finding the balance between food & exercise
At be Collaborative Care, we are proud to offer our Meal and Movement Programming, led by Director of Clinical Operations, Amanda Tierney, MS, CSCS, CEDS-C. This unique, movement-focused program provides consistent weekly support for clients stepping down from intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or those who would benefit from additional structure alongside outpatient treatment for eating disorder therapy.
Our goal is to holistically create opportunities for awareness and growth while challenging the disordered mindset that often surrounds food and exercise. By addressing both eating and movement patterns, we help clients develop a more balanced and sustainable relationship with their bodies.
about the meal & movement program
Be Collaborative Care’s movement program is the first weight-neutral, eating disorder-informed, and sensitive fitness and movement space in Rhode Island. Designed with intention and care, this program provides a safe environment for individuals to explore healthier ways of moving their bodies throughout recovery.
The focus is not on dieting or weight loss. Instead, we promote body positivity, overall health, and connection in a supportive community. Under professional guidance, clients are invited to show up as they are and engage in movement that is inclusive, mindful, and sustainable.
Unbalanced exercise behaviors and relative energy deficiency are often key symptoms of eating disorders. Left unaddressed, these behaviors can increase the risk of relapse. Our Meal and Movement program is designed to reduce that risk while addressing unique needs such as energy deficiencies, sport-related trauma, or redefining one’s relationship with exercise.
Our mission is to reduce the shame, stigma, and embarrassment that individuals often experience in traditional fitness settings. Instead, we help clients build confidence and discover the long-term benefits of exercise, such as improved strength, endurance, flexibility, and social connection. This is accomplished within a safe, collaborative fitness environment that brings together clients, our clinical team, and outside providers to support the recovery process.
program details
By integrating physical activity into treatment, our clients gain skills that support balance, confidence, and sustainable well-being. Our program incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including:
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Nourishing the body and mind
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Healing and redefining the relationship with exercise
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Intuitive, joyful, and whole-health-based movement
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Mindful practices such as walking, dance, strength training, and flexibility work
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Exploring the psychology of exercise, values-based work, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Processing body image, negative self-talk, and performance-related anxiety
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Skills development in goal setting, relaxation, visualization, and focus strategies
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Exposure work through small group fitness training and meal/movement outings
program schedule
The Meal and Movement program is offered as an 8-session model that blends nutrition, therapeutic support, and guided exercise. Each session is carefully structured to help clients build confidence, practice new skills, and bring balance to food and movement.
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30 minutes of skill-based learning and in-vivo movement support
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30 minutes of therapeutic process group with a dual-trained Mental Health Clinician and Certified Personal Trainer
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45 minutes of supported meal with a Registered Sports Dietitian
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15 minutes of weekly meal and exercise planning
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This structure provides a consistent, whole-body approach to healing and creates space for growth both inside and outside the program.
meet your program leader
Amanda Tierney, MS, CSCS, CEDS-S, brings unmatched expertise to this program. She previously directed The Victory Program at McCallum Place, the first specialized program in the country for athletes with eating disorders. For 17 years, Amanda has worked on multidisciplinary treatment teams in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings. She is also the first and only strength and conditioning coach certified as an eating disorder specialist and supervisor by the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP).
The program is delivered in partnership with be Collaborative Care’s nutrition team, including a Certified Sports Dietitian (CSSD), Licensed Mental Health Clinician and Certified Personal Trainer, and an eating disorder-informed and sensitive fitness professional with CEDS-S certification.
