You likely have questions about therapy:

What is it? How long will it take? How will my challenges be addressed? When will I feel better? How will Dr. Landis help me?

These are all valid questions! Starting therapy can feel extremely daunting. First and foremost, know that I am here to support you holistically and without judgement, meaning I tailor my expertise to your unique needs. I believe that all humans inherently suffer during their time on this planet, and what our minds and emotions do to cope with that suffering is each person’s unique attempt to try to heal. I see you and I support you. However, if you want to get the most out of therapy with me, consider the following…

Treatment only works if you do… 

Healing is hard, and requires a lot of bravery, willingness, and time. I offer my expertise, but therapy is a partnership; your active participation is crucial. Does that mean that you have to love every minute of therapy or always do things “right”? Absolutely, not! But, treatment can only be effective when you commit to attending sessions regularly/as recommended by your provider, being forthcoming and open in sessions, and practicing skills/treatment recommendations outside of session.

I do not have a magic wand and cannot “fix” your problems for you. 

Furthermore, I can only work with what I am given. I understand that discussing personal details with someone new can be feel uncomfortable or even shameful. However, effective therapy requires open communication. I also understand that sharing things takes time. What I ask is that you practice transparency by letting me know that there is more to the story,  even if you're not ready to share it yet. I will respect your boundary and together we will work towards increased sharing over time. 

It's also important to understand that therapy isn't linear, and there's no guaranteed timeframe for feeling "better." The therapeutic journey is often winding, with ups and downs, but is a process that moves you closer to your goals and values.

If at any time the therapy process becomes too overwhelming or your ability/willingness to effectively engage in treatment declines over time, it is completely normal to take breaks from therapy. Returning when you are truly ready will be the most effective use of your precious time and resources.

A note to parents…

Therapy is a research-backed tool for your child's healing, but it is not a “one stop shop” to “fix” your child. As such, your child’s therapy will only go as far as you do. I get to spend 1 hour a week with your child, but you are with them the other 167 hours a week. Therefore, your participation in sessions and at-home practice is essential for their success.  

A note to those seeking eating disorder treatment…

Eating disorder treatment is nuanced and very personal for each client. Similarly, treatment approaches vary among therapists due to various evidence-based methods and therapeutic style. My approach is to carefully assess your goals and symptom severity, while simultaneously considering the intersecting and complex medical, psychological, and nutritional components of eating disorders. My assessment then informs my recommendations for the most effective treatment based on my clinical approach.

I may recommend a comprehensive outpatient team, including a primary care doctor, dietitian, and possibly a psychiatrist. In cases of severe symptoms, I may refer you to a higher level of care for stabilization before resuming outpatient therapy. Furthermore, for certain eating disorders, weight restoration may be a primary treatment goal. This is especially relevant for therapy, because without adequate nutrition, your brain has limited capacity to actually absorb the therapy work. Therefore, if you are unable or unwilling to follow weight restoration recommendations, my services may not be the best fit at this time.

Additionally, as a Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating-based clinician, I DO NOT actively pursue weight loss with clients in therapy. However, I will always respect each client’s autonomy and power of choice if weight loss is something a client of mine chooses to pursue so long as it does not pose a significant medical or psychological risk to themselves. 

Closing thoughts…

Ultimately, finding the right therapist and therapeutic approach is a deeply personal journey. My aim is to offer a supportive, collaborative, and transparent space where your unique experiences are honored. By understanding my approach and considering your own needs and commitment to the process, you can better determine if we might be a good fit to work together on your path toward healing and growth.