“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Eating Disorder Therapy
Finding the right therapist to help you in your recovery from an eating disorder can be challenging. You want someone who “gets it” and who won’t look at you with judgment when sharing your innermost feelings. You want to know that when you walk into the therapeutic space, it is safe to divulge the struggles the eating disorder brings with it…the noise inside your head or the confusion over what to others might seem like small decisions, among other things.
Our primary aim is to provide that understanding and that safe space where you can be yourself as you work through the ups and downs of eating disorder treatment. Perhaps you’ve heard already that recovery is not linear…it is messy and it is difficult, taking you in directions you didn’t plan. Though these things are true, recovery is possible! Recovered is possible!
The Process
As with all things new, it will take time to get to know you and your specific needs. During the initial appointment we will discuss your history with the eating disorder, your current symptoms and behaviors, your past treatment experiences, and your goals for therapy. We will review additional information relevant to you, such as medical and medication history, family and developmental history, and social interactions. Recommendations for additional treatment providers may be made in this initial session and may include a registered dietitian, a psychiatrist, a medical doctor or all three depending on your needs.
During proceeding sessions, we will review your goals, discuss progress or barriers to progress, and process any additional topics of importance to you. Together, we will navigate the road to healing. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavior, and/or Acceptance and Commitment Therapies, we will assist you in recognizing and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, learning new ways of coping, and identifying your personal values. Sessions are typically scheduled on a weekly basis.
Our Eating Disorder Therapists:
Meredith Thomas, M.Ed, LPCC-S, CEDS-S
Please Note: Meredith is not currently accepting new clients.
Meredith has over a decade of experience treating eating disorders in the outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization levels of care. She is certified through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals as an Eating Disorder Specialist and supervisor.
Passion drives Meredith’s work with clients and she believes it is an honor to witness individuals recover from their eating disorders.
Stephanie Renny, M.A., LPC
Stephanie has provided individual and group counseling to clients with eating disorders at the outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization levels of care. She is currently working toward her certification as an Eating Disorder Specialist through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals under the supervision of Meredith Thomas.
Melanie Schaffer, MSEd, RD, LD
Melanie has worked with adolescents, college students, adults, and even active-duty members. She has experience with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, BED, and other nutritional medical conditions. She provides medical nutrition therapy from a non-diet, Health at Every Size, and weight and gender-neutral stance.
