Healing Your Body Relationship Through Nutrition Therapy: Insights from Maggie Garrity, RD in Illinois and Chicago Land

When we think about improving our relationships, we often focus on our interactions and connections with the people around us. The ideas of self-improvement and self-care might also come to mind. But what about our relationship with our own bodies?

As a counselor and dance therapist in Chicago specializing in relationship counseling, I see firsthand how my clients' thoughts, feelings, and experiences with their physical bodies are deeply intertwined with their core beliefs about who they are and how they exist in the world. Understanding and nurturing this relationship is a vital part of our work in therapy and in creating meaningful change.

In this blog, I am delighted to introduce my colleague, Maggie Garrity (she/her), a dedicated registered dietitian (RD) in Illinois who for nearly a decade has specialized in working with adolescents and adults with disordered eating and medical nutrition therapy. Maggie has worked as an RD with a variety of populations, and in a range of settings, including hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient levels of care.

Maggie will share her valuable insights on how addressing the relationship between food and our bodily experiences can foster a more mindful connection to our bodies and promote healing. Let’s dive in!

Interview with Maggie Garrity, Registered Dietitian in Illinois and Chicago Land

How did you choose your line of work?

I have always loved food—the beauty, pleasure, nutrient density, and community it creates. Upon studying abroad in Italy during college, my interest grew deeper in the various cultural approaches to food. I wanted to study how our relationship with food impacts our physical and mental health and began pursuing nutrition after that study abroad experience.

Why did you decide to practice in Illinois and the Chicago Land area? 

As an RD, I am able to see clients in a few states, including Illinois. I value working with clients virtually as we are able to cook in sessions, review clients' food pantries, and provide supported meals together.

What kind of nutrition therapy services do you provide and to what ages?

I work individually with clients aged 5+ and often work with parents to offer support for their families. I have done group meal support, virtual cooking classes, and grocery store tours.  I take a non-diet approach to medical nutrition therapy and blend components of CBT and DBT into my motivation for change in our work together. We review the principles of intuitive eating and take a stance of balance, variety, and moderation.

What is your favorite kind of specialized training and how does it affect your work with clients?

I have completed my yoga teacher training certification and use breathwork to allow clients to become more present in the process of eating and hone in on satisfaction, hunger, and fullness cues.

How does your service help people with relationship issues or trauma?

Through providing psychoeducation on the function of food in your body and the role of food in affecting mood, clients can increase their willingness to honor their body's cues, challenge diet culture, and allow for creativity in cooking. We often work on myth-busting nutrition misinformation and, in turn, work on honoring the client's intuitive eating process. Consistent adequate nutrition is necessary for clients to tolerate the healing process from prior traumatic events.

What do you love about working with your clients?

I have the privilege of witnessing clients grow and change over time. Seeing someone progress from a place of distress to a place of strength and resilience is why I commit to this work daily.

In your experience, what are some important considerations when working with your individual clients and families?

I am always considering food availability, cooking comfort, interest in nutrition education, level of accountability, and wellness goals when creating a treatment plan for clients.

What would you say to someone who is hesitant about seeking nutrition therapy?

I provide a free 20-minute consultation to review my services, your goals, and to see if we are a good fit. We will continue to check in on progress and goals throughout our work together to ensure you are as supported as possible along this journey.

What do you wish people knew about services with you?

If you have tried various other options, you are in the right place. I will hold hope for your growth while holding you accountable to sustainable daily shifts.

How can people contact you to learn more about your nutrition therapy services?

Our website is: www.intuitivewellnesstherapygroup.com

Feel free to email me at Maggie@intuitivewellnesstherapygroup.com or call me at 708-304-3934.

More about Maggie

Rooted in the belief that therapy and nutrition are intertwined, Maggie co-founded her private practice, Intuitive Wellness Group, with therapist Brittany Statler, LCSW. Together, they work to support the client as a whole. The team now has two other RDs who specialize in various areas of nutrition education and support.

Maggie is particularly interested in ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), supporting moms, new moms, pregnancy, and creatively cooking with clients. She is dedicated to incorporating the "all foods fit" philosophy into catered meal plans and specific goal setting. Maggie is driven to create a therapeutic alliance where clients can feel safe to talk about their unique food and body experiences.

Final Thoughts from a dance therapist in Chicago

Our relationship with our bodies is fundamental to our overall well-being. By understanding and nurturing this relationship, we can create meaningful change and promote healing. Nutrition plays a crucial role in this process, and with the right guidance and support, we can learn to connect with our bodies in a mindful and loving way.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dance Movement Therapist in Chicago

If you’re looking to improve your relationship with your body and connect to yourself and others more deeply, contact me!  Schedule a free consultation for dance movement therapy in Chicago to start your journey towards holistic wellness today!

Lisaura is a Counselor and Dance Therapist in Chicago specializing in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help people heal, improve their relationships, and feel more whole. Lisaura offers individual relationship counseling, couples counseling, premarital counseling, and dance therapy to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply.

Faith-based therapy and Spanish-speaking services are available.