CREDENTIALS/DISCIPLINE: I am an MFT and nutritional consultant specializing in eating disorders since 1995.
BOARD CERTIFIED: Yes – California Board of Behavioral Sciences, CAMFT
Number of years treating patients with eating disorders: 10+ years
Number of patients with eating disorders I treat annually: 15+
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERTISE: I am a licensed psychotherapist and certified nutritional consultant. I have a private practice in San Francisco since 1995 focusing on food, weight, body image and exercise issues. In addition to the private practice I also have a background of being Clinical Director at both a local eating disorder intensive outpatient program as well as a residential eating disorder treatment program in San Francisco. I am well versed in various levels of care for those challenged with food, weight and body image issues. Since these concerns are usually accompanied by other issues, I bring alcohol and addiction work, grief, loss, transitions, relationships, mood disorders and a wide variety of issues into the treatment.
TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY: I myself have recovered from my own history of an eating disorder which emerged in my alcoholic family of origin when I was a youngster. It has been my journey to find my way to balance and a changed relationship to food. I share with clients what I have learned in my recovery path so they can feel supported in their journey. Mine has been about becoming a normal eater which I have been for many years. This is a process of discovering one’s authentic voice, learning to set boundaries and speak up, developing resiliency, creating intentions rather than perfectionism, learning how the body works, also how food effects your system, developing a clear capacity for knowing hunger and fullness cues, creating trust with your body. I am very supportive and interactive in the process, also willing to share my story.
I believe recovery is possible. Recovery is a changed relationship to food and oneself: recognizing that when old eating disorder thoughts/feelings/behaviors arise they are actually “red flags” that something needs attending to – feelings, experiences, relationships, boundaries etc. Rather than going down the old eating/not eating path, learning what the real issues are so you can take care of them with all your newly acquired skills. Also being comfortable trusting your body to manage itself, letting you know when it is hungry/satisfied and your being able to recognize, understand and be comfortable with those signals. Recreating yourself as “an active person” socializing and having fun rather than someone who exercises which is usually a way to manage your moods and discharge anxiety as well as perceived “fat.” Freeing yourself of numbers, on the scale, carb/fat/calorie numbers and trusting your body’s hunger/fullness cues. Letting go of perfectionism and embracing self acceptance on every level.
FEES: Cash, Personal Checks.