It’s super normal to wonder if your thoughts/behaviors around food, your body, or exercise might be concerning. Eating disorders can show up in many ways: from restricting or binge eating, to feeling extreme guilt or anxiety around food, to obsessing over body size or shape. And society often normalizes or praises these kinds of behaviors, which can make this whole thing feel even more confusing.

You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you notice patterns that feel overwhelming, exhausting, or hard to control, that’s a signal it’s worth reaching out for support. A therapist who specializes in eating disorders can help you explore what’s happening in a safe, non-judgmental space and guide you toward the right level of care if needed.

Remember: curiosity about your relationship with food and your body is normal, and asking for help takes so much courage and bravery.

Eating disorder therapy is a specialized form of counseling that helps you heal your relationship with food, your body, and yourself. It’s more than just talking about what or how much you eat. We explore the deeper emotions, beliefs, and life experiences that shape those patterns. Together, we work on building self-compassion, understanding and calming the protective parts of you that show up around food, and developing tools to support both your physical and emotional well-being. The goal is to move away from shame and rigidity and toward trust, freedom, and a more peaceful connection with your body.

I offer therapy at the outpatient level of care, which means we typically meet once a week and you’re able to live at home and go about your daily life while getting support. If someone needs more intensive support (like medical monitoring, daily meals with staff support, or 24/7 care) that’s usually offered in inpatient or residential programs. We can always discuss what level of care would best support your recovery.

Even though I’m based in Madison, I offer virtual eating disorder therapy to anyone across Wisconsin. You don’t have to be local to work with me, as long as you live in the state, we can meet online in a safe, secure space. This way, you can get the specialized support you need without having to travel, and we can tailor therapy to fit your schedule and lifestyle no matter where you are.

Therapy for body image issues is all about helping you build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with your body and yourself. It’s not about changing how you look or even loving how you look. It’s about exploring the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that shape how you see yourself, and learning tools to cope with negative self-talk or constant body comparisons.

In sessions, we work on things like self-compassion, boundary-setting, body respect, and understanding the protective parts of you that show up around your body and food. The goal is to help you feel more confident, grounded, and free from constant judgment of yourself. Ultimately, helping you uncover your self-worth and building a liberated, embodied, and compassionate relationship with your body.

Body image issues can show up in a lot of ways, and they’re different for everyone. Some common signs include:

• Constantly criticizing or judging your body

• Comparing yourself to others online or in real life

• Avoiding social events, photos, or situations because of how your body looks

• Obsessing over weight, shape, or eating habits

• Feeling anxious, guilty, or ashamed about food, your body, or appearance

We all have a body, and we all have a relationship to it. The way we relate to our bodies can be shaped by many factors, like diet culture. Noticing any of these signs doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It’s worth paying attention, and over time, it is possible to feel safe and at peace in your body.

Absolutely. You don’t have to fit nealty into a box to benefit from therapy. Many people seek support when they notice patterns around food, their body, or self-worth that feel stressful, limiting, or painful, even if those patterns don’t meet the formal criteria for an eating disorder. These patterns are often interconnected with trauma, life stressors, or other emotional challenges.

Therapy can be a safe space to explore your relationship with food, your body, and yourself, and to build tools for self-compassion, confidence, and balance. Reaching out early can help prevent things from becoming more distressing over time. You are deserving of care and support.