My approach to eating disorders is informed by years of experience working at all levels of care (residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and outpatient clinics). Eating disorders can often feel shameful and scary for clients and their families and so initially I will help clients and their families identify immediate needs (for example adding a psychiatrist or dietitian to their team or developing structure around meals) to develop feelings of stability and hopefulness for recovery. 

I work with adolescents and adults and some of the modalities I use include cognitive based therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Family Based Therapy (FBT). My approach to eating disorders is eclectic as I find many of my eating disorder clients may have been through modalities of therapy that don’t resonate with them so I value finding approaches that align with the client.

In addition to individual and family therapy I may make referrals to resources like dietitians, group therapy, support groups, psychiatric assessments or treatment facilities. I’m well versed in local and national treatment facilities and am able to provide referrals tailored to my client’s clinical needs. I’m also familiar with navigating and utilizing health insurance to obtain the best coverage of care.

My work with adolescents and young adults emphasizes age appropriate independence and supporting the family in understanding and supporting the clients recovery which can include practical directions like how to support a client at meals, helpful and harmful things to say, and helping their loved ones tolerate the discomfort that comes with eating disorder recovery. I believe family members and loved ones are crucial members of the treatment team.