Margo Maine, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and related issues, has made significant contributions to the field over her 40-year career. As a pioneer in the field, she has written extensively on topics related to eating disorders and body image, challenging cultural messages, and advocating for prevention and treatment.

Dr. Maine’s journey as a psychologist began during her time pursuing her Ph.D. at Saybrook University. “I was really drawn to the existential and humanistic approach to things,” she says. She found Saybrook aligned with her holistic perspective on psychology. While little was known about eating disorders at the time of her studies, the faculty’s broad lens on mental health matters helped shape her understanding of the field.

During her studies at Saybrook, Dr. Maine was already working with individuals who had eating disorders. She recognized the need for research that focused on the lived experiences of those recovering from anorexia, as most existing studies only collected demographic data. Inspired by an  , she embarked on a groundbreaking dissertation conducting in-depth interviews with women who had recovered from anorexia. Dr. Maine recalled, “For him to say, ‘You should pick something you like and that you have some passion about’ … My eyes just opened up. I don’t think they’ve closed since.” This research was among the first of its kind to give a voice to patients and shed light on their experiences.

For Dr. Maine, Saybrook University provided the platform to develop her expertise in the field of eating disorders. The program’s emphasis on independent study allowed her to continue working while pursuing her doctoral degree. Her experience at Saybrook also honed her writing skills, a talent she had always possessed but sought to refine. Dr. Maine reflected, “Because Saybrook did so much of our evaluation based on our writing, it was a really good fit for me.” The school’s focus on writing challenged her to improve her craft, ultimately leading her to become a successful author of eight books, including the recently published “Hair Tells a Story: Hers, Yours, and Ours.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Maine has been involved in the founding of several organizations and initiatives dedicated to eating disorder prevention and treatment. She is a founder of and former adviser to the National Eating Disorders Association, a founder and fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders, and a former board member of the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy, & Action.

Dr. Maine’s contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, the Lori Irving Award for Excellence in Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention in 2007, the Don and Melissa Nielsen Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, and the NEDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. She is also a 2016 honoree of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.

Currently, Dr. Maine maintains a private practice, Maine & Weinstein Specialty Group, in West Hartford, Connecticut. She continues to lecture nationally and internationally on eating disorders and works tirelessly to advocate for the field, challenge cultural norms, and promote body positivity.

Dr. Maine’s journey from her time at Saybrook University to her impactful career in the field of eating disorders is a testament to her dedication, pioneering spirit, and commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by eating disorders. Her work has not only helped shape the field but has also given a voice to those who have struggled with these disorders, paving the way for greater understanding and improved treatment options.

After decades working as a psychologist, Dr. Maine still feels a profound sense of fulfillment from her work. She remains committed to helping patients one-on-one in private practice. Dr. Maine explains, “To help people get their lives back is really just an amazing process. For people to trust you and be vulnerable with you is such an important and intimate journey.” Despite all her expertise, Dr. Maine insists that there is always more to learn.