CREDN Provider Directory

I started Vara Nutrition with a vision of transforming the way we approach and value food, nutrition, and movement. My mission is to support you in shifting your relationship with food from contention and fear to peace and comfort. When I am not talking about food, I like to spend my free time hiking, cooking, paddle boarding, crafting, reading and hanging out with my pup, Lily Bug the Frenchton.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment used to treat complex, multi-diagnostic individuals with a wide range of behavioral health concerns such as eating disorders, suicidality, self-harm, substance use disorders, and difficulties in emotion regulation. Portland DBT Institute offers three levels of adherent DBT treatment: enhanced skills training (skills-only groups), standard outpatient DBT, and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). The Eating Disorder IOP (ED-IOP) at Portland DBT Institute is a 16-week program specifically designed to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for individuals battling eating disorders, including anorexia, ARFID, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and other disordered eating behaviors. This program is grounded in DBT, which has been proven highly effective in helping individuals develop healthier relationships with food, body image, and emotional regulation. The ED-IOP is an excellent fit for adults and young adults struggling with disordered eating behaviors who may need more support than traditional outpatient services or are transitioning to the community from a higher level of care.

Katrin "Kat" Wood (they/them), MAAT, Professional Counselor Associate (OR), LMHCA (WA), ATR-P, RYT is a queer, gender fluid, art therapist in Portland, OR. Katrin goes by Kat, and graduated with a master’s degree in Art therapy from Lewis and Clark College in June 2023 with a certificate in eating disorders counseling. Since 2013, Kat has worked in the mental health field and is currently working with adults, teens, families, and relationships as a professional counselor associate at Green Sheep Art Therapy LLC. Working with LBGTQIA+ is a passion of Kat's, including working with those who struggle with gender dysphoria and gender-identity related weight and body concerns. Kat lives with their partner and two fur friends in Portland, OR, and enjoys playing piano, drawing and sculpting, practicing yoga, playing board games, hiking, rock-hounding, and gardening.

I am an irreverent, change-focused Psychologist that can treat a wide-range of issues in addition to specialty training in CPTSD.

Amy graduated with her Masters in Counseling in 2013 from the University of Colorado - Denver. Prior to becoming a counselor, Amy was a teacher, school counselor, and long distance running coach. Amy supports clients by helping them build a balanced relationship with food, movement, and their desire for change.

Finding the right support is so important to overcoming an eating disorder and unfortunately too many people are left feeling like they are a failure when they are unable to change on their own. Making the decision to seek out support can be daunting but it is an extremely important first step towards healing. The fact that you are here shows you are ready to move forward to build on the steps that you have taken so far. I work to join with clients to help them continue to move down the path of recovery. I bring over 20 years of experience specializing in the treatment of eating disorders at a partial hospital level of care to my work. I approach this with a deep knowledge base of the physical, emotional and social consequences of disordered eating which aids me in supporting clients to find lasting change. I provide a safe and supportive environment to work in collaboration with you to challenge eating disorder behavior. I strive to balance this with providing honest open reflection to help meet you where you are. I utilize the exploration of unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns meeting clients where they are at in the process of change and helping them progress.

Having a chronic health condition and an eating disorder can be tough. Taking the first steps toward food and body image healing takes courage, and I'm so happy you’re here. I'm a weight-inclusive Certified Nutrition Specialist and Licensed Dietitian working from client-centered, gender-affirming, Health at Every Size® principles. I believe that all bodies are good bodies. My practice specializes in supporting adults with eating disorders and co-existing chronic health conditions like IBS, food intolerances, migraine, POTS, MCAS, Type 2 Diabetes, and PCOS.

My practice is tailored toward high-functioning professional women who struggle with issues of overachieving, poor body image, low self-esteem and imposter syndrome. Typically, these concerns coalesce with a lack of good self-care and present in the form of over-working, putting others' needs above her own and often result in ineffective coping strategies such as emotional eating, substance use and dysregulated sleep. I work with clients to help restore balance to thoughts and behaviors, in an effort to help move them toward valued living.

ACCEPTING FOR GROUPS* If you are struggling with an eating disorder, I can help! I know the isolation, denial, justifications and struggles that make recovery difficult. I aim to create a space individually and with peers where you can experiment with recovery and see if it is better than your eating disorder (it is eventually). Eating disorders thrive in isolation, so peer support and building a recovery community is a large part of my treatment model. If you are at the place where you want to try something different (I promise you won't forget how to have an eating disorder if you want to go back to it), then let's work together! I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. I hold a specialty certification in eating disorder treatment from Lewis and Clark. Additionally, I have nearly four years of experience working at the PHP and IOP level of care with individuals struggling with eating disorders. I believe in full recovery because I have seen it and am recovered myself. I am passionate about treating individuals with eating disorders. I work will work with you wherever you are at in recovery. I recognize the lies the eating disorder tells us to convince us to not seek treatment- the waning motivation, but I invite you to reach out. You already know how your eating disorder will be, so let's start (or keep doing) recovery.

Sam is an EMDR-certified Therapist and works primarily with individuals and couples struggling with: trauma, eating disorders, life changes, and anxiety. Her background includes working with a variety of mental health disorders (Eating Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, and Personality Disorders) throughout her career as a clinical social worker. She provides an open space for individuals and couples to navigate life challenges and process their struggles. She provides client-centered, non-diet, and trauma-informed care. Sam wants to help people to feel more connected to their authentic selves.