About Sonya Sanmateu, LCSW
I believe you don’t need to be fixed—you need to be understood.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker based in Bucks County, PA, serving clients across PA & NJ. I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns, with an embodied, mindfulness-informed approach, and I also support individuals navigating anxiety and life transitions.
My work bridges clinical eating disorder treatment with embodied awareness and mindfulness practices, helping you rebuild trust with your body and move toward sustainable recovery. I pair emotional insight with practical, evidence-based strategies — so you don’t just understand what’s going on, you begin to feel different in your day-to-day life.
Learn more about each specialty:
The things that brought you here today? There’s a reason for them.
Whether it’s an eating disorder, harsh self-talk, or those people-pleasing patterns you can’t seem to break—these are not “flaws.” They’re invitations to tune in to what those symptoms are really trying to tell you.
Because meaningful change begins with compassionate understanding.
Often, no one has higher standards for themselves than my clients. They are the ones who do “all the things” and still feel like it’s not enough. They often appear composed and in control, even when inside they feel consumed by stress, pressure, or self-expectations. And while they are insightful and caring with others, they often struggle to offer themselves the same compassion.
In our work together, I’ll help you honor the strength & success that’s gotten you here, while freeing you from the things that no longer serve you: the self-talk you’d never use with someone you love, the pressure that isn’t actually yours to carry. By uncovering the deeper roots of what brought you here, you can grow in compassion toward your own mind, body, and experiences and come home to a version of yourself that finally feels safe, grounded, and, above all, enough.
My approach:
Exploring the “why” beneath the “what,” then building new ways to respond.
I view therapy as both an exploration and a collaboration. Together, we’ll examine the patterns, experiences, and emotions that have shaped how you cope today—and then identify what’s no longer serving you. In addition to making sense of what’s underneath, we’ll also explore new, more supportive ways of relating to yourself and navigating your life. That can look like developing more supportive and sustainable ways to manage stress, process emotions, and care for your needs.
At times, our work may include slowing down enough to notice what’s happening in your body — your breath, tension, or stress responses — as a way of deepening insight and strengthening regulation. Developing this kind of awareness can be especially helpful in shifting patterns around food, movement, and self-criticism.
At the end of the day, this is a process that will honor your story and go at your pace, all with a deep belief in your capacity for genuine, lasting change.
Therapy with me is…
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For more than a decade, I’ve worked in eating disorder treatment across all levels of care—including residential and PHP/IOP at Monte Nido & Affiliates, and outpatient work in group practice. My path began with teaching yoga in a residential setting and later grew into clinical roles as a therapist and assistant clinical director in PHP and IOP programs. This depth of experience allows me to bring both expertise and genuine understanding—so you know you’re sitting down with someone who truly gets it.
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Creating space where you can show up as you are—without fear of criticism. Recovery is never linear, and I’ll offer patience, flexibility, and steady support at every stage.
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Helping you uncover what’s underneath your habits or patterns, make sense of them, and then translate that insight into lasting change.
Specializing in…
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My Training & Education
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Master of Social Work, University at Buffalo
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Pennsylvania: CW023333
New Jersey: 44SC06381200
New York: 096775
Colorado: CSW-09932717
Vermont: 089.0136974TELE
Candidate for Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), IAEDP
The CEDS credential reflects advanced training in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns, along with ongoing supervision and mentorship from experienced leaders in the field.
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Formally trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with specialized skills in trauma processing, emotion regulation, and mindfulness.
Extensive clinical experience applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in treatment settings.
Integrates insight-oriented, depth-informed approaches to explore underlying patterns and promote lasting change.
This combination of formal training and experience allows me to tailor strategies to your unique needs, supporting both insight and practical change.
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Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500)
Trained in Hatha, Restorative, Trauma-Informed, and Therapeutic Yoga
Practicing yoga for nearly two decades and teaching for over 15 years
Nearly a decade teaching yoga in residential eating disorder treatment settings at Monte Nido & Affiliates
I integrate mind-body practices into therapy for clients who are interested, supporting stress reduction, self-regulation, and awareness. This complements evidence-based approaches, helping you relate to your body and internal experience with grounded, compassionate presence.
Get in touch
Your story isn’t finished—and change is possible.
If you’re ready to go beyond symptom management, I’m ready to support you. I offer convenient online sessions across PA & NJ with easy scheduling options.