Eating Disorder Therapy and Trauma Therapy
in person in Bucks County, PA and
virtually in Pennsylvania
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Licensed Professional Counselor
she/her/hers
Hi, I'm Meghan Brauning, LPC!
As a therapist who specializes in treating eating disorders, PTSD and trauma I truly appreciate any step you take in getting the help you deserve… including reading about me and our practice. At Beyond I have been able to be my authentic self and have the best relationships with my clients I could imagine. On my own path in life I became interested in psychology because of my own struggles. I understand the amount vulnerability and trust that it takes to ask for help.
You are not in this alone in this and no matter where you are in your struggles I am right here with you. I realize how much shame can hold us back from living our lives without fear of judgement. It is possible to accept that our society may be wrong in many ways and that we are not the problem. You are more worthy than you may believe! I know you can do this because I did. I would love to help you get to a place where you can feel safe and be your true authentic self.
Lets Get to Know Each Other!
I am a therapist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, self-acceptance, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. I find value in developing a therapeutic alliance while providing nurturance, guidance and empathetic connections. My therapeutic approach is HAES-aligned, strength-based, person-centered and inclusive. Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing are modalities I utilize to meet the needs of my clients.
I am trained and experienced in utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy to treat clients who have a trauma history and are diagnosed with PTSD. In therapy we focus on how eating disorders are not the problem but rather the solution and mechanism used to cope with the actual underlying issues and/or trauma/s. I strive to create a safe and healing environment for individuals to process their trauma/s and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Here's my experience & approach-
I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and went on to receive my Master of Science in School Counseling from Gwynedd-Mercy College. I then attended Holy Family University and received additional post-graduate credits. My experience includes both inpatient and outpatient mental health and eating disorder treatment with adolescents and adults. I have over 15 years of experience in the field and supervised at an eating disorder treatment program where I facilitated trauma group and individual trauma sessions.
Eating Disorder Therapy, Therapy for Intuitive Eating, and Body Image Therapy
I work with my clients to create better relationships with their bodies and food as well as exploring the function of their eating disorders. I believe that at one time in my clients’ lives the eating disorder may have helped them or even saved them. We do not villainize the eating disorders, rather we practice understanding and compassion. I have experience working with a variety of eating disorder diagnoses including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, and disordered eating.
Therapy & Support for Family Members & Loved Ones of those diagnosed with an Eating Disorder
In addition to providing therapy for clients who struggle with eating disorders I also provide therapy for family members and loved ones of those diagnosed with eating disorders. Eating disorders are very complex and vastly misunderstood. I assist loved ones with understanding the development and intricacies of eating disorders in order to improve their overall relationships. I also explore the impact of the eating disorder on the loved ones and provide educational guidance.
Trauma Therapy, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD Therapy
The side effects and symptoms of trauma can have mild to severe impacts on our daily lives. During our sessions we will utilize Cognitive Processing Therapy Techniques to identify how trauma has impacted the areas of control, self-esteem, safety, trust and intimacy. I assist clients with recognizing their trauma responses and developing alternative thoughts and behaviors to establish feelings of safety. Once clients develop a sense of safety and a better understanding of the impact of their trauma we explore various exposure opportunities. Clients may avoid many people, places, or things that trigger trauma responses. A common avoidance may include certain foods or food groups. I follow the lead of my clients and will engage in the exposures with clients as they see fit. I have met clients at certain restaurants or ordered food to the office to assist with trauma exposure therapy and develop feelings of safety with food.
When I'm out of the office...
I enjoy the warmer weather and watching my children play sports. My son, Jake, my daughter, Riley, and my dog, Rocco definitely keep me busy! My husband and I love to try new restaurants and enjoy watching TV series together. I have a passion for making desserts and cake decorating (I actually worked in a bakery for 6 years). Currently I am on the path to complete all the books written by Colleen Hoover but I also enjoy many other genres as well.
Let's Work Together!
If you are interested in therapy, please don't hesitate to reach out for a 15 minute discovery phone call to see if we're a good fit!
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I offer in person therapy in Bucks County, PA in Newtown, PA and
virtually, in Pennsylvania.