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Eating Disorder Therapy and Body Image Therapy
in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Lauren Callahan is an eating disorder therapist near me in Newtown, PA and in NJ.

Licensed Social Worker

She/Her/Hers

Hi, I'm Lauren Callahan, LSW!

With the right fit, I believe the relationship between a client and their therapist can be one of the most impactful means to healing. Although it can ultimately be rewarding, starting the therapy process can feel scary, uncertain, and vulnerable. I am honored to support clients through their journeys. Healing is possible, although undoubtedly challenging, and I celebrate your courage to take this step.

As a queer therapist with lived experience in the recovery process, I believe that every person’s individuality is valuable and deserving of acceptance, belonging, and healing. There is no “wrong” way to show up in the therapy space. I am a listening ear when you need to vent, a sounding board when you need a fresh perspective, and a calming presence when you need quiet grounding.
 
I believe each client is the expert on their own healing journey and, because of this, I strive to meet you where you are.

Lets Get to Know Each Other!

I am a trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent-affirming therapist and offer a holistic, relational approach to therapy. I embrace Health at Every Size (HAES), meaning I view health as a holistic concept that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental well-being, rather than simply a number on a scale. I celebrate the diversity of bodies, including those that exist outside of society's narrow beauty standards, and acknowledge the daily impact of anti-fat bias, racism, ableism, and other body-centered forms of oppression. In my therapy office, I am committed to cultivating body liberation and fostering a culture of body acceptance and self-love by holding space for grief, discovering self-worth, and processing trauma.
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​My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and empowerment. I strive to offer a safe space for clients to explore emotions, thoughts, and their relationship to themselves and the world around them. I am committed to providing an inclusive, strengths-based environment and equitable treatment to clients of all identities.

Here's my experience & approach-

I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I received my Masters of Social work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Temple University. I have extensive training and experience in eating disorders, child development, and disabilities. I have worked with grieving children and families in outpatient settings, including a summer camp bereavement program. In addition to treating eating disorders, I am also competent in working with other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ issues.

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Many of my clients come to my therapy office feeling rigid and/or unbalanced in one or more aspects of their life. I integrate various therapeutic modalities including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to support clients in building self-compassion, self- trust, and strengthening the connection between body and mind. I love working with clients who are interested in quieting their minds and reconnecting with the wise, intuitive messages of their body to return to a more flexible and balanced state. This may involve befriending our emotions, exploring mindfulness, identifying values, and developing self-compassion and empathy. I am also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and encourage interested clients of all ages to be creative and playful in the therapy space. I am happy to incorporate art, music, movement, and games in sessions to facilitate conversations and promote healing.

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Eating Disorder Therapy and Body Image Therapy

My approach to eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns is individualized and rooted in compassion, weight neutrality, and emotional exploration. I see clients who struggle with all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, OSFED, Orthorexia and ARFID. I am passionate about helping others challenge and cope with internalized messages of diet culture and anti-fat bias. Together we may explore disordered eating patterns and body image through narrative storytelling and/or art while building coping skills that support you and your goals. I utilize concepts from intuitive eating and joyful movement to help clients discover their inherent ability to self-regulate and connect with pleasure. I aim to support clients in balancing their mind, body, and souls to support nourishment across all domains of life.

 

Ethical Diets and Lifestyles in Eating Disorder Recovery

I believe everyone has the right to body autonomy, including people with eating disorders. I respect ethical beliefs and considerations that influence diet including veganism and vegetarianism. Together we may therapeutically explore ethical values, nuances of diet culture within these communities, and other experiences unique to ethical diets and lifestyles.

 

Therapy for Children and Teens

I have extensive experience working with children and teens with various concerns including eating disorders, grief, disability, neurodivergence, depression, anxiety, self-harm, low self-esteem, and lack of belonging. Depending on your child, we may incorporate more play, games, and activities into sessions and part of a client's treatment plan while also discussing modern stressors such as social media, develop self-identity, and practice strategies to improve communication and handle emotional distress. I strive to balance family involvement and client privacy in an age-appropriate and individualized way to ensure each client feels safe and supported in and out of the therapy room. 

 

Grief Therapy

I have training and experience working with children, teens, and parents grieving the loss of a loved one and those experiencing major life transitions. I have a non-pathologizing approach to grief, meaning I believe grief is a natural response to losing someone or something meaningful to us. I do not believe grief should be “fixed.” Instead, we may work together to process emotions, tell your story, and create rituals to support your grieving process.

 

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy

I provide a queer- and gender-affirming space for clients to explore gender and/or sexuality. I may work with queer clients to address issues of discovery, expression, acceptance, community, family issues, and oppression. I also work with LGBTQIA+ individuals to explore the unique intersection of queerness and eating disorders and/or body image concerns.

 

Therapy for Clients with Disabilities

My career started as a recreation therapist with a focus on working with people with disabilities. I worked with and advocated for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as well as individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. I facilitated adaptive sports, camping excursions, and social-emotional support to young children. I still remain passionate about supporting disabled people in navigating their unique experiences in an able-bodied, neurotypical world. I may support clients with disabilities by exploring identity, grief, life transitions, social support, and systems of oppression.

When I'm out of the office...

In addition to being a therapist, I am an avid reader and a proud cat mom. I am an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, and a casual yogi. When I’m not exploring new places or learning something new, you can often find me rewatching Friends, planning my next camping trip, or reading in a coffee shop.

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If you’re looking for therapy, please don’t hesitate to reach out

for a 15 minute discovery phone call to see if we’re a good fit!

I offer in person therapy in Bucks County, PA in Newtown, PA and virtually in Pennsylvania and New Jersey!

 

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Let's Work Together!

Lauren Callahan is an eating disorder therapist and body image therapist near me in Newtown, PA in Bucks County, PA and in NJ.
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