Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Bethesda, MD.

Managing an eating disorder can be long-term challenge. These disorders often coexist with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse. In many cases, symptoms can become life threatening. Counseling is the most important aspect in the treatment of these disorders. I am a proponent of a comprehensive approach that also emphasizes medical monitoring and nutrition. My treatment plans help determine your needs, and establish goals and guidelines. I emphasize: normalizing eating patterns, learning skills to improve mood and eating habits, developing ways to transform negative thoughts and behaviors, adopting relationship and stress coping skills, and developing mindfulness and a healthy life-style. I recommend group support and family therapy as a part of a...(view profile to read more)

Although different eating disorders spring from different issues, food is a basic emotional as well as physical need from the day you were born. We can use it to satisfy, temporarily many other needs. Or we can pridefully deny ourselves. In addition, we live in a culture that can have very harsh, judgmental attitudes about bodies, attitudes that we internalize without noticing. You may have been told that your body image is distorted, that other people do not see you the way you do. Self-acceptance is the beginning. It is not your fault you are in this condition, although it is your responsibility to get past it. The second step is self-observance, then self-love. I can help.

Eating disorders can be a form of addiction. As with any addiction therapy, eating disorder therapy will help you to understand the underlying issues that have contributed to your problem. I use various psychotherapeutic techniques to address eating disorders, along with behavioral change therapy. We will identify various tools and strategies to help you to reach your goals and to maintain the healthy life you have always wanted to live.

We live in a culture that predisposes us to eating disorders. There is tremendous pressure to be everything society endorses: smart, athletic, accomplished, personable, and thin. Many eating disorder therapists focus on food and meal plans and what you weigh that week. I focus on the person. More specifically, I am interested in why you are eating too little, too much and/or remain preoccupied with healthy food, body image, or exercise. Once we understand the meaning of food in the context of your life, one can shift to other methods of increasing a sense of well being. Of course, proper nutrition, exercise, and wellness are important but as a therapist, I am focus on your inner life.