Neuroaffirming Eating Disorder Therapy in NYC

Online eating disorder therapy across New York

For many neurodivergent individuals, eating disorder treatment has felt invalidating, overwhelming, or simply not built with their nervous system in mind.

Maybe you’ve been told your sensory sensitivities are “just avoidance.”

Maybe treatment felt focused on compliance rather than understanding.

Our approach to neuroaffirming eating disorder therapy understands that eating struggles often exist within a much larger context involving sensory needs, executive functioning, body image, anxiety, routines, overwhelm, perfectionism, emotional regulation, social experiences, and nervous system safety.

neuroaffirming eating disorder therapy nyc

Trauma-informed, size inclusive and neurodivergent affirming eating disorder therapy. Because healing is NOT one size fits all.

What we treat

  • binge eating therapy

    Binge eating

    If you’re feeling ashamed or embarrassed after chronic episodes of eating large amounts of food that felt out of your control, you may struggle with binge eating

  • anorexia therapy nyc

    Anorexia

    We do not believe in anorexia having a “body type”. Folks in all body sizes struggle with anorexia and you deserve support if you have been stuck in restrictive eating and a preoccupation with your weight.

  • bulimia therapy nyc

    Bulimia

    If you struggle with cycles of binge eating followed by episodes of purging, restriction or intense exercise then it is likely you have been experiencing bulimia

  • arfid therapy nyc

    ARFID

    ARFID sometimes gets confused with “picky eating”, but it is much deeper than that. If the experience of eating has been difficult for you due to textures, smells, fear of how your body will react or other types of distress that are unrelated to body image, then you may have ARFID

  • therapy for chronic dieting

    Chronic dieting

    It may be that you don’t have a full blown eating disorder, but that does not mean you don’t deserve support. If constant dieting has kept you trapped and is holding you back from a fulfilling life, we can help you break this cycle.

  • orthorexia therapy nyc

    Orthorexia

    If you notice feeling obsessed with “healthy” foods and have intense fears around specific foods harming your health, you may be struggling with orthorexia

What Is Neuroaffirming Eating Disorder Therapy?

Neuroaffirming eating disorder therapy recognizes that traditional eating disorder treatment models may unintentionally pathologize or misunderstand neurodivergent experiences.

For example:

  • sensory aversions may be mistaken for resistance

  • autistic routines may be labeled rigidity without context

  • shutdowns may be interpreted as noncompliance

  • executive functioning challenges may be viewed as lack of motivation

  • body image struggles may overlap with masking, social trauma, or identity confusion

A neuroaffirming approach considers the full picture.

Treatment is adapted to support your nervous system, communication style, sensory needs, cognitive processing, and lived experience rather than expecting you to fit into a one-size-fits-all model.

Get Started

Our approach to neuroaffirming eating disorder therapy

reducing shame around sensory needs and accommodations

creating realistic meal support strategies

body image work that acknowledges social stigma

helping clients advocate for their needs

exploring the function eating disorder behaviors serve

building flexibility without forcing overwhelm

Neuroaffirming Therapy for ARFID, Body Image, and OCD Overlap

Many clients experience overlap between:

  • eating disorders

  • ARFID

  • OCD

  • anxiety

  • body dysmorphia

  • body-focused repetitive behaviors

  • sensory sensitivities

  • perfectionism

Our approach looks at how these patterns interact rather than treating each struggle separately.

Related support areas…

Body Image Therapy | Therapy OCD & Anxiety | BFRB Therapy | Body-Positive Therapy | Neuroaffirming Therapy

Eating disorder therapist nyc

Alison Mann, LCSW, Eating Disorder Specialist

Specialties

  • Body Image

  • Anxiety

  • Eating Disorders

  • Body Dysmorphia

  • Eating disorders

  • Binge eating disorder

  • Anorexia

  • Bulimia

  • ARFID

Modalities

  • CBT

  • CBT-E

  • DBT

  • Mirror exposure therapy

  • Mindfulness

  • Self compassion practices

  • Neurodivergent affirming

  • HAES

FAQs

  • Neuroaffirming therapy recognizes neurodivergence as a valid way of experiencing the world—not something that needs to be cured or suppressed. Treatment is adapted to support the individual’s nervous system, communication style, sensory needs, and lived experience.

  • No, many people resonate with neurodivergent experiences without having a formal diagnosis. I am much more interested in understanding your lived experience rather than any label. Therapy can still be tailored to support your needs.

  • Yes. You don’t need an eating disorder to struggle with body image. Therapy can help you reduce body dissatisfaction, break patterns like body checking or avoidance, and develop a more neutral or compassionate relationship with your body.

  • Making sure you find a therapist who is a good fit is crucial. That is why we will start with a 15min consultation together. During this call, I will explore what you are looking for and you will be able to ask me any questions as well. If we decide it is a good fit, then we will schedule our initial appointment!

    If for any reason it is not a good fit, then I am happy to offer you referrals.