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By: Jennifer Rollin, LCSW-C, Therapist & Founder of The Eating Disorder Center  When we attempt to grasp for control in situations where we truly have none or resist emotions we cannot change, we often end up experiencing unnecessary suffering. There are many instances in life where we simply cannot alter reality, no matter how much we may wish to. As a therapist specializing in eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, and mood disorders I use a range of therapeutic approaches to help adolescents and adults regain control over their lives and reconnect with a sense of purpose. While treatment is always tailored to each individual, I frequently incorporate aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my work. One of the most valuable skills from DBT, known as "radical acceptance," can play a significant role in improving someone’s quality of life and reducing emotional suffering. Understanding Radical Acceptance A well-known idea connected to radical acceptance is: Pain + Resistance = Suffering. When we resist or fight against circumstances beyond our control, we intensify our distress. It’s natural to want to avoid painful emotions or uncomfortable realities. Many people turn to coping mechanisms like restricting food, bingeing, drinking, or overworking to escape their feelings. While these behaviors may offer temporary relief, they don’t resolve the underlying issues and often lead to greater suffering in the long run. What Radical Acceptance Means
What Radical Acceptance Is Not There are common misconceptions about radical acceptance, so it's important to clarify what it does not mean:
A Practical Example of Radical Acceptance Imagine you’re driving to an important event, and you find yourself stuck in standstill traffic. You might feel overwhelmed with frustration, thinking, “Why is this happening right now?” or blaming yourself for not leaving earlier. These reactions only add to your distress. Alternatively, you can practice radical acceptance—acknowledge that the situation is beyond your control and accept your frustration as a natural response. By doing so, you can shift your energy toward something more useful, like listening to a podcast or using the time to check in with a loved one. Seeking Support If radical acceptance feels challenging or you’re struggling with mental health concerns, reaching out to a professional can be incredibly beneficial. Seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness. By practicing radical acceptance, you can build resilience, navigate discomfort, and move toward a more meaningful life. Journal Prompts:
Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom. 🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, NY, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy 🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping children, teens, and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland and Virginia. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com
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 Download the FREE PDF HERE! Recovery from an eating disorder is a journey — one that often comes with ups and downs. Whether you're in the early stages or have been on the path for a while, encountering a slip or even a relapse can be discouraging. But it doesn’t have to mean starting over. A slip or relapse can be seen as a signal, your body and mind trying to tell you something needs support, soothing, or a reset. What matters most is how you respond next. A slip might look like skipping a meal, body-checking in the mirror, engaging in a behavior you thought you were “done” with. It can feel scary, but here’s the truth:
Instead, it’s a call to pause and reflect:
The ability to notice and respond differently, even after a slip, is a huge milestone in recovery. Relapses can feel more intense than a slip. They typically last longer than slips and you may experience more symptoms of the eating disorder. Relapse is often a sign that:
These aren’t always the reason a relapse occurs, but it is a combination of factors that can add up over time. Relapse may feel like a setback, but it also gives you the opportunity to reassess your needs and recommit to healing, often with more clarity and compassion than before. We have created a free handout to help if you are experiencing a slip or relapse in your eating disorder recovery. Many of us have recovered from eating disorders ourselves and have been there. We understand how difficult this can be, but know you are not alone. This handout offers a grounded, compassionate roadmap to help you navigate those moments with clarity and care. Whether you're recovering yourself or supporting someone who is, it’s a valuable reminder that healing is not linear, and every step, even the hard ones, counts. Download the FREE PDF HERE! Looking for more specialized help? Here at The Eating Disorder Center, we provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland for teens and adults struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, OSFED, ARFID, orthorexia, and compulsive exercise. We also have therapists who specialize in eating disorders co-occurring with trauma, OCD, and mood disorders. Looking for specialized help from a clinician? Reach out to our administrative team at The Eating Disorder Center to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with a therapist on our team. Our therapists are passionate about treating the entire spectrum of eating disorders, including those who engage in compulsive exercising. Give us a call at 301-246-6856 or fill out our contact form. Schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation to explore how eating disorder therapy or recovery coaching can help you to find freedom. 🌟 Available in MD, VA, DC, PA, NY, FL, and CA for eating disorder therapy 🌍 Offering recovery coaching worldwide The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington, D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com
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The Eating Disorder CenterWe are a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center in Rockville, Maryland.
We also provide eating disorder recovery coaching to people worldwide via Zoom. Click here to book your free 15 minute phone consultation! Phone: 301-246-6856 Email: [email protected] Archives
February 2026
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