Eating Disorders Therapists in Kinston, NC
![Photo of Sara P. Culpepper - Peri Counseling, PLLC, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e3a5075-febc-42f9-adf9-95e86cb1a3fe/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peri Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Kinston, NC 28501
I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and/or eating disorders.
If you're unable to reach your goals because of negative behaviors and your emotions are out of control, or if you simply want a safe environment to express your feelings, then professional counseling is the answer. With my support, clients learn to replace negativity with positivity and lead more serene and emotionally stable lives. I also help clients gain freedom by teaching actionable skills to change their detrimental core beliefs, strengthen relationships, and maintain healthy boundaries. An emphasis is placed on helping people learn to build resiliency by releasing shame and increasing self-esteem.
I have a special interest in working with adolescents and adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and/or eating disorders.
If you're unable to reach your goals because of negative behaviors and your emotions are out of control, or if you simply want a safe environment to express your feelings, then professional counseling is the answer. With my support, clients learn to replace negativity with positivity and lead more serene and emotionally stable lives. I also help clients gain freedom by teaching actionable skills to change their detrimental core beliefs, strengthen relationships, and maintain healthy boundaries. An emphasis is placed on helping people learn to build resiliency by releasing shame and increasing self-esteem.
![Photo of Kennedy Brown Porter, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5930957d-2962-401b-8511-301629ed4f00/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kennedy Brown Porter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kinston, NC 28504
Waitlist for new clients
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for clients to enhance the most important relationship they have, the one with themselves. I work with clients to enhance their self-awareness by identifying limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent satisfaction and peace in their lives.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for clients to enhance the most important relationship they have, the one with themselves. I work with clients to enhance their self-awareness by identifying limiting beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent satisfaction and peace in their lives.
![Photo of Jeanne Finney, MS, LCMHC, NCC, RDN, LDN, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86e92671-159c-4fe1-986d-15a796cdfef7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanne Finney
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Kinston, NC 28504
Waitlist for new clients
You may be feeling tired of not being “good enough.” Or exhausted with trying to meet someone else’s expectation of who you should be. Or maybe you are done dealing with your own inner critic and all those negative thoughts that keep you from living the life you want. Or perhaps you are fed up with being at war with yourself, your body, and your relationship with food. If any of these situations describe you, you need a safe space to share who you are and what you’re experiencing.
You may be feeling tired of not being “good enough.” Or exhausted with trying to meet someone else’s expectation of who you should be. Or maybe you are done dealing with your own inner critic and all those negative thoughts that keep you from living the life you want. Or perhaps you are fed up with being at war with yourself, your body, and your relationship with food. If any of these situations describe you, you need a safe space to share who you are and what you’re experiencing.
![Photo of Debi Pickard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bda7f590-95e7-4399-834c-28f77f97850b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, and welcome to my page. I'm glad you stopped by. My interest lies in helping people who are looking for real change. For 23 years I have had the privilege of witnessing adults and children gain insight, reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve functioning in all areas of life through the therapeutic process. Are you ready to take the journey to reach your goals? Peace and rest are often found in those places we've been avoiding or unable to access on our own.
Hi, and welcome to my page. I'm glad you stopped by. My interest lies in helping people who are looking for real change. For 23 years I have had the privilege of witnessing adults and children gain insight, reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve functioning in all areas of life through the therapeutic process. Are you ready to take the journey to reach your goals? Peace and rest are often found in those places we've been avoiding or unable to access on our own.
![Photo of Irma Abrego-Lappin, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9f2d227-260e-4a16-b793-bf37311dddeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Irma Abrego-Lappin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA
Verified Verified
Kinston, NC 28501
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist, I believe people have deep-rooted aspirations for well-being in many areas of their lives, including emotional, physical, social, and spiritual wellness. I strive to make a safe and trusting relationship with clients so that they can improve in each of these areas and feel more balanced and fulfilled. I collaboratively work with clients, valuing their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I enjoy working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, career/vocational concerns, spirituality, weight management and body image concerns, and relationship issues.
As a therapist, I believe people have deep-rooted aspirations for well-being in many areas of their lives, including emotional, physical, social, and spiritual wellness. I strive to make a safe and trusting relationship with clients so that they can improve in each of these areas and feel more balanced and fulfilled. I collaboratively work with clients, valuing their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I enjoy working with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, career/vocational concerns, spirituality, weight management and body image concerns, and relationship issues.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jamie Grisham, PsyD, MPH, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/beed6d02-c07f-4202-81b1-5e32e82c224b/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a clinical psychologist, I help clients gain clarity and to find resolution to seemingly insurmountable issues and problems. I specialize in treating adults throughout the life cycle who have anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and/or relationship issues. By providing a compassionate and validating environment, clients are empowered to identify their needs and the means to get those needs met. I believe that each individual has their own voice and that therapy can facilitate its strengthening and emergence as a guiding force.
As a clinical psychologist, I help clients gain clarity and to find resolution to seemingly insurmountable issues and problems. I specialize in treating adults throughout the life cycle who have anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and/or relationship issues. By providing a compassionate and validating environment, clients are empowered to identify their needs and the means to get those needs met. I believe that each individual has their own voice and that therapy can facilitate its strengthening and emergence as a guiding force.
![Photo of Lauren J Barker, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7120193-0e4e-4ad5-beea-b142d4301e34/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren J Barker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516 (Online Only)
I am specialized in the treatment of Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and ARFID and trained in FBT and Emotion Focused Family Therapy.
Currently accepting new, virtual clients in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. Welcome! I'm so glad you are making steps to get the support you deserve. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, body image, substance use, self esteem, eating disorders, or stuck in a cycle that's no longer serving you, I can offer a space to explore and create a path toward your goals.
I am specialized in the treatment of Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder, and ARFID and trained in FBT and Emotion Focused Family Therapy.
Currently accepting new, virtual clients in North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. Welcome! I'm so glad you are making steps to get the support you deserve. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, body image, substance use, self esteem, eating disorders, or stuck in a cycle that's no longer serving you, I can offer a space to explore and create a path toward your goals.
![Photo of Taurie Roman, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460d9923-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
In my work as a counselor, I strive to promote change. I believe through the process of counseling change occurs internally and externally by developing healthy skills to promote positive change. My goal is to help empower clients to face their struggles and be able to live a life based on their values and what is most important to them. I have experience working with clients who face various struggles in the following areas: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, ADD, autism, anger management, family relationship difficulties and self-harm.
In my work as a counselor, I strive to promote change. I believe through the process of counseling change occurs internally and externally by developing healthy skills to promote positive change. My goal is to help empower clients to face their struggles and be able to live a life based on their values and what is most important to them. I have experience working with clients who face various struggles in the following areas: depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief and loss, ADD, autism, anger management, family relationship difficulties and self-harm.
![Photo of Bethany Minster, MSW, LCSW-A, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c280f0c3-4ab4-42bb-9c6d-5421fe22aa74/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bethany Minster
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
Welcome! I am so glad you are here! My name is Bethany and I am an Outpatient Psychotherapist at Three Oaks Behavioral Health and Wellness. My hope is that you find a space to feel heard and understood. Whether or not you are new to therapy or not, I know it takes a lot of strength to reach out. I would love to support you in your journey whether navigating chronic illness ,life transitions, interpersonal conflict and setting boundaries, finding freedom from eating disorders/disordered eating, anxiety and depression.
![Photo of Sarah Beth Bailes, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f003b6b-aee4-4bd4-b3e4-14deebe0e50a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Beth Bailes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
I am passionate about working with teens and young adults to find freedom from eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, as well as healing from church trauma and reconciling one's sexuality/gender identity with their faith.
If you are reading this, I first want you to sit back and allow yourself to be proud--you are taking the first step towards your freedom. In my practice, I am not the one doing the healing work; instead, I want to empower you with the tools that you need to heal yourself. I recognize the importance of the therapist-client relationship, so I strive to create an non-judgmental space that encourages exploration of emotions with curiosity and compassion. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life they love and are proud of, and I hope to help you find that. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and practice from a Health At Every Size lens.
I am passionate about working with teens and young adults to find freedom from eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, as well as healing from church trauma and reconciling one's sexuality/gender identity with their faith.
If you are reading this, I first want you to sit back and allow yourself to be proud--you are taking the first step towards your freedom. In my practice, I am not the one doing the healing work; instead, I want to empower you with the tools that you need to heal yourself. I recognize the importance of the therapist-client relationship, so I strive to create an non-judgmental space that encourages exploration of emotions with curiosity and compassion. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life they love and are proud of, and I hope to help you find that. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and practice from a Health At Every Size lens.
![Photo of Courtney Krolikowski, LCMHC, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d69d2037-c285-410d-a9fa-43f6c2358a90/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with issues such as Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Domestic Violence, Anger Management and more.
My name is Courtney Krolikowski. I have been practicing therapy for the past 8 years. I currently hold licenses for practicing in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Illinois. I hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. I currently reside in Wisconsin with my husband, two year old daughter and very energetic husky. I am a Nationally Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I have worked with a wide variety of clientele in both group and individual settings, covering a wide variety of issues.
I work with issues such as Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Eating Disorders, Trauma, Personality Disorders, Domestic Violence, Anger Management and more.
My name is Courtney Krolikowski. I have been practicing therapy for the past 8 years. I currently hold licenses for practicing in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Illinois. I hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. I currently reside in Wisconsin with my husband, two year old daughter and very energetic husky. I am a Nationally Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. I have worked with a wide variety of clientele in both group and individual settings, covering a wide variety of issues.
![Photo of Katie Totten, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cebeb2fa-2235-415e-9402-11c54c06ed1d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Totten
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27707
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, disordered eating, trauma, self-harm, personality disorders.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsatisfied in life? Are you struggling to accept and love your body? You may be feeling stuck or lost, but living a values based, fulfilling life is possible. My goal is to support clients to creating a life they desire through consistent empathy and unconditional positive regard. Therapy can be a powerful tool in increasing quality of life and the therapeutic relationship is essential in this process. I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned provider. Note: I am newer to this practice (but not to being a therapist), so I have sessions available almost immediately. I'd love to help.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, disordered eating, trauma, self-harm, personality disorders.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsatisfied in life? Are you struggling to accept and love your body? You may be feeling stuck or lost, but living a values based, fulfilling life is possible. My goal is to support clients to creating a life they desire through consistent empathy and unconditional positive regard. Therapy can be a powerful tool in increasing quality of life and the therapeutic relationship is essential in this process. I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) aligned provider. Note: I am newer to this practice (but not to being a therapist), so I have sessions available almost immediately. I'd love to help.
![Photo of Caroline Rutledge, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51a252ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Rutledge
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCASA, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27705
I specialize in assisting clients with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, substance abuse, addiction, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, problem-solving skills, social skills training, among many others.
Caroline is a therapist dedicated to helping others move beyond challenges and pain of past experiences in order to live a productive, authentic, and hope-filled life. Through individual and group counseling, she strives to create a safe and affirming environment through a trauma-informed lens for clients to explore their authentic selves. Caroline practices from an anti-racist, anti-diet culture, LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive, HAES perspective. With warmth, collaboration, and compassion, she seeks to provide each client with their own individual treatment, utilizing evidenced-based interventions.
I specialize in assisting clients with eating disorders, depression/anxiety, substance abuse, addiction, relationship issues, trauma, grief/loss, problem-solving skills, social skills training, among many others.
Caroline is a therapist dedicated to helping others move beyond challenges and pain of past experiences in order to live a productive, authentic, and hope-filled life. Through individual and group counseling, she strives to create a safe and affirming environment through a trauma-informed lens for clients to explore their authentic selves. Caroline practices from an anti-racist, anti-diet culture, LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive, HAES perspective. With warmth, collaboration, and compassion, she seeks to provide each client with their own individual treatment, utilizing evidenced-based interventions.
![Photo of Eileen Case, LCSW, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5113e92f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist helping those with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and overall disordered eating.
Are you tired of being stuck in the cycle of problematic behaviors that keep you feeling anxious, depressed or hopeless? Whether its using food, over exercise, substances, excessive sleep, explosive anger or some other perilous action to cope, there is help out there. It begins with understanding the function of these behaviors and then learning new tools to help you engage in your life in a way that is in line with your true values. When we build the capacity to cope with the challenges of our past, present and future in more effective ways, we create the space and capacity for joy, love and a sense of belonging.
I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist helping those with Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Disorder and overall disordered eating.
Are you tired of being stuck in the cycle of problematic behaviors that keep you feeling anxious, depressed or hopeless? Whether its using food, over exercise, substances, excessive sleep, explosive anger or some other perilous action to cope, there is help out there. It begins with understanding the function of these behaviors and then learning new tools to help you engage in your life in a way that is in line with your true values. When we build the capacity to cope with the challenges of our past, present and future in more effective ways, we create the space and capacity for joy, love and a sense of belonging.
![Photo of Samantha Malfitano - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, PLC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1d4e13d-de72-42f7-bc19-c146616ec8f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PLC
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27610
Samantha has specialized in areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship conflicts, life transitions, career change, college prep for students, confidence, and self-esteem.
Samantha Malfitano LPC: When people feel safe to express all of their feelings, true healing can begin. For many, they have repressed these emotions for years, creating a disconnect from the mind, body & soul, Which separates you from your true self. You may feel stuck, depleted, lacking purpose, motivation & direction. Searching externally within people, places & things to give you relief, only to find this is just a temporary solution. Resulting in symptoms & behaviors such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and others, to cope with these old painful emotions & memories.
Samantha has specialized in areas such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship conflicts, life transitions, career change, college prep for students, confidence, and self-esteem.
Samantha Malfitano LPC: When people feel safe to express all of their feelings, true healing can begin. For many, they have repressed these emotions for years, creating a disconnect from the mind, body & soul, Which separates you from your true self. You may feel stuck, depleted, lacking purpose, motivation & direction. Searching externally within people, places & things to give you relief, only to find this is just a temporary solution. Resulting in symptoms & behaviors such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic, self harm, suicidal ideation, substance use, and others, to cope with these old painful emotions & memories.
![Photo of Kaitlyn Patterson, MA, LPA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49c5c383-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kaitlyn Patterson
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wilmington, NC 28403
I am committed to providing an authentic therapeutic connection with my clients' by creating a non-judgmental, compassionate space. Although I treat a variety of psychological problems, I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I incorporate evidence-based practices into my treatment including compassion-focused therapies, dialectical behavioral therapies (RO-DBT and DBT), and acceptance commitment therapy. You can expect for me to incorporate compassion, humor, and flexibility in my treatment approach.
I am committed to providing an authentic therapeutic connection with my clients' by creating a non-judgmental, compassionate space. Although I treat a variety of psychological problems, I specialize in eating disorders, trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and women's issues. I incorporate evidence-based practices into my treatment including compassion-focused therapies, dialectical behavioral therapies (RO-DBT and DBT), and acceptance commitment therapy. You can expect for me to incorporate compassion, humor, and flexibility in my treatment approach.
![Photo of Taylor Starns, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab1715ec-b345-4449-af7a-d7c977815b73/2/320x400.jpeg)
Taylor Starns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Waitlist for new clients
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
As a Therapist, I believe that central to our success is a safe, supportive therapeutic relationship. I prioritize creating a safe relational space for my clients so that we can identify areas of strength and areas of growth. I specialize in Mood Disorders such as anxiety and depression, Eating Disorders, life transitions, Gender and Sexuality, and social/relational issues. I am a Certified EMDR Practitioner with extensive training and experience in supporting LGBTQIA+ adolescents and adults through transitions and mental health distress.
![Photo of Ashley Turner, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95e1106b-72da-4105-bccb-eaf5ccc6cd96/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Turner
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
New Bern, NC 28562 (Online Only)
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
My areas of interest include treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflict, academic and career difficulties, women's issues, self-esteem, self-image, work/life balance, PTSD, BPD, ADHD.
With 30 years of counseling experience, I hope to provide safe space for clients to process their thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I received my undergraduate degree in 1992 from Virginia Tech in Family and Child Development and my masters degree in Counseling from Radford University in 1994.
![Photo of Julia Carter, MSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/888cd3ff-17f0-4708-9fd3-6baf06ed0e58/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a person-centered, trauma-informed approach for eating disorders, self-esteem, and embodiment issues.
I work with adults and adolescents navigating eating disorders, self-esteem, and embodiment issues, and with individuals and couples seeking sex and relationship therapy. My practice is rooted in inclusivity and social justice, especially for those exploring nonmonogamy, kink dynamics, or who identify as queer or neurodivergent. In a world that disconnects us from our bodies and authentic selves, it can be difficult to feel safe, present, and connected. My goal is to help you reconnect—with your body, your desires, and your relationships—while navigating life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion.
I offer a person-centered, trauma-informed approach for eating disorders, self-esteem, and embodiment issues.
I work with adults and adolescents navigating eating disorders, self-esteem, and embodiment issues, and with individuals and couples seeking sex and relationship therapy. My practice is rooted in inclusivity and social justice, especially for those exploring nonmonogamy, kink dynamics, or who identify as queer or neurodivergent. In a world that disconnects us from our bodies and authentic selves, it can be difficult to feel safe, present, and connected. My goal is to help you reconnect—with your body, your desires, and your relationships—while navigating life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion.
![Photo of Marion Reeves Anderson, LPC, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55802981-dd89-45e6-bbeb-93fd99afec9e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marion Reeves Anderson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPC, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Apex, NC 27502
I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns including eating disorders, body image struggles, anxiety, depression, and life transitions/adjustment.
Hello! So glad you're here! Asking for help is one of the bravest things someone can do. In a world that tells us to be strong and push through, it can be hard to feel our emotions and say that we need help. Maybe you're struggling with feeling trapped by thoughts about food and your body. Maybe you're struggling with chronic overthinking, feeling down, or a feeling of not measuring up. Whatever it is, I'm here to help! We are not meant to go through life alone - I find it an honor to be trusted to hold so many stories and to walk alongside my clients through whatever is bringing them to my office.
I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns including eating disorders, body image struggles, anxiety, depression, and life transitions/adjustment.
Hello! So glad you're here! Asking for help is one of the bravest things someone can do. In a world that tells us to be strong and push through, it can be hard to feel our emotions and say that we need help. Maybe you're struggling with feeling trapped by thoughts about food and your body. Maybe you're struggling with chronic overthinking, feeling down, or a feeling of not measuring up. Whatever it is, I'm here to help! We are not meant to go through life alone - I find it an honor to be trusted to hold so many stories and to walk alongside my clients through whatever is bringing them to my office.
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What happens in therapy for eating disorders?
In therapy for eating disorders, patients typically describe their eating and exercise behaviors, their patterns of eating in relation to stress, their beliefs about their body, the ways their eating behavior affects their relationships, and their desire (or lack of it) to change. Such information helps the therapist understand the origins of the disorder and the role it plays in the patient’s life, important for guiding treatment. Attitudes and feelings about food and eating, body weight, and physical appearance are common topics of discussion throughout treatment.
What therapy types help with eating disorders?
Once any acute medical or psychiatric emergency is resolved, psychoactive medication is often prescribed, requiring the supervision of a psychiatrist. In addition, patients receive some form of nutritional counseling along with one or more forms of psychotherapy. For adolescents, family-based treatment is empirically validated and considered the first line of treatment; parents and their children meet weekly with a clinician as the adults are coached on how to nourish and psychologically support the young patient. Adults typically receive some form of individual psychotherapy, intended to resolve the cognitive and behavioral disturbances that underlie the disorder and to relieve the mood disturbances that accompany it. In addition, patients may also be helped by group therapy.
What is the goal of therapy for eating disorders?
The most immediate goal of treatment for eating disorders is to save the life of people who are on a path of starving themselves to death or engaging in eating patterns that are doing irreparable physical harm to their body. Once the acute medical danger is past, therapy is required to understand the nature of the disordered eating and/or exercise patterns, establish healthy eating behavior, and to tackle the many erroneous beliefs and distorted self-perceptions that underlie eating disorders and continue to pose a threat to health and life. Therapy also addresses the impaired mood that not only accompanies eating disorders but intensifies the danger to health and life.
What are the limitations of therapy for eating disorders?
Therapy can be very helpful for eating disorders—but that can happen only after people recognize they have a condition that must be treated. Especially with anorexia, the distortions in self-image that accompany the disorder can keep people from acknowledging they have a problem. Individuals may in fact see their eating disorder as a badge of self-control. Those with binge-eating disorder may feel too ashamed to seek help. Therapy cannot help those who do not avail themselves of it.
How long does therapy last for eating disorders?
Because of their complexity, recovery from eating disorders is usually a long-term process—measured in months and years— often marked by setbacks and relapse. Some form of help, such as individual or group therapy, may be advisable for much of that time. It is a general rule of thumb that the longer the illness has endured and the dysregulated eating behavior has taken root, the longer treatment is likely to be needed.