New to Grow
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 exploring therapy for an eating disorder or disordered eating, I want you to know this upfront: you’re not alone, you’re not “too much,” and you don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Recovery isn’t linear, and it definitely doesn’t require perfection — just willingness, honesty, and support. That’s where I come in. I work with people who are navigating restriction, compulsive exercise, binging/purging, body image distress, chronic dieting, and the exhausting mental load that comes with feeling at war with your own body. I also support clients struggling with anxiety, depression, and big life transitions that often intertwine with food and body concerns. Above all, I aim 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.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session will be a bit more structured to focus on understanding your current symptoms, history, and goals. We’ll review what brings you in — whether that’s eating‑related concerns, anxiety, depression, or a mix of all three — and explore how these patterns are affecting your daily life. You can expect a discussion about: Your relationship with food, body image, and eating behaviors Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm Relevant medical, nutritional, or safety considerations Past treatment experiences and current supports What you hope to gain from therapy While the assessment is clinical, the tone is collaborative and paced. You’re welcome to share at a level that feels comfortable. By the end, we’ll outline initial goals and discuss next steps, so you leave with clarity and a sense of support moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that you deserve a life bigger and more meaningful than the eating disorder that’s been taking up so much space. One of my greatest strengths is building genuine, trusting rapport — the kind of therapeutic 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 that you’ve been carrying quietly for a long time. Alongside that strong foundation, I draw from evidence‑based practices that support recovery, such as CBT, DBT, Person-Centered and Compassion‑Focused work. In simple terms: we pair insight with real‑life tools. We’ll look at the patterns that keep you stuck, the thoughts that pull you back into old cycles, and the emotions that feel too big to untangle — all while building skills you can actually use between sessions. You can expect a mix of: gentle, curious exploration; practical coping strategies; body neutrality and self‑compassion practices; support through meals, triggers, and tough moments; skills to challenge ED thoughts and strengthen your own voice; and a therapist who truly listens and meets you where you’re at. 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 make space for growth, relief, and a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who are experiencing: * Eating disorders or disordered eating patterns * Anxiety and chronic worry * Depression and emotional overwhelm * Life transitions (the planned ones and the plot‑twist ones) * Low self-esteem or self-criticism * Difficulty managing big feelings Whether you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just not like yourself, I’m here to help you untangle what’s going on with warmth, curiosity, and zero judgment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate CBT principles to support clients in challenging rigid thinking patterns, reducing avoidance behaviors, and improving emotional regulation. Drawing from my experience working with individuals managing complex medical and mental health needs, I use CBT interventions to help clients build awareness of thought-behavior cycles, develop coping skills, and strengthen motivation for change. My approach is aimed at helping clients move toward recovery-oriented goals at a pace that feels supportive and achievable.
Compassion Focused
In my practice, I integrate Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients move away from self-criticism and toward greater self-understanding and emotional safety. Many individuals struggle with shame or feeling "not good enough", and CFT provides tools to develop self-compassion, while learning new ways to respond to difficult emotions. I help clients understand how their nervous system and past experiences shape emotional reactions, while building skills that promote kindness toward oneself, resilience, and lasting emotional change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My work is grounded in a Person-Centered approach, meaning I prioritize creating a supportive and accepting space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship based on empathy, trust, and collaboration. By helping clients feel genuinely understood and validated, I support them in gaining insight, increasing self-confidence, and making changes that align with their values and goals.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to help clients better manage overwhelming emotions, navigate stress, and improve communication in relationships. Together, we focus on building practical tools such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and boundary-setting skills. DBT allows clients to learn how to accept their experiences while also creating meaningful change, helping them feel more balanced, confident, and in control of their responses.
Narrative
I integrate Narrative Therapy techniques to support clients in exploring identity, meaning, and personal values within therapy. This approach helps clients step back from problem-saturated stories and recognize their strengths, resilience, and capacity for change. By separating the person from the problem and collaboratively reshaping personal narratives, I support clients in developing greater self-understanding and moving toward lives that feel more aligned with their goals and values.