Katherine Elder, PhD, LLC - Psychologist

Welcome! I am happy that you are taking these first challenging but critical steps in making changes that are important to you. If binge eating or worrying about food, eating, weight and shape feel like they have taken over your life, I can help you regain a sense of balance, control and peace around these issues. There are so many negative and unhelpful messages that surround us regarding health, how our bodies "should" look or be, and what we "should" or "shouldn't" be eating. It's not surprising that many of us struggle, at times, to figure out how to navigate this natural process of eating; a process that, at its root, is simply and beautifully designed by nature to keep us alive. It's my mission to help guide clients back to that inner wisdom of the body, so that eating begins to feel like a more balanced, nourishing, and even joyful experience. I have over 25 years of experience in the treatment of binge eating and related problems. I use evidence based treatments that have been shown to help clients obtain lasting change. Ultimately, my goal is to help you become free from the rules, stress, anxiety and negativity that limit life when someone is suffering from an eating disorder or related concern. And with that new freedom, you'll be able to turn more of your time and attention to the things that truly bring you joy and matter most to you. Other types of clients I see: If you need help with depression, anxiety, or navigating stressful life events, transitions or experiences, I would be happy to work with you. Additionally, I've spent several years working in hospital and medical settings, and if you are a healthcare professional who is experiencing burnout, stress, vicarious trauma, or other work-related concerns, I can provide support around these types of issues. This could include building coping and resiliency skills, as well as mapping out decisions and pathways that lead you to a healthier and more fulfilling experience in your work setting and in your life. *********************************************************** BACKGROUND, CREDENTIALS, AND PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE: Licensed Psychologist, Oregon, #1778 PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2003 Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University School of Medicine, Eating Disorders & Obesity Research Program, 2003-2005 Director, Behavioral Health Service for the Surgical Weight Reduction Program, Oregon Health & Science University, 2006-2010 Professor of Psychology, Pacific University, 2010-2021 *********************************************************** WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY: I offer free, 15-minute (phone or video) consultations to get a basic understanding of your concerns and assess whether the treatments I provide are in line with what you are seeking. If so, we can set up a teletherapy intake evaluation session (75-90 minutes) that will give me the opportunity to learn more details about you, your history and your concerns. The evaluation will also allow me to make initial diagnostic decisions, as well as create an individually-tailored treatment plan to address the problems you would like to address in therapy. Subsequent sessions will be 50 minutes, and are typically weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your specific needs. The duration of therapy varies from person to person based on the nature and severity of the problem. Some individuals find that their issues resolve within a few sessions, whereas others may wish to continue therapy for a longer period of time. I am out of pocket or out of network; please contact me to hear more about my rates. Many insurance plans cover out-of-network providers. If your plan does, I can provide the paperwork you would need to get reimbursement. I wish you the very best, and if I am the right match for your needs, I look forward to helping you on your journey of improving your health and making the most of your life!