The practice supports patients who are working through eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image issues so that they can move to a healthier physical and emotional state. Using an integrative approach to treatment informed by a psychodynamic framework, complemented by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Intuitive Eating principles, we help patients improve their relationship with food and their bodies, develop healthy coping strategies for reducing eating disorder behaviors, and increase self-compassion and body appreciation. 

When treating eating disorders, we work collaboratively with a team of professionals, including nutritionists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians, to provide the most comprehensive care possible. When working with adolescents and young adults, we work closely with parents and family members to support the family-based treatment (FBT) model. A team-based approach offers patients the wrap-around support they need for success. 

Patients may come in with any of the following:

Anorexia Nervosa: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by significant weight loss or difficulty maintaining a necessary weight relative to a person’s height, age, developmental stage, and stature. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often experience significant concerns with body image. They may engage in restrictive eating behaviors, such as limiting general food intake or the types of foods they consume. Additionally, some individuals with anorexia may engage in compulsive behaviors, including excessive exercise and/or binge eating and purging. 

Atypical Anorexia: Atypical anorexia is an eating disorder similar to anorexia nervosa. It is characterized by weight loss, restrictive eating habits, and compulsive behaviors. However, individuals with atypical anorexia are not classified as “underweight.” Atypical anorexia is equally, if not more, common than anorexia. Still, due to the weight bias that exists in our society, those with atypical anorexia are less likely to be diagnosed and receive the necessary treatment.

Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often in secret. Individuals with this disorder frequently avoid eating in front of others and feel shame about how much they are eating. These behaviors are typically accompanied by intense feelings of losing control over their eating, as well as feelings of shame and guilt about what they have eaten. This cycle can lead to withdrawal from friends and activities they once enjoyed, contributing to low self-esteem. 

Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder with serious health consequences characterized by cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or laxative use designed to undo or compensate for the impact of binge eating. Individuals with bulimia are often preoccupied with their weight and body image, avoid eating in social situations, and engage in various dieting behaviors to achieve weight loss.