Eating Disorders
Does Your Relationship With Food Feel Out Of Control?
Are you constantly preoccupied with or overwhelmed by thoughts about food? Perhaps you spend a considerable amount of time and money on activities related to, or to compensate for, unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming primarily junk or health foods, frequent grocery visits, trips to the drive-through or time at the gym. You might harbor shame and worry about your loved ones or coworkers finding out how much or little you eat. You may even go long periods of time without eating because of that shame and later overeat due to low blood sugar, hunger, feeling deprived, or suppressed desire. Are you starting to feel mentally, emotionally or physically unwell and worry that you’re risking your health and wellbeing? Do you wish you could control urges and foster a healthy relationship with food and your body?
Disordered eating can be a shameful and isolating experience that compromises your health and
ability to feel in-control to foster a normal relationship with food. You may consume what is perceived as normal portions when you’re around other people, but overeat or abstain from food in private. What started as a way to feel satisfied perhaps has escalated to health problems related to being overweight, such as blood circulation issues or diabetes. Or, the price of being thin has resulted in seclusion, a gluten intolerance, dental problems or frequent trips to the doctor. When you feel ashamed of your caloric intake, you may not eat again for a long period of time or make yourself sick, perpetuating a cycle of binging and purging. Erratic eating patterns might be taking an emotional and physical toll, and you may not be able to enjoy activities you used to or fit into your favorite clothes. Even if you’re taking active steps to become healthy, such as seeing a personal trainer or a nutritionist, you may find that you’re still unable to stop a cycle you know is creating havoc in your life.
Body Image and Eating Issues Are Very Common In Our Culture
If you are struggling with problems related to food or body image ideals, you are not alone. According to The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States suffer from clinically significant types of eating disorders at some point in their lives, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an unspecified eating disorder.
We live in a society in which foods that have little nutritional value are readily available, not to mention supersized. Grocery stores have entire sections dedicated to cheap junk food. And, while it’s occasionally common to indulge in an excess of calories or unhealthy food, consequences of compulsive eating can lead to a cycle of dieting practices and severe health problems.
Body image issues are also very common in our culture. We live in a societal prison of impossible beauty standards. We are constantly bombarded with images of hyper-thinness and tight and toned bodies. Even though these images are everywhere—TV, billboards, the internet, etc., this body type is not healthy or normal. The truth is that most celebrities and models, according to the BMI scale, on average are way below what is considered healthy. This may explain why eating disorders have become a worldwide problem that affects men and women of all ages. Here in Tucson especially, people tend to wear less clothing due to the heat, which accentuates the body itself as well as body image related problems.
If you’re constantly monitoring what you eat, are eating as a primary method to cope with stress and sadness or you’ve developed a pattern of binging and purging, it’s time to seek help. Eating disorder treatment can provide effective strategies that make leading a healthier life possible.
Treatment For Eating Disorders Can Help You Heal
While seeing a doctor, nutritionist, physical trainer and other professionals can teach you a variety of healthy ways to take care of yourself, therapy can be very effective in addressing the psychological distress that often drives an eating disorder.
In a safe, compassionate environment, you can explore your innermost concerns and desires and find out what’s at the root of your weight and body acceptance issues. As we examine cultural expectations, your family of origin as well as the history of your relationships, experiences and coping strategies, you may find that your behaviors, emotions, and thoughts that have led to this disorder actually make a lot of sense considering what you’ve been through. With my guidance and your courage, curiosity, care and willingness to participate in the healing process, together we can not only notice but alter unhealthy patterns and behaviors.
I’ve been an eating disorders counselor since 1994. Before starting my private practice, I was the co-coordinator of the Body Smart Initiative and the Coordinator of Eating Disorder Services at the University of Arizona Campus Health Service. I have also served as the President of the Tucson Chapter of International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp) and served on the Board of Directors of iaedp. I have extensive and ongoing training in a wide variety of treatment modalities successful in addressing eating disorder concerns including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment Theory
- Bibliotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Differentiation Model
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Gestalt Theory
- Guided Imagery
- Internal Family Systems Theory
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Mindfulness Theory
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Self-compassion Theory
- Self-Determination Theory
Throughout my years of experience, I have seen many people heal and move from a life of chaos, anxiety and distress to a more balanced, full life of harmony and ease. I believe that recovery is possible. With my expertise as an eating disorder counselor combined with your willingness to engage in the healing process, I believe that you can make changes and move forward.
You may still have some questions or concerns about eating disorder counseling…
I’m embarrassed and don’t want to talk to anyone about my body.
I am not here to judge. I provide a space of openness and unconditional positive support so that you can both identify and heal aspects that have been driving your trouble with body image and food. I’m here to provide useful skills that help empower you to heal wounds and move forward.
How do I know that therapy will help me?
If you have been struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or another body image or eating related problem, it’s common to believe that nothing will help. Abandoning a routine and trusting someone else to aid your recovery takes a lot of courage. However, therapy doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a dynamic growth process in which we will continue to create and build new pathways and habits at a pace that works for you. With my guidance, I believe you can find effective new ways to cope and recreate your relationship with food and your body.
I am worried about the cost.
Please don’t let cost get in the way of living a healthy and purposeful life. Eating disorders, and the many and varied mental and physical health ailments they cause, generally do not heal on their own. Getting help and guidance now could save your life.
If you are concerned about the cost, I invite you to call my practice to discuss your options.
You Can Feel Empowered, Healthy And Whole
Please call 520-268-8890 for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about therapy and my practice in Tucson. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) and am ready to support you.