Thank you for stopping by, I’m glad you’re here! My name is Kelly Wakeland and I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns. After graduating with my MSW in 2019 from Columbia University, I worked in general mental health services and found myself wanting more from my work. I myself had experienced the negative impacts of diet culture and weight stigma and decided to dive deeper into that part of the field, finding that it was chronically underserved and rife with stigma and stereotypes. Now, I specialize in serving clients experiencing disordered eating/eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions struggles, and stress who are looking to make peace with food, their bodies, and themselves.

Any person, regardless of their appearance, body shape or size, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or creed can be diagnosed with an eating disorder, however many who would benefit from help and support never receive it because they are told they don’t “look like they have an eating disorder.” Or on the opposite side of the spectrum, they are struggling with profoundly disordered thoughts and behaviors, however receive praise for them under the guise of health, control, discipline, or fitting a societally desirable appearance. My goal as a therapist is to help those who want a different and improved relationship with food and their bodies achieve the freedom that they deserve.

In addition to eating disorders and body image concerns, many people experience co-occurring diagnoses of anxiety, depression, OCD-related disorders, the broad spectrum of neurodiverse experiences, and trauma. As we work through the eating disorder, other concerns may arise and we can address these as well. You are a whole person outside of an eating disorder and all parts of you are welcome in therapy.

My approach is warm and relatable, we can laugh and cry in sessions, cussing is allowed, and we can focus on your wins as well as your areas for growth. You’re the expert of you, and I view therapy as a partnership where we walk together on the path towards your recovery. I practice from a Health at Every Size, weight neutral approach and acknowledge how environment can be just as impactful as personal experience. As I believe that therapy is inherently political (we live in a society where politics directly impact us), my aim is to provide inclusive and affirming care for people regardless of their identity. Recovery from an eating disorder IS possible and I’d be honored to accompany you on your journey, I encourage you to reach out to see if we're a good fit.

I’m licensed in Connecticut, Virginia, and California and offer telehealth sessions for clients physically located in these states.