Lauren McKee

candlemine (noun) /ˈkandlmīn'/ 1. A reference to a person’s own storehouse of fat, or belly, from a time when candles were made of tallow (rendered beef fat) rather than wax. a. Used as an insult in Shakespeare’s Henry IV to refer to a person of a larger body size. b. Where digestion and metabolism of food occurs in the body. A place of fire and transformation. 2. Our guidance. A field of light that exists inside each of us and represents our innate drive to return to the elemental self. A force that captures our intuition, wisdom and deep knowing. Choosing candlemine as the name of our practice reflections our intention to reimagine the mislabeling of bodies as wrong or defective. We offer an inclusive, collaborative and informed space for people to heal from the injustice and harm created by the dominant culture. We believe you have the right to find freedom, pleasure and wisdom in your body. ... We are Fern (she/her) and Lauren (she/her) two clinicians in practice together providing in-person and virtual psychotherapy in Washington State and Hawai’i. ​We met early on in grad school and formed a strong bond based on shared values that have become the foundation of our practice. Prior to opening up candlemine, we worked together in numerous clinical settings, allowing us continued opportunities to deepen our appreciation for each other as collaborators. We hold deep value relational work, inclusivity, curiosity and play in our practice as therapists. Together we will search your lived experience for the meaning you have made of your story to create a greater understanding of what you want. We provide person-centered care that is weight inclusive, gender-affirming and trauma-informed. We are proud Certified Body Trust® Providers via the Center for Body Trust®, whose offerings have radically changed the game for healing relationships with body and food. Providing space for people who are struggling from disordered eating and body shame to tell their stories is a passion and a priority for us. We both hold Masters of Science degrees in nutrition and psychology, which uniquely positions us to work with these concerns. We offer compassionate counseling that is supported by evidence-based nutrition knowledge, and is rooted in a deep respect for the body’s need for food and nurturance. Fern DeMello practices as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LH61008619) and Hawai'i (MHC-796). Fern is also licensed in Washington State as a Certified Nutritionist (NU60832965). Lauren McKee practices as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State (LH61008611). Lauren is also licensed in Washington State as a Certified Nutritionist (NU60809148).