Lauren Vanee, LAICSW
I am passionate about providing relational, empathetic therapy to those struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image issues. My approach focuses on creating a warm, trusting space where you can explore difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment. Together, we can help you reconnect with your worth and move toward a more rich, purposeful life.
My Therapy Style
How We’ll Navigate Your Journey Together
Relational
I value the connection between the client and therapist and see this as a key part of healing and growth. Relational therapy emphasizes collaboration, trust, and understanding to help explore patterns, foster insight, and create change.
Evidence Based
I use evidence-based therapy techniques to help you navigate challenges in a way that’s proven to be effective and supported by research. We’ll combine these strategies with your unique experiences to foster lasting change and growth.
Collaborative
I believe collaboration can be key to your healing, which is why I offer to work closely with other professionals, family members, and community when helpful. By involving a team and honoring your preferences, we can provide more supportive, lasting, comprehensive, and personalized support.
About Me
I am passionate about walking alongside individuals as they align with their values, reach their goals, and thrive. With over five years of experience in coaching and therapy, I empower clients to build confidence in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Specializing in eating disorder recovery, I support clients in breaking free from distressing thoughts and behaviors around food, following the 5 R’s of Recovery: Rest, Refeeding, Reprogramming, Restoring, and Rediscovery. I also work with individuals facing depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and self-confidence challenges. I incorporate various evidence-based therapies, including ACT, CBT, DBT, Strength-Based Therapy, and Family-Based Therapy. For those who desire, I provide faith-based therapy, recognizing the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection. I hold a Bachelor's in Social Work and Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Dordt University.
FAQ's From New Clients
Please reach out if you have any more questions!
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in helping young adults and adults navigate eating disorders, anxiety, low self-esteem, and body image struggles. My approach focuses on honoring your unique experiences while guiding you toward healing and confidence.
What should I expect in a therapy session with you?
Each session is a safe, non-judgmental space where we explore your thoughts, emotions, and patterns together. I use evidence-based techniques, such as CBT, DBT, IFS and ACT alongside a relational approach to help you uncover root issues and learn skills to cope and grow.
Do you treat disorders like Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder?
Yes, I specialize in working with a range of eating disorders and disordered eating patterns. We’ll use a combination of trauma-informed, person-centered, and skills-focused strategies to help you heal your relationship with food and your body.
Are you a Christian therapist or do you integrate faith into sessions if I want it?
If you’d like to integrate your Christian faith into therapy, we can certainly do that. My approach is respectful and collaborative — we can use Scripture, prayer, and your beliefs to aid in your recovery and foster hope.
Please note, if you do not align with Christian/religious beliefs I completely respect this and will not integrate this into our therapeutic relationship.
Why is a relational approach helpful in therapy?
A relational approach focuses on creating a trusting, supportive connection in therapy. Often, struggles with self-perception and anxiety are tied to relationships and attachment, and a strong, collaborative relationship can help heal those wounds and empower you to move forward.
How do you collaborate with other health care providers and community resources?
I believe comprehensive care involves collaboration and community. With your consent, I can work alongside dietitians, doctors, family members and other trusted community members to make sure you’re supported holistically and have all the resources you need on your journey.
Do you integrate family into therapy when it's helpful?
Yes. If you’d like, we can involve family members in your sessions to help improve communication, provide education about your struggles, and create a supportive home environment. Integrating family can be a powerful way to heal relationships and foster lasting recovery.
Why is therapy important to treat eating disorders?
Therapy plays a vital role in eating disorder recovery by helping individuals understand the emotional, psychological, and behavioral roots of their relationship with food and body image. Through a supportive and nonjudgmental space, therapy can address underlying issues such as anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and low self-worth, while building healthier coping strategies and a more compassionate internal voice. For those in Whatcom County—including Bellingham, Lynden, and surrounding areas—access to in person specialized eating disorder therapy can be a meaningful part of the healing process. Whether in-person or through virtual sessions, therapy provides a consistent space to explore patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and reconnect with your body from a place of respect rather than judgment. Recovery is not about doing it perfectly—it’s about not having to do it alone.
Pricing
Insurance:
In network with Premera and some Blue Cross/Blue Sheild plans in WA.
Current Rates:
Initial Intake Session (60 minutes): $130
Individual Therapy Session (50 minutes): $130
Optional Introduction Session (15 minutes): $20 - Optional pre-intake session to meet with therapist to see if this would be a good fit.
Contact
Please allow a couple days for myself to get back to you!
My Office
My waiting room will be through the Suite B doors, up the stairs and to the left!
I also offer virtual care for folks who live further distances away.
Social Media
Note From Lauren
Finding a therapist you trust can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or an eating disorder. At Lauren Vanee Mental Health Therapy, I offer a supportive, judgment-free space for individuals in Whatcom County—including Bellingham, Lynden, Everson, and Ferndale—to begin or continue their healing journey. My practice is grounded in evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, and faith-informed therapy, always tailored to your unique story.
I specialize in working with eating disorders, body image concerns, anxiety, grief, and trauma recovery. Many clients I see are navigating major transitions, feelings of isolation, or the deep inner conflict between self-criticism and the desire for healing. If you’re searching for a trauma-informed therapist near Bellingham WA or a CBT counselor in Lyndenwho truly listens and walks with you, I welcome you to connect.
Whether you are a college student seeking therapy for anxiety in Whatcom County, a young adult struggling with identity and perfectionism, or someone looking for virtual eating disorder therapy across Washington, you deserve a therapist who sees the whole you—not just the parts that feel broken.
I currently offer both in-person therapy in Everson, WA and virtual sessions available throughout Washington and South Dakota. My practice is inclusive, warm, and committed to making therapy feel safe, consistent, and real.
If you’re wondering where to start or whether therapy is right for you, please reach out. You don’t have to have everything figured out to take the first step toward change.