When working with clients struggling with disordered eating, I tend to work primarily with treatment models which have been proven effective in medical and psychological research, but adapt the treatment to the unique needs and personality style of my clients. With teens, I find “Maudsley” style Family Based Treatment very effective in quickly reducing dangerous symptoms and uniting the family against the eating disorder. As treatment progresses, I integrate cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and a feminist/cultural awareness approach to strengthen coping skills and prevent relapse.
With adults, I use cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy to help manage dangerous eating disorder and mood symptoms, but integrate psychodynamic and other depth work to address ongoing struggles with mood, self esteem, and relationships. I also strongly believe that an integrated treatment team greatly improved my clients progress in recovery, so I encourage clients to see their physician, nutritionist, and psychiatrist as needed, and keep in close contact with the treatment team.