Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Ardsley, NY.

Eating disorders, marked by severe disturbances in eating behavior, can have life-threatening consequences. Therapy plays a pivotal role in their treatment. It helps individuals understand underlying issues fueling the disorder, such as body image concerns, self-esteem issues, or emotional distress. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for example, can help reshape unhealthy thought patterns related to food and body image. Therapy also teaches healthier coping mechanisms, supports the development of a balanced relationship with food, and improves self-esteem. By promoting recovery and resilience, therapy can greatly enhance the quality of life for those battling eating disorders.

There is a common misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. The disorder usually begins with an obsession with food, body image and weight, but can quickly turn into a more serious illness that can lead to long term emotional, mental and physical health issues. Three types of eating disorders are binge eating, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. At Emerge, we not only look at your current status with the eating disorder, but determine the cause of where it initially stemmed from and what steps you need to take to change not only the addictive habits and thoughts. You’ll learn to redefine your relationship with yourself and how it connects to the foods you choose to nourish and put in your body. You’ll be able to see how you evolve and your self-esteem increases.

I help clients who want to change their relationship with food. I am not a specialist in eating disorders -- concerns like anorexia or bulimia should be handled by a specialist. But I can work with clients who want to set goals around eating better and loving themselves more. I take a "healthy at every size" approach and will help you unpack unhealthy social messages about your weight or appearance while ensuring your physical health is your top priority.

I show people with weight and eating disorders to first fully accept themselves with their problem. It is important to eliminate any shame, guilt and anxiety associated with an eating disorder. I then move onto the primary problem which is the eating disorder. Patients learn the critical role their thinking plays in perpetuating their disorder. I quickly focus in on core beliefs that are at the root of their problems. Together we work to modify these beliefs and replace them with healthier beliefs about eating, one’s body, coping with personal traumas, and engaging in sensible exercise. I teach self-control strategies that help them cope and avoid self-defeating eating behaviors.

Compulsive overeating is triggered by poor eating habits, emotional and psychological stresses (anxiety and depression) and making poor food choices. In order to lose weight permanently you must change your thinking about yourself and your relationship to food. Food can serve many functions: companion, distractor, means to avoid emotions and activity. In the 20 week "Mind Set Program" you will learn how: your emotions and thoughts set you into motion to overeat, to eat in a healthy manner promoting weight loss and a healthy attitudes towards food, and create your "personal healthy environment" where you incorporate exercise and nutritious foods into your daily life.