Rachel Allen, MSW, LMSW-cc

My Experience

My work in the eating disorders field began in 2023 as a graduate intern with the New England Eating Disorders Program. During my internship, I gained valuable clinical experience through direct observation as well as individual and group facilitation across multiple levels of care, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and outpatient services.

As part of my Master of Social Work program, I conducted an IRB-approved graduate research study exploring the lived experience of telehealth eating disorder treatment within a PHP setting. I remain deeply grateful to the participants who entrusted me with their stories and perspectives.

Following the completion of my MSW, I worked as an outpatient clinician in a community based setting. Although I did not specifically treat individuals with diagnosed eating disorders, I supported clients in addressing their physical health needs as a foundation for meaningful mental health progress. This experience further strengthened my understanding of the complex relationship between physical well-being, trauma, and emotional health.

My Credentials & Affiliations:

• • Licensed Master Social Worker- Conditional Clinical, State of Maine

  • Master of Social Work – University of Southern Maine

  • Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations – University of Maine

Rachel Allen, MSW, LMSW-cc

Meet Rachel Allen, Therapist at
New Roots

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker – Conditional Clinical (LMSW-CC) with a passion for supporting individuals navigating eating disorders, disordered eating, and disordered exercise. I believe that everyone—regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, body size, or ability—deserves access to compassionate, holistic care and opportunities for healing.

My approach integrates the principles of Health at Every Size® (HAES®) with a trauma-informed lens grounded in cultural humility. Together, we work to quiet societal and cultural messages that disconnect us from ourselves and instead reconnect with your own innate wisdom, values, and capacity for healing.

What I Do

As a therapist, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based practices to help clients understand and reduce eating disorder behaviors while building on their existing strengths and resilience.

Because I believe in the power of human connection, I strive to cultivate a strong network of support. When appropriate, I provide psychoeducation and facilitate therapeutic conversations that include clients and their chosen support people, helping everyone develop a shared understanding of the recovery process.

I am also deeply committed to helping clients recognize the societal and cultural messages that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Drawing from Feminist Theory, I support clients in examining, challenging, and, when it aligns with their values, resisting diet culture and wellness culture. My work is grounded in ongoing self-reflection and an awareness of my own intersectional identities, privileges, and biases, which I view as essential to providing culturally responsive and ethical care. My goal is to create a therapeutic space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered to build a relationship with food, movement, and your body that is guided by your own values rather than external expectations.