Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Kentwood, MI.

Our understanding of eating disorders is that they emerge when a patient becomes overwhelmed with some type of anxiety and feels the need to exert control over something in their lives. The key to our approach is gaining an understanding of what that anxiety is about for you. It may be something you are not even aware of. In fact, it is probably more likely something you are not aware of because that what makes it expressed in the form of other symptoms. The more you can understand what is driving this for you, the more you will feel in charge of your life again. And the more in charge you feel, the less you will need to exert control in other areas.

Eating disorders can be confusing, scary, and isolating, and unfortunately are difficult to treat and recover from on one’s own. Hope is not lost, however, as many eating disorder treatment centers offer countless benefits, from a strong community offering support during challenging times to a lasting recovery as a result of a specialized treatment plan. Some individuals may not fully understand how or why their eating disorder developed, and they may be unsure of how to overcome the symptoms. During eating disorder counseling, the counselor can help the client understand the unique factors that led to the development of his or her eating disorder, as well as the steps required to overcome it.

I help clients overcome addictive relationships with food. Like all addictions, the behavior is the tip of the iceberg, used to cope with underlying thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative conversations, clients gain insight into underlying concerns, gaining coping skills to more effectively navigate these issues. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), helping clients achieve a sense of freedom and control over their lives, leading to long-term change.

Eating disorders can also be passed down in families and it is important to identity these traits early on in order to go through recovery. All to often blame is passed for the development of eating disorders, but in my experience that is not nearly as important as identifying the cause and providing tools to pull the client out of their pattern of problem behavior. I will provide tools for not only the client in question, but also any room mates, partners, and/or family members who want to be a part of the recovery process.