About
Hi there! I’m Shanel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I specialize in helping adults heal their relationship with food, body image, and themselves. If you’re considering therapy for an eating disorder or disordered eating, I want you to know this: you’re not alone, you’re not “too much,” and you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. Recovery isn’t linear, and it doesn’t require perfection—just willingness, honesty, and support. That’s where I come in. I work with individuals navigating restriction, compulsive exercise, bingeing/purging, chronic dieting, and body image distress, as well as the exhausting mental load that often comes with feeling at war with your own body. I also support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and major life transitions that often intersect with food and body concerns. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and free to show up exactly as you are—messy, curious, hopeful, unsure, or anywhere in between. One of my greatest strengths is building a genuine, trusting relationship where you don’t feel judged, rushed, or reduced to a list of symptoms. I believe real healing happens when you feel safe enough to be honest, supported enough to take risks, and understood enough to explore the parts of yourself you’ve been carrying quietly. In our work together, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, person-centered, and compassion-focused therapy. In simple terms, we’ll pair insight with real-life tools—exploring the patterns that keep you stuck, the thoughts that pull you back into old cycles, and the emotions that feel overwhelming, while building skills you can use in your daily life. You can expect a balance of gentle exploration and practical support, including coping strategies, body neutrality and self-compassion practices, guidance through meals and triggers, and tools to challenge eating disorder thoughts and strengthen your own voice. You don’t need to show up perfect, prepared, or even fully convinced that recovery is possible—just willing to take one small step at a time. Together, we’ll create space for growth, relief, and a more peaceful relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
Details
- Specialty: Behavioral Health
- Credential: Licensed Therapist
- States licensed: CA
- Care format: Telehealth (in-person where available)
- Gender: Female
What to expect
Your first session is about getting comfortable: your therapist will listen, learn what brings you in, and work with you on goals and a plan that fits your life. Therapy should feel collaborative, practical, and supportive.
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