About Rachel Dunning

Rachel Dunning is an expert eating disorder clinician who brings a deeply personal and beautifully integrated perspective to her work with clients. With more than 17 years of experience treating eating disorders across multiple levels of care, she specializes in helping autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent individuals overcome complex eating challenges. As an AuDHD individual herself, Rachel offers a lived-experience perspective that fosters a uniquely authentic, neuro-affirming therapeutic environment.

Rachel believes that God does not make mistakes. Every mind is divinely and intentionally designed. Neurodivergence is not a flaw to be cured or a broken piece to be fixed; it is a purposeful reflection of God’s infinite creativity.

Rachel’s counseling style is rooted in a client-centered, responsive framework. She tailors her approach to each person’s distinct psychological, physical, and sensory patterns. Rachel balances structured interventions with gentle, patient-led pacing, allowing her to uncover the unique factors behind each client’s struggles so they feel fully seen and supported. She is passionate about helping clients find hope and practical solutions—guiding them to soothe their nervous systems, safely navigate mealtimes, and recognize and honor their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs.

Therapeutic Approach

Rachel’s individualized strategies are grounded in a complementary combination of established therapeutic approaches. Her therapeutic foundation includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (CBT-AR)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

Who She Works With

Rachel works with individuals ages 4 and older and offers both in-person and teletherapy sessions. In addition to being licensed in North Carolina, she holds a professional counselor telehealth license in South Carolina.

Areas of Experience

• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and ARFID
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Neurodiversity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Body-image difficulties
• Coping skills
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Mood disorders
• Self-esteem
• Trauma

Education & Credentials