Helpful Information:  Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating disorders are medical conditions which are characterized by a profound disruption in eating habits and general health. ED’s impact the lives of young girls, grown women, boys and men. The two most commonly discussed eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, although some mental health professionals also identify binge eating as an eating disorder. In all instances, eating disorders are accompanied by poor physical and psychological health, and require treatment using a variety of modalities for successful recovery.

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, and also one of the most deadly. Approximately 90% of patients being treated for anorexia nervosa are women and girls. This eating disorder is characterized by an unwillingness to reach or maintain a healthy body weight, combined with a profound disconnect between perceived and actual weight. Many patients believe that they are fat, despite the evidence in the mirror, and will take steps including drastic reduction of food intake, vomiting, ingestion of laxatives and diuretics, and excessive exercise to remedy their perceived weight problem.

Treatment for anorexia starts with providing the patient with proper nutrition and getting his or her weight back up to a healthy level. In extreme cases, this may be done in an inpatient clinic setting so that the patient can be carefully monitored, and it may include the use of feeding tubes and intravenous nutrition if the patient refuses to accept food. Once the patient has reached a safe weight, psychotherapy is integrated into the treatment to get at the underlying cause, and if the patient recovers fully, regular visits to a nutritionist and therapist to maintain the recovery.

Anorexia may be the most harmful of all eating disorders, because of the extreme impact that malnutrition has on the human body. If caught early, the patient may make a full recovery, but long term health problems such as poor skin, difficulty maintaining weight, poor circulation, bone and heart problems are not uncommon. In extreme cases, the patient may die: even if he or she appears to be recovering. Extreme anorexia requires immediate medical intervention.

Bulimia is characterized by bouts of binge eating interspersed with purging in the form of vomiting and laxative use. Bulimia tends to be less severe than anorexia, although it can develop into anorexia if left untreated. More males tend to be bulimic and approximately 65% of patients are women. Bulimia can also develop as a result of excessive binge eating, which is accompanied by a feeling of being out of control, followed by intense anxiety and remorse.

The symptoms for all eating disorders tend to center around food and body image. If you notice that someone around you has developed strange eating habits such as dramatically reducing the amount of food eaten, eating in private, bathroom trips after eating, or only eating certain “safe” foods, he or she may be experiencing an eating disorder. Eating disorders also often run in tandem with psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and are compounded by distress about body image. Talk therapy that addresses perceptions and thoughts, intense negative feelings and emotions and early traumas in addition to other interventions including medication management can help an individual with disordered eating recover.

Kim Seelbrede is a psychotherapist, EMDR therapist and integrative therapist with a private practice in New York City. In her Manhattan therapy practice, Kim has experience addressing the following concerns: relationships, marital difficulties, divorce, parenting, career, professional performance enhancement, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, loss/grief, adolescent psychotherapy, underachievement, perfectionism, identity issues, LGBT, body image, eating disorders, addiction, substance abuse, sexuality, PTSD, trauma, stress reduction, transitions, life purpose, health concerns, women’s issues, therapy for men, pain management and wellness. Kim Seelbrede has advanced training in EMDR therapy and Brainspotting and uses it with clients who prefer to work in this way, or when she feels it is a technique that will be helpful for the client. Clients include CEOS, senior executives, entrepreneurs, financial analysts, performers and creative individuals with a focus on helping them identify and remove barriers to success and happiness. Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City. To learn more about her psychotherapy approach, visit her therapy website at www.kimseelbrede.com call 646.248.9196 or email.

Kim holds a master’s degree in social work from New York University (MSW) and received advanced post-graduate training inpsychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)  from New York University. Kim uses an eclectic approach which draws from attachment theory, object relations theory, self-psychology, ego-psychology, family systems, CBT, crisis counseling and solution-focused therapy with her clients as needed. Kim has pursued advanced education in the fields of psychology, wellness and complementary health care for nearly 10 years.  Kim draws from extensive education and life experiences including training from the Urban Zen Integrative Therapist Program (UZIT) during which she completed clinical rotations working directly with cancer and surgical patients at Hope Lodge and at Beth Israel Medical Center and has studied nutritional theories from leading experts in the field. Kim Seelbrede is an integrative healthcare blogger for the Urban Zen Foundation.

In her separate integrative therapy practice Kim Seelbrede works with healthy clients as well as clients facing and managing health challenges. Kim collaborates with health care providers and can provide support with the following techniques:  gentle yoga movement, restorative yoga poses, stress reduction, breath awareness (pranayama), controlled breathing techniques, guided imagery, meditation, nutrition, essential oil treatment (aromatherapy), Reiki, life coaching and contemplative care. All of these unique integrative therapy modalities provide a gentle and balanced approach to the following concerns:  pain, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, digestive issues, fatigue and serious chronic illness. Please email or call Kim 646.248.9196 with questions or to arrange a consultation in her Manhattan office. For more information about her holistic integrative therapy practice visit her at www.nyintegrativetherapy.com  follow Kim Seelbrede’s psychology, yoga and health-related tweets on Twitter or friend her onFacebook.

Kim Seelbrede offers adjunctive EMDR, meditation and yoga therapy to medical and mental health professionals in New York City.