Our Approach to Treatment
A new Era of Neuroscience in Recovery
The Lewallen Center is TBT-S Certified Facility, trained and credentialed in Temperament-Based Therapy with Supports, one of the most clinically advanced modalities in eating disorder treatment today.
For decades, eating disorder treatment focused primarily on behaviors and thoughts. Emerging neurobiological research has fundamentally shifted that picture. We now understand that eating disorders are not simply choices or habits. They are rooted in brain-based temperament traits, including heightened anxiety, cognitive rigidity, altered reward sensitivity, and a nervous system wired toward rumination and avoidance rather than action and recovery.
TMS-S was developed at UC San Diego and works from the inside out, beginning with the biology before addressing the symptoms. Rather than pathologizing a client’s traits, TBT-S treats those same traits as the source of strength for recovery. Clients learn to recognize when their nervous system is pulling them into eating disorder cycles and use action-oriented, trait-aligned tools to interrupt those patterns and reroute toward health.
Critically, TBT-S brings supports into the treatment room. Family members, partners, and caregivers learn the same tools as the client, so recovery does not stop when the session ends. This collaborative model reduces isolation, builds accountability, and translates clinical gains into daily life.
We address the neurobiological roots of eating disorders first, then build outward to symptom management and behavioral change.
Family and loved ones participate actively in treatment, learning the same tools so recovery extends into the home environment.
TBT-S tools are designed to interrupt the cycle of eating disorder thoughts and move clients from rumination into purposeful, recovery-oriented action.
DMFC and The Lewallen Center hold formal TBT-S certification, ensuring our clinicians are trained to the highest standard of this evidence-informed model.
Traits are genetically endowed. You do not get to choose your traits. What TBT-S teaches you is how to use it as a source of strength rather than a driver of symptoms.
Dr. Laura Hill, Cofounder of TBT-S
TBT-S
Certified Facility
The Lewallen Center at DMFC
Meet Our Clinicians
Kelly Lewallen,
LMFT #37832
With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and more than two decades specializing in trauma recovery, Kelly Lewallen brings deep expertise and empathy to her work. She trained directly under Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR therapy, and holds certification as an Eating Disorder Specialist.
Kelly has supervised and mentored clinicians pursuing their own certifications, and continues to train graduate students, associate clinicians, and fully licensed professionals. Her current focus is advancing Temperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT‑S), an innovative approach, that helps clients heal the root of emotional and behavioral challenges rather than simply manage symptoms.
She completed her certification to train clinicians in TBT‑S and studied directly under Laura Hill and Stephanie Katz, the founders of this groundbreaking modality. Kelly’s passion lies in helping individuals and families rediscover balance, resilience, and connection through compassionate, evidence‑based care.
Trained directly under Laura hill and Stephanie.
Wyatt Lewallen,
LMFT #151457
Wyatt Lewallen earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma recovery. He is EMDR‑trained and has extensive experience working with both children and adults with an array of mental health diagnoses
Wyatt has also trained directly with Laura Hill and Stephanie Katz, founders of Temperament Based Therapy with Support (TBT‑S), integrating this approach into his work with individuals and families. His calm, grounded style helps clients feel safe as they explore complex emotions and learn practical tools for lasting change.
Wyatt’s work reflects The Lewallen Center’s commitment to helping people heal the problem, not just manage it, through compassionate, structured, and transformative therapy.