Taking a Holistic Approach
Cynthia 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 masterʼs 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, Cynthiaʼs 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 physicianʼs offices in the San Joaquin Valley.
Twenty years ago Cynthia received her license as a Clinical Social Worker and began her private practice as an eating disorder therapist. She has been 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 womenʼs 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 12 years as a registered yoga teacher, 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, and the use of metaphor with body awareness techniques such as yoga and mindfulness practice 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 clientʼs 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.
Taking a Team Approach
Since eating disorders are complex and often require treatment from different disciplines, in addition to individual therapy, Cynthia/SLO eating disorders works closely with, and makes referrals to a wide range of health care professionals, including Cyndy Smith LMFT, Heidi Lewin-Miller RD, LMFT and Marlena Tanner, RD, who have special training in the field of eating disorders, and the Central Coast Intensive Out Patient Program in Shell Beach.
Cyndy Smith, M.S., Marriage & Family Therapist
Licensed in 1983, Cyndy has worked as a therapist, consultant and program director in various eating disorder treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential and private practice. A Holistic, Humanistic & Cognitive Behaviorial approach is combined to assist clients in learning to not fear their needs or wants and how to separate the true self from the eating disorder. "An eating disorder cannot live without us....but only without an eating disorder can we truly live!" Finding ways to separate from the eating disorder takes a great deal of care, understanding and strength. Cyndy works with her clients to move the energy, drive and creativity used to foster the eating disorder into their personal recovery path to reclaim hope, life and love. Her private practice is in a confidential and caring setting where both tears & laughter are a part of the recovery process. She works with adults, teens and children who suffer from restricting, bingeing & all forms of purging behaviors. Other areas of special interest include Grief & Loss, Sexual Trauma, Domestic & Dating Violence as well as Addiction and Dependency.
Cynde's office is located at 3522 El Camino Road, Atascadero, CA. To contact her, call 805.549.9778 or email cyndy-mft@charter.net.
Heidi Lewin-Miller, LMFT, RD
Heidi Lewin-Miller, LMFT, RD has specialized with treating all forms of eating disorders and related issues in San Luis Obispo since 1983. Having recovered from an eating disorder as a young adult, she believes there is hope for her clients to recover fully and find deeper meaning in life beyond their disorder. Ms. Lewin-Miller blends Cognitive Behavioral, Experiential, Gestalt, Feminist Approach, Metaphor, Sandtray Therapy, humor and her own version of a non-diet approach. She offers individual and family therapy, with adolescents and adults, both female and male.
She also offers Nutrition Counseling separately or in conjunction with therapy. Ms. Lewin-Miller collaborates with other health professionals whenever needed. She believes "It takes a village to heal a person", and thus, helps her clients find their "tribe" of support and connection, as a way to wellness.
Heidi's office is located at 1110 California Blvd. Suite E, San Luis Obispo, CA. To contact her, call 805.549.9778 or email heidi@heidilewinmiller.com.
Marlena Tanner, RD
Marlena is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorder treatment. Being recovered herself from an eating disorder, she gained her experience in a variety of settings with a focus in mental health. She earned her degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and completed her internship at Porterville Developmental Center. She has worked as a counselor for adolescents and adults with disabilities and has extensive 12-step experience in alcoholism and overeating disorders.
Prior to becoming a dietitian she gained another eight years of fitness and nutrition experience in New York, working as a certified personal trainer and registered dietetic technician. Through nutrition education, eating disorder awareness training, meal plan development, one-on-one and group coaching, Marlena works to help improve each client’s relationship with food and self.
Marlena's office is located at 1190 Marsh St. Suite G, San Luis Obispo, CA. To contact her, call 805.591-0712 or email marlena@newtritioncounseling.com.
When a Higher Level of Care is Needed
Central Coast Intensive Outpatient Program
When a higher level of care is needed, we work closely with the Central Coast Intensive Out Patient Treatment Program located in Shell Beach. Coordination of treatment improves the quality of your care, and minimizes the frustrations that can occur when moving from residential to Day Treatment, to Intensive Out Patient, to Out Patient.
Central Coast Intensive Outpatient Program is a 6-15 hour/week program structured to stay in school or work.
Our program is a combination of specialized nutrition therapy, catered to increasing metabolism & health using foods you are comfortable with and specialized psychotherapy, with options for DBT, EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, along with focused short term therapies that are effective. Also options for family therapy, family support group to better understand and help those connected to someone with an eating disorder.