Find a space to heal beyond the surface, to uncover peace and freedom.
Therapy for Women Exhausted by the Battle with Food, Body Image & Society’s Standards
You’ve spent years believing that happiness and worth are just a few pounds away, a diet away, an inch closer to perfection.
The intermittent diets, the hours at the gym, the relentless self-criticism— they’ve drained your energy and spirit. Yet, the sense of ‘not enough’ still lingers.
A World That Keeps Shouting
You wake up every day to a world that feels like it’s shouting at you to change.
Your neighbors are walking billboards for the latest cosmetic trends—plumped lips, sculpted cheekbones, and wrinkle-free foreheads that seem to defy time.
Instagram feeds scream about the latest procedures—nose jobs, lip fillers, tummy tucks, Brazilian butt lifts, Botox.
It’s everywhere you look. Everyone seems to be chasing perfection, erasing their so-called flaws, while you’re left obsessing if you should too.
Don’t wait another day to start your journey. Every step you take toward embracing your worth just as you are brings you closer to the life you deserve.
The Loneliness of the Struggle
It’s an exhausting, lonely battle that leaves you questioning if you’ll ever measure up. Despite everything you’ve done, everything you’ve given, the peace you’re longing for remains just out of reach.
The Burden of Comparison
You can’t escape it. Every glance in the mirror feels heavier, every untouched ‘imperfection’ more glaring.
The world around you keeps shouting that you could be better—smoother, slimmer, more flawless. And the question echoes louder: ‘What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I feel okay as I am?’
You don’t have to feel alone in a world obsessed with chasing perfection.
While everyone around you succumbs to the pressures of beauty addiction, there’s another path—a path where you can step off the exhausting treadmill of comparison and find peace within yourself.
The world doesn’t have to dictate how you see yourself. You can break free from the relentless cycle of comparison and find joy in self-acceptance.
Take the First Step Today— Schedule a Free Consultation Now
Breaking the chains of body shame and diet culture by creating a safe space for women to finally truly understand why you haven’t already found peace, joy, and lasting freedom in their own skin.
Have You Been Here Before?
You’re standing in front of the mirror, the weight of familiar, critical thoughts pressing down: “If I could just look different, maybe I’d finally feel enough.” The relentless self-criticism loops in your mind, but even as those words echo, there’s a deeper heaviness that refuses to lift—a quiet, persistent ache you can’t ignore.
It’s not just about your reflection anymore, is it?
It’s about the pain you’ve carried, the stories you’ve believed, and the fear of uncovering what’s beneath it all. There’s a nagging suspicion that this isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel. A part of you wonders if healing is possible, if there’s a way to finally feel free.
But you feel stuck, unsure of how to begin or how to face the unsettling truths hidden behind the image staring back at you.
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure this out alone.
Or, Maybe This Resonates-
You’re with friends or family, and even though you’re surrounded by people, a sense of loneliness lingers. You wonder why, despite trying so hard to change or fit in, the emptiness remains.
You’re exhausted from the fight with your body, from chasing a version of happiness that never comes.
Deep down, you sense there’s something else, a fear of facing the vulnerable parts you’ve worked so hard to cover up, and you’re left wondering if you’ll ever find relief.
Trust me, I know that even the thought of dipping your toe into facing this probably makes you feel like you are drowning.
But, I am here to tell you that I have walked alongside hundreds of women like you, through this same exposing journey.
So, they can step into a space where your body isn’t the enemy. And, it turns out - exposing these fears isn’t as overwhelming as the way you have been trying to solve this on your own so far…
Book your free consultation and find your quiet.
Life Can Look Very Different, Even If You Don’t.
Imagine a life where food feels natural—not an enemy or a crutch.
You glance in the mirror before heading to work, and instead of critiquing every flaw, you add lip gloss, slip on your sunglasses, and head out the door humming your favorite tune.
You order dessert on a night out with friends, savoring every bite without guilt or second-guessing.
You try on clothes and focus on how they feel on your skin, not the size on the tag.
Picture waking up each morning with a quiet confidence, knowing your worth isn’t tied to what you ate yesterday or how you look today.
Visualize a peace that radiates from within, allowing you to embrace life with joy and self-assurance.
You don’t need fixing—you need freedom. Begin your journey to body peace today!
I know the idea of ‘just being’ might feel impossible—and likely Terrifying.
You’ve spent so much time believing that if you stop trying to change your body, everything will fall apart.
That without the next plan, the next goal, the next fix, you’ll lose control.
But what if the opposite is true?
What if the constant striving is what’s keeping you stuck?
I’m not asking you to give up on yourself.
I’m asking you to give yourself permission to Step Off The Treadmill of Shame and Exhaustion.
‘Just being’ doesn’t mean settling or letting yourself go.
It means learning to trust your body instead of fighting it.
It means discovering what’s possible when you
I know it’s counterintuitive…
You’ve been taught that change is the only way forward.
But what if peace isn’t in the next fix—it’s in learning to finally let go?
It’s okay to feel unsure, and it’s okay to take this step at your own pace.
Learning to ‘just be’ doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re making space for something better.
Let Me Help You Work Through the Trauma of Living In Constant Fear of Not Being Good Enough.
If you’ve spent years locked in a painful battle with food and your body—fighting to protect yourself from deeper wounds that feel too overwhelming to face—I see you.
I understand how these patterns have become your way of surviving, your shield when the rawness beneath felt unbearable.
But this doesn’t have to be your forever.
Together, we’ll gently explore what’s beneath the surface, unravel the burden of shame that’s been holding you captive, and guide you toward a peace that goes far beyond the reflection in the mirror.
You deserve to feel whole. You deserve to feel free.
And you deserve to feel truly at ease within yourself—and I’ll be here with you every step of the way.
Hi, I’m Dawn.
I help women who have spent years battling against their own bodies, Using food and physical preoccupation to silence the deeper pain they’ve been too scared to face.
I offer a space where you can gracefully explore what lies beneath the surface.
Where we’ll gently work through the hidden pain, shame, and vulnerability that’s often too overwhelming to face alone.
Using Weight Inclusive approaches grounded in self-compassion, body neutrality, Health at Every Size (HAES), and intuitive eating, we’ll move beyond the surface and help you build a life of valued and “enoughness.”
-
I’m a licensed clinical therapist deeply committed to empowering women to build lives that feel genuine and meaningful. With over 20 years of experience, I bring a unique blend of knowledge and empathy to my practice, helping clients navigate a wide range of challenges, including body image concerns, neurodivergence, and eating disorders.As a Certified Autism Specialist and an ADHD Specialist-in-Training, I have advanced crossover training addressing neurodivergence in the context of eating disorders & body image, offering a nuanced and inclusive approach to care. I am currently pursuing the Inclusive Eating Disorder Specialist Certification to deepen this expertise.
Drawing from a compassionate, values-aligned framework, I help my clients reconnect with themselves and create lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. My approach holistically addresses the mind & body, designed to support lasting, sustainable change.
Here’s how I support clients on their journey from overwhelm to empowerment:
Values-Aligned Therapy: Together, we’ll uncover what truly matters to you—your values, passions, and goals—and use them as a guide for growth and decision-making, empowering you to live more authentically.
Specialized Neurodivergence Support: I provide tailored approaches for neurodivergent individuals, incorporating expertise in Autism, ADHD, and their unique interplay with life challenges, body image, and emotional regulation.
Eating Disorders & Body Image: With decades of experience in treatment centers and expert-led trainings, I help clients navigate eating disorders and body image concerns with compassion and specialized strategies.
Holistic & Integrative Care: I weave intuitive and energy healing practices into therapy sessions, including techniques from my current Reiki training, to support emotional balance and deep healing on a mind-body-spirit level.
Somatics and Physiological Awareness: Using approaches like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Brainspotting, we’ll release tension, build self-awareness, and foster a sense of safety in your body.
Trauma-Informed Practices: My work integrates trauma-sensitive tools like EMDR and Brainspotting, helping clients process emotional pain and reconnect with their innate resilience.
Self-Compassion Development: Together, we’ll transform self-critical patterns into a kinder, more accepting relationship with yourself, paving the way for growth and self-confidence.
Perinatal and Postpartum Care: For clients navigating motherhood, I offer specialized support, addressing the unique mental health challenges of perinatal and postpartum experiences.
Whether you’re facing perfectionism, anxiety, neurodivergence, or body image challenges, I’m here to help you find healing, empowerment, and a renewed sense of self. Together, we’ll create space for transformation and growth so that you can step into a life that feels authentic, grounded, and fulfilling.
I offer online therapy sessions to clients in Illinois and South Carolina, making it easy to connect wherever you are—in every sense of the word.
To Find Out More About Me, click here or book a call with me.
Want to Find Out What It Would Be Like to Work With Me? Schedule Your Free Consult Call Today!
Let’s Get Started Together
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Click here to access my calendar and book a complimentary consultation call at a time that works for you.Complete a Short Pre-Call Form
After scheduling, I’ll send you a brief form to fill out. This helps me get to know you a little better and ensures our time together is as focused and productive as possible.Your Consultation Call
On the day of your appointment, I’ll call you at the scheduled time. During this 15–20 minute phone call, you’ll have the chance to share what’s been on your mind and what you’re hoping to work on in therapy. I’ll explain how I can support you, and we’ll address any questions you may have.Next Steps
If it feels like a good fit, we’ll decide on session lengths that suit your needs—options range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Then, we’ll schedule your first session and begin the journey toward your goals.
What if, instead of feeling suffocated by shame and the endless battle to be someone you’re not, You Could Finally Breathe?
Imagine breaking free
From the relentless war with food and the crushing pressure to reshape your body into something it was never meant to be. Picture waking up and no longer feeling the weight of shame pressing down on you—no longer questioning your worth based on the size of your jeans or the number on a scale.
Visualize a life where you feel truly free, where peace replaces the constant noise of self-criticism. You look in the mirror and see someone worthy—exactly as you are—no conditions, no exceptions, no “if-onlys”.
Now imagine showing up in your life, in your relationships, fully seen and accepted, no longer hiding or feeling like you’re not enough.
You feel whole. You feel connected. And for the first time, you’re living—not just surviving.
No more waiting for the ‘perfect body.’ Let’s uncover what thriving looks like for you—Schedule Now!
This isn’t about another attempt to change yourself.
It’s about uncovering the parts of you that have felt unworthy, too much, or hidden beneath the struggle with your body image.
Together, we’ll find a path to healing from the inside out—a place where you can finally discover true peace without needing to change who you are.
See How This Approach Can Help – Let’s Get Started
Therapists are discouraged from soliciting client reviews, to protect their confidentiality. What I can share are some of the experiences my clients most often share.
Clients often share that, for the first time, they feel compassion toward their bodies—a kind of kindness and connection they never thought possible. They describe feeling grounded, more present, and more at peace with themselves after years of experiencing shame and self-criticism.
During our sessions, clients are often brought to tears when they recognize how their bodies have been responding to years of hurtful inner dialogue—with pain, agony, and isolation. By learning to listen to their body’s needs and emotions, they begin to shift from shame to self-compassion.
Asking clients if they’d ever say those cruel things to their daughter—and then realizing their body has been enduring that kind of pain every day….This is the moment that changed everything, helping them embrace a softer, kinder way of relating to themselves.
Clients describe sessions as transformative, helping them uncover the parts of themselves they’ve hidden for so long. They walk away feeling free—free to live without burdens, free to connect with their true selves, and free to love themselves as they are.
This is your moment to choose kindness over criticism. Book now and discover a new way to feel at home in your body.
Honoring Your Hesitations About Taking the First Step
Being curious towards your hesitations is important—AND the pain of staying stuck in the same cycle isn’t where your story has to end.
Fear of Facing Deeper Emotions
"What if the feelings I’ve been avoiding become too overwhelming?"
Controlling your body or environment often serves as a “protector” against painful emotions. While the thought of facing them can feel terrifying, therapy provides tools and support to approach these feelings gently, at your own pace, and without judgment.
Fear of Not Feeling Worthy Without the Pursuit of Perfection
"Who am I if I stop chasing the ideal version of myself?"
When perfectionism has defined your worth, letting go can feel like losing your identity. But your value has never been tied to how you look or how perfectly you perform. In therapy, we’ll help you rediscover the parts of yourself that are already enough, and support the parts that need compassion, without the endless chase.
Fear of Judgment from Others
"What will people think if I stop dieting and if my body changes?"
The fear of being judged can feel paralyzing, especially when you’ve worked so hard to meet others’ expectations. Therapy is a space where you can let go of external pressure and explore what it means to live for you, not by the values of others. We will practice during our time together to prepare you for addressing these concerns to build up your confidence.
Fear of Discovering Something You Don’t Like About Yourself
"What if I uncover parts of myself that I can’t accept?"
Self-discovery can feel risky, especially after working so hard to hold it all together. But therapy isn’t about blame or criticism—it’s about understanding, so that you can stop feeling stuck in this cycle. In this space, even the most vulnerable parts of you are met with gentleness and care, helping you see your complexity as a source of strength.
Fear of Being Too Broken to Fix
"What if I’m beyond repair? What if it’s too late for me?"
This fear can feel deep, but let me reassure you: you are not broken. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you; it’s about helping you reclaim the parts of yourself you’ve silenced. The fact that you’re here, considering this step, is proof of your courage and resilience.
You’ve already given so much of your time, energy, and heart to the cycle of shame and self-criticism.
How much longer can you bear the exhaustion, the endless “not enough”?
The pain you feel now won’t ease itself— it will DEEPEN, stealing more moments, extinguishing more joy, engulfing more you.
This is the sign you have been looking for—the one that says it’s time to be vulnerable, to lean into change, and to finally create the life you deserve.
Schedule now and take the step toward a life where you are no longer at war with yourself. You’ve waited long enough—it’s time to choose you.
It’s time to step out of the cycle that’s been keeping you stuck,
And into a space where healing and self-compassion are possible. Together, we’ll explore what’s beneath the surface, gently untangle the pain, and create a path to genuine peace and freedom.
Are you ready to take this step toward lasting change? I’m here to support you.
Making it happen…
I know reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and finding the right fit is so important.
My approach is designed for women who are ready to dive deeper and do the meaningful work of healing. Together, we’ll create a space where you can explore your emotions, release shame, and connect to your true self.
But therapy is a partnership, and it’s important to make sure this journey aligns with what you need. Here’s a little more about who this space is meant for—and when it might not be the right fit.
Before we begin, let’s make sure this is the best space for your specific needs.
-
You’re exhausted by the battle with food, your body and keeping up with society’s expectations, and are ready to explore the emotions hidden beneath.
You long to feel connected to yourself and others, free from shame and at peace with who you are.
You’re ready to take a compassionate, nonjudgmental lookat the parts of you that have been buried under body struggles and begin the process of healing.
-
You’re seeking a quick fix or only surface-level solutions without deeper exploration.
You’re not ready to invest the time or energy into your emotional growth and self-care.
You’re not ready to make your own healing and growth a priority.
You reside outside of Illinois, Florida or South Carolina, as these are the states where I’m licensed to practice.
You need to use insurance to cover therapy directly. I understand that insurance can be a necessary part of accessing care for many people. However, I choose to remain and Out of Network/ Private Pay Provider, so I can provide therapy that is tailored to your unique needs, without the constraints insurance companies often impose—like requiring a diagnosis to receive reimbursement.
-
An insurance superbill is a detailed receipt you can use to seek partial reimbursement for therapy costs if your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits. It contains all the necessary information your insurance company requires to process a claim.
When working with an Out-of-Network Provider, you pay for each session at the time of service. Afterward, you receive the superbill to submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Depending on your insurance company, your plan and your session formats, you may or may not receive partial to full reimbursements.
How to Use a Superbill for Therapy Reimbursement:
Pay for Your Therapy Session:
Payment is due at the time of each session. Once payment is received, I will provide you with a superbill, at your request.Check Your Insurance Benefits:
Contact your insurance company to confirm whether your plan offers reimbursement for out-of-network therapy. Be sure to ask about:Reimbursement rates for therapy sessions.
Deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums that apply.
Steps for submitting claims.
Request Your Superbill:
After payment, I’ll provide you with a superbill that includes:My practice details (name, address, license).
Dates and fees of your sessions.
Any required diagnostic codes.
Submit the Superbill to Your Insurance Company:
Follow the claims process outlined by your insurance provider, which may involve:Uploading the superbill through their online portal.
Mailing a paper copy to their claims department.
Wait for Reimbursement:
After submitting your superbill, your insurance company will review your claim and, if approved, send reimbursement directly to you based on your plan’s coverage.Follow Up if Necessary:
If you encounter any issues, such as a denied claim or request for additional documentation, reach out to your insurance company for clarification or to reprocess the claim.
Need Guidance?
I’m here to help you navigate the superbill process and ensure you have everything you need to submit your claim with confidence! -
My Unique Approach Prioritizes Your Time, Convenience and Energy and Offers Flexible Session Times Designed For Your Needs:
Sessions are thoughtfully structured to meet your unique needs, offering flexibility in 30-minute increments (e.g., a 30-minute session is 25 minutes long) and ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
For deeper exploration, sessions over 2 hours in length are considered Therapeutic Intensive Sessions.
Your journey begins with a 90-minute initial session, where we’ll take the time to understand your life as a whole and craft a personalized plan for therapy.
Together, we’ll explore the session length and frequency that will best support you, helping you move toward the goals and growth you’re seeking.
This is your space, designed with care, to meet you exactly where you are.
Where do you want to be 6 months from now?
Imagine this: Six months from now, you’re still caught in the relentless cycle—using food and body image as a shield for the pain that feels too overwhelming to confront.
The loneliness deepens, the disconnection grows, and you remain isolated from the life you desperately want.
Or, imagine something different. A future where you feel truly free—where the mirror no longer holds judgment and your relationships are no longer clouded by shame or the need to hide.
Picture stepping into a life where you are whole, where you are fully accepted and finally believe that you are enough.
The choice to begin this journey could change everything.
Your future self is waiting.
Are you ready to take that first step? Let’s start today.
Use the link below to schedule your free consultation for therapy in Chicago, IL, or Charleston, SC, with Dawn Leprich-Graves.
Therapy for Women Caught in the Relentless Grip of Food and Body Image Struggles
A compassionate space where you’re free to find peace with your body and reconnect with your true self—without ever needing to change who you are.
Imagine stepping into a space where you don’t have to fight anymore, where the endless battle with food and body image finally quiets, and you can start to heal, grow, and truly live.
This is the space I’ve created for you. You’ve carried this struggle long enough.
You deserve a life where food and body image no longer control you, where you feel empowered, whole, and unapologetically yourself.
Let’s take that step together. Schedule now to get started.