Healthy at every size(HAES), body image and embracing healthy habits
Healthy at Every Size (HAES) is a philosophy that reminds us that health and well-being are possible at any size. Instead of focusing on weight loss, HAES encourages people of all ages to build healthier relationships with their bodies through positive behaviors, self-care, and self-acceptance.
Core Principles of HAES
Weight Inclusivity: Every body is unique and valuable. HAES celebrates body diversity and rejects the idea that health or worth are determined by size.
Health Enhancement: Wellness comes from caring for the whole self—physically, emotionally, and mentally—using evidence-based practices rather than diets or weight goals.
Respectful Care: Everyone deserves compassionate, non-judgmental support that avoids stigma and honors each person’s story.
Eating for Well-Being: HAES encourages flexible, intuitive eating—learning to notice hunger and fullness cues and enjoying food without guilt.
Life-Enhancing Movement: Physical activity should feel good and be enjoyable, not just about burning calories or losing weight.
At LiveWell Psychology, embracing healthful habits means we intentionally do not focus on body weight. Instead, we support clients in building health-promoting behaviors such as getting restorative sleep, practicing joyful movement, and strengthening emotion regulation skills. Weight loss is not a behavior—it’s not our goal, and it doesn’t define health.
We also take a close look at the negative impact of diet culture on your relationship with food and body image. Your time with Dr. Tomasula is like a session in the mental gym: challenging unhelpful thought patterns, developing healthier self-talk, and learning how to cope with uncomfortable feelings without turning against yourself.
Dr. Jessica Tomasula supports youth and adults by using a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach that nurtures both mental and physical well-being. Many people struggle with body image or internalized weight stigma. Therapy with Dr. Tomasula provides a safe space to build confidence, challenge harmful cultural messages, and find peace in one’s body. Instead of focusing on diets or unrealistic goals, she encourages sustainable, realistic habits that foster health, energy, and joy. Together with her clients, she explores nourishing routines—such as food, movement, rest, and emotional care—that feel supportive and lasting. Recognizing that every journey is unique, Dr. Tomasula offers personalized strategies and compassionate counseling to empower individuals in cultivating a positive relationship with food, body image, and health, ultimately promoting long-term physical and emotional well-being.
The HAES approach shifts the focus away from the scale and toward overall well-being. At LiveWell Psychology, we are committed to supporting adults, teens, and children in creating healthier, more compassionate relationships with food, movement, and themselves.
When you embrace HAES, you open the door to greater confidence, freedom, and joy in everyday life. Contact us today to get started!
Additional Resources
Alongside therapy, trusted resources can be a valuable part of the journey toward emotional well-being. We recommend exploring:
Health at Every Size® (HAES®) — from the Association for Size Diversity and Health, introducing the principles of HAES and its weight-inclusive framework.
Building a Better Body Image as an Adult — Cleveland Clinic guidance for cultivating body respect and self-acceptance.
Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality — Cleveland Clinic article that breaks down two approaches to body image and helps you find a sustainable balance.
Tug-of-War Flashcard — a visual tool explaining the body’s natural response to weight loss, useful for understanding why diets often feel like an uphill battle.