Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapist (VA, MD, NC)
This page shares my background and approach as an eating disorder and trauma therapist licensed in VA, MD, and NC, including certifications, experience, and what it’s like to work together.
Hi, I’m Kendra
(she/her)
I’ve spent 20+ years specializing in eating disorders and trauma, with advanced certification in both eating disorder treatment and DBT. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist passionate about helping high-functioning adults who feel like they’re always performing wellness to be seen, understood, and truly cared for.
If you’re looking for shame-free, evidence-based eating disorder therapy…
Is this you?
- You have an eating disorder and/or trauma history (because we know they often go together) but therapy hasn’t clicked for you in the past – or has done more harm than good and you don’t trust it anymore
- You’re doing the “right” things-therapy, career, self-help-but still feel exhausted, shamed, or stuck
- You struggle with perfectionism, procrastination, introversion, or chronic self-doubt – all those things that feel like you but are both helping and hurting you at the same time
- You’re carrying unresolved trauma, body image struggles, or self-criticism – and have been
- You worry you might “have a disorder” but aren’t sure, your daily functioning hides inner chaos
If this resonates, you’re in the right place. I blend authenticity with evidence-based treatment approaches to help you feel seen and honestly supported, not coddled or ignored.
How My Approach Stands Out
- Straightforward Compassion
Expect genuine, direct conversations – no fluff, no performances. I believe honesty fosters trust and healing. - Therapeutic Framework + Realness
Values guide my approach more than theories. I bring therapy models to life – DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, Mindful Self-Compassion, trauma-informed care – and adapt them to you, not the other way around. - Curiosity-Led Collaboration
My work thrives when we’re in dialogue. I invite you to challenge me, correct me, and shape the path-because you know yourself best. - Rigorous, Evolving Expertise
With 20+ years of direct care, leadership, and certified clinical work, I stay deeply engaged in learning – from you, from colleagues, and from ongoing training.
Credentials & Certifications
- MSW, University of Maryland – Mental Health
- Licensed in VA, NC, MD (and hoping they put together the Social Work Compact soon!)
- Specialty Certifications:
- CEDS‑C (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist & Consultant – iaedp®)
- C-DBT (Certified DBT Therapist through DBTNCAA)
- CCTP‑II (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)
- Gottman Institute Seven Principles Program Educator (couples)
- Self-Compassion Informed Psychotherapist (SCIP) through the Center for Mindful Self Compassion. completed in 2025
- Ongoing training in RO-DBT, CPT, CFT
Professional Experience
I’ve held roles across levels of care:
- Outpatient therapist in private practice since 2003
- Clinical Director & Compliance Officer at Chrysalis Center’s (NC) IOP and Outpatient programs
- Program Director launching Prosperity ED & Wellness (Norfolk, VA’s first ED center)
- Johns Hopkins ED Inpatient/Day Program Clinical Social Worker & Field Instructor
These experiences inform everything from session structure to systemic advocacy.
Speaking, Training & Supervision
- Expert presenter on ED, weight-stigma, diet culture, DBT, trauma-informed care
- Featured at The Renfrew Symposium, NASW NC, VA DBHDS, Kempsville Psychiatric
- Certified supervisor for LCSW / CEDS candidates (since 2005) in VA & NC
Get to Know Me (Beyond Therapy)
When I’m not in session or training…
- You’ll find me snuggled with my rescue dogs
- Nose-deep in a book
- Booking my next travel adventure
- Doing home projects to improve my house’s feng shui
- Tending the new veggie garden
- Creating & crafting eclectic projects
- Taking random classes (most recently about color psychology)
- Wanna know my personal self care plan? Here it is…link
Curious? Peek at my writing on the blog – you can learn a lot about someone from their words.
Ready to Connect?
- Email me: kwilson@windoverwater.net
Schedule a Free 15-minute consult → Schedule with Calendly - Want more resources? → Resource Page or Blog
Why Do I Do This?
I help high-functioning, emotionally exhausted adults recover from eating disorders, trauma, and burnout – not by fixing them, but by helping them reconnect to who they are underneath the survival strategies. I do this work because too many people feel like they have to perform healing to deserve care. My practice is grounded in evidence-based, weight-inclusive, trauma-informed therapy that honors complexity, challenges shame, and meets people with real honesty and compassion.
