Nutrition Counseling for Eating Disorders

Hi, I'm Sarah Mann, RDN, LDN!

I earned my Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Messiah College. Then went on to complete a community focused dietetic internship through Cedar Crest College. I spent 8 years working as a clinical dietitian in various long-term care and rehabilitation settings before returning to graduate school to further my education in eating disorders.  After working in a clinical setting for almost a decade the weight stigma I witnessed was enough to push me to pursue a different path. Although I gained valuable knowledge and clinical skills, it gave me firsthand experience of  weight stigma in medicine. In fact, seeing exactly how prevalent disordered eating was among my elderly patients, other medical professionals, friends, and society at large which pushed me into wanting to pursue a different path.

I received my Master’s in Health Education and Promotion with a Concentration in Eating Disorders from Plymouth State University. In addition to my graduate degree, I am a certified Intuitive Eating counselor and utilize much of this framework in my counseling. I have been working with clients in the outpatient setting for approximately 4 years. 

I have researched and presented on pregnancy and postpartum while having an eating disorder. Another professional interest of mine is the intersection of multi-level marketing (MLM) diet schemes and its impact on diet culture. 


Eating Disorder Nutrition Counseling (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, OSFED, Binge Eating Disorder)
Are you or a loved one struggling with their relationship with food and body? Maybe you received an eating disorder diagnosis, or maybe you notice food or movement has taken up more space in your life than you want it to. Regardless of the behavior or diagnosis, eating disorders all have similar root causes. We will work together to understand and come up with an individualized plan that meets you where you are in your recovery.
 
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Nutrition Counseling
Do you or a loved one identify as an extremely picky eater? Maybe you have a small list of preferred foods, or trying new foods is a very stressful and overwhelming experience. Many people struggling with ARFID also feel shame and embarrassment around their food choices. I will provide a space for you to make sense of your food challenges, reduce shame, and expand variety. I take a gentle, client–led approach, as we systematically work through your food fears together. 
 
Intuitive Eating
As a trained intuitive eating counselor, I am prepared to help those who are ready to finally hop off the diet bandwagon heal their relationship with food and body. Through working through the 10 intuitive eating principles, at your own pace, we will help you get back to trusting your body’s innate wisdom that diet culture has hijacked. Some of the principles we will tackle include understanding hunger and fullness, making peace with food, challenging the food police, discovering the satisfaction factor, body respect, joyful movement, and gentle nutrition.
 
Body Image Concerns
Has poor body image impacted your relationship with food or exercise? Are you obsessively weight or body checking? Has your body image interfered with your relationships or kept you from doing things that bring you joy? Given the weight-centric, fat phobic culture we live in, it makes a lot of sense that body image is a complex issue. Together we will work to understand body image and build body image resilience and body respect. 
 
Dysautonomia (POTS)
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction or dysautonomia? Despite being fairly common, many medical providers have limited experience with these conditions due to the difficult nature of detecting, identifying and treating. Due to the widespread systems that are affected, many of those suffering with these conditions go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed (often as anxiety). Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia that is correlated with eating disorders. If you have received this diagnosis or suspect you may have a form of dysautonomia, together we can work to understand your symptoms, and come up with a course of action that meets your individualized needs. 
 
Co-Occurring Neurodivergence within Eating Disorder Nutrition Counseling
Have you been diagnosed with ADHD or an ASD? It is not uncommon for those who are neurodiverse to also struggle with eating. Sensory issues, impulsivity, executive dysfunction, and appetite suppressing medications can all factor in to create challenges. Together we can work to find solutions to help nourish your body in a way that is sustainable. 
 
Midlife Eating Disorder Nutrition Counseling
Many people think that eating disorders only affect young people. Studies have shown that by 40, 1 in 5 women have dealt with an eating disorder, which is actually twice the number identified by age 21 according to a 2019 study in JAMA. Body changes that come along with menopause can be the catalyst for the start or resurgence of an eating disorder. It is also very possible that eating disorders have gone unrecognized and untreated due to our cultural obsession with thinness. No matter if you are struggling with a new or longer lasting eating disorder, change is possible, and I am here to walk alongside you as you heal your relationship with food and body.