Laci Whipple’s journey to becoming a leader in the field of eating disorder treatment and body image research is as inspiring as it is impactful. As a student in the Addiction Cognate of Boise State’s Counselor Education Program, she combines academic excellence with a personal passion for helping others overcome challenges like those she once faced herself.
A Personal Mission
Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Laci’s path to counseling wasn’t linear. Armed with an associate degree in business, she explored culinary arts and worked in corporate food and events services before a desire for change led her to Boise in 2020. The move was prompted by her love for nature—Idaho’s trees and mountains were a welcome change from Texas landscapes—but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Laci’s personal experience with an eating disorder and the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ignited her passion for helping others. A conversation with Dr. Cindy McCrea of Boise State’s Psychology Department solidified her goal: to pursue a therapeutic career where she could directly change lives.
Academic and Professional Growth
Laci’s academic achievements are remarkable. After transferring credits from her associate degree, she completed her undergraduate requirements in just 18 months. Though accepted into a doctoral program, she found her calling in Boise State’s Counselor Education program, where she is now in her third year. Here, Laci has thrived, both academically and socially, developing lifelong friendships with her peers.
Her growing expertise in eating disorders has led faculty to view her as a subject matter expert. She has embraced research opportunities, particularly those focusing on body image issues among men—a niche area influenced by societal pressures on masculinity. Her work has garnered recognition, including presentations at professional conferences on body image and eating disorders.
Driving Change on Campus
Recognizing a gap in resources for eating disorder treatment at Boise State, Laci worked with Wellness Services to create the university’s first body image and eating disorders prevention program. This initiative not only filled a critical need but also resulted in a paid assistantship for Laci to further her efforts. Additionally, she teaches the Healthy Body, Healthy Mind class, sharing her insights with students and fostering a supportive campus environment.
Don’t hesitate! It will be the best experience of your life.
Big Dreams, Bigger Impact
Laci’s ultimate goal is to open her own residential treatment center for individuals recovering from eating disorders. Her work as an intern at Treasure Valley Therapy, where she already has a job offer upon graduation in 2025, is a stepping stone toward this vision. Boise State’s supportive environment has given her the tools to pursue her passion, from 3-½ years of research collaborations with Dr. Mary Pritchard to independent studies that fuel her drive to contribute to something larger than herself.
Words of Wisdom
Laci has simple but heartfelt advice for those considering a counseling path: “Don’t hesitate! It will be the best experience of your life.” Her journey is a testament to the power of determination, community support, and the desire to make a difference.
As she prepares to graduate, Laci continues to leave her mark, not just on Boise State, but on the broader conversation around eating disorders and body positivity. Whether through her research, teaching, or advocacy, she embodies the impact of using personal experiences to fuel professional passion and societal change.
Were you inspired by Laci’s story? Visit our website to learn more about the Counselor Education Program or email COUNGA@boisestate.edu with questions.