Eating Disorder Nutrition Counseling Maryland
In a society obsessed with elusive ideals of beauty and bombarded by the latest diet trends, many individuals find themselves ensnared in the intricate web of an eating disorder. Rooted Recovery seeks to offer a beacon of support in the midst of this challenging environment. Our licensed eating disorder dietitians integrate a healing, non-diet approach while guiding individuals back to a place of peace around food, movement, and their body.
While navigating this often confusing road to eating disorder recovery, it is imperative to have expert assistance along the way. Below, we are going to talk through the fundamental principles of our nutrition counseling approach, emphasize the benefits of a non-diet mentality, and explain how and why nutrition support may be right for you. At the core of our services, we intertwine compassion and expertise to provide a safe landing place for individuals to do the hard work of recovery alongside a professional they know and trust. You are invited to take the first step toward liberating yourself from the confides of disordered eating, and allow the journey to well-being begin.
Meet Julia Oliver | Eating disorder nutrition therapist & registered dietitian in Maryland
As a registered dietitian nutritionist devoted to the field of eating disorder treatment, Julia holds a deep passion for coming alongside individuals wherever they are in the process of rediscovering peace, empowerment, and joy with food and movement. With her background in working as a dietitian and yoga instructor at the residential level of care for eating disorder treatment, Julia has extensive knowledge of how these complex mental illnesses can present and the specialized care it takes to support each unique circumstance. Julia's experience in providing personalized nutrition support extends across care for adolescents and their families, survivors of complex trauma, veterans, college athletes, and many others.
Julia, and our other dietitians on the Rooted Recovery team, are committed to treating eating disorders through a weight-inclusive, trauma-informed lens that upholds each individual as an authority in their treatment process. Rooted Recovery intends to cultivate a safe, judgement-free space where clients can receive care that aligns with their values and honors their lived experience while empowering them to know that they are the utmost expert of their own bodies.
For those in search of a registered dietitian in Maryland who is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being and will honor their specific needs and limitations, our clinicians at Rooted Recovery invite you to reach out for a free consult call.
Our approach to eating disorder nutrition counseling
At Rooted Recovery, our approach to nutrition therapy is grounded in a well rounded perspective of physical and mental health that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of how each person engages with food. Our counseling philosophy is founded on the core elements of trauma-informed care, the Health at Every Size® (HAES) movement, and the principles of intuitive eating. Each element is thoughtfully woven into our practice to create a nurturing environment for individuals recovering from eating disorders.
Trauma-Informed Care
We recognize that many individuals suffering from eating disorders are also trauma survivors, and often, the lasting effects of trauma are the underlying factors that deeply impact one's relationship with food and body image. Those who have experienced trauma or are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder can have severe nervous system disregulation that can lead to difficulty sourcing, preparing, ingesting, and even digesting food. As trauma-informed providers, we value creating a space that feels safe and grounding, where clients can feel heard and validated, allowing them to explore the intersections between eating behaviors and the fluctuating state of their nervous system. We will collaborate closely with the eating disorder therapist and/or trauma therapist on each individual's treatment team to reinforce the work from therapy sessions.
Health at Every Size® (HAES) Informed
Rooted in the belief that well-being and health are not determined by body weight, shape, or size is a fundamental component of our nutrition counseling approach. We reject the conventional emphasis on weight as a sole indicator of health, recognizing that it perpetuates harmful stigmas and unrealistic standards. Instead, we focus on promoting overall well-being, embracing innate body diversity, and encouraging individuals to engage in behaviors that support their health irrespective of their size. By aligning with a HAES® perspective, we empower our clients to cultivate a positive relationship with their bodies and develop sustainable, health promoting habits.
Intuitive Eating and the Non-Diet Approach
Intuitive eating, as developed by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, is a dynamic, client-centered approach that reconnects individuals with their innate body signals and encourages the practice of listening and responding to those signals when approaching food and movement. In our nutrition counseling sessions, we guide clients toward a mindful and attuned relationship with food that involves recognizing and respecting internal cues such as hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. To support this process, we will guide clients to identify and ultimately reject the external influences that may have contributed to disordered eating patterns and harmed their ability to trust their bodies. By fostering an intuitive approach, we assist clients in breaking free from restrictive diet mentalities to cultivate a more harmonious and natural connection with the foods that nourish their bodies and souls.
By integrating these three key elements into our eating disorder counseling approach, Rooted Recovery aims to provide a comprehensive and personalized support system for individuals navigating the complexities of eating disorders and disordered eating. We believe that every individual deserves to pursue their own unique definition of health and wellbeing without subscribing to the idealized versions presented by our culture, and we hold hope that a sense of peace can be found no matter where our clients are starting from.
Services we offer
We understand that the path to healing is unique for each individual. Our range of services are designed to provide tailored support that can address the diverse needs of those seeking eating disorder recovery.
Who our eating disorder nutrition counseling services are for
At Rooted Recovery, it is our mission to offer specialized and accessible nutrition counseling services for individuals experiencing a broad range of circumstances. Our dietitians have undergone extensive training and have collected years of experience to build understanding around the specific challenges and needs that may present for each individual struggling with disordered eating.
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We understand that children and adolescents can face many complexities around food, and even at a very young age, they may experience the suffering of an eating disorder. We are here to support adolescents and families through the process of navigating all the challenges feeding and eating can bring up within any given household. We emphasize a collaborative approach, engaging closely with parents and caregivers to create a nurturing environment that supports the child's development toward a joyful, normalized relationship with food. If your child is experiencing a diagnosed eating disorder (such as Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) or Anorexia Nervosa) or you are noticing signs of a strained relationship with food, movement, or their body, your family does not need to navigate this alone. In younger generations especially, intervening early when it comes to eating disorders and disordered eating is linked to lasting changes for better health and wellbeing.
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Moving through the transitional phases of being a teen or young adult can be a strain on mental health and physical health. It is common for individuals to develop eating disorders (such as bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder) during this uncertain and turbulent stage of life. With this in mind, we want to envelop teens, college students, and 20-somethings with one aspect of the all-encompassing support they need to feel stable and secure. Our compassionate approach to nutrition counseling is tailored to address the unique factors that influence their relationship with food and body image during this critical developmental stage. Through our virtual counseling, they can log-on to sessions in the midst of a busy day, and we will work together to foster a sense of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience as they work toward reclaiming an intuitive relationship with food.
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By partnering with the incredible non-profit, Ten Ten Life, we are now able to extend our services, without the out-of-pocket fee, to veterans who may be grappling with eating disorders or disordered eating. We recognize the unique experiences faced by those who have served or are currently serving in the military create particular challenges around food, exercise, and body image. Our approach is sensitive to the intersections of trauma, mental health challenges, and disordered eating while coming alongside this population. For veterans, our team collaborates with eating disorder therapists and other specialized therapists to provide comprehensive care that honors the potential impact of military experiences on mental health and well-being. For active-duty service members and first responders, we recognize the demands of military life, and we work collaboratively to address disordered eating patterns while upholding optimal nutrition to meet the demands of life in an active-duty setting.
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Athletes suffering from eating disorders require specialized care that addresses the specific intersection of sports, exercise, and disordered eating. Our athlete support services are designed to meet the needs of individuals of all ages engaging in athletic pursuits at any level. We will work closely with coaches and athletic trainers to ensure our nutrition recommendations are aligned with the demands of each individual's training plan to optimize performance and recovery while establishing a healthy relationship between sport, nourishment, and overall well-being.
Though we can provide targeted care for the specific populations listed above, Rooted Recovery's nutrition counseling services do not stop there. If you are seeking freedom from the confides of disordered eating, chronic dieting, or an eating disorder, or are experiencing any other challenge around food, we would love to have a conversation with you. Through a free consult call, we can learn more about what you are looking for, and if we can't help, we will support you in finding a dietitian who can. Fill out our contact form to set up a call!
The registered dietitians at Rooted Recovery are proud to collaborate with eating disorder therapists across the state of Maryland and beyond. If you are looking to add a licensed therapist to your treatment team, you may consider reaching out to one of our colleagues:
Kate Ringwood
Credentials: LCPC
Clientele: 16+, athletes, and Family Based Therapy (FBT)
Location: MD, PA, NJ, and FL
Virtual therapy?: Yes
2. Suzanne Ricklin
Credentials: LCSW-C, BCD, CEDS-S (Clinical Social Worker)
Clientele: children, (9-12) adolescents, adults, couples, families
Location: Century Mental Health, Inc. 5570 Sterrett Place, Suite 101, Columbia, Maryland 20144
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Website: https://www.suzannericklin.com/
3. Sari Meltzer
Full Name: Sari Meltzer
Credentials: LCSW-C
Clientele: Adults and Adolescents with eating disorders
Location: In-person in Dupont, DC through July 2024; In-person Bethesda, MD starting end of summer 2024
Virtual therapy?: Yes - MD, DC, VA
Website: sarimeltzer.com
Email: sarimeltzer.lcswc@gmail.com
4. Taylor Rapuano
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
Clientele: Adults, adolescents 13 and up, families
Location: 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 710, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Virtual therapy?: Yes
Website: https://monarchwellness.com/
5. Caroline Fowler
Full Name: Caroline Fowler
Credentials: LCSW-C, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: adults
Location: Annapolis, MD
Virtual therapy?: Offers both in person and virtual therapy
6. Shelby Willoughby
Credentials: LMSW (In NY and MD)
Clientele: Anyone 18+ and up in terms of age. Will see most humans with any kind of need
Location: 4827 Rugby Ave, Suite 301, Bethesda, MD
Virtual Therapy: Offers both virtual and in person (can get people in faster with virtual).
FAQs about working with an eating disorder counselor
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In the treatment of eating disorders, a collaborative team approach is vital. Professionals such as licensed clinical social workers or licensed therapists, psychiatrists, registered dietitians, and medical doctors play critical roles. At Rooted Recovery, our dedicated team includes registered dietitian nutritionists and a registered yoga teacher. Our dietitians specialize in providing evidence-based, eating disorder nutrition therapy sessions that are aligned with the HAES movement and are founded on the principles of intuitive eating. Our yoga services are uniquely designed to accompany eating disorder therapy to encourage positive embodiment and joyful movement.
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While the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" are often used interchangeably, there are key differences. Registered dietitians, like the dietitians at Rooted Recovery, undergo comprehensive education and training, holding a bachelor's degree in nutrition science followed by graduate training through an accredited internship. This is followed by passing a national exam to become credentialed. The title "nutritionist" lacks standardized qualifications, and individuals may use it without having completed specific educational requirements. As registered dietitians, we bring extensive knowledge and expertise to guide individuals in their recovery, ensuring evidence-based nutrition care to treat eating disorders.
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Finding a registered dietitian specialized in eating disorder recovery can be facilitated through reputable online directories like EDRD Pro and ANAD. These platforms allow you to search for professionals based on location and specialty. Because we offer virtual services at Rooted Recovery, we can provide support to individuals across multiple states, including Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Feel free to explore our website or contact us directly to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey to eating disorder recovery, regardless of your geographic location.
Our eating disorder dietitians can help you reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom.
When you work with a professional from Rooted Recovery, you can expect to receive gentle, empathetic support that embraces the nuances of each individual's unique journey. Whether you are an adolescent, adult, veteran, professional athlete, or anywhere in-between, our thoughtful approach can meet you where you are to cultivate a peaceful, nurturing relationship with food and body. You are encouraged to reach out to us today - we want to embark on this transformative road to recovery with you.
