Eating Disorders Therapy

Please Note: Ms. Koeplin is on leave until August 2024, so will be unable to take new clients for eating disorders treatment until her return.

Eating disorders can be difficult to identify in a culture that is focused on dieting and thinness. Therefore, if you find that distressing thoughts related to food and body size are taking up much of your time and energy, it may be time to seek treatment. Eating disorders are dangerous. They have significantly negative impacts on both physical and mental health and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Regardless of the medical severity, eating disorders create misery, self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and an array of cognitive issues that negatively impact an individual’s identity and self-worth. At Spencer Psychology, we provide a nurturing environment where you have the space and support to heal, moving forward in your life with more freedom and confidence. You have the potential to repair your relationship with food and body by targeting the factors responsible for maintaining the eating disorder symptoms. 

Our Eating Disorders Team Lead

Naomi Koeplin picture

Naomi Koeplin is our eating disorders team lead. Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and person-centered. She embraces Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating principles. In addition to these principles, she uses a combination of evidence-based approaches for eating disorder treatment including Polyvagal theory, dialectical behavioral therapy, enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, and parts work.  

Ms. Koeplin is a member of the International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp). In order to provide the best treatment, she participates in a rigorous post-licensure training program for eating disorder specialists. Additionally, she receives consultation from an iaedp approved Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Consultant on a monthly basis. Specialist certification requires case consultation, ongoing learning, classes and competency assessment.    


What to Expect in Treatment

Clients start with an assessment of symptoms. Assessments are specific to eating disorders, but also account for other symptoms (such as depression, trauma history, anxiety, etc.). Once the assessment is complete, you will begin weekly (or sometimes every two weeks) treatment in individual therapy. Assessments also include evaluating appropriateness for our practice and may include a referral for a higher level of care for severe and enduring eating disorders. Spencer Psychology uses a team approach. We recommend that clients see a specialized dietician and a medical provider in addition to a therapist. This approach is considered best practice in the treatment of eating disorders, and your therapist can make recommendations or referrals to these providers if needed.  

·                Medical support: A comprehensive medical evaluation for individuals suffering from eating disorders can include assessing for bradycardia, bone density, amenorrhea, and ordering lab work specific to medical complications caused by eating disorder behaviors. If needed, medical providers can also provide medication management to help mitigate eating disorder symptoms.  

·                Nutrition support: Working with a dietician specializing in eating disorders is often an integral piece for many individuals struggling with an eating disorder. This is essential to developing a better relationship with food.  

Additional Information

Additional information and resources on eating disorders for individuals, families and loved ones, and professionals:   

·                NEDA 

·                Eating Disorder Hope  

·                Intuitive Eating 

·                Health at Every Size 

·                Christy Harrison  

·                More-Love.org