about

Sarah Jane Thomas, LMFT

Why I love doing this work

Hi, I’m Sarah (she/her), part of why I love helping people in bigger bodies is because of my own experience growing up and living in a bigger body. When you were a kid you probably looked to the grown-ups in your life to show you how to go about the world and do life. Your little sponge-like brain soaked up all the body habits you saw and each body comment you heard. For me, and I suspect for you too, those things became the guide for how to show up and belong in the world. You might have accepted the way you were treated as normal or you might have learned to be a grown-up far too soon. Maybe you coped by shrinking yourself and getting really quiet, turning that hurt inward. However you learned to cope is so valid and yet, you don’t have to stay in that place. 

If you grew up in a bigger body and/or with intersecting marginalized identities, that ‘little you’ just wants to be heard, and affirmed for who they are. It’s scary and vulnerable to step into this work and you might unearth things you never expected, and you can move forward towards empowerment, with support and compassion at your side. 

I know what it’s like to recover from an eating disorder in a bigger body and this is why I’m so passionate about helping other folks heal and reconnect with their bodies.

How I approach therapy

At its core, my approach to therapy addresses trauma and the impact it has on relationships, identity development, and how we exist in our bodies. My approach is very mind-body-focused and I often use Mindfulness techniques to rebuild your connection with your body. With this being said, if you have experienced trauma, you might find it difficult to be fully present in your body - and that is completely okay and respected. I will always honor the ways your body has learned to protect you and move at a pace that feels safe for you.

You deserve to have your body feel like home. With warmth, creativity, and compassion, I hope to gain your trust and support you through this.

My background

I grew up in the Bay Area, though I now reside in Southern California. I find living close to the ocean is really important to me, as there’s something really comforting about it. I’m introverted and someone very familiar with being called ‘too sensitive.’ I’ve learned how being highly sensitive is actually a super-power and I’d love for you to unlock the ways your sensitivity is actually one of your biggest strengths. If you’re an introvert, you might also love spending time alone or be equally as comfy with a small group of close friends/family. 

When I take off my therapist hat, I’m usually making art (collaging and watercolor are my favorites), playing with my sweet little emotional support kitty - Beetlejuice, catching up on the latest episode of that one reality show I’m embarrassed to say I watch (no judgements here!), going to my 5- and 8-year-old nephews’ dance recitals and parkour classes, or diving deep into reading/podcasts/writing. 

The way I like to get into my body most is singing, listening to music, and spending time in nature - I’m excited to help you find the things that bring you toward your body. I love tarot cards, they’re awesome for laying down some archetypes and finding the parts that matter to you. If you’re curious about them too (or already do this yourself) it’s always a welcomed addition to our therapy work. 

Podcast Guest Appearances

Check out my chats with some awesome people as we unpack everything from body image and eating disorder recovery to weight stigma in the fertility treatment world.

My Specialties

  • Body Image

    Heal Your Relationship with Your Body

  • Disordered Eating

    Find Freedom From Disordered Eating

  • Fatphobia + Weight Stigma

    Get Support with Weight-Based Oppression

  • Health at Every Size + Body Acceptance

    Compassion and Care for Your Body As It Is

I'm here to support you. Reach out today!

Education + Training

  • GLP-1 Medications - Expanding the Dialogue Around Risks & Benefits, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Navigating Clinical Conversations about GLP-1 Medications, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Body Trust Certification Program, 2025, Center for Body Trust

  • Weight Loss Injectable Webinar, 2024, Center for Body Trust

  • Exploring Your Body Story, 2021, Center for Body Trust

  • Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Webinar Pt. 1, 2021, Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride

  • Historical Trauma and Eating Disorders Webinar, 2020, Gloria Lucas of Nalgona Positivity Pride

  • Promoting Body Trust in Your Work, 2020, Center for Body Trust (formerly Be Nourished)

  • Somatic Approaches to Healing Trauma Training, 2020, John F. Kennedy University

  • Affect Regulation & Somatic Attachment Workshop, 2018, John F. Kennedy University

  • Master of Art in Counseling Psychology, 2016, Palo Alto University

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists - CAMFT

  • National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance - NAAFA

  • Association for Size Diversity and Health - ASDAH

Professional Associations