Meet Shannon Marhan, LMSW

Meet Shannon Marhan, LMSW

In this first installment of our Meet the Therapists series, we are introducing you to Shannon Marhan, LMSW. This blog series will allow you to get to know our therapists, in their own words, through an interview format. If you would like to learn more or see if one of our therapists could be a good fit for you, please schedule a free consultation call today.

Shannon Marhan fills a unique role in our practice with her specialty in working with adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction as well as her work with athletes. Read on to learn more about Shannon!

You are an advocate for a weight-inclusive approach. Can you explain what this approach is and how it informs your work with clients?

Our society often equates thinness with health, happiness, attractiveness, and worthiness. These beliefs are deeply ingrained in our mental and physical health care systems, leading to situations where people are often evaluated based on their weight before anything else, regardless of its relevance to their medical concerns.

A weight-inclusive approach challenges this mindset. It is grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of size, deserves respect and equitable treatment. This perspective shifts the focus from weight loss as a primary health goal to the idea that health can be pursued by individuals of all sizes, if they choose to do so. Instead of promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to health, it emphasizes individualized care and well-being. It's important to note that health is not a moral imperative, and just as one's body size should not determine their worth as a human, neither should their health status, or their choice and/or ability to engage in health-promoting behaviors.

By creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment, I help clients shift their focus from societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards to a more holistic understanding of well-being. This involves addressing the impact of societal biases, including weight stigma and discrimination, which can profoundly affect individuals' mental health and self-esteem. I strive to work with individuals on fostering a positive relationship with themselves so they can feel empowered to pursue goals—health-related or not—that are most valuable to them.

Can you speak to your speciality in working with adolescents? 

I really enjoy working with adolescents because they are in such a pivotal developmental stage, where they are forming their identities, navigating peer relationships, and experiencing significant physical and emotional changes. This period is both exciting and challenging, and being part of their journey is incredibly rewarding. In my practice, I prioritize creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment where adolescents feel heard, understood, and respected. This involves actively listening to their concerns, validating their experiences, and providing a non-judgmental space for them to express themselves. I recognize the unique pressures they face, from academic stress to the influence of social media and the complexities of peer relationships. Overall, my goal is to empower adolescents to embrace their unique identities and to equip them with the tools they need to navigate this critical stage of life with confidence and resilience. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, I aim to help them achieve a balanced and fulfilling sense of well-being.

What unique challenges do athletes face when it comes to eating disorders and body image issues, and how do you address them in your practice?

As a lifelong athlete myself, I love working with athletes who are looking to find balance in sport and in life. Athletes face unique challenges when it comes to disordered eating and body image issues, which requires unique interventions. The high demands of sports, coupled with societal and team pressures, can create an environment where maintaining peak physical performance becomes intertwined with disordered eating and body image concerns. Athletes often feel immense pressure to perform at their best, which can lead to unhealthy eating patterns to achieve or maintain a certain weight or physique. This pressure is not just internal; it can also come from coaches, teammates, and even loved ones who have specific expectations about what an athlete should look like. 

When I work with athletes, I work from a holistic approach that values mental, emotional and physical health equally. I want athletes to understand that their wellbeing, and worth, is not solely tied to their performance in sport. I know that being an athlete can be a huge part of someone’s identity, and it’s important to honor that when working towards healing. By addressing these challenges with a multifaceted and compassionate approach, athletes can develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies, leading to better overall well-being and performance.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding aspect of being an eating disorder therapist is the opportunity to be present with others, support them during their most challenging moments and witness their growth and transformation firsthand. It's incredibly powerful to see clients regain genuine control over their lives as they navigate their recovery journey. Moreover, the trust and connection that develop in therapy are deeply meaningful to me. Providing a supportive space where clients feel understood, validated, and empowered to face their challenges is not just a privilege—it's what makes this work so meaningful. Building this bond allows us to work together to explore their experiences, emotions, and goals, paving the way for healing and growth.

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating but is hesitant to seek help?

I hope that anyone who is struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating knows that they are not alone in their journey. It's common to feel hesitant about seeking help, often due to fears of judgment, shame, or uncertainty about what the recovery process might involve. You might have tried therapy before and felt unsure about its effectiveness, or you may find yourself constantly debating whether to reach out for support. This internal struggle can be incredibly draining and isolating.

First and foremost, I encourage you to acknowledge and validate your feelings. It's completely okay to feel scared, nervous, or unsure about what lies ahead in the recovery process. These emotions are valid responses to a challenging and often overwhelming experience. By recognizing and accepting your feelings without judgment, you can start to cultivate a compassionate and supportive mindset towards yourself.

It's important to remember that seeking help is a courageous step towards healing. While it may seem daunting, many individuals who have embarked on the journey of recovery have found it to be transformative and empowering. Each person's path to recovery is unique, and it's okay to proceed at your own pace. Whether you choose to explore therapy, support groups, or other resources, know that there are professionals and communities ready to support you with compassion and understanding.

How do you address the influence of social media and societal pressures on body image and eating behaviors with your clients?

Nowadays, it’s pretty typical to walk down the street and see everyone glued to their phones, scrolling through social media, recording TikToks or messaging friends about the latest trends. When we’re constantly surrounded by idealized images and messages that promote unrealistic beauty standards, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. The pressure to conform to societal norms around appearance can create a damaging cycle of comparison and self-criticism. This is why I focus on fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can safely explore and challenge these harmful narratives. I work with clients to identify and deconstruct the societal norms that contribute to body dissatisfaction, helping them to build a more compassionate and accepting view of themselves.

I strive to support individuals by providing them with practical tools and strategies to navigate social media mindfully. This includes setting boundaries around social media use, engaging with content that promotes self-acceptance, and connecting with communities that celebrate body diversity. By shifting the focus from appearance to overall well-being, I aim to help clients cultivate a more balanced and intuitive relationship with food and their bodies.