Meet Lily Thrope | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lily Thrope and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lily, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my relationships with others in my field. Through my own openness, authenticity, and dedication to consistent networking, I have been able to forge deep personal and business relationships with my peers. These connections with like-minded therapists, dietitians, doctors, psychiatrists, etc. are important for trusted referrals. When they refer clients to my practice they know that I will be answering the call or email and giving each client my attention. Putting a strong focus on my fellow providers in addition to my clients lets me share my authentic passion for mental health and professional expertise due to my own personal experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I founded Thrope Therapy LCSW PLLC, a small group private practice, in 2021. Since then we have grown to a practice of three: my two awesome clinicians, Julia and Emily, and myself. We provide individualized mental health care for people struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, disordered eating, self-esteem, anxiety and depression. We are open and accepting of all identities. We practice from a weight-inclusive approach, meaning that we believe all bodies deserve respect and care.

I am most excited about mentoring the clinicians that work for me. It is important to me that there are more therapists that are trained on working with my niche of eating disorders. Eating disorders are on the rise and there is a greater need than ever before for therapists who are educated and trained in how to work with this population. I am passionate about growing my team and creating more opportunities for clients to find therapists who resonate with them in their mental health treatment.

I have learned to take good care of myself outside of my work. It is important to have a strong self-care routine and support network when you own a business. Running my own practice can feel lonely at times and I am so grateful for the network/community I have in NYC supporting me along this journey. My favorite form of self-care is knitting. I knit hats, scarves, sweaters, blankets and more. I love working on creative projects in the evenings and on weekends and gifting these homemade items to friends and family. Making something tangible gives me a particular spark of joy and fulfillment.

We are a group of compassionate clinicians that work with clients ages 14+. We believe therapy does not start and end with the time in the room. We support our clients as they navigate the day to day challenges throughout their week. I want the world to know that therapy is here for you. Everyone deserves support. If you are struggling with your relationship with food, body image, self-esteem, reach out and we can help you navigate this reality and find freedom. We are passionate about creating individualized plans for each client so we will meet you where you are. Our clients are the experts of their own stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
While you are in NYC, I recommend you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and visit Cowgirl Seahorse, a restaurant in lower Manhattan/Seaport. Go for the nachos and chicken and waffles! Then you can take the Staten Island Ferry to see stunning views of The Statue of Liberty. End the evening by heading up to the Bronx to catch a game at Yankee Stadium. Go Yankees! But don’t forget to grab dessert at my favorite cookie shop, Chip City.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people have supported my professional journey of opening my own private practice, but I have to give a shoutout to my family. My parents have supported me in pursuing my passion for social justice and mental health from day one. In college, I decided to major in Philosophy, knowing that I would apply to Master’s programs in Social Work. Often people would rudely ask my parents what I would do with a Philosophy degree, but they never doubted me. I felt unconditional trust and support from my parents (and siblings) to pursue my goals of becoming a business owner and working in a field that I felt mattered. This unconditional trust and support gave me a strong foundation for the work I do supporting my clients and associate therapists.

Website: thropetherapy.com

Instagram: thropetherapylcsw