Malea Woods
Malea Woods
(she/her)
I'm a queer, feminist therapist who creates a warm, affirming space for clients navigating body image concerns and eating disorders. My approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES) and LGBTQ+ affirming care, with a deep belief that therapy should feel both supportive and empowering. I’m here to help you not just get through the hard weeks, but to feel seen, heard, and equipped with tools to move through life with more ease. I know how vulnerable it can be to seek help—especially around food and body image—and I strive to offer a space where you can be your full self without judgment. In addition to talk therapy, I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps process and heal from trauma, distressing memories, and deeply rooted beliefs that may be holding you back.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Tell clients what to expect from their first session with you (Grow Therapy version): In our first session, my goal is to help you feel welcomed, seen, and at ease. We’ll talk about what led you to therapy, explore any patterns or challenges you’ve been noticing, and discuss what kind of support you’re hoping for. I’ll ask some questions about your background—including your relationship with food, body image, and identity—but we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. I believe in creating a space where you can be your full self, without fear of judgment. By the end of the session, we’ll begin shaping a plan that feels collaborative, empowering, and aligned with your goals.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my approach is how deeply affirming, relational, and trauma-informed it is. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy—I meet each client where they are, drawing from modalities like EMDR, DBT, and feminist, attachment-based approaches. My work is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES) and LGBTQ+ affirming care, and I strive to create a space where clients can reconnect with themselves in a more compassionate, empowered way. Many of my clients say they feel truly seen in our work together—often for the first time. I focus not only on insight and healing past wounds, but also on building skills and emotional resilience that help clients navigate everyday life with more confidence and ease.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I’m looking to work with clients who are ready to explore their relationship with food, body image, and self-worth in a space that is affirming, nonjudgmental, and grounded in social justice. My ideal client is someone who identifies as queer or LGBTQ+, who may be struggling with an eating disorder, body shame, or the effects of trauma, and is seeking a therapist who truly gets it. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected—but they’re also curious about healing and open to doing the deeper work. Whether they’re new to therapy or returning after a difficult experience, they’re looking for a consistent, supportive space to come back to each week. I especially enjoy working with clients who are interested in integrating modalities like EMDR to process painful past experiences and build a more compassionate relationship with themselves.
About Malea Woods
I identify as
Specialties
Serves ages
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate DBT to support clients in developing effective emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Together, we practice mindful awareness and explore tools to create more balance and stability in daily life, especially when navigating overwhelming emotions or high-stress situations.
Attachment-based
My approach is grounded in understanding how early relational patterns impact present-day connections. I help clients explore their attachment histories with compassion, build secure internal frameworks, and create more fulfilling relationships through deep emotional attunement and repair work.
EMDR
I use EMDR to help clients process traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and unresolved experiences that may be stuck in the nervous system. This powerful, evidence-based approach supports healing at a deep level, allowing clients to move forward with greater emotional freedom and resilience.
Feminist
My work is rooted in feminist principles, honoring each client’s lived experience and the ways systemic oppression and identity shape our mental health. I strive to create a collaborative, empowering space where clients can reconnect with their voice, agency, and inner wisdom.
Gender-affirming therapy
I provide a safe, affirming space for clients of all gender identities and expressions. Whether you're exploring gender, navigating transition, or seeking support in a world that doesn't always affirm who you are, I center your autonomy and truth with care, respect, and warmth.