Meet Megan Samuels, Eating Disorder & EMDR Trauma Therapist in Rockville, Maryland

By: Jennifer Rollin, LCSW-C, Therapist and Founder of The Eating Disorder Center

I have known Megan professionally for years. She also has previously trained under me for years. Megan is one of the most caring and knowledgeable therapists that I know. She is also highly skilled when it comes to eating disorder therapy, as well as EMDR trauma therapy for teens and adults. She is compassionate and warm, yet will work to help you to meet your recovery goals. She also gives presentations on eating disorders 101 and the intersection between eating disorders and trauma for other therapists. Anyone would be lucky to receive eating disorder therapy from Megan.

She works out of our office in Rockville, Maryland and also provides virtual eating disorder therapy, as well as EMDR trauma therapy throughout Maryland.
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Jennifer: "Hi Megan! Tell me a little bit about what got you interested in becoming an eating disorder and trauma therapist?"

Megan: "Great question!  I have observed a need for more trauma-informed and trauma focused therapy and care in eating disorder recovery spaces, which contributed to my passion of becoming a specialist in both eating disorders and trauma-related disorders. I love helping people to find freedom from eating disorders, as well as to find healing as a trauma survivor. "


Jennifer: "Tell me a little bit about your past experience with providing eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy?"

Megan: "I have spent the past few years at an outpatient trauma focused practice treating eating disorders and trauma related disorders.  I have worked with teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, orthorexia, ARFID, OSFED, and compulsive exercise. I have also completed additional training in treating eating disorders. I help clients with eating disorders to address both the eating disorder thoughts and behaviors, as well as any underlying issues that may be contributing, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relational difficulties, etc.

In addition, I have experience treating teens and adults with post traumatic stress disorder and dissociative disorders (including dissociative identity disorder).  I am trained in EMDR therapy and have taken further EMDR therapy trainings to advance my skills in working with clients with complex trauma and dissociation."  


Jennifer: "What is the most rewarding part of your job?"

Megan: "I love witnessing growth in my clients and being able to hold space for the good and the bad that comes with being a human in this world.  My clients are some of the strongest and most resilient humans I know and I am honored to be a part of their healing journey. I love helping my clients to find freedom from eating disorders."


Jennifer: "What is a myth about eating disorders that is important for you to challenge?"

Megan: "One myth that I feel is important to challenge is that someone needs to be “sick enough” to receive eating disorder treatment.  I stand with the belief that anyone who wants to better their relationship with food and/or body image is deserving of care.  You do not have to have a diagnosed eating disorder in order to receive therapy. If you are struggling with a difficult relationship to food and your body you are 100 percent “sick enough” for eating disorder therapy."


Jennifer: "What modalities do you use for eating disorder therapy? What about for trauma therapy?"

Megan: "For eating disorders, I use relational therapy, DBT and ACT. I am also a HAES and intuitive eating informed therapist. I enjoy helping people to make peace with food, their bodies, and themselves. 

For trauma therapy, I use relational therapy, EMDR therapy, and ego state interventions.  I also use creative modalities with clients when appropriate, such as sandtray therapy, collaging, and journaling."  


Jennifer: "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

Megan: "In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my rescue dog, Luna and also being with family and friends.  When I’m not working, I like reading, watching TV, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature."


Jennifer: "What is your favorite meal to order at a restaurant?"

Megan: "If I had to choose one meal it would probably be spaghetti with meat sauce.  With pasta, I also love having garlic bread on the side."

Schedule a free 15 min consultation to see if therapy with Megan is a good fit HERE!

​​“Megan is a genuine and compassionate therapist that is dedicated to helping her clients in their therapeutic journey. Through working alongside Megan, I've witnessed her consistently go the extra mile, whether it's through obtaining further training with treating trauma, follow-up calls to coordinate care with other providers, or providing additional resources. Her commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and trauma is exemplary. Megan's clients not only receive expert therapy but a trusted ally on their journey to recovery." 
-Lexi Windsor, LCPC, Therapist

​"I have been working with Megan Samuels for many years and it is easy to see her dedication to the field and to her clients. Megan is especially skilled at treating clients with eating disorders and trauma. She has outstanding clinical instincts and approaches clients with warmth, gentleness, and compassion. I highly recommend Megan to anyone looking for a therapist."
-Kate Dansie, LCSW-C, Therapist

"I have had the pleasure of working alongside Megan and have benefited from her kindness and expertise in the field of mental health care. She has a very comprehensive background as a therapist and is always expanding her learning and experience as a clinician. Her thoughtfulness, warmth, and dedication help her create safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental spaces for all those she works with.”
-Libby Nuss, LMSW, Trauma Therapist

Schedule a free 15 min consult for eating disorder therapy in MD, VA, DC, PA, NY, FL, or recovery coaching worldwide.
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Click here.

The Eating Disorder Center is a premier outpatient eating disorder therapy center founded by Jennifer Rollin. We specialize in helping teens and adults struggling with anorexia, binge eating disorder, bulimia, OSFED, and body image issues. We provide eating disorder therapy in Rockville, MD, easily accessible to individuals in Potomac, North Potomac, Bethesda, Olney, Silver Spring, Germantown, and Washington D.C. We also provide eating disorder therapy in Arlington, Virginia and virtually throughout Virginia. Additionally, we offer eating disorder therapy virtually in New York (NYC), Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. We provide eating disorder and EMDR trauma therapy in Rockville, Maryland and virtually throughout Maryland. We provide eating disorder recovery coaching via Zoom to people worldwide. Connect with us through our website at www.theeatingdisordercenter.com