In this honest story of eating disorder recovery, I share how leaving New York City and entering treatment helped me rebuild my life and rediscover self-love. What once felt like the end became the beginning of true healing. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s music, I learned that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, brave steps toward hope and happiness. If you’re struggling, this story is a reminder that healing is possible, and you are never too far gone to start again.

Complex trauma happens when a person experiences repeated harm or unsafe situations over time. It can impact emotions, relationships, and self-worth—often without understanding. Healing isn’t linear, but with trauma-informed care and supportive communities, recovery is possible. You can rebuild safety, trust, and connection at your own pace. You don’t have to navigate healing alone.

If you think a friend may have an eating disorder, knowing how to talk about it matters. Here’s how to approach the conversation with compassion and care.

Too often, trauma is mistaken for misbehavior or ADHD, leaving children mislabeled and unsupported. With trauma-informed care rooted in compassion and play, we can help them recover, build resilience, and truly thrive.

Instead of saying 'I have to,' try saying 'I get to.' This small but powerful shift transforms burdens into opportunities, inviting gratitude and freedom into even the most overwhelming moments.

At my lowest point, I believed my life was over—but entering eating disorder treatment became the first step toward building a future I couldn’t have imagined. This is my story of recovery, resilience, and finding purpose after years of struggle.

Your 20s in New York City can be exciting, challenging, and overwhelming all at once—and the right therapist can make all the difference. At LEL Therapy, we understand the unique pressures of city life and offer a space where you can explore your goals, struggles, and dreams without judgment.

Being a therapist doesn’t mean having it all figured out. In this post, Lauren Larkin shares 10 honest truths from her 30s—about healing, identity, and being human.

Caroline Kirby, LMFT, eating disorder therapist in NY, interviews dietitian Megan McCann on working with athletes. Dietitians and Therapists on our team at LEL often work closely together to make sure their clients are fueling accordingly to their nutritional needs. With athletes, Megan highlights that they often don’t even realize they could be under fueling and affecting their performance. Read more here!

Lauren Larkin, therapist in NYC, explores and challenges perfectionistic thinking with clients in therapy and encourages clients to "live in the gray." Want to learn how? Read on.

Lauren Larkin LMHC, founder of LEL Therapy, share a recent experience where she reflected on her self compassion practice and how far it has come. Learn about the practical implications of self compassion in this blog.

New to Therapy in NYC? Not sure what to expect? Read this blog from Lauren Larkin, LEL Therapy’s founding therapist’s tips for beginners to therapy.

Sam Mauser LMSW, one of LEL’s Eating Disorder experts, breaks down the link between eating disorders and chronic illness in this guest blog.

Lauren Larkin LMHC, founder and therapist in NYC, shares her reflections and advice from her early 20s. The bottom line: it’s okay to be messy.

Founder and Therapist, Lauren Larkin LMHC shares 4 tips to help a friend who is struggling with an eating disorder.

Alea DiGirolamo, Therapist and owner of ATD Couples Therapy writes a guest blog post about how to speak to friends about how to fight better in your relationships.

Caroline Kirby LMFT , one of LEL’s Eating Disorder experts, tackles the 4 biggest Myths about Eating Disorders and gets to the truth about treatment:

Is it difficult for you to go out to dinner at this stage of your eating disorder recovery journey? Lauren Larkin, LMHC, our founder and therapist in New York shares her personal tips for getting over this hurdle.

Looking to Stay in ongoing eating disorder recovery in 2024? Here are 3 tips for increased self-compassion around food & body perfectionism.

It’s been a while since I (Lauren Larkin, Therapist and Founder of LEL Therapy) did a personal reflection blog, here are some of the things I am proud of from my 2023 adventure and some things I am looking to CONTINUE in the New Year.