Eating Disorders Therapist For Adults & Adolescents

Dysfunctional Eating and Exercise

I have spent much of my life researching and learning as much about eating disorders as possible. They are made up of a very complex blend of social, psychological, behavioral, organic, and environmental factors. They can happen at any age and affect males or females. It is important of course, to stop the behavior ASAP, but then we need to figure out why you feel compelled to complete this behavior to begin with. It is not necessary to have a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder to seek therapy, but I WILL insist that you are receiving medical and nutritional care as well, as your health could be in jeopardy. Successful treatment and long term recovery of an eating disorder is best treated in a multidisciplinary approach.

I am a believer of dialectical and cognitive approaches when working with those suffering with an eating disorder. Eating disorders can include ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food intake disorder), Diabulimia (the use of insulin among those who are type 1 diabetic in order to control weight), OSFED (other specified feeding and eating disorders, can include Orthorexia and over exercise or a compulsion to exercise), Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive overeating.

In the case of children or teens, individual and family-based therapy is necessary. An eating disorder is a family issue and the family must be involved in order to see improvement. I will tailor your therapy depending on your type and level of need, as people respond differently to different approaches. If your attitudes surrounding food and exercise, number on the scale or distortion of body image is crippling your well-being, then you are appropriate for treatment. You do not have to be overweight or underweight to suffer from dysfunctional feeding and exercise issues.

Sometimes people think that eating disorders have a “look,” with the sufferer either being extremely overweight or underweight. This however, is not true - just because someone is not significantly over or underweight does not mean that their physical health is not in disarray. Let’s not discount the self-hate, sadness, guilt and despair that the sufferer is living with. Those feelings are equally as devastating as the physical issues, taking a toll and affecting the daily life of the sufferer.

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Signs of Anorexia Nervosa:

Extremely restricted eating
Extreme thinness (emaciation)
A relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight
Intense fear of gaining weight
Distorted body image, a self-esteem that is heavily influenced by perceptions of body Thinning of the bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
Mild anemia and muscle wasting and weakness
Brittle hair and nails
Dry and yellowish skin
Growth of fine hair all over the body (lanugo)

Severe constipation
Low blood pressure, slowed breathing and pulse
Damage to the structure and function of the heart
Brain damage
Multi-organ failure
Drop in internal body temperature, causing a person to feel cold all the time
Lethargy, sluggishness, or feeling tired all the time
Infertility
Weight and shape, or a denial of the seriousness of low body weight

For reference, below is a list of signs of Anorexia Nervosa found at
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml)

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa:

Chronically inflamed and sore throat
Swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw area
Worn tooth enamel and increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acid
Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
Severe dehydration from purging of fluids
Electrolyte imbalance (too low or too high levels of sodium, calcium, potassium and other minerals) which can lead to stroke or heart attack

For reference, above is a list of signs of Bulimia Nervosa
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml)

Signs of Binge Eating Disorder:

Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time
Eating even when you're full or not hungry
Eating fast during binge episodes
Eating until you're uncomfortably full
Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment
Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about your eating
Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

For reference, above is a list of signs of Binge Eating Disorder
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml)

"I am strong. I am beautiful. I am enough."

- Vanessa Pawlowski

Meet The Therapist

Crystal Antle, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

When working with clients, I use an eclectic blend of therapies customized to meet the need of the individual, family or group. Contact to schedule appointment. If I do not answer the phone immediately, I am likely with a client but will call you back in a timely manner.

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