Information For You
Looking at yourself and your problems or issues can be very difficult.
In many cases, people think they can overcome an eating disorder on their own, or think "I should be able to do this by myself... I don't need help."
Keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with asking for help, and that if you don’t get treatment, your problem can last for a long time. The sooner you can get into treatment, the sooner you can get well and get your life back.
What to expect from eating disorder therapy
Setting up an appointment with an eating disorder specialist can be scary, but most people are relieved after coming to the first session. It is worrisome to consider meeting with someone you have never met before and to consider discussing personal information, but I want to reassure you about several important points:
Confidentiality and privacy:
- All eating disorder treatment is strictly confidential
- If you’re over 18, therapy is about you—not your parents or anyone else
- For clients under 18, I maintain confidentiality while involving parents when appropriate
- You control what information is shared and with whom
A safe, non-judgmental environment
During sessions, some people are worried about what I might think about them, due to disclosing information about their eating disordered behaviors (restrictive eating, bingeing/purging, laxative use, over exercising, etc.). People sometimes feel insecure and shameful about these behaviors. There is nothing to feel ashamed about, as these behaviors serve a purpose for you, or you wouldn’t be practicing them on a regular basis.
Understanding your eating disorder
As your eating disorder therapist in Bloomington, Indiana, my goal is to help you understand the role these behaviors play in your life. Together, we’ll work to:
- Identify the underlying emotions and triggers driving your eating disorder
- Develop healthy coping strategies to replace disordered eating behaviors
- Build a support network of friends, family, and professionals
- Learn practical skills like journaling, communication, and stress management
- Address co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma
Personal understanding and experience
I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work as an eating disorder specialist. Having personally recovered from anorexia and bulimia, I understand the shame, fear, and isolation that often accompany eating disorders. I also work daily with clients who share similar struggles, so you won’t be alone in your experiences.
Treatment options available in Bloomington, Indiana
I offer several treatment approaches to meet your individual needs:
- Individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for eating disorders
- Trauma-informed eating disorder therapy
- Body image and emotional eating counseling
- Virtual therapy sessions for eating disorder recovery
- In-person sessions in Bloomington for local clients
- Coordination with medical providers and nutritionists as needed
Reclaiming your life from the eating disorder
Realistically, do you have time to spend 80-95% of your day thinking about food, eating, and weight? Wouldn’t it be nice to have time to do the other things in life that you really want to do? Recovery means:
- Freedom from obsessive thoughts about food and weight
- Energy to invest in relationships, hobbies, and goals
- Confidence in social situations involving food
- Trust in your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues
- A sense of peace and self-acceptance
I encourage you to at least attend a support group, a therapy session, or see a physician. Nobody will make you get treatment—that is your decision. My hope is that you will find an opportunity to take care of yourself and make the first step toward feeling better.
