Hi, I’m Leah Holle (she/her), MAR, LCSW, CEDS, a doctoral candidate in Social Work at the University of Connecticut (Spring 2026 expected graduation), dedicated to exploring the intersections of religion, trauma, and disordered eating. With over a decade of experience in clinical practice and research, I specialize in trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, with a focus on religious/spiritual trauma, eating disorders, and mental health advocacy.
My current research investigates how religious trauma impacts disordered eating patterns in womxn and gender-expansive individuals, blending qualitative and quantitative methodologies to inform compassionate and intersectional clinical practice. I’m also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), and trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
I’ve presented nationally and internationally, contributed to peer-reviewed journals, and co-led community-based research initiatives aimed at supporting sexual and gender minority youth. As both a clinician and a researcher, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between academia and real-world healing—honoring lived experience as deeply as empirical data.
Whether I’m teaching, publishing, or working one-on-one, my work is rooted in a deep commitment to liberation, justice, and the holistic well-being of marginalized communities.
Research Interests:
- Religious/Spiritual Trauma
- Eating Disorders
- Mental Health Interventions
- Gender Affirming Care
- Health Disparities within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC Communities
Education:
- PhD in Social Work | University of Connecticut | May 2026
- Masters of Arts in Religion (MAR) | Yale University | 2018
- Masters of Social Work (MSW) | University of Connecticut | 2017
- Bachelors of Arts (BA) | Greensboro College | 2014
Clinical Practice Specialities:
- Working with adolescents, young adults and adults
- Complex trauma, PTSD and religious trauma
- Eating disorders and disordered eating
- Health-at-every-size (HAES)
- Intuitive eating
- Mood disorders (bipolar disorder, major depression, etc.)
- Suicidality and self-harm
- LGBTQIA+ affirming provider
For a more detailed view of my previous research, work and education, please see my CV below:
Leah M. Holle 