Sophie S. Whynacht, licensed psychologist in Petaluma, California.

Dr. Sophie Whynacht, Ph.D.

Hi, I’m Sophie.

Do you struggle with constant thoughts about food or your body, or feel worn down by judgement of your body from others? If so, you’re not alone.

As a child and teenager, I spent a lot of time believing that something was wrong with my body. Like many people I work with now, that belief came from a mix of my own insecurities and the messages I absorbed from family, friends, and the world around me—that being thinner would somehow make me more worthy or valuable. I started trying to control my weight in middle school, which led to years of difficult and unhealthy patterns with food and a deep sense of self-doubt. No matter how my body changed, I never felt comfortable in it.

Things began to shift for me during graduate school, when I worked with a supervisor who treated eating disorders. Learning more about how societal weight stigma is often at the root of negative body image helped me see my struggles in a new light. This shift not only changed how I relate to my own body, but also sparked my desire to support others who feel stuck in similar cycles.

I aim to offer a warm, supportive space where clients feel understood and not judged. Many feel disconnected from their bodies, stressed around food, or caught in patterns of shame and self-criticism. Therapy becomes a place to make sense of these experiences, and begin building a kinder, more peaceful relationship with food and with one’s body.

Work with me

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I know how exhausting, isolating, and frustrating it can be to experience weight stigma and body dissatisfaction. All you want is to break free of painful patterns and feel more confident and happy in your own skin. Together, we’ll explore the emotions and life experiences that got you here and find a better way forward.

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Education & Training

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I love giving talks on body image and weight stigma.

I bring a heartfelt mix of professional and personal experience to each of my speaking engagements.

Let’s connect to learn if we’re a good fit!