Why Culturally Sensitive Care Matters in Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders affect people of all races, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. Yet for too long, the narrative around eating disorders has centered primarily on white, thin, cisgender women. This narrow view has left many individuals feeling unseen, misdiagnosed, or even dismissed in their struggles. At Restoring Waves, we believe that culturally sensitive care is not just important - it's essential to truly support individuals on their path to healing.

What Is Culturally Sensitive Care?

Culturally sensitive care means recognizing, respecting, and integrating a person's cultural background into their treatment. This includes an understanding of how culture, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identitiy, body ideals, and lived experiences influence a person's relationship with food, body image, and health behaviors.

It also means acknowledging how systems of oppression - like racism, fatphobia, and poverty - can shape and worsen disordered eating patterns. Culturally sensitive providers strive to create safe, affirming spaces where all identities are respected and where treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Eating Disorders Don't Discriminate - But Stigma and Access Do

Research shows that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people from marginalized communities experience eating disorders at rates comparable to or higher than their white, cisgender peers. However, they are significantly less likely to be diagnosed or receive treatment.

Why? Because many symptoms are overlooked or misunderstood when they don't align with traditional stereotypes. Some providers may not be trained to recognize how eating disorders show up in different bodies, communities, or cultural contexts. This contributes to deep disparities in care.

The Role of Culture in Eating Behaviors

Culture influences how we view food, body image, health, and self-worth. For example:

• In some cultures, larger bodies are valued and thinness may not be the ideal.

• Religious fasting, food taboos, or traditional meals may complicate how disordered eating is expressed or identified.

• Generational trauma, immigration experiences, or acculturation stress can influence eating patterns.

• Systemic oppression and body-based discrimination can fuel disordered eating as a means of control or survival.

Culturally sensitive care acknowledges these realities, rather than pathologizing behaviors without context.

What Culturally Sensitive Eating Disorder Care Looks Like

• Listening first. Centering the client's voice and cultural experience in the therapeutic process.

• Challenging bias. Actively working to recognize and unlearn biases about bodies, food, and health.

• Tailoring treatment. Adapting interventions to align with a person's cultural values and lived experiences.

• Diversifying providers. Supporting diverse representation in the mental health and eating disorder treatment field.

• Ongoing education. Engaging in continuous learning about race, identity, intersectionality, and social justice.

Healing in a Space Where You're Seen

Every person deserves to be met with compassion, understanding, and care that reflects who they are. At Restoring Waves, we are committed to providing inclusive, culturally responsive therapy that honors your full identity. Whether you're navigating an eating disorder, body image issues, or disordered eating patterns, you don't have to do it alone - and you shouldn't have to change who you are to get the help you need.

If you're looking for support that sees you, respects you, and affirms your lived experience, we're here for you.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact us today to schedule an initial appointment for eating disorder treatment.