Hi! I'm Libby Supan
I’m a therapist and Certified Intuitive Eating Coach. I also know what it’s like to have an eating disorder. I used to wake up daily hating my body and knowing that I was destroying it. I know the obsession with counting calories, eating too much, not eating enough, etc. I know the “crazy”!
By the time I was 30 years old my eating disorder had hijacked my life. I was desperate, terrified, and in a lot of pain. I could not keep it together. The harder I tried to control it, the worse it became. Dealing with my eating disorder left my relationships suffering. I couldn’t keep commitments, cancelled plans, and could not show up for myself or others. This hindered my romantic relationships as well – the entire relationship would become wrapped up in my eating disorder.
Additionally, as a therapist, I recognize that every individual is unique, and therefore, I customize my therapy approach to address the specific needs of each client. Whether you're struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, emotional eating, binge eating, excessive exercise, obsessive thoughts about food, negative body image, anxiety, depression, or any other issue, my aim is to help you identify the underlying problems, acknowledge your strengths, and modify certain thoughts and behaviors to adopt a healthier perspective.
As someone who offers both coaching and therapy for those struggling with disordered eating, I often get asked about the difference between the two. While both coaching and therapy can be helpful in managing disordered eating behaviors, they are best suited for different types of situations.
If you're struggling with occasional disordered eating behaviors, such as emotional eating or binge eating, coaching can be a great option. As a coach, I can offer practical tips and strategies for managing these behaviors, and can provide accountability and support as you work towards your goals.
However, if you're experiencing more severe disordered eating behaviors, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, therapy may be a more appropriate option. As a therapist, I can provide more comprehensive treatment for these conditions, including individual and group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other evidence-based interventions.
It's important to understand that coaching and therapy are not interchangeable, and that each has its own strengths and limitations. If you're not sure which approach is right for you, let me know and we can figure it out together.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help for disordered eating, and with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible.
So if any of these sound like you…
You keep worrying about the same problem over and over
You don’t know who you could ever trust with knowing about your secret struggle
You wish there was somebody who could tell you why you feel this way
You’re interested in therapy, but you don’t want to give up total control
Other areas of your life are being negatively impacted by your struggle
You need somebody to listen to you and your feelings for once
You’re interested in therapy, but not sure how it could fit into your life
…Then individual therapy could be right for you.
So if any of these sound like you…
You keep worrying about the same problem over and over
You wish you could trust someone with your secret struggle
You want to stop feeling so alone in what you’re going through
You’re interested in therapy, but want to try something lower pressure than individual therapy
You wish you felt more understood by others
You’re looking for expert help improving your life
…Then group therapy could be right for you.
My Food Freedom Breakthrough program is right for you if:
You’re ready to finally stop feeling anxious and confused when it comes to food.
You’re sick and tired of feeling sick and tired of the daily battle you experience with food and your body.
You’re ready to experience a world of total food freedom.
You’re 100% ready to make change.
…Then coaching could be right for you.
If you want real answers to have food freedom, STOP dieting. Contact me now for a free 15-minute phone consultation or to book an appointment.I would be honored to walk alongside you on your path to freedom.
The following links are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information. Please also check the additional links provided for physical health for a more comprehensive understanding of your over-all well-being.
The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of the content of the sites.
The following resources are general resources to support over-all well-being and physical health.
The resources are intended to complement, not replace, professional medical advice.
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.
Click on the button below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation or to book an appointment with Libby Supan, LMFT