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Eating Disorders


In my therapy and eventually in my studies, I came to understand that many people with eating disorders also may suffer from symp­toms of post traumatic stress disorder. Often, clients and clinician will treat the two without realizing that its origins will often overlap. Post traumatic stress may be characterized by depression, feeling chroni­cally “dead” inside, having recurrent anxiety or nightmares, or feeling constantly and painfully vigilant to one’s surroundings. 

Through the trauma lenses, it is not complicated to understand that survivors of post traumatic stress disorder may begin to en­gage in self-destructive behavior such as entering into repetitive abusive rela­tionships, losing themselves to drugs, alcohol, promis­cuity, and self-mutilating behaviors. Self-mutilation refers to inflicting bodily harm on themselves, such as cutting, burning or even excess body piercing. Or in my case, like many others, in the form of an eating disorder. 

Once I felt healthy enough to become a "wounded healer", I began volunteering for nonprofits such as NEDA and Reaching Out Against Eating Disorders. I started by offering 1:1 support to young adults struggling with Eating Disorders for peer support and weekly check ins. I did not feel completely ready to dive right into the "helper" role because I was slightly fresh into my own recovery but my passion and dedication was evident. After a few months of volunteering, I quit my paying job and pursued my degree in Social Work while continuing to volunteer as a peer support for those struggling with food.

Subsequent to graduating, I started working with a variety of private businesses offering services as an Eating Disorder Recovery Specialist. As a specialist, I provided individual meal and emotional support for those struggling with their feelings and emotions surrounding food and everything that food represents. The goal of this work was not to dwell on calories or old habits but rather to assist clients in actively creating a happy, healthier relationship with food. The work, though challenging at times, only proved to me that I was more than ready to embark the next phase of my career. I was ready to leave the food component behind and begin to go deeper.

In my practice, similar to my work with clients who struggle with trauma, I offer detailed, 1:1 unique support to anyone struggling with an Eating Disorder. While getting to know one another, I am mainly interested in how disordered eating has helped someone to cope versus being angry at the disorder. Additionally, depending upon cost for treatment, check-ins during times of crisis via text or over the phone can and often are utilized in this type of treatment as I understand all too well that recovery is a 24/7 process. We, as a team, can continually develop a highly individualized treatment plan in response to your changing needs so as to see long term and lasting results.