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Taking a Holistic Approach


Image: Photo of Cynthia SaffellCynthia Saffell

Cynthia Saffell RD, LCSW is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, certified through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP).  Her interest in eating disorders began while getting her BS in dietetics at Rutgers University and struggling with her own eating disorder over 35 years ago.  After working in the community as a dietitian for 5 years, Cynthia wanted to specialize in treating eating disorders and returned to CSUF for her masters in clinical social work.  Her master’s thesis studied compulsive overeaters, using dance therapy to improve body image and self esteem.  Determined to learn more effective treatments for eating disorders, Cynthia later conducted a research study adding a care sponsor in the treatment of bulimia. 

As a registered dietitian, Cynthia’s experience includes managing WIC programs; providing nutrition evaluations/counseling for the developmentally disabled; consulting for group homes for the developmentally disabled; and nutrition counseling in various community health clinics and private physician’s offices in the San Joaquin Valley.

Cynthia received her license as a Clinical Social Worker in 1992 and began her private practice as an eating disorder therapist.  She was a regular guest lecturer for the CSUF dietetics program and UCSF nurse practitioner/physician assistant program in Fresno, and consulted for the CSUF Athletic program. 

With a strong interest in women and women’s issues, Cynthia is experienced in treating problems which often occur with an eating disorder.  Common concurrent problems are mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self harm, trauma, relationship problems, chemical dependency, and personality disorders. 

Learning from her life long yoga and meditation practice, and training as a registered Ananda Yoga® teacher and certified Ananda Yoga® Therapist, Cynthia brings the lessons of her mindfulness practice into the therapy.  Using a holistic, integrative approach, she combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Yoga Therapy and the use of metaphor in her counseling.

She believes that everyone is intrinsically good, has a wise intuitive self and is an expert on their own path.  Since each person is unique and comes to therapy with different needs, she designs each client’s treatment according to their individual needs.

Cynthia is an approved supervisor through the IAEDP and is thus involved in the training of therapist working on their certification as eating disorder specialists.

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Some stories don't have a clear beginning,
middle and end.

Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

Delicious ambiguity...

Gilda Radner