ABOUT THE THERAPIST

Heather Allen is a clinical counselor, therapist and the owner of Eating Disorder Therapy, a virtual practice based in Ohio, USA that specializes in the family-based treatment of eating disorders in children and teens between the ages of 8-18.

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Q&A with Heather

INTRODUCE YOURSELF & SHARE WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A THERAPIST

I’m Heather Allen, LPCC-S, clinical counselor and therapist specializing in working with adolescents with eating disorders. I am passionate about helping young adolescents and their parents leave the eating disorder in the past and build a life worth living. I love to see children and teens reach their fullest potential and achieve things that would not be possible with an eating disorder. I am passionate about helping families reconnect, communicate and learn how to support their child with an eating disorder and get their life and their family back.

I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Children and Family Studies from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I have worked at one of the nation’s premier children’s hospitals, located in Central Ohio in various mental health departments, including the eating disorders program. I have experience working in multiple partial hospitalization programs with clients who require intensive eating disorder treatment. I have had extensive adolescent development and eating disorder training and have worked with over 100 families dealing with eating disorders.

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

I specialize in working with children and teens ages 8-18 with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa. I use FBT, Family-Based Treatment, or the Maudsley method as a framework for therapy. It is the most evidence-based treatment for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa, whether restricting type or purging type.

WHO DO YOU SERVE IN YOUR PRACTICE? WHAT IS THE TRANSFORMATION YOUR CLIENTS EXPERIENCE IN YOUR WORK TOGETHER?

I have known I wanted to work with children and families since I was a child myself and I’ve spent over 10 years working with children ages 0-21 in many capacities. When I began my work with eating disorders, I knew I had found my place. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders because of the physical component and the detrimental effects of malnourishment on the body. They are dire and impact the entire family system. But- with eating disorders, the answers are clear cut. We know how to treat them and we know that they can be eliminated- for good. Children and adolescents have a full chance to live a life free of an eating disorder- and I can help that to be your child.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING WITH CLIENTS OR THE PROCESS OF THERAPY?

My favorite part of working with clients is starting a session to hear a parent or child share a big success they achieved over the week and see the look of pride on their face. I am inspired by the anti-diet movement and the shift I see happening with women on social media. There is finally awareness of the harm that the media has caused to women by constantly scrutinizing their bodies and we are finally making changes as a society to protect the next generation.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I show up to therapy because I deeply care about children and helping them reach their potential. I remember being an adolescent girl and I know how excruciatingly hard it is. I want to lighten that burden and carry some of the weight alongside you and your child. When working with me, you will get practical interventions that you can start implementing today. You don’t have to worry about traffic, waiting rooms and finding parking-I provide convenient telehealth sessions and am available to meet more than once per week if deemed appropriate. You are the expert on your child, and I am the expert on eating disorders. Your child will be able to stay in your home for treatment instead of having to go to a more intensive level of care, as long as they are stable and appropriate. I bring knowledge, warmth and compassion for how hard it is to have an eating disorder living in your home. I know it is not easy and you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t exhausted, desperate and deeply concerned about your child. They are your world and all you want is to help them feel better. You would do anything for them, and I am here to guide you in the journey of how best to help your child or teen with an eating disorder.

To connect with Heather, you can check out her website eatingdisordertherapyohio.com/ or head over to her Instagram @eatingdisordertherapyohio

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