Mental Health Counseling (Psychotherapy) For Eating Disorders
I understand what it’s like to look for a therapist, I’ve been there. My goal as a counselor is to create a safe space where you feel understood and where you can be yourself. It’s brave to reach out for support, and you deserve a therapist who is a good fit for you! You can revisit my bio, and read below for more details on how counseling with me works.
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What exactly is mental health counseling For Eating Disorders?
Mental health counseling (or psychotherapy, or therapy, or counseling) put simply is a place for you to feel free and safe to explore who you are, and to address issues in your life, or ways you want to grow.
Some people use therapy ongoing and regularly - and that could be because they find they generally feel better when they have a place to stop and air out how they feel and what’s going on in their life, or that could be because they drew un unfair card in life and have a lot to unpack throughout it.
Some people use therapy temporarily- like a bandage or a cast. Something happens in life and then things feel harder than usual— maybe they feel more anxious, irritable, more depressed and hopeless, or maybe they feel bad about their body and food.
Some people don’t know how they are going to use therapy, but they just come in wondering if they might be able to find some support there. Some people pop in for a problem, and then pop out, and then pop in again when something comes up later in life.
All of these reasons are normal. It’s normal to struggle, and it’s normal to need support for your emotions, thoughts and relationships.
My history as a licensed therapist, certified nutritionist & eating Disorder specialist:
After my graduate school internship working as a counselor in Ballard High School’s teen health center, I began working 1-1 with clients in an outpatient clinic in Seattle. During this time I also completed ~2 years of clinical supervision under mentors and seasoned therapists with a focus on working with trauma and eating disorders. Then I started this practice in 2019 and I haven’t looked back!
My work with clients:
I have spent countless hours supporting teens, parents, and adults struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma (just to name a few). I do not shy away from difficult conversations and experiences, and I love getting to know each client’s story.
I feel my work is often creative and intensely personalized; I draw on a number of modalities in my therapy practice based on my clients specific needs. In terms of my counseling style, I am described as warm, collaborative, and empathetic. I listen intently, but will also be an active participant in conversations. I genuinely enjoy being in the room getting to know each unique story, and I see my work with clients as a team effort. The modalities I draw on most commonly are:
Attachment theory & family systems
Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT)
Inclusive mental health counseling for eating disorders:
I have a value for anti-oppressive work and being a safe place for ALL bodies (I’m always learning how to do this better). I want the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities to know they are valued and welcome in my office. What I can promise these communities is that I will continue to show up, to advocate for them, and to learn how to do better.
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I work with:
Adolescents 12+, young adults, & adults
Eating disorders (binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, orthorexia, atypical anorexia)
Disordered eating including difficulty in relationship with food/body, exercise & movement.
Anxiety & OCD
Depression & Isolation
Relationship concerns & family conflict
Trauma/PTSD (this can include grief, loss, experiences with oppression and discrimination, and other difficult life events you may or may not classify as “trauma” yourself)
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash
How do we meet? What does it cost?
I provide online mental health counseling (telehealth therapy) here in Seattle WA. Sessions are typically 1 hour, and frequency is determined based on what we both think may be most supportive and feasible for you. I do not provide insurance coverage for mental health counseling, and pricing can be found here. Please note that some insurance plans do provide partial reimbursements. More on that in #9 on my FAQ page.
Looking for mental health & eating disorder guidance and education now?
I get that it’s hard to find enough mental health & eating disorder support for a number of reasons, and I offer on-demand online mental health courses for individuals looking for education now, or for more affordable mental health options.
Here’s a list of my current mental health online courses (there’s always more coming!)