Our experts are ready to help you break free from the constant chatter in your head about food, eating, exercise and your body. We will guide you with tools and strategies, and will support you as you make new choices on your journey to living your best life without your ED. Whether this is your first time in therapy or a return, we use effective, structured treatments that allow flexibility and individuality depending on your needs. We know that using these evidence-based treatments in the way that they were designed is key to helping you find freedom and peace from the burdens you carry. We try to meet you where you are at while knowing that change can be difficult and very needed. We want to help you find a balanced perspective and response to your eating disorder because we know that this will help you spend more time with the more important things in your life.
Our first step together is a thorough assessment of the symptoms and behaviors that you are struggling with in your eating, mood, and overall mental health. We recognize that eating disorders often look different than the “black-and-white” categories we use to describe them as many of our patients fall just outside of those categories and suffer just as much. In addition to those with eating disorders, we also treat individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, and pre- and post-bariatric surgery support. For that reason, we start each relationship with an initial consultation and assessment.
Initial Diagnostic Evaluation and Consultation
Due to the unique nature of problematic eating and the individual who struggles with food, body image and weight concerns, our first session consists of an in-depth, 90- to 120-minute assessment of current and historical eating and activity-related behaviors, co-occurring mental health concerns and history, medical history and family history.
We will then collaborate on an individualized treatment plan which may consist of collaboration with a dietician, psychiatrist and/or physician. In addition, appropriateness of outpatient treatment will be assessed, and depending on the severity of your symptoms, a higher level of care may be recommended.
OUR FIRST LINE OF TREATMENT
Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E)
Enhanced- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) is the first line treatment for most eating disorders. CBT-E isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Your therapist will individualize the treatment depending on what eating disorder symptoms and behaviors you are struggling with. There are four stages to CBT-E. The time and length of CBT-E depends on the complexity of your symptoms.
There are four stages to CBT-E. The time and length of CBT-E depends on the complexity of your symptoms.
STAGE 1
Regulating eating patterns
During this stage, we gather information to identify triggers and to gain a mutual understanding of your eating challenges and concerns. We also collaborate on ways to change and regulate eating patterns. The therapist highlights information and education specific to your behaviors and symptoms and stabilizing weight is addressed. Ideally, these sessions are twice a week; however, often in practice, they are held once a week due to mutual availability and cost.
STAGE 2
Progress check
During this brief stage, your progress with eating and behavior change is reviewed. This ensures that you are receiving the individualized care that you need for your specific set of symptoms, behaviors and challenges and allows your therapist to tailor the treatment for your goals.
STAGE 3
Addressing maintaining factors
During this stage, we focus on the factors that are maintaining your eating disorder. Usually, we identify how your concerns about your weight and shape relate to your eating concerns. We also identify tools and techniques to increase your ability to manage your mood and stressors without relying on eating disorder behaviors to cope. Additionally, we address how dieting and restricting foods, macronutrients and/or calories maintain your eating disorder behaviors.
STAGE 4
Preservation of progress and gains
As we transition into this phase, we start to focus on preserving the progress you have made as well as preparing for normal setbacks that happen after therapy has ended.
REVIEW / FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS
Follow up or “booster” sessions are a part of the progression of treatment. Your therapist is available to check in with progress and address any potential set backs to help you maintain recovery.