Eating Disorder Therapy for LGBTQ+ Folks in Philadelphia, PA
You don’t want to keep living like this, but letting go feels terrifying.
Real talk
I’m sure therapy is the last place you want to be right now. You’re tired of counting calories and the last thing you want to do is dedicate more time and energy to food.
You’ve been doing this on your own for awhile and it’s been sort of working, until your therapist tells you might have an eating disorder. You keep sneaking off after dinner to go throw up, until the toilet clogs and your partner finds out. These moments shake you to your core, but you’ve tried therapy only to feel stuck in the same unhelpful place.
It’s hard to imagine a life where food and the number on the scale don’t dictate how your entire day goes. You see your friends laughing over burgers and fries and think, “god I want that”. But that life feels so foreign to you because you’ve never felt at ease around food. So you wonder, what’s the point of even trying?
Let’s face it
Diet culture sucks and it isn’t going anywhere.
Maybe you want a better relationship with food, but you can’t stop dieting because you don’t want your body to change. It feels like no matter what you do, your body is never enough and you’re exhausted from trying to shrink yourself just to fit in.
this work is for you if…
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You skip meals and count calories, only to end up feeling so hungry you eat until you’re sick. You’re too embarrassed to eat in front of others because you’re afraid they’ll judge you for not ordering the salad. So you sneak into the kitchen at night while everyone is asleep so you can finally have the food you actually want.
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Managing your food intake feels like the only way to achieve your gender goals, and body acceptance feels like it’s made for straight, cis people. But you’re also tired, and constantly tracking your food is taking a toll on your mental health.
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You’re noticing some thigh chaffing and it’s freaking you out. Clothes don’t fit the way they used to, and between weight gain and thinning hair, you don’t recognize yourself anymore. You find yourself constantly thinking about food, working out, and your health.
Perhaps you’re a millennial who is entering mid-life or you’ve been navigating these changes for a while. Maybe you’re in post-partum and it feels like you’ve lost so many parts of yourself. You’re frustrated because you don’t want to feel this bad about your body, because you don’t have that kind of time. Most of all, you just want to feel at peace with yourself.
Look, I get it. I’m not going to pretend this is easy.
As someone who’s been there, I can tell you that finding peace with food is possible. I’m here for whatever you bring to our sessions, and I’d love to support you.
what to expect from eating disorder therapy
Instead of fighting with your eating disorder, we’ll get curious about the ways it’s protected you.
Everyone’s story is different. That’s why I take time to really get to know you and your history with food.
Together, we’ll figure out what’s been driving your eating struggles and what a life beyond them could actually look like for you. Defining what you want out of this journey helps you stay committed when things feel hard. Real lasting change happens when it’s driven by your own motivations for recovery, not mine.
I use mind-body approaches including Art Therapy and Internal Family Systems to get to the root of your eating disorder. Art therapy can help you connect to your inner world in a way that words might not be able to. IFS helps you understand your conflicting feelings around your eating disorder, and make decisions grounded in your true self. When you start to understand where your food issues come from, you can heal the pain underneath them.
I practice from a weight-inclusive and social justice framework. That means we’ll look at how messages from your family, culture, and society have shaped how you see yourselfand how you feel in your body.By unlearning these beliefs, you can begin to treat yourself with real compassion and actually connect to whatreally matters to you.
Recovery doesn’t have to be so lonely. We’ll work on building and strengthening a support system of people you trust, so you don’t feel like you’re doing this all on your own. The more you share your story, the lighter it feels.
I’m not here to fix you, because you’re not broken. You won’t have to follow a strict treatment plan and you don’t have to do recovery “perfectly”. We’ll build a plan together—one that has structure and is flexible.
It’s okay to want a healthy relationship with food and still want to lose weight.
My goal is for you to feel safe enough to lay everything out on the table so we can sort through it together.
Types of Eating Disorders I Treat
Anorexia Treatment for LGBTQ Folks
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Anorexia treatment goes beyond just talking about food, and actually digs deep to understand what triggers your eating disorder. We’ll explore how your eating disorder might overlap with any identity struggles. Whether that’s gender dysphoria or trying to cope with the stress of living as a queer person in our homophobic society. The goal is to build a relationship with food that is flexible and sustainable.
My approach to anorexia treatment is collaborative, where we build a team that will support your recovery. This often includes a Registered Dietician who specializes in eating disorders, your PCP, and any loved ones whom you feel comfortable with. Many folks I’ve worked with have included friends and members of their community as part of their team. While I’ll make recommendations, this process is completely led by you. I truly believe that having a team you trust is vital to your recovery.
Bulimia Therapy
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My approach to bulimia therapy is to create a space where you can be honest about your ED behaviors, so we can understand what’s driving them and find ways to break the cycle. Bulimia is an impulsive experience where binging and purging become a way to deal with uncomfortable feelings.
We use art therapy, IFS, and mindfulness approaches to help slow down the cycle so you can pause before you react. If you’re struggling with bulimia, you may also have anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma. We’ll work on those simultaneously, while stabilizing your ED as the first priority.
Binge-Eating Disorder Treatment
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Binge-eating disorder treatment in my practice is weight inclusive, which means I won’t recommend weight loss nor dieting as a therapy approach. Research has shown that intentional weight loss only serves as a quick fix, and doesn’t help binge eating long term. In fact, it often can make binge-eating patterns worse.
Together, we’ll work to understand what causes your binge-eating by exploring your daily eating patterns. For some people, binging is triggered by skipping meals and eating smaller portions throughout the day, known as the binge-restrict cycle. Your body goes into starvation, which can make it harder to notice when you’re feeling full. Binging may also be triggered by emotional eating and an attempt to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
I use intuitive eating, IFS, and art therapy to help you disrupt the binge cycle and connect with your bodily needs. We’ll address the eating behaviors and the emotional triggers simultaneously.
ARFID Therapy
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Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a restrictive eating disorder that can be caused by sensitivities to food textures, a lack of interest in food, or fear of choking or vomiting, often stemming from a past food trauma. The goal of AFRID therapy is to help you understand your unique triggers and build more flexibility and consistency around food.
I work with adults and teens navigating ARFID by combining behavioral approaches with relational work. I use a combination of exposure therapy, CBT, and treatment team coordination to help people address anxiety around food.
I recommend that you also work with a Registered Dietician who specializes in AFRID so you can get a more hands-on approach to food. My approach is collaborative so I work closely with your dietician and doctor to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Orthorexia and Disordered Eating
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Orthorexia is an obsessive focus with “clean eating” and eating healthy. It can look like only eating foods that are organic and depriving yourself of anything that isn’t considered a whole food. You might find yourself still eating meals, but the variety of food is limited. You might avoid desserts and obsessively read food labels.
Perhaps you struggle with emotional eating, but you don’t have many binge eating episodes.
Disordered eating doesn’t need to fit neatly into a clinical box. Food issues don’t need a diagnosis and can still be disruptive to your quality of life.
My approach to disordered eating is social justice-oriented and weight inclusive. That means I won’t recommend weight loss nor dieting as a treatment approach. Instead, I use intuitive eating, IFS, and art therapy to help you explore the messages you’ve received about your body and other people’s bodies. Together, we’ll look at any internalized bias with compassion, and work to help you let go of those beliefs that don’t align with your vallues.
Eating Disorder Therapy Services
As one of the few Certified Eating Disorder Specialists (CEDS) in Philadelphia with advanced training in gender-affirming care, I offer an approach that goes beyond traditional treatment models.
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IFS is a an experiential therapy apporach that views your inner world as parts, including your eating disorder.
You might discover a part that is always counting calories while another part wants doesn’t want to think about food at all. Together, we'll help all parts of you feel heard and work toward internal harmony. We’ll explore what drives your eating disorder, and create a path forward that is right for you.
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Art therapy provides a powerful avenue for exploring emotions, body image concerns, and experiences related to your eating disorder that might be difficult to talk about.
Art therapy can help us access our emotions in a way that words can’t. You don’t need to be good at art or have any artistic background to benefit from art therapy.
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Understanding how past experiences shape current eating behaviors is crucial for lasting recovery. Focal psychodynamic therapy helps us explore how early relationships, trauma, and family dynamics influence your relationship with food and body. This depth-oriented approach provides insights into why certain patterns developed and how to create healthier alternatives.
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Intuitive Eating is a self-care framework that helps you reject diet culture and trust your body’s internal cues. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Ihelp you get more in touch with your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and learn to have a more flexible relationship with food.
Eating Disorder Treatment for LGBTQ+ Individuals
find freedom from society’s expectations through body liberation
Traditional eating disorder treatment often fails to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.
As a queer therapist, I understand how identity, marginalization, and eating disorders intersect. You might be on high alert every time you leave the house, or worry about holding your partner’s hand in public. While you’re proudly queer, you’ve also received subtle and not so subtle messages that made you feel like you’re not normal. You’ve always felt like you had to make yourself fit in so you can be more palatable to straight people.
Queer people are not immune to the white-cis-thin ideal, and also face unique pressures in their own community. Maybe you’re a lesbian who’s in a relationship, and you can’t stop comparing your body to your partner’s. It’s hard to feel present during dinner together, because you keep trying to match her food portions. A large part of you rejects the pressures put on women, but you can’t help but feel worried about gaining weight. It feels like a lot of back and forth in your head, leaving you feeling guilty and ashamed.
Perhaps you’re a gay man, and you’re feeling pressure to stay fit. Dating apps and hook-up culture has put so much emphasis on appearance that you constantly feel like you don’t measure up.
Eating Disorder Treatment For Transgender Individuals in Philadelphia
If you’re trans or non-binary, ED recovery can feel like it’s in direct conflict with your gender goals.
If you’re a trans-masc person, restricting your food might be a way to try and minimize curves. After spending most of your youth trying to fit into women’s body standards, you’re facing new pressures for men and masculinity.
Maybe you’re a trans woman who transitioned and while you feel more confident, body image is still hard. Cis-het standards of beauty affect you even more, and being thin seems like the only way to feel valid as a woman.
As a non-binary person, you might feel alienated because the only representation in the media are thin, white androgynous-presenting folks. You’re tired of being misgendered, and being small feels like one way you can blend in.
Recovery narratives like body acceptance don’t always work for trans people, especially those dealing with gender dysphoria. As a therapist with advanced training in gender affirming care, I’ll help you explore gender affirming options while working on healing your relationship with food. Instead of feeling like a failure, you’ll have compassion towards your body and all of the complicated feelings that come with it. Other people’s expectations will still be there, but they won’t define your worth.
How eating disorder therapy can help.
01 You’ll able to experience the fun and joy of queer social life, without worrying about food.
You can eat what your partner cooked for dinner without negotiating it in your head. Shared meals can feel relaxed and way to connect with your partner after a long day at work.
When you get together with friends, you allow yourself to stand front and center in photos instead of hiding behind someone. You proudly share them on social media so you can tag your friends.
Imagine enjoying a last-minute ice cream stop on your way back from a Pride festival. You might have echoes of those old ED thoughts, but they will be much quieter and less frequent.
During beach trips, you get into your bathing suit so you can enjoy the feeling of the ocean water on your skin and the sound of the crashing waves. You feel excited to go to that queer pool party, instead of avoiding it. Body image thoughts might still pop up, but they won’t derail your plans.
Feeling more confident to be yourself when you go on a date, rather than feeling like you have to manage how you’ll be perceived. You’ll be more present while sitting across from that person at dinner and enjoy things like flirting and getting to know each other. Maybe you’ll go on the apps or check out that queer speed-dating event.
After therapy, you’ll feel so much more secure in knowing that the ED path leads to nowhere, and that wisdom will keep you grounded whenever you face challenges.
02 Your mind and body will feel better.
You’ll have better sleep, more concentration, and the energy to go the gym after work. Imagine experiencing warmth, instead of constantly shivering and feeling cold. You’ll have way less bloating because you won’t be starving or overly stuffed from binging.
Walking your dog with your partner will feel like a chance to slow down after work, while enjoying the feeling of fresh air on your face. Movement will feel good for your body, rather than a punishment.
Energy can be used to meet friends for happy hour without worrying about what’s on the menu. You even stay a little later than you initially planned, because you’re not worrying about rushing home to squeeze in a workout.
Perhaps you’ll enjoy a cozy night in where you read that mystery novel before bed, instead of researching low-calorie recipes. Stillness actually feels restorative, rather than a source of anxiety that needs to be filled with constant activites.
You’ll have more strength dance at a concert, while you lose yourself in the music from your favorite band.
03 The catered lunch, the conference trip, and the shared meals where promotions and professional relationships get built.
You’ll be able to navigate work events with so much more ease and calm. Your confidence will shine at work because you won’t be bogged down by calories and scale numbers. Your fully nourished brain will be able to troubleshoot problems, and your leadership will flourish with a quiet assurance.
In the break room, you have that piece of birthday cake for your coworkers birthday, instead of sneaking off to eat lunch alone.
If you’re a creative person, fully experiencing the inner calm as you lose yourself in your flow. Writing your fan-fic, building your Magic deck, and working on your mixed-media collage.
Your money will be put towards things that enrich your life, rather than safe foods, binging, and the next diet program.
04 Being able to celebrate a gender milestone without your eating disorder attaching itself to it.
Maybe you started HRT, and are dealing with some unexpected body changes along the way. Therapy will equip you with the tools handle these shifts, without relying on old restrictions or bingeing habits. At the same time, there will be room to feel excited about the changes from HRT.
Gender expression can feel like something that boosts your confidence and is fun. Picture creating a Pinterest board of clothing styles that inspire you, without worrying as much about whether you’ll look bigger.
Imagine going shopping with your friends for the first time and trying on clothes together. Maybe you feel a little nervous, but you also feel supported, making the trade off worth it.
Accepting meals from your friends for your post-op surgery recovery and allowing yourself to rely on take-out. Experiencing the joy when you notice the results of your surgery without your ED under-cutting it.
Going to the gym because it feels good in your gender, rather than burning off the last meal you ate. After this work, you’ll be able to appreciate feeling “strong” from weight training and notice when you’re able to hold a yoga pose longer.
Being able to appreciate your body for what it has done for you, without placing your entire worth on it.
What Eating Disorder Providers Say
'I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Christine as a colleague and highly recommend her for her exceptional insight and dedication to her clients, particularly in helping them navigate challenging emotions around anxiety and body image concerns. Thanks Christine!''
-Yasmine Mavrakis, RD, LD-
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Christine is an authentic, intuitive and passionate therapist who has the unique ability to support clients using a variety of therapeutic techniques, including art therapy. As a dietitian, I have collaborated closely with Christine to support those struggling with disordered eating and eating disorders, especially those part of the LGBTQ community. I highly recommend Christine!
-Kate Regan, RDN, LDN-
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
REcovery is possible
It's time to make peace with food & accept yourself as you are.
faqs
Common Questions About Treatment
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Our first session focuses on what’s bringing you to therapy. We work together to craft a timeline of the history of your eating disorder and how it’s affecting you now.
We’ll explore what recovery means to you, identify the people in your community, and discuss whether you need more support.
Sessions may involve just talk therapy, while other sessions may incorporate mind-body approaches, like Art Therapy and Internal Family Systems.
Eating disorder treatment is collaborative. If needed, I will help you build a care team of people you trust. This often includes a dietician, primary care physician and sometimes a psychiatrist.
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Recovery timelines vary greatly depending on individual needs, severity of symptoms, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Some clients work with me for several months, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach as needed.
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It can be a big leap to make that first appointment! There are no guarantees, but here are some things to look for.
You might be ready if you…
Have been trying to manage your eating disorder on your own, but you need help.
Feel ready to add some accountability.
Just completed intensive outpatient treatment and are looking to step down.
Think body acceptance sounds nice in theory, but struggle to put it into practice.
Are interested in intuitive eating, but feel scared to try it alone.
You’re looking for a mind-body approach to therapy, and want more than just coping skills and behavior change.
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You can schedule a consultation directly through my website by booking online.
You can also send an email through my contact form. I’ll reply to your email within 1-2 business days (not on weekends). From there, we’ll pick a day and time that works for both of us.
Your journey begins with a free 20-minute phone consultation where we'll discuss what's bringing you to therapy for eating disorders. This is a chance for you to ask me questions about my approach and see if we’re a good fit.
Once we book the first appointment, you'll receive an email to set up your client portal and complete the intake paperwork online. Once all of the forms are completed, your appointment will be confirmed.
During our first full session, we'll explore your history with eating behaviors, screen for various eating disorder symptoms, and discuss your goals for recovery. I'll explain how my treatment approaches can support your healing journey.
These first few sessions are a way to see if it will be a good fit for both of us. So there’s no pressure to commit before you’re ready, and my feelings won’t be hurt if you decide to go with another provider. I want the best care for you, and will help you connect with a therapist who’s right for you.
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I typically meet with clients weekly for one-hour sessions, though some benefit from meeting more frequently or for extended 90-minute sessions depending on the severity of their eating disorder symptoms. Consistency is crucial in eating disorder treatment – we'll establish a regular time that becomes your dedicated space for healing.
Our sessions blend different therapeutic approaches based on your evolving needs. Some weeks might focus on IFS work to understand internal conflicts, while others might involve art therapy to process emotions or exposure therapy to challenge fear foods.
Between sessions, I provide journal prompts and, when appropriate, ERP homework to help you practice new skills and continue your recovery work.
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You don't need to be fully ready for recovery to begin therapy for eating disorders. Many clients feel ambivalent about change initially. We'll explore this ambivalence together and work at a pace that feels manageable while gently challenging eating disorder behaviors.
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Yes, I provide treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders. My integrative approach adapts to address various eating disorder symptoms and behaviors.
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You don’t have to check certain boxes to be struggling with disordered eating. In fact, a lot of people with an eating disorder have never received a diagnosis. This is because not everyone’s experience with food is the same. Diet culture also normalizes undereating, which can make it harder to know if you have an eating disorder.
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For some LGTBQ individuals, eating disorders are directly connected to traumatic experiences from the past. Counting calories and purging can be ways to manage feelings, and a feel a sense of control. Depending on where you are in your recovery, reducing eating disorders behaviors may be the first goal before starting trauma therapy.
Learn more about trauma therapy for LGBTQ individuals in Philadelphia.
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As a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS) through IAEDP, I do not recommend that people with an active eating disorder take GLP-1s. GLP-1s cause appetite suppression and rapid weight loss, which can actually make your ED symptoms worse. If you’re in eating disorder recovery, GLP-1s can increase the risk for relapse and malnutrition.
Click here to read more about navigating eating disorder recovery in the GLP-1 era.
What Makes My Practice Different
As an art therapist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), I use creative and somatic approachs to help people get to the root of their food issues, and find real confidence in themselves. As a queer therapist with over 15 years in practice, I’ve dedicated my career to helping LGBTQ and transgender individuals discover and affirm their amazing selves.
I understand that recovery isn't one-size-fits-all, and that each journey is different. My approach is truly collaborative which means you define your therapy goals, not me.