Eating Disorders Therapists in Watertown, MA

Photo of Bridget Merrill, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bridget Merrill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
In the ideal scenario, my client seeks therapy to address a range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and everyday life stressors. They desire a safe and supportive space to freely express themselves without fear of judgment. Their goals include developing healthier thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and fostering greater self-awareness. Ultimately, they aspire to cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, inner peace, and authenticity, driven by a desire for personal growth and meaningful connections with others.
In the ideal scenario, my client seeks therapy to address a range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and everyday life stressors. They desire a safe and supportive space to freely express themselves without fear of judgment. Their goals include developing healthier thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and fostering greater self-awareness. Ultimately, they aspire to cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment, inner peace, and authenticity, driven by a desire for personal growth and meaningful connections with others.
(857) 598-7832 View (857) 598-7832
Photo of Emilia Taliento, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emilia Taliento
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
I have assisted individuals dealing with an array of mental health challenges, including domestic violence, chronic relapse, relationship issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, or life changes? I can assist you with developing coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing tools to manage your mental health effectively. I aim to work with clients willing to help themselves and open to the therapeutic process. This mindset will allow us to build a positive therapeutic relationship that can bring about positive changes in their lives.
I have assisted individuals dealing with an array of mental health challenges, including domestic violence, chronic relapse, relationship issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, domestic violence, eating disorders, dual diagnosis, or life changes? I can assist you with developing coping skills, practicing mindfulness, and utilizing tools to manage your mental health effectively. I aim to work with clients willing to help themselves and open to the therapeutic process. This mindset will allow us to build a positive therapeutic relationship that can bring about positive changes in their lives.
(857) 367-1785 View (857) 367-1785
Photo of Cassandra Donner, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cassandra Donner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, eating disorders and body image, & sexual health. My ideal client is anyone who comes to me ready to engage in the real work of therapy. Someone looking for guidance, connection, and relentless support. Someone who wants to change something about their inner experience so they can show up differently for the people in their lives and have a positive ripple effect on the world.
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, eating disorders and body image, & sexual health. My ideal client is anyone who comes to me ready to engage in the real work of therapy. Someone looking for guidance, connection, and relentless support. Someone who wants to change something about their inner experience so they can show up differently for the people in their lives and have a positive ripple effect on the world.
(617) 609-0871 View (617) 609-0871
Photo of Amanda Destefano - The Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
The Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
Our Vision: We envision a community without eating disorders that promotes a positive body culture.
MEDA believes in providing access to equitable care through a variety of flexible, clinical services for both individuals and families/friends, including assessments, therapy sessions, therapy groups, free drop-in support groups, and coaching sessions. MEDA is a nonprofit located in Newton, Massachusetts.
Our Vision: We envision a community without eating disorders that promotes a positive body culture.
MEDA believes in providing access to equitable care through a variety of flexible, clinical services for both individuals and families/friends, including assessments, therapy sessions, therapy groups, free drop-in support groups, and coaching sessions. MEDA is a nonprofit located in Newton, Massachusetts.
(617) 500-4038 View (617) 500-4038
Photo of Erica Eckman, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erica Eckman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02471
I have had the privilege of working as a Clinical Social Worker in the Boston area for over 20 years. I currently have a private practice in Boston, MA. I take a collaborative, practical and caring approach to psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping people with eating disorders among many other areas of mental health. Some other areas of expertise of mine are working with individuals and couples dealing with depression/mood disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, trauma, and life transitions. I also enjoy providing supervision/consultation for therapists in training.
I have had the privilege of working as a Clinical Social Worker in the Boston area for over 20 years. I currently have a private practice in Boston, MA. I take a collaborative, practical and caring approach to psychotherapy. I have extensive experience helping people with eating disorders among many other areas of mental health. Some other areas of expertise of mine are working with individuals and couples dealing with depression/mood disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, trauma, and life transitions. I also enjoy providing supervision/consultation for therapists in training.
(617) 446-3100 View (617) 446-3100
Photo of Chris Vara, LICSW, LCSW-C, MDiv, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chris Vara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MDiv
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Watertown, MA 02472
Call me or email me to schedule your first session! I have worked with families, adolescents and adults in several treatment centers that specialize in eating disorders, trauma, OCD and substance use.
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
Call me or email me to schedule your first session! I have worked with families, adolescents and adults in several treatment centers that specialize in eating disorders, trauma, OCD and substance use.
Are you caught in cycles that leave you exhausted? Do you want to have better relationships but find them splintering? Are you self-critical in your efforts to obtain perfection? Do you find yourself shutting down or shutting off? You don't have to suffer in silence. Nor do you have to leave any part of yourself behind - I work with the whole person. Our identities often intersect with our struggles and our strengths. I'll meet you where you're at, and help you get where you're going. Whether you are just starting or looking to maintain your recovery from eating disorders, trauma and/or OCD, together recovery is possible.
(240) 201-2713 View (240) 201-2713
Photo of Jacquelyn MacDougall (Mahoney-Roche), LMHC, Counselor
Jacquelyn MacDougall (Mahoney-Roche)
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Watertown, MA 02472
Waitlist for new clients
Please reach out if you are looking for an honest and supportive team mate. I work most often with folks who live with depression, anxiety, and/or eating disorders; although I have experience working with a wide variety of needs and goals. I'm interested in earning your trust, getting to know the real you, and supporting you without judgment. If we can be authentic with each other we can make a plan to move you towards your goals. Of note- I embrace HAES, intuitive eating, and love collaborating with intuitive eating dietitians. To get to know more please visit twotruthscounseling.com.
Please reach out if you are looking for an honest and supportive team mate. I work most often with folks who live with depression, anxiety, and/or eating disorders; although I have experience working with a wide variety of needs and goals. I'm interested in earning your trust, getting to know the real you, and supporting you without judgment. If we can be authentic with each other we can make a plan to move you towards your goals. Of note- I embrace HAES, intuitive eating, and love collaborating with intuitive eating dietitians. To get to know more please visit twotruthscounseling.com.
(339) 675-2202 View (339) 675-2202
Photo of Agnes (Agnieszka) von Grotthuss, LMHC, CAGS, EMDR, Counselor
Agnes (Agnieszka) von Grotthuss
Counselor, LMHC, CAGS, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watertown, MA 02472
Whether it’s from trauma, depression, eating disorders, or challenging relationships, we’ll work together so you can heal.
When you’ve been managing anxiety, depression, or mood swings, it can feel like life is just happening to you. Or that you’re treading water, unable to swim to shore. Managing a health issue, a challenging relationship or trauma is tough. So are major life changes like marriage, divorce, parenthood, loss, illness, or a career change. Navigating these emotions and experiences is difficult to do alone. And when you’re feeling vulnerable, it’s not easy to ask for help. When you receive support from an experienced professional who is committed to helping you, you can finally stop treading water, begin to heal, and get to shore.
Whether it’s from trauma, depression, eating disorders, or challenging relationships, we’ll work together so you can heal.
When you’ve been managing anxiety, depression, or mood swings, it can feel like life is just happening to you. Or that you’re treading water, unable to swim to shore. Managing a health issue, a challenging relationship or trauma is tough. So are major life changes like marriage, divorce, parenthood, loss, illness, or a career change. Navigating these emotions and experiences is difficult to do alone. And when you’re feeling vulnerable, it’s not easy to ask for help. When you receive support from an experienced professional who is committed to helping you, you can finally stop treading water, begin to heal, and get to shore.
(617) 925-9031 View (617) 925-9031
Photo of Paige Simpson-Hamilton, PsyD, Psychologist
Paige Simpson-Hamilton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
Special interest and areas of expertise include Adolescents, College Counseling and young professionals, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mindfulness and Meditation, OCD, Couples and Family Therapy, Parent Guidance and Clinical Supervision for Clinicians.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20+ years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples, families and adolescents struggling with a range of interpersonal and emotional issues. My approach is gentle and compassionate and focuses on active listening, problem solving, coping skills training and gaining insight into how past experiences influence the present.
Special interest and areas of expertise include Adolescents, College Counseling and young professionals, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Mindfulness and Meditation, OCD, Couples and Family Therapy, Parent Guidance and Clinical Supervision for Clinicians.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20+ years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults, couples, families and adolescents struggling with a range of interpersonal and emotional issues. My approach is gentle and compassionate and focuses on active listening, problem solving, coping skills training and gaining insight into how past experiences influence the present.
(617) 500-6002 View (617) 500-6002
Photo of Arlene Small, LADC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Arlene Small
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LADC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
The ideal client is open to receiving advice and implementing it into their daily lives. The client may have issues with substance abuse due to a lack of healthy coping skills. The client's needs are to improve the quality of work-life balance. It is also important for clients to learn healthy coping strategies to cope with anxiety, depression, and other underlying mental health disorders that are often the underlying cause of substance abuse.
The ideal client is open to receiving advice and implementing it into their daily lives. The client may have issues with substance abuse due to a lack of healthy coping skills. The client's needs are to improve the quality of work-life balance. It is also important for clients to learn healthy coping strategies to cope with anxiety, depression, and other underlying mental health disorders that are often the underlying cause of substance abuse.
(857) 754-3833 View (857) 754-3833
Photo of Ellis K Weaver, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Ellis K Weaver
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Watertown, MA 02472
Life can feel like a roller coaster full of twists and turns. You may lose track of your goals & rely on unhealthy coping skills to help you, including over/under eating, excessive exercise, self-deprecation, doubt, isolation, irritability, over-thinking, increased impulsivity...the list goes on. During these times you may experience tough transitions ranging from the loss of a loved one, sudden change in career and/or relocation, acculturation challenges &/or traumatic experiences that result in confusion, pain & other emotions you may feel flooded with. I am here to help you process & make sense of your ride.
Life can feel like a roller coaster full of twists and turns. You may lose track of your goals & rely on unhealthy coping skills to help you, including over/under eating, excessive exercise, self-deprecation, doubt, isolation, irritability, over-thinking, increased impulsivity...the list goes on. During these times you may experience tough transitions ranging from the loss of a loved one, sudden change in career and/or relocation, acculturation challenges &/or traumatic experiences that result in confusion, pain & other emotions you may feel flooded with. I am here to help you process & make sense of your ride.
View
Photo of Austin Gatchell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Austin Gatchell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
For me, there is no one "ideal client" because therapy is about addressing diverse challenges and finding unique solutions. My ideal client's issues might include anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, relationship difficulties, substance use, life transitions, and a broad range of emotional disorders clients' needs may include but are not limited to problem identification, developing coping strategies, psychoeducation, and awareness of one's thoughts and emotions. My client's goals would center on continuing or returning to normal function with safety as the priority, given that "normal" can and will look different per client.
For me, there is no one "ideal client" because therapy is about addressing diverse challenges and finding unique solutions. My ideal client's issues might include anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, relationship difficulties, substance use, life transitions, and a broad range of emotional disorders clients' needs may include but are not limited to problem identification, developing coping strategies, psychoeducation, and awareness of one's thoughts and emotions. My client's goals would center on continuing or returning to normal function with safety as the priority, given that "normal" can and will look different per client.
(857) 597-7538 View (857) 597-7538
Photo of Arianna Davis, LMHC, Counselor
Arianna Davis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
My ideal client is someone who is higher functioning and has some self-awareness. My ideal client is between the ages of 25-40, struggling with managing emotional distress, and often has issues with relationships in their lives. My ideal client is in a place where they are ready to do the work, even if it's uncomfortable. Their needs are often centered around building confidence, improving emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. My clients desire to obtain peace in their lives, even if that means letting go of what no longer serves them.
My ideal client is someone who is higher functioning and has some self-awareness. My ideal client is between the ages of 25-40, struggling with managing emotional distress, and often has issues with relationships in their lives. My ideal client is in a place where they are ready to do the work, even if it's uncomfortable. Their needs are often centered around building confidence, improving emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. My clients desire to obtain peace in their lives, even if that means letting go of what no longer serves them.
(857) 847-3435 View (857) 847-3435
Photo of Arianna Davis, LMHC, Counselor
Arianna Davis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
My ideal client is someone who is higher functioning and has some self-awareness. My ideal client is between the ages of 25-40, struggling with managing emotional distress, and often has issues with relationships in their lives. My ideal client is in a place where they are ready to do the work, even if it's uncomfortable. Their needs are often centered around building confidence, improving emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. My clients desire to obtain peace in their lives, even if that means letting go of what no longer serves them.
My ideal client is someone who is higher functioning and has some self-awareness. My ideal client is between the ages of 25-40, struggling with managing emotional distress, and often has issues with relationships in their lives. My ideal client is in a place where they are ready to do the work, even if it's uncomfortable. Their needs are often centered around building confidence, improving emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and building healthy relationships with themselves and others. My clients desire to obtain peace in their lives, even if that means letting go of what no longer serves them.
(857) 837-1948 View (857) 837-1948
Photo of Latrese Vance, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Latrese Vance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
It can be challenging and scary to seek counseling and to take the first steps toward desired change. Being aware of that, Latrese is grateful and eager about the opportunity to meet people where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.
It can be challenging and scary to seek counseling and to take the first steps toward desired change. Being aware of that, Latrese is grateful and eager about the opportunity to meet people where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.
(617) 393-5409 View (617) 393-5409
Photo of Betsy Harris - Betsy Harris, LICSW, LICSW, DBT-LBC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Betsy Harris, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Watertown, MA 02472
Are you looking for help managing emotions? Are you stuck in patterns you can't get out of? Looking to understand how your past has influenced your present? As a DBT and trauma therapist, I help clients make changes to improve their lives. Clients I work with may have difficulty coping with emotions, engage in self-harm or substance abuse, disordered eating or have experienced anxiety, trauma or PTSD. Using empathy and validation, along with direct feedback and humor, I enjoy helping clients discover how to build a life worth living.
Are you looking for help managing emotions? Are you stuck in patterns you can't get out of? Looking to understand how your past has influenced your present? As a DBT and trauma therapist, I help clients make changes to improve their lives. Clients I work with may have difficulty coping with emotions, engage in self-harm or substance abuse, disordered eating or have experienced anxiety, trauma or PTSD. Using empathy and validation, along with direct feedback and humor, I enjoy helping clients discover how to build a life worth living.
(617) 751-6343 View (617) 751-6343
Photo of Jessica Barnum, LMHC, Counselor
Jessica Barnum
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
In the past, I have enjoyed working with individuals with a history of traumatic experiences, substance use, interpersonal difficulties, and psychosis. I enjoy working on goals with clients that involve cognitive restructuring and skills building. Additionally, I enjoy short-term solution-focused goals.
In the past, I have enjoyed working with individuals with a history of traumatic experiences, substance use, interpersonal difficulties, and psychosis. I enjoy working on goals with clients that involve cognitive restructuring and skills building. Additionally, I enjoy short-term solution-focused goals.
(617) 340-2786 View (617) 340-2786
Photo of Michelle Morawiak, MSW, LCSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Morawiak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LADC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
My ideal patient is someone who engages fully with me during our entire 60-minute session. They are open to suggestions and eager to try new approaches to their treatment. This patient understands that therapy is about progress, not perfection, and recognizes that sometimes the process may unfold more slowly than anticipated. I hope for a patient who maintains open communication with me, feels comfortable sharing anything that troubles them, and knows they will never be judged.
My ideal patient is someone who engages fully with me during our entire 60-minute session. They are open to suggestions and eager to try new approaches to their treatment. This patient understands that therapy is about progress, not perfection, and recognizes that sometimes the process may unfold more slowly than anticipated. I hope for a patient who maintains open communication with me, feels comfortable sharing anything that troubles them, and knows they will never be judged.
(857) 367-1007 View (857) 367-1007
Photo of Catherine Boutin, MSN
Catherine Boutin
MSN
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
I know that there are challenges in each person's life and I strongly believe that talking helps. I engage those that I work with by using dynamic psychotherapy. This is an ongoing process of talking, thinking and feeling. As these elements are shared, reconsidered, and reviewed over time a deeper understanding of the self emerges. This understanding leads to more choices in one's life. I respect the abilities that people bring to the challenges of life and their capacities to make changes. I treat the person not the diagnosis. Please text or call (617) 480-5155.
I know that there are challenges in each person's life and I strongly believe that talking helps. I engage those that I work with by using dynamic psychotherapy. This is an ongoing process of talking, thinking and feeling. As these elements are shared, reconsidered, and reviewed over time a deeper understanding of the self emerges. This understanding leads to more choices in one's life. I respect the abilities that people bring to the challenges of life and their capacities to make changes. I treat the person not the diagnosis. Please text or call (617) 480-5155.
(617) 505-1975 View (617) 505-1975
Photo of Wildred Rachel Krenis, LMHC, Counselor
Wildred Rachel Krenis
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Watertown, MA 02472
My ideal client may be struggling with depression or trauma in addition to the main issues listed. I've specialized in working with gastric bypass transitions, law enforcement professionals, people needing pet support services, those benefitting from art therapy, and interior design aesthetic supports, and reiki energy supports.
My ideal client may be struggling with depression or trauma in addition to the main issues listed. I've specialized in working with gastric bypass transitions, law enforcement professionals, people needing pet support services, those benefitting from art therapy, and interior design aesthetic supports, and reiki energy supports.
(617) 207-0675 View (617) 207-0675
1
Eating Disorders Therapists

What happens in therapy for eating disorders?

In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.

What therapy types help with eating disorders?

Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.

What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?

The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.

What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?

Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.

How long does therapy last for eating disorders?

Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.