Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Fowler.
Hi Hannah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
As an eating disorder and body image therapist, my work is deeply personal to me. I struggled with my own eating disorder in high school and entered treatment when I was 17, right before heading off to college. I went through a partial hospitalization program, which was my very first experience with therapy. It was transformative — therapy gave me hope, healing, and tools I still carry with me today. That experience made it crystal clear that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others in the same way that others had helped me.
I studied sociology and applied psychology at UC Santa Barbara, where I also began my first mental health job at an eating disorder PHP program — the place that gave me my first real “foot in the door.” After that, I earned my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Pepperdine University and completed my clinical training hours. Over the years, I’ve worked in eating disorder treatment centers at every level of care — from residential to PHP, IOP, and outpatient — and eventually became the Clinical Director of a prominent eating disorder treatment center in Southern California.
While I loved the work, I realized I wanted to create a space of my own, where I could bring together everything I’d learned and support clients in a more personal, one-on-one way. That’s what led me to open my private practice, Embody Balance Eating Disorder Recovery. Now I get to combine my professional expertise with my lived experience, and it’s such an honor to walk alongside women in recovery and help them reclaim their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a fairly direct road in terms of knowing where I wanted to go, but it definitely hasn’t been without challenges. The path to becoming a licensed clinician can be a long and demanding one. In California, you need 3,000 clinical hours before you can even sit for the licensing exam to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. And for many of us, those first hours are completely unpaid, which can be discouraging and difficult to manage.
My first therapy job was at a nonprofit, where I worked with teens in court-mandated anger management programs, individuals in abusive relationships, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and clients with gang involvement and PTSD. These were incredibly important and meaningful experiences, but also emotionally heavy ones. As a newer therapist, it was difficult at first to hold so many intense stories and still know how to care for myself.
Over time, I learned that one of the most essential parts of being a therapist is practicing what we often encourage our clients to do — setting boundaries, leaning on support, and taking care of ourselves outside the therapy room. Burnout is very real in this field, but so is resilience. Learning how to take care of myself while supporting clients through some of the hardest parts of their lives has been one of the biggest lessons of my career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Embody Balance Eating Disorder Recovery?
I founded my private practice, Embody Balance Eating Disorder Recovery, in November 2024 with the mission of helping women heal their relationship with food, their bodies, and movement. I specialize in supporting women ages 16 and up through virtual therapy who are struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, and the binge–restrict cycle.
In addition to eating disorder recovery, I work with women navigating late-diagnosed ADHD, those exploring or reconnecting with their faith, and women living with diabetes or pre-diabetes — including those experiencing diabulimia, a form of insulin restriction. I also welcome women on GLP-1 medications and those with borderline personality disorder, which is often seen in the eating disorder population.
What sets my practice apart is the depth of my background. I didn’t go straight from graduate school into private practice. I spent nearly a decade working in eating disorder treatment centers across all levels of care — from residential to outpatient — and even served as a clinical director. That experience gave me a deep understanding of the medical, nutritional, and psychological layers of recovery, and the importance of working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Because of that, I know when and where to refer clients for additional support, ensuring their care is comprehensive and well-rounded.
On a personal level, I’ve also walked through my own eating disorder recovery. That lived experience allows me to connect with clients in a way that’s authentic and empathetic. I know what it feels like to be in the struggle, and I also know how transformative life can be on the other side.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is creating a practice that is both professional and deeply compassionate. At Embody Balance, clients are met with humor, empathy, and evidence-based care — all rooted in the belief that full recovery is possible.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the University City/La Jolla area and was a pretty happy, curious kid. I loved being around people — I was always at a friend’s house, hanging out with neighbors, or trying to play with their dogs since my family only had cats. I’ve always had a good sense of humor, and I think that’s what helped me stay close with friends.
Some of my favorite memories are with my grandparents. My grandma used to pick me up after school to play tennis, and on half days she and my grandpa would take me snorkeling. I also loved going camping and fishing with my mom and grandpa. Those moments definitely sparked my love for being outdoors and trying new things.
In high school, I kept myself busy with cheer, swim, and dance. I also loved music and sang in choir all through school, joined madrigals, and was in a musical each year. Overall, I was a kid who loved being active, creative, and spending as much time as possible laughing with friends and at the beach during the summer.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy- $250 per session
- Couples Therapy- $275 per session
- Family Therapy- $275 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.embodybalancerecovery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodybalancerecovery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575942418437
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahcobbfowler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@embodybalancerecovery
Image Credits
Bryce Pagter Photography
