Sarah S. Pannell, MS, LMFT, CEDS
Specializing in psychotherapy for eating disorders, trauma, reproductive and perinatal mental health
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.
I believe the decision to enter therapy is a truly courageous one, and one that I seek to honor as a therapist. I believe you are the expert on you, your life, your story and your body. I don't believe it’s my job to tell you what to do or how to live your life, but rather to come alongside you, to hear your story, your hopes and to partner with you to move towards your goals.
In my years in practice, I have heard and felt more pain than I ever imagined I could tolerate, and I have also witnessed the incredible resiliency of human beings and the ability we all have to heal and to grow. I've had the privilege to sit across from a lot of people, from a wide range of backgrounds, with a multitude of different struggles, each with their own unique story...and continually I am awed by the strength and resilience I hear in my clients' stories.
If you decide to begin this brave journey with me, I will commit to being with you, in relationship with you and helping you to work towards your goals. In my experience, most people, for a whole range of reasons (loss, trauma, illness), have learned not to trust themselves, their intuition, their emotions, or their bodies. Far too many find themselves disconnected from their bodies, their wisdom and too often, from other people. Therefore, one of my hopes is often to help people to re-discover or re-connect with themselves and their wisdom and to begin to heal their relationships with themselves, their bodies and with others.
If this sounds like a good fit for you, I'd love to meet you!
Sarah's Experience
Sarah has been in clinical practice since 2009. She received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Sarah is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in both California and in Georgia.
Sarah uses an integrated approach to therapy which includes exploring the biological, psychological, social and environmental aspects which are impacting the client or family. Her training in family systems allows Sarah to not only see an individual’s context but the larger picture of family dynamics and societal influences.
Sarah has experience working with clients struggling with issues related to anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, perinatal mental health, infertility, depression, mood dysregulation, substance abuse and relationship issues. She works with clients from 14 years old through adulthood as individuals or families.
Sarah has experience working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders, immigration statuses, sexual orientations, ages, body sizes, etc, and welcomes the opportunity to work with any human being. She has also had the opportunity to live abroad in various countries, she recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity. Sarah believes that all humans, and all bodies deserve respect, and practices from the philosophy of Health at Every Size (HAES).
Sarah is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). She is the former Executive Director of the Eating Disorders Information Network and currently serves on the organization's Medical Advisory Council. Sarah is the former treasurer of the board for ASDAH (Association of Size Diversity And Health). She is also a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and iaedp (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals).