Because eating disorders are psychological and physical, it is important to have a treatment team. It should include a therapist, a dietitian, a primary care physician (PCP), and, if appropriate, a psychiatrist and a family therapist. If the eating disorder is active and severe, a higher level of care may be needed, including a residential program. If you are unsure of what level of care is appropriate for you, book a consultation with me to determine your specific needs. 

If you are actively using a substance, let’s talk about harm reduction. This model supports a gradual decrease in use. During our consultation, we can determine if individual therapy provides you with the level of support you need. If you are currently sober, let’s talk about relapse prevention and increase your motivation to continue your journey of recovery.

Through individual therapy, we will identify your strengths and past successes. We will discover your core values and personal goals to increase your motivation for change. We will dig deep into the eating disorder and/or addiction to uncover its purpose. We will speak to the part of you that is afraid of letting go, providing reassurance that you are strong enough without it. Ultimately, we will help you find your way forward. 

I provide a safe, compassionate, and honest space to support your exploration. This journey through recovery will be difficult but worth it. I am honored to walk alongside you as you face whatever emotions arise. Together, let’s build the bridge from today’s pain to tomorrow’s recovery.

The Bridge Between Eating Disorder and Substance Use Treatment

Eating disorders affect over 30 million Americans, while substance use disorders impact over 27 million Americans. Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric illnesses, and the presence of either an eating disorder or a substance use disorder increases the risk of suicide. 

Moreover, an individual who struggles with either an eating disorder or substance use disorder is four times more likely to develop the other condition. Overall, about 50 percent of eating disorder sufferers also struggle with drugs and/or alcohol (Root et al., 2010). Some research suggests that individuals with co-occurring eating disorders and substance use disorders have more severe symptomatology, higher relapse rates, and more functional impairment as well as an increased chance of medical complications (Dennis & Pryor, 2017). 

Often, treatment providers focus on one disorder at a time, either your eating disorder or your substance use. That’s not the approach I take though. As a licensed addiction counselor and soon-to-be certified eating disorder specialist, I am comfortable, competent, and confident in providing therapy that addresses both disorders at the same time. I use a strengths-based and values-focused approach to help you discover what lies beneath your behavior. 

Research has found that integrated care can reduce treatment costs, reduce length of treatment stay, decrease relapse rates, increase consumer knowledge, and increase the period of sustained recovery. Your eating disorder and substance use disorder have served a purpose. Let’s find out what that purpose is and realign your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with your values.