Emily Jody LMFT (she/her)
Meeting with a therapist for the first time can make one feel extremely vulnerable. From the beginning of the therapy process, I prioritize building REAL CONNECTION and a SAFE SPACE so you feel the freedom to be your TRUE self. I bring compassion, authenticity directness, and humor to the therapeutic relationship.
I went through my own journey to heal my relationship with food and my body and have centered my career around helping others do the same. An unhealthy relationship with food and body can steal so much - time, energy, joy, relationships, motivation, just to name a few. I passionately believe you CAN experience a FREER and FULLER life. It would be my honor to be by your side during your journey, working towards meaningful change.
Education & Experience
For over a decade, I have been providing therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. In 2012, I earned my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University and obtained my trainee hours at The Frances Smith Center providing therapy to individuals and couples.
From 2013 to 2016 I worked at The Bella Vita Eating Disorder Treatment Center filling the roles of Lead Counselor, Primary Therapist, and Clinical Director. During my time at The Bella Vita, I acquired my internship hours and became licensed in 2015. I continued my work treating eating disorders at Monte Nido Vista in Malibu, CA, one of the leading eating disorder centers in the country, followed by working at their New York location, Monte Nido River Towns in Irvington, NY. During my time at The Bella Vita and Monte Nido, I provided individual, family, and couples therapy, as well as led a variety of therapeutic groups including Multi-Family Process, DBT, CBT, Food Exposure, Body Image, and Self-Esteem. As a member of the treatment teams, I collaborated closely with dietitians, physicians, and psychiatrists in order to provide individualized care.
From 2017 to 2022, I provided outpatient care at Second Chances Counseling in Los Angeles. I primarily treated adults with eating disorders and body image issues, as well as worked with mood disorders, relationship problems, and life transitions. My work at Second Chances Counseling included leading Eating Disorder Support and Body Image Groups, including a Male Body Image Group. I was also a Clinical Supervisor, providing supervision to new therapists acquiring their internship hours.
I opened my private practice in 2019, focusing on treating adults struggling with eating disorders and body image issues.
I have guest lectured at NYU on the treatment of eating disorders.
Licensure
Licensed (#90739) by the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California.
Licensed (#001325) by the New York State Education Department as a Marriage and Family Therapist in New York.
Malea Woods LMFT (she/her)
As a queer feminist, I understand the importance of having a culturally sensitive therapist. Knowing that your therapist is understanding of systemic issues, and how they play a role in mental health, is a key aspect in establishing a therapeutic relationship. I use feminist theory to unpack the societal norms and cultural narratives to which we are constantly exposed.
Having grown up in a social-media-based society, I know first-hand the struggles of body image, perfectionism, and comparison. I understand how difficult it can be to be a teenager expressing YOURSELF or to be an adult exploring your IDENTITY. Eating disorders and body image issues can get in the way of finding your TRUE self and building AUTHENTIC relationships. I believe that being curious and open while using humor is a good first step to eating disorder recovery.
Education & Experience
I received my master’s degree from Antioch University Los Angeles with a specialization in LGBT Affirmative Therapy (2018) and my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender and sexuality studies. I have worked with various non-profits and feminist organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, Girls Today Women Tomorrow, The Institute for Girls’ Development, and San Francisco State’s Sexual Health center.
I obtained my trainee hours towards licensure at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. At the Center, I intervened with clients in crisis, saw clients individually, and created a queer women’s support group. I worked with a treatment team of psychiatrists, case managers, addiction specialists, and domestic violence counselors to support clients’ overall well-being. At the LGBT Center, I was trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) as well as crisis management.
From 2019-2022 I treated clients at Second Chances Counseling under the supervision of an eating disorder specialist. I primarily saw adults and teens struggling with eating disorders. Having a specialization in LGBT Affirmative Therapy and feminist theory, I worked mostly with clients who identify within the LGBT community. Since becoming licensed in 2021, I have continued to work with clients struggling with eating disorders and collaborate with their dietitians, primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and case managers to provide wrap-around care.
I have guest lectured at Antioch University on Bisexual Affirmative Therapy and Feminist Psychology Theory.
Licensure
Licensed (#129642) by the Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California.
