Madelaine Romito
Expertise
Madelaine Romito is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image, anxiety, and OCD, especially as they occur in diverse populations. She also has extensive experience researching and working with adolescent and young adult populations. Academically, Madelaine is passionate about clinical training and research and is, therefore, pursuing a PhD in counselor education and supervision at Northern Illinois University. In addition, Madelaine serves on the Academy of Eating Disorders’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory committee and volunteers with her certified therapy dog in the community.
Research Interests
Eating disorders and body image concerns in diverse populations, weight stigma, counselor education and supervision, arts-based research methods.
Education
Northern Illinois University
Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D. (expected May 2026)
ŷϷ Illinois University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
Selected Publications
Fickling, M. J., Hernandez Navarro, G., Pilcher, C., Romito, M. (2024). From Abstinence to Behavior Change: Minimizing Bias and Student Harm [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Department of Counseling & Higher Education, Northern Illinois University.
Horton, E., Everett, B., Romito, M. (2024). An interpretative phenomenological analysis of postpartum mothers’ body image dissatisfaction and mental health implications [Manuscript submitted for publication]. Counseling, Special Education, and Diversity Department, University of Houston Clear Lake.
Horton, E., Romito, M., Schoonover, T., & Frawley, C. (in press). A size inclusive playroom: Play therapy considerations to promote healing for children of diverse body shapes and sizes. International Journal of Play Therapy.
Horton, E., Romito, M., Schoonover, T., & Frawley, C. (2024). Play therapists’ experiences utilizing play therapy with childhood body image issues [Manuscript under review]. Counseling, Special Education, and Diversity Department, University of Houston Clear Lake.
Roberts, S. R., Salk, R. H., Thoma, B. C., Romito, M., Levine, M. D., & Choukas‐Bradley, S. (2021). Disparities in disordered eating between gender minority and cisgender adolescents. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 54(7), 1135-1146.
Romito, M., Salk, R. H., Roberts, S. R., Thoma, B. C., Levine, M. D., & Choukas-Bradley, S. (2021). Exploring transgender adolescents’ body image concerns and disordered eating: Semi-structured interviews with nine gender minority youth. Body Image, 37, 50-62.