Support for Eating Disorders & Body Image
An eating disorder is rarely just about food. It is often a complex, deeply personal way of coping with painful emotions, a need for control, or a search for identity. In our practice, we offer a confidential space to untangle these feelings and move toward a true and lasting peace with your body.
Conditions We Treat
We provide specialized, compassionate care for individuals navigating:
Anorexia Nervosa: Addressing the fear of weight gain and the drive for perfectionism that leads to severe restriction.
Bulimia Nervosa: Breaking the cycle of binging and purging through emotional regulation and self-compassion.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED): Navigating the shame and physical discomfort of loss-of-control eating without judgment.
ARFID & Selective Eating: Supporting those with sensory sensitivities or fears related to the act of eating.
Orthorexia: When the “healthy” pursuit of food becomes an obsession that limits your life and joy.
A Specialized Perspective for Families
As a child specialist, I am uniquely equipped to work with adolescents and young adults who are showing early signs of disordered eating. Early intervention is one of the most faithful ways to protect a child’s future, and I work closely with families to rebuild a healthy, supportive home environment around food and body image.
Our Path to Recovery
Recognizing the signs and knowing when support can help
Recovery is not just about changing how you eat; it’s about changing how you feel about yourself.
Our approach focuses on:
Safety First: Ensuring you have a supportive network and, where necessary, collaborating with medical and nutritional professionals for a holistic team approach.
Uncovering the “Why”: Gently exploring the underlying emotions—anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem—that the eating disorder is trying to manage.
Building Body Neutrality: Moving away from “loving or hating” your body and toward a true respect for what your body does for you.
Mindful Freedom: Rediscovering the joy of eating and social connection without the “rules” and “voices” of the disorder.
A Truth to Hold On To: You are more than a number on a scale, a calorie count, or a clothing size. You deserve a life that is full—not just a stomach that is empty or a mind that is preoccupied.
Is It Time to Reach Out?
Eating disorders thrive in secrecy. It may be time to speak with someone if:
Thoughts about food, weight, or exercise occupy most of your mental space.
You feel a sense of “failure” or intense guilt after eating.
You find yourself withdrawing from friends or family to hide your eating habits.
You feel that your self-worth is entirely dependent on your physical appearance.
How I Work with Parents
When a child or teen struggles—whether with disordered eating, anxiety, or burnout—the entire family system is affected. My role as a counselor and child specialist is not just to treat the child, but to empower you, the parent, to be the steady, secure base they need.
My Collaborative Approach
I believe that parents are the greatest allies in a child’s healing journey. My work with you is built on three pillars:
- Education & Understanding: We will demystify the mental health conditions your child is facing. Understanding the “why” behind their behavior is the first step toward replacing frustration with compassion.
- The “Coach, Not Critic” Model: I help you develop practical tools to communicate with your child without triggering defensiveness. We work on how to set boundaries that are firm, yet loving and true.
- Holding the Space: You are often carrying the weight of the world while trying to keep your child safe. I provide a confidential space for you to voice your fears, your own exhaustion, and your “parent-guilt” without judgment.
Our Partnership Process
- Alignment: We start by ensuring we are all on the same page regarding the child’s needs, safety, and treatment goals.
- Parental Support: I provide you with strategies to manage your own stress so that you can show up as the calm, regulated parent your child needs.
- Family Harmony: We work to re-establish trust and open, honest communication within the home, moving away from cycles of conflict and toward a foundation of mutual respect.
- A Note to Parents: You don’t have to have all the answers. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing the professional guidance you need to navigate these challenging waters with confidence.
FAQ: For Parents
- How much will I be involved in my child’s sessions? It varies based on your child’s age and clinical needs. While I maintain your child’s privacy to ensure they feel safe being honest, we will have regular parent-check-ins to track progress and adjust our approach.
- Can you help me talk to my child without making things worse? Yes. A core part of our work is “Communication Coaching.” We will practice exactly what to say (and what not to say) to keep the doors of communication open.
- What if I feel like I’ve “caused” the problem? Parenting is hard, and guilt is a heavy, unproductive burden. My practice is a place to let go of blame. We focus on the present—on how to move forward and build a healthier future together.
Types of anxiety disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves ongoing, excessive worry about everyday matters, often accompanied by restlessness, tension, and difficulty concentrating. While it can interfere with daily functioning, GAD is highly manageable with the right treatment.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is marked by an intense fear of social situations, often driven by concerns about being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. This can impact relationships and daily activities, but therapy can help reduce fear and build confidence.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder includes recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear that may involve physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Although disruptive, panic disorder responds well to effective treatment.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) intended to ease anxiety. This cycle can be exhausting and disruptive, but evidence-based treatments can significantly reduce symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbness. PTSD can deeply affect daily life, but professional care can support healing and recovery.
Phobias
Phobias involve intense, persistent fears of specific objects or situations—such as heights, flying, or certain animals—that lead to avoidance behaviors. While these fears can be limiting, therapy offers effective strategies to manage and overcome them.