Supporting Loved Ones with an Eating Disorder during the Holidays
As the holiday season is upon us, many clients with eating disorders express fear and anticipation about celebrating these occasions that are centered on food and family. During such moments, I encourage clients to reach out to safe, supportive individuals...
What to Expect in Therapy for Eating Disorders
Beginning therapy to address your eating disorder, or any mental health concern, in general, can induce a significant amount of fear and anxiety. Not only are you trusting a complete stranger with some of your deepest and most vulnerable experiences, but...
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
As a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I would say over 1/3 of the patients I’ve worked with have presented with some form of substance abuse. Some people come in with full blown addictions while others may report drinking...
Equality, Non-violence, and Healthy Relationships
In response to last weeks blog on Power and Control in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), I wanted to take a minute to discuss 8 aspects of non-violent relationships. When we are able to feel safe in relationships, we are able to create greater intimacy...
Ways Social Media Can Trigger Your Eating Disorder
With the substantial role of technology in our daily lives, social media can have a profound impact on our mental and physical well-being. The constant barrage of articles, images, and comments online may trigger individuals in eating disorder recovery as...
5 Ways to Handle Thanksgiving While Having an Eating Disorder
For many, the holiday of Thanksgiving creates excitement as they envision the decadent meal and desserts and being around loved ones they may not see often. However, if you are living with an eating disorder, Thanksgiving – a holiday centered on food and...
Power and Control in Intimate Partner Violence
As a therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I have worked with many survivors of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) who come into my office unsure of the abuse that is present. I hear a lot “Well he hasn’t hit...
Eating Disorder Myths
Despite the prevalence and serious nature of eating disorders, many individuals hold myths surrounding their diagnosis, occurrence, and treatment. Such misconceptions can be dangerous for individuals who are in dire need of help but feel that they do not...
Are You Struggling with Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Being unhappy with a part of our appearance is a natural part of being human, whether we would like to be more muscular, have more prominent cheekbones, or a less crooked nose. For some individuals, their preoccupation...
Rewiring the Traumatized Brain
After a recent training with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk based on his book “The Body Keeps the Score”, I walked away with several take-a-ways. His training reinforced to a greater extent, the science behind attachment and trauma. One study suggested that a...
Do I Have an Eating Disorder?
Often times, recognizing whether you may have an eating disorder or certain disordered eating features can be a challenge. The thoughts, feelings, and behaviors accompanying an eating disorder can become so routine and natural for the person experiencing...
Exercise in Eating Disorder Recovery
Many individuals who struggle with disordered eating and body image dissatisfaction exhibit an unhealthy relationship with exercise. In such cases, exercise may become an obligation that must be fulfilled at any cost, which may ultimately lead to physical...
Healthy Communication- An Essential Piece In Healing
As a therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I have worked a lot with people who struggle with communication. Often when people grow up in abusive homes, they will learn to become an indirect communicator. If someone’s experience is...
Trauma & Attachment
As a therapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, one concept I became acutely familiar with in my training and in my work with patients is the idea of attachment. I remember having a mentor who shared with me once that the most important...
Feeling “Fat” – What Does this Actually Mean?
Is "Fat" a Feeling? I feel fat. -- If you struggle with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and/or body dissatisfaction, you have likely verbalized or mentally acknowledged this experience, whether it’s a fleeting thought or a constant rumination....
The Brain and Body Connection In Trauma
In my work as a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I feel one important part of treatment is helping my patients understand how trauma affects the brain and body. Often people will come into session reporting they walk around...
Fighting Fair In Relationships
As a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I often work with patients who have suffered ongoing trauma which has affected their ability to have healthy and fulfilling relationships. When I work...
Intimacy After Trauma
In my work as a psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, I have worked with many who struggle with ongoing issues of intimacy and vulnerability in relationships. Often when we have a history of being hurt, whether by a former...
How To Keep Your Long Distance Relationship Hot?
It can take some hard work, but it is possible to keep having a great sexual relationship during a long-distance relationship. Even if you are separated by several time zones, and your significant other is now living in a foreign country, it’s still...
The Secrets to Better Sex As You Get Older
For many happy couples, sex doesn’t stop when they get older. In fact, in many cases, sex can get even better. By the time you are in your 50’s or 60’s, you may be much more attuned to your erotic blueprint, as well as much more confident in your own...