Implications of Eating Disorders on Sexuality

We will explore the relationship between sexuality and eating disorders. We will review mental health statistics and discuss sexuality implications within LGBTQ+ communities and for those who have experienced sexual trauma. We will also touch on how eating disorders impact sexuality for all those experiencing them.

Kila Peak-Rishel is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Supervisor. Kaila has over eight years of eating disorder experience with children and adolescents and gender and sexuality therapy across the lifespan. Kaila is passionate about social justice, advocacy, and helping patients find accessible treatment. She is co-chair of Eating Recovery Center & Pathlight’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council in the west region. Kaila presents and consults about inclusive care for marginalized populations, including the University of Colorado Psychiatry Hospital Grand Rounds. Kaila obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Women’s Studies, and LGBT Studies. She received her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. She earned her Marriage and Family Therapist Certification from Denver Family Insititute, where she specialized in couples and families within the LGBTQ+ and polyamorous population. At this same time, Kaila was training at Children’s Hospital in Colorado in the Eating Disorder Unit, specializing in the Modsley Method. She maintains a small private practice focusing on gender and sexuality and is the clinical director for Eating Recovery Center’s virtual intensive outpatient programming. When Kaila is not working, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and nesting in her home with her wife. She is a big animal lover and has three pups that take a lot of her time. Kaila also enjoys paddle boarding, reading, and all things hair and makeup.