I have worked through my own eating disorder challenges to come out stronger and healthier. As a collegiate cross-country runner and an age group qualifier/finisher and in the 2007 Ironman Triathlon World Championship, my body has taken some abuse. As a result I have had to face the reality that I can’t do as much as I used to, the way I used to, and at the level that I used to. As I continue to age and the list of what I cant do gets longer, I am able to find joy and appreciation for how my body is still able to move and appreciate freedom from an eating disorder. I bring these experiences to my practice to help me relate to clients. It is possible to be free of an eating disorder.
Eating disorders exist on a continuum, including: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). They involve a complex set of biological, social, and psychological factors interacting to create a perfect storm, resulting in the symptoms of an eating disorder. Left untreated, eating disorders can take one’s life away.
While treatment of symptoms is often necessary depending on the severity of the disorder, it often overlooks the most important ingredient – the source of the symptoms. My approach is to first ensure that the patient is safe and stable, and then to begin the journey inward to find those sources through individual and family therapy, nutritional counseling, and possible group work.
Along with individual therapy, I offer formal Eating Disorder Assessments to determine the where the patient is at in their disorder and to recommend a level of treatment appropriate to the individual.
Signs and symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of a possible eating disorder vary from person to person and are well-documented from a variety of sources. I have included some of the links below: