Diet culture has normalized disordered eating to the extent that even within the fields of psychotherapy and medicine, one can receive care that worsens or celebrates the eating disorder. Restriction, over-exercise, body dysmorphia and more ED behaviors have been normalized and lauded by diet culture. The treatment of eating disorders is thus an area of specialty and requires relevant training and experience. That is where myself and other professionals like Registered Dietitians (RDs) are important parts of a treatment team for eating disorders.

My experience working with eating disorders involves pre-licensure work at the PHP and IOP level of care, post-licensure work with college students at the outpatient level under the mentorship of an eating disorder specialist using Mentalization Based Therapy, and currently working in private practice with eating disorders and disordered eating. I receive ongoing consultation from an IADEP Certified clinician and also am part of a peer consultation group that is HAES (Health at Every Size) and body-positivity aligned. I believe in a “Harm Reduction” approach: meeting you where you are at with what you are willing and able to change about your eating disorder, rather than expecting immediate removal of behaviors.