Christine (Chris) Selby

Clinical Interests: I am a generalist by training; however, my specialty areas are eating disorders and sport psychology. My very specific niche is eating disorders in athletes. My approach to psychotherapy can be described as “eclectic,” however, the way I usually describe my approach is: my way-of-being with clients is client-centered, I conceptualize psychodynamically, and I incorporate CBT skills when indicated. In practice what this means is that my primary focus is [client-centered] on ensuring I understand who the client is and what their concerns are from their perspective. I also inquire about [psychodynamic] past important relationships to help me understand psychological and behavioral patterns that may help explain current concerns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) skills are used to establish new ways of thinking and behaving to replace thoughts and behaviors that interfere with how clients want to live their lives. Whoever you are, and whatever your concerns, my primary goal is to listen to and understand you so we can work effectively together.

Education: PhD, Counseling Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 2000; MS, Athletic Counseling, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, 1994; BA, Psychology, Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, 1992

Professional Experience: Until arriving at CCPH, I spent nearly 20 years as an academic, teaching undergraduate psychology courses and for the last three of those years teaching graduate students pursuing the Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) credential. During this time, I maintained a part-time private practice working with emerging adults and adults. Since 2019 I have also conducted Compensation and Pension evaluations with Veterans of our armed forces. I have presented regionally and nationally, and published on topics including eating disorders, body image, mental health in athletes, relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and identity. Nearly all of my professional writing is for lay audiences (i.e., not for professionals) including several books, the most recent of which include The Psychology of Eating Disorders, Who Am I? Understanding Identity and the Many Ways We Define Ourselves, and Mental Health of Athletes.

Certifications/Licenses: 2024-present Licensed Psychologist State of Massachusetts (PSY5000254); 2008-present Licensed Psychologist State of Maine (PS1260); 2014-present Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS); 2019-present Certified Mental Performance Consultant-Emeritus (CMPC-E); 2025-present Listed in the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Mental Health Directory

Memberships: Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), American Psychological Association, (APA; member of APA Divisions related to teaching; psychotherapy; counseling; military psychology; sport, exercise, and performance psychology; health psychology), International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp); Clinical/Counseling Sport Psychology Association (CCSPA)

More about me: Following graduating from my doctoral program in 2000 I was a stay-at-home parent raising my two sons with my husband who is also a psychologist. When my children were school age, I re-engaged with my professional life as a college professor and licensed psychologist. I enjoy travelling, particularly to countries that are very different from the United States, to experience how people in other cultures live and find enjoyment in their lives. Although I enjoy meeting most dogs, I am 100% a cat person. I enjoy writing (professionally and for fun), baking, watching carefully curated shows and movies, and taking time to relax, think and just be.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson