Partners in Wellness

10/09/2025

Did you know that a blank face creates neurological feelings of threat and danger in other people?  It is contagious. How you socially signal matters. Learn more about social signaling and Radically Open DBT at partnersinwellnessstl.com

10/07/2025

When working on recovery from an eating disorder, there are many steps to regain the ability to truly enjoy food again. Regardless of which step you started on or which step you are currently on, keep going. If you take a few steps back every now and again, that’s okay. It’s never too late to move forward again. And we have to ask… what is your favorite cake flavor or bakery?

10/03/2025

We all get bloated sometimes… and it can be SOOO uncomfortable! For those struggling with body image or an eating disorder, it can be even harder. But we are here to say, BLOATING IS NOT A MORAL ISSUE! While bloating can be impacted by what and how we eat (i.e. food sensitivities, eating rapidly), bloating is most definitely NOT a sign that…
You are getting fat.
You failed.
You were weak.
You are unattractive.
Or even that you have to do something to fix it.
Why? Because that gas will pass! If you are struggling with painful or frequent bloating, it may be wise to consult your doctor or a dietitian for possible assessment and support. But please, PLEASE don’t let those critical thoughts turn bloating into a moral issue. It just isn’t.

09/30/2025

To learn more about other neurological hacks and ways to be more open, flexible and have stronger social connections check out our radically open DBT page at partnersinwellnessstl.com.

09/23/2025

We swear… it’s not what you think! You probably know we are big fan girls of , who researches courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. Most of us desire to be kind humans and to treat other people well, even though we all struggle with it at times. But what makes us truly kind and compassionate? Sometimes the truth is counter-intuitive… SWIPE to learn what found in her research!

09/19/2025

We are so excited to share our latest talk, “A Vulnerable Generation: Isolation, Perfectionism & Disordered Eating,” with parents and school counselors in St. Louis! A big shout-out to for inviting us to speak. Parents, this event is open to anyone, not just families. This is extra special for Dr. Bumberry, who will be celebrating her 25th SJA high school reunion this year- time really flies!

09/18/2025

Anytime is a good time for ice cream 😋 And St. Louis friends, in case you didn’t know… now has ice cream sandwiches on their menu! So. yum.

09/18/2025

We know you all couldn’t make it to the panel on Monday discussing GLP-1 medications, obesity and eating disorders in kids and teens. It was a great discussion and we don’t want you to miss out, so we will be sharing some takeaways on our socials. We LOVED this metaphor from Erica Branz, owner of , about natural body size and, believe it or not, shoes! Stay tuned… more coming! For the full script, see below:

“We all have certain traits that are genetically determined, our eye color, hair color, shoe size, and yes, even the weight range our body feels most comfortable in. Imagine your natural shoe size is a 9, but you decide you’d really prefer to be an 8. So, you buy the size 8 shoes. They technically fit, but they pinch and rub. You make it work for a while.

Summer comes, and you can wear sandals, suddenly the size 8 feels a little more tolerable, though still not as comfortable as your natural size 9.

But then winter comes. You’re back in those closed-toe shoes, and the pain is worse than you remember. Now it’s not just your feet, you start getting back pain, headaches, and it’s constantly on your mind.

Eventually, you face a crossroads: keep forcing yourself into something that doesn’t fit and live with the consequences, or accept your genetic reality, you’re a size 9.

That’s exactly what it’s like with our body weight. We can try to force ourselves into a smaller size than our body’s natural set point, and maybe it “works” temporarily. But the longer we fight it, the more uncomfortable and unhealthy it becomes. True comfort and well-being come from respecting and accepting the size our body was designed for.”

09/17/2025

What a wonderful night! Cherie and Laura are beyond grateful for our panelists and amazing St. Louis community who came together to start a much needed discussion about the use of GLP-1 medications, obesity and eating disorders in kids and adolescents. As Cherie said in her opening statement, we truly believe we are better together. Sometimes 1 + 1 = 7, and this event was truly an example of the exponential growth that occurs when we come together. And when we ask good questions, sometimes it leads to more questions! Keep an eye on our socials for information on a Part 2 to this discussion!
Our esteemed panel members:

09/09/2025

FREE and open to both professionals and the public! Please join us for a discussion about the use of GLP-1s and eating disorders in children and adolescents. It’s a hot topic right now and a divided area of healthcare. Our goal is bridge the gap by having informed conversations. The more we collaborate and learn together, the better care we provide for our patients ❤️

09/04/2025

We are so thankful for guilt (when it’s the helpful kind)! Because don’t we all need a wake up call from time to time? Guilt can be just that- a reminder of our true values and goals. Guilt says “Remember to listen to and trust yourself… do it differently next time!” Just watch out for shame and perfectionism that like to masquerade as guilt. Only follow the guilt that brings you back to your values.

09/02/2025