Chelsey Rapinchuk, LCSW

EATTING DISORDER THERAPIST IN MILWAUKEE

My journey into this work began during my second year of college. While I initially studied elementary education, I realized I was drawn toward a different kind of helping profession—one that allowed me to connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. My interest in psychology, combined with the influence of my father—a master’s-level social worker—helped solidify my path toward becoming a therapist.

In my work, I find the most joy in supporting clients as they rediscover their values, build confidence, and take meaningful steps forward. It’s an honor to walk alongside someone as they move from feeling stuck to finding their own strength and direction. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with what truly matters to them.

Clients who work with me can expect a therapy experience that is collaborative, goal-oriented, and grounded in their unique strengths and values. I use evidence-based tools tailored to each individual, and I bring a compassionate, active presence to the work we do together. Whether we’re building new coping strategies, developing insight, or taking practical steps toward change, I’m here to support that journey with care and clarity.

Milwaukee therapist specialized in eating disorders, ARFID rigid thinking

Treatment Approach

EATTING DISORDER TREATMENT IN MILWAUKEE

Milwaukee therapist specialized in eating disorders, ARFID rigid thinking

Chelsey specializes in working with adults and adolescents experiencing eating disorders including avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). These challenges often involve rigid thinking, intense internal distress, and shame. Chelsey is deeply committed to helping clients challenge those patterns and create lives that feel freer, more flexible, and aligned with their true selves.

Chelsey’s approach integrates several gold-standard treatment models. She adapts these approaches to each client’s needs, always with the aim of fostering insight, empowerment, and lasting change.

Evidence-Based Treatments

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
    Helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional well-being.

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):
    A key treatment for OCD and anxiety, ERP involves gradually facing feared situations while resisting compulsive responses.

  • Habit Reversal Training:
    Used to reduce unwanted habits or behaviors by increasing awareness and developing alternative coping strategies.

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI):
    A collaborative, client-centered approach that strengthens motivation and commitment to change.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
    Focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with personal values.

Milwaukee therapist specialized in eating disorders, ARFID rigid thinking

Areas of specialization

OCD

Contamination thoughts, excessive washing and cleaning

Superstitious thoughts

Repetitive checking or feeling like things need to be “just right”

Spending excessive time ordering, counting, or making sure things are symmetrical

Unwanted thoughts fearing you could cause harm to yourself or others

Distress related to have forbidden or taboo thoughts

Scrupulosity or religious obsessions and compulsions

Hoarding, collecting

Magical thinking

Anxiety and Depression

Social, health, and generalized anxiety

Phobias

Panic

Perfectionism

Major depressive disorder

Adjustment disorders

Depressed mood

Eating Disorders

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Restricting to attain a certain body shape, size, or weight

Binging or over-eating

Over-exercising as compensation strategy

Purging, use of laxatives, or other elimination strategies

Body-image concerns