Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD

Hi, I’m Lauren. I’m a psychologist and eating disorder specialist (FAED, CEDS-C, CBTP®) with over 25 years of experience. I am the founder and director of Eating Disorder Therapy LA, where I offer in-person care in Los Angeles and telehealth services throughout California. I specialize in weight-inclusive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family-Based Treatment (FBT), and ARFID treatment for individuals of all ages. I am also the author of two books and an international trainer for clinicians and parents.

I help people build a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies using research-backed treatments. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to understand what keeps an eating disorder going and make meaningful changes step by step. For families, I coach parents to take an active role in their child's recovery. Parents don't cause eating disorders, but they can be a powerful part of the solution.

I especially enjoy working with families using Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for teens with anorexia and bulimia. I also love supporting children and teens with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), individuals of all ages experiencing choking or vomiting phobias, and college students and adults navigating bulimia, binge eating, and disordered eating.

I frequently work with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, other eating disorders, body image distress, chronic dieting, and fears of choking or vomiting. Many of my clients also experience anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or OCD-like patterns, which I address alongside their eating disorder. I also support parents who may feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help their child.

My therapeutic style is warm, direct, collaborative, structured, and practical. I take a weight-inclusive approach, treating people of every size with respect without judgment or pressure to diet. I believe in being transparent about what research shows, setting goals together, tracking progress, and adjusting treatment based on each client's needs.

Sessions with me are focused and active. We typically review how the week went, including challenges and successes, before working on specific skills or next steps. This may involve practicing something new, planning a meal, or gradually approaching a feared food. While recovery involves serious work, I also believe there is room for humor, encouragement, and genuine conversation.

My goal is for clients to feel understood, supported, and hopeful throughout their recovery. I want individuals to experience greater freedom from food and body worries, develop flexibility around eating, trust their bodies, and regain energy for the things they care about. For families, I hope parents gain confidence in supporting their child's recovery while helping children and teens reclaim their childhood. Above all, I want clients to develop lasting skills they can use to navigate setbacks independently.

Outside of therapy, I am passionate about training and supporting other therapists as they develop their skills in eating disorder treatment. I believe helping more providers deliver quality care allows more individuals and families to receive the support they need. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my adult children, cooking, gardening, and recently taking up ballroom dancing, which has been both humbling and fun.

Reaching out for help takes courage, and you don't have to feel completely ready to begin. Eating disorders are treatable, and recovery is possible at any age and size. Whether you're struggling yourself or concerned about your child, we can work together to identify the next steps.

Reach out for a consultation. I'd be glad to help.