Dr. Christy McElroy PsyD, LMHC is new to the Tampa area and recently moved with her family from Illinois. She is a graduate of the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Schaumburg where she received her doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology. She works with adolescents and adults.
My approach to therapy is integrative and geared toward each individual’s specific needs. I have worked in several outpatient and inpatient settings in primary care facilities providing services for children, teens, young adults and families, as well as adults. My aim is to help people of all ages feel more in control, resourceful and self- assured.My specialties are eating disorders, bariatrics, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness/pain.
A major focus of Dr. McElroy’s work is her involvement in eating disorder awareness and advocacy that incorporates body positive approaches. She regularly collaborates with hospitals, dieticians, physicians as well as consults with other eating disorder experts. She has extensive experience working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma and bariatrics. With a doctorate degree in clinical psychology and almost a decade of experience treating eating disorders, she has been responsible for direct patient care as well as development and implementation of evidenced based curriculum in a Binge eating disorder intensive outpatient program. In addition, she has worked extensively with individuals who are non-responsive in weight loss surgeries helping to manage secondary eating disorder diagnoses and other complications that arise pre and post surgery.
Dr. McElroy is also trained in Clinical Hypnosis through the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. This can be a useful adjunct to therapy in a variety of areas such as compulsive behaviors, chronic pain, and anxiety. Dr. McElroy incorporates hypnosis and mindfulness to assist clients in managing and reducing their level of distress.
In addition to her private practice, she volunteers her time advocating for various health initiative programs in the community promoting positive body image. Dr. McElroy is the author and creator behind “The Self Confidence Chronicles”, a lifestyle blog and You Tube Channel focusing on body positivity, mental health, and balanced living.