About Sonya Sanmateu, LCSW
I believe you don’t need to be fixed—you need to be understood.
I’m an online therapist based in Bucks County, PA and serving clients across PA & NJ. I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, anxiety, & big life changes.
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 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
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Candidate for Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), IAEDP
CEDS is a credential for clinicians with specialized training to support individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating patterns, and body image concerns. It reflects advanced knowledge of evidence-based approaches and includes mentorship from leading experts in the field.Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Dr. Kathleen Chard
CPT is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, recognized as a best-practice approach. It:Focuses on identifying thoughts and beliefs that can keep a person “stuck” in distressing memories
Supports understanding of how past traumatic experiences affect current emotions and behavior
Aims to reduce distress and help clients feel more grounded and resilient
Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Professional (C-DBT) – Dr. Lane Pederson C-DBT is a credential indicating specialized expertise in strategies that help clients:
Build practical coping skills
Strengthen relationships
Navigate challenging experiences using mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
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Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500)
Trained in Hatha, Restorative, Trauma-Informed, and Therapeutic yoga approaches, with nearly a decade of teaching experience in a residential eating disorder setting at Monte Nido and Affiliates.Mind-body practices may be incorporated into therapy sessions, for clients who are interested, to support stress reduction, self-regulation, and self-awareness. These techniques are offered as complementary tools within therapy.
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.