Community Resources From an Eating Disorder Therapist for Athletes in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Local Mental Health support in Athletics is not something that has been easily accessible over the years, especially around eating disorders. There has been a stigma in sports that emotions get in the way, and we need to fight and be tough to succeed at the highest level.
As a therapist who works with athletes, I have the goal of normalizing emotions and figuring out how to use them to increase performance. We’ve learned that emotions are going to be there no matter how hard we fight them. So the question is, how can we establish productive ways to use the emotions that are coming up?
The best way to do this is to seek eating disorder therapy from a therapist who works specifically with athletes. Finding local resources can be challenging, especially for something as specific as a therapist who specializes in athletes struggling with an eating disorder. My goal today is to share valuable resources that offer both professional and community-based support. These resources can help athletes in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, get the assistance they need.
Understanding Eating Disorders in Athletes
Athletes face intense pressure to maintain specific body types and meet high-performance expectations. This puts them at a greater risk of developing an eating disorder. Research shows that one in four athletes struggle with an eating disorder. Additionally, about 70% experience some form of disordered eating at some point in their career. Being mindful of key warning signs can help ensure athletes get the support they need when they need it most.
The Role of a Specialized Eating Disorder Therapist
There are a lot of similarities and personality traits between someone who is struggling with an eating disorder and an athlete. This is a factor that contributes to higher risk for athletes.
For example, perfectionism is a trait that can help both an athlete thrive and an eating disorder. This contributes to higher risk in athletes, and having a therapist who works with perfectionism and high achievement can be incredibly helpful. Making sure you find a treatment team that understands the importance that your sport plays in your life is an important factor. Therapy for athletes can help you establish your values in and outside of your sport and how to shift them to become the healthiest version of yourself.
However, someone who is educated and has extensive experience with eating disorders and athletes is the most helpful thing of all. Working with someone who understands the language and triggers of eating disorders is extremely important. Making sure that you feel safe throughout your recovery process and are able to be vulnerable is the number one goal!
Key Community Resources in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Like I said before, it is really difficult to find an in-person therapist in a specific area with this especially. This is why online therapy has become extremely important and beneficial to athletes who are struggling with an eating disorder.
Therapists
Of course, Serendipity Counseling Services is here to help any athlete struggling with an eating disorder. This is our specialty, and we are currently accepting new clients! To learn more about us, check Kate out here!
If you are looking to search around for the best fit (because let’s be real, finding the right fit can be tough), here are a few other therapists that I love and support!
Hannah de Groot sees clients virtually in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Vermont, and Oregon. Hannah does a fantastic job holding space for those struggling with their relationship with movement and sport while balancing eating disorder treatment.
Paige Thompson is another fantastic choice. She not only specializes in working with athletes in recovery but also with pregnant and postpartum women. Paige can see folks virtually in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, and Vermont.
Dietitians
Unfortunately, Cherry Hill, New Jersey is not a common place to find a sports dietitian who works specifically with eating disorders. However here are a few resources that are near and dear to my heart and I fully trust to work with my clients side-by-side through recovery.
Rebecca Jaspan, owner of Rebecca Jaspan Nutrition. She specializes in working with athletes who are struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. She also specializes in working with folks struggling with PCOS. Not only is she able to see clients in New Jersey, but also in New York where she has an in-person office in New York City.
Lauren Smith, wonder of Balanced Bites Nutrition. She also works with athletes struggling with disordered eating and eating disorders. She works virtually with folks in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and accepts most insurances. That last piece is a huge plus!
Michelle Pillepich, wonder of Michelle Pillepich Nutrition. She is an intuitive eating dietitian who helps women ditch disordered eating and find a healthy relationship with food and exercise. She offers one-to-one virtual nutrition coaching and accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna.
Support Groups for Athletes
To be honest, support groups are a tough one to come by. However, I have found virtual support groups to be much more beneficial from a therapist’s perspective. This is why I run a virtual support group for athletes struggling with their relationship with movement. Check out our support group page to see when the next support group is!
Another amazing support group is available for athletes dealing with disordered eating or eating disorders. It also provides a space for those who simply want to talk about the challenges of being a college athlete. This group is run by an organization called Lane 9 Project. They offer a free monthly support group to any collegiate athlete.
ANAD is another organization that offers free virtual support groups for athletes periodically. These groups aren’t run consistently. However, they do pop up occasionally on the schedule. Check out more on their site.
Encouragement for Athletes and Families
If there is anything I want you to take away from this, it is that resources are available even if they are hard to find locally. You don’t need to be struggling with a diagnosed eating disorder in order to need help and support. The more we talk about it, the less shame and embarrassment people feel. Struggling with food and body image can be isolating, but open conversations help break the stigma. Talking about these challenges encourages support and understanding.
As I said above, there is a 35% chance that someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder on your team. Don’t be afraid to reach out because you are not alone. If you are looking for eating disorder therapy in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be happy to offer you any support I have. Finding the right treatment team is not an easy process, but this is a good place to start.
Get Support from an Eating Disorder Therapist in NJ
Navigating eating disorder recovery as an athlete comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. As an eating disorder therapist in Cherry Hill, NJ, I offer counseling services designed to support both physical and mental well-being. Finding the right support system can make a significant difference in healing your relationship with food, body image, and performance. There are options available to help you take the next step. If you are ready to explore what’s out there, here’s how to get started:
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs.
Schedule your first eating disorder therapy session and find the right approach for you.
Take steps toward meaningful change in an environment that understands the unique pressures athletes face.
Additional Services Offered in Cherry Hill, NJ & Surrounding Areas
I provide individualized eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, helping individuals and families navigate recovery with personalized support. I specialize in working with runners struggling with disordered eating, focusing on balancing performance and well-being.
Beyond therapy, I raise awareness through speaking engagements and lead a support group for athletes seeking a healthier relationship with food and exercise. Whether you need one-on-one care, family guidance, or community support, resources are available to help you take the next step toward healing.
About the Author: An Eating Disorder Therapist in Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Kate Ringwood, owner of Serendipity Counseling Services, works specifically with athletes struggling with an eating disorder. Kate has worked in the eating disorder population for 15 years and identifies as an athlete herself! Kate comes to the therapy room with compassion and empathy towards the difficult journey of navigating an eating disorder while trying to continue a sport you love.
