The Struggle is Real: Eating Disorders and treatment

Do you feel guilty over what you eat? Do you compensate by exercise, restriction or purging? Do you like the person you see in the mirror? Together we will explore your need to focus on food choices, calories, exercise and weight. Many things contribute to your emotional struggle that have nothing to do with food or how you look in the mirror. I will help you to discover the root of your anxiety and pain so that you can learn to love and accept yourself as worthwhile and perfectly imperfect.  Eating disorders are life threatening!  One does not have to live with anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorder.  

You need tools and,having worked with eating disordered and body dysmorphic individuals for over 25 years, I have dozens of them. My goal is for you to discover how your preoccupation with food and your body is serving as a coping mechanism for other things. You will discover how your unique personality and genetics have made you vulnerable to suffering with self-image. You will learn tools to address your struggles directly instead of attempting to control appearances and food. You will discover situations that trigger restriction, binges, distorted self-image and self-hatred. You will learn to view food a fuel and medicine necessary to nourish and heal your body. You will discover the difference between emotional and physical hunger. You will learn to honor your body for the amazing things it allows you to do and experience. I will empower you to try new behaviors and to challenge unhealthy thoughts.   Come see me in my Westlake Village therapy practice. 

Let the healing begin!!!!

I have walked in your shoes. I know how it feels to be terrified of weight gain and obsessed with calories. I have felt the pain of anxiety that interferes with sleep and peace of mind. I know what it feels like to feel "not good enough" and afraid of not being "perfect". I also know what it feels like to feel capable, lovable and comfortable in my own skin. Recovery can happen! I watch individuals, just like you, fall in love with themselves every day! I believe therapy can be hard work but also fun and exciting! Together we will learn, cry and laugh. We might even eat something forbidden or smash your scale! I will help you find your voice and your passions.  

Please call. I'm here to help! 

Unfortunately, eating disorders often require a higher level of care than that which can be provided in a private practice setting.  If your loved one has been in therapy and seeing a dietitian for a significant period of time without making adequate progress such as reduction of purging or other compensatory behaviors, weight gain if underweight, reduced frequency of binges if a compulsive over eater, etc... than hospitalization should be considered.  Of course, medical complications such as irregular heart beat, poor blood pressure, potassium deficiency, being severely underweight all indicate a need for a higher level of care.  Lastly, a client who is suicidal should be hospitalized.  

Please feel free to call me so we can discuss your concerns as to whether or not hospitalization is in order.  I would be happy to offer my feedback about what treatment is most appropriate for your loved one.  Eating Disorders are deadly and proper treatment is critical to the recovery process.  In the event that a higher level of care is in order,  consider some of my favorite facilities: