on Instagram, @theshirarose. Find more about my therapy practice at ShiraRosenbluthLCSW.com.
What does health mean to you?
I love this question because when we think of health, so many of us think of eating “clean,” detoxing, restricting, and losing weight… which is the opposite of health to me! Because so much of what we think we know about “healthy food” is completely corrupted by diet culture. The irony is that many people in their disordered eating or eating disorders are terrified of eating “unhealthy” food but the only thing that’s truly unhealthy here is restriction and other eating disorder behaviors. The food you enjoy and have access to is the food that is healthy to you, period. For me, health includes emotional and mental health. It includes eating a variety of foods without anxiety or guilt. It includes meaningful connections and friendships. It includes listening to my body instead of external diet rules telling me when, how, and what to eat.
How did you get started and what inspired you to start your business?
I assumed that because of my own eating disorder history, it wouldn’t be a good idea to be in the eating disorder field. I was working in a general mental health clinic and I had a client with an eating disorder who wasn’t aware she even had one at the time- it had been missed by multiple therapists she worked with in the past. We did great work together and for the first time, I feel excited and passionate about my work as a therapist. I knew it was what I was meant to do. The clinic started to give me more eating disorder cases and eventually, with input from my supervisor and my therapist, I decided to pursue work in the eating disorder field as well. I also will never forget how it felt to attempt to receive help for my own eating disorder as a teen in a larger body only to have my disordered behaviors praised and encouraged. I am so passionate about creating a safe space for clients in larger bodies. My absolute favorite part of my job is being able to tell someone that has experienced nothing but abuse and pain around their body size, that their body was never the problem.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in this process and how did you keep yourself motivated?
I know so many clinicians can relate to this but imposter syndrome is such a hard one! For me, having great supervision is essential in doing my work and helpful to keep me feeling grounded and motivated.
What is the most important message you want your viewers to receive through your platform?
I want my readers to know that you do not have to spend a lifetime dieting and trying to shrink your body. And I want you to know that we need you to take up as much space as you need to in this world, instead of spending all your energy trying to take up as little space as possible. Because if we are so consumed by dieting and deprivation, we ae not using our brain space and energy to do all the things we were meant to do in this world. And the world needs all of you!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
During a hard point in my recovery when I told my dietitian I couldn’t keep fighting, he told me he wanted me to fight for bravery, not safety. I have it engraved on a necklace as a reminder for how I pursue everything going forward in my life- bravery, not safety.
What is your favorite way to relax?
Spending time at a pool or beach! But if it’s not accessible, a hot shower, watching TV, or reading.
What’s something you are currently obsessed with? (could be anything that comes to your mind! Object, things, place, restaurant, product)
Ok, don’t laugh at how random this is but my Jockey skimmies are SAVING my thighs from the horrors and pain of chub rub as the weather warms up. 🙂
Also, during Covid-19, I’ve been playing Words with Friends to unwind and distract.
Current TV show?
I’m in the middle of “The Get Down” on Netflix. It’s a music-driven drama that takes place in the 70’s in the South Bronx. It’s great! I’m also watching Killing Eve.
Current book?
I want to preorder ‘Fattily Ever After” by Stephanie Yeboah. I love following her on social media and excited to hear what she has to say.
Favorite podcast?
I’m loving Food Psych and The Love Food these days!
Where can the audience find you and what are you most currently up to? (share handle, current podcasts, books)
You can find me on instagram and my blog where I often rant about diet culture and share inclusive and fun fashion options! Information about my therapy practice can be found here.
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“ I am so passionate about creating a safe space for clients in larger bodies. My absolute favorite part of my job is being able to tell someone that has experienced nothing but abuse and pain around their body size, that their body was never the problem.”
