CREDENTIALS/DISCIPLINE: PhD in Psychology
BOARD CERTIFIED: Yes
Number of years treating patients with eating disorders: 8-10 years
Number of patients with eating disorders I treat annually: 15+
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERTISE: BA in Women’s Studies from UC Berkeley – PhD in psychology from University of Texas at Austin – Research, prevention, and treatment of ED (including IOP experience).
TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: Depending upon the client’s age, living situation, duration of illness, our individual therapy may incorporate elements of the Maudsley method of refeeding, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for the exploration of relationships, emotions, and coping strategies, and psychodynamic depth work to uncover the layers of meaning associated with client’s disordered eating and sense of her/his body. Together, these approaches will target symptom reduction, relapse prevention, and the development of healthier coping skills. Parents (along with other family members and partners) can be essential to recovery. When appropriate, I provide family therapy, couples therapy, and/or frequent phone updates in order to ensure that clients have as much support as they need while working towards recovery. Family members frequently need support themselves, which is why I often facilitate a family support group for the loved ones of those suffering from an eating disorder. Depending upon the severity of the eating disorder, the client may benefit from a team approach. In these cases, I work closely with nutritionists, psychiatrists and primary care physicians/pediatricians to ensure that the client remains physically safe while under my care. I have professionals in each of these fields with whom I have close working relationships, and am also happy to work with those professionals already being utilized by the client.
FEES: Cash, Payment Plans, Personal Checks, Sliding Scale. If PPO, patient needs to apply for reimbursement.