Meet Heather Lowrey, LMHC
At Sunrise Nutrition, we recognize that a large barrier to communities of color seeking food and body care is the lack of representation in the field. In an effort to make health care more accessible and to put black, indigenous and POC voices in the forefront, we will be featuring healers of color who believe strongly in the power of Health of Every Size.
Our first feature is Heather Lowrey, MS, LMHC who practices out of Seattle. Read below to meet Heather and learn about why HAES is important in her therapeutic work:
Heather Lowrey, MS, LMHC
Please introduce yourself and share with us the therapeutic work you enjoy doing.
Hi my name is Heather Lowrey and I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Seattle. I've been a therapist for nine years and my private practice focuses on addressing intimacy and intimacy avoidance behaviors. My primary focus is problematic sexual behaviors, eating disorders and financial disorders. Maybe not so surprisingly, body and weight stigma come up with each of those areas.
What drew you to Health at Every Size and body inclusivity/diversity?
As someone who has worked in various eating disorder treatment settings, I know for a fact that weight is not an overall indicator of health. It really is that simple! More specifically, the effects body/weight stigma have on the mental and emotional health is tremendous. Trauma (big t and little t) and shame are common themes in intimacy avoidant behaviors. Pervasive body/weight stigma can allow one to develop a shame based identity; apologizing for who you are means constantly having to prove our worth or value to others. Examples include having poor financial boundaries with the self and/or others in order to seem accomplished or to feel needed, being sexual in situations that we're not comfortable in order to feel desired or avoid rejection or tolerating physical and emotional abuse in relationships out of fear of abandonment and believing "no one else would want me". While those are somewhat extreme, I see them present time and time again with clients. The potential impact of body inclusivity and embracing a Health at Every Size mindset is huge! If we are in a place of self-love, we can make more informed choices about who and what we allow to be in our lives.
What are some tips for people who are new to HAES messaging?
I'd ask that they think about where and how their beliefs about weight and health originated and how societal and cultural biases may be influencing those beliefs. I'd ask that they consider the role of body shaming and being "othered" on the mental, emotional, relational and health of individuals and families. You cannot tell one's life story based on their physical appearance.
When not being an amazing healer, what do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, I am a true crime junkie! Podcasts, books, documentaries...sign me up! Also, my 2020 self-care goal is to travel more, so I've been daydreaming about my next beach vacation!