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Merrill Wood Eating Disorder Therapist

I’m Merrill Wood

I’m a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (#15056), and I’m passionate about supporting people who struggle with disordered eating, anxiety, or trauma.

Personality & Fit:

My clients are often described as smart, intuitive, driven, or sensitive people, and they frequently know the exhaustion of impostor syndrome, people pleasing, and following food rules. I specialize in collaborating with clients finding freedom from a constantly chattering inner critic, and partner with clients seeking self-confidence and inner safety to rest. Together we can stop the unrelenting cycle of shame, guilt, and anxiety.

Licensure & Training:

I graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2019 with a degree in Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling. I’m licensed as a Mental Health Counselor , and I’m currently working towards completing a Certified Eating Disorders Specialization through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP). I’m a member of the American Counseling Association, and my work is shaped by the theoretical orientations of Internal Family Systems, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Embodied Recovery, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.

  • Inclusivity & Social Justice

    I am committed to practicing from a sexually affirming, multiculturally humble, Health at Every Size aligned, and trauma informed position. I recognize that my own lived experience has been shaped by multiple forms of privilege, and believe it’s my responsibility and honor to support my community in unlearning the systems and stories that perpetuate oppression.

  • Continuing Education

    I’m passionate about continuing education, life long learning, and improving for my clients.

    Current courses I’m excited about? The Fundamentals of Gender Affirming Care, Integrative Somatic Parts Work, Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders.

  • Other than Therapy

    You can easily distract me in session by talking about:

    Bird Watching

    Taylor Swift

    Reading & Ideal Reading Nooks

    Hiking

  • Modality

    My work is grounded in a combination of both cognitive and somatic theories, in order to have an integrated approach.

    Our sessions together will be shaped by ACT, DBT, Internal Family Systems Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders.

  • Background

    I have experience in other workplace settings, such as a community mental health center, a residential treatment facility for eating disorders, and a chronic pain management center