Eating Disorders

You are so willing to control what goes in your mouth to avoid the number on the scale

Although many therapists in Tampa work with body image and eating disorders, let me tell you why I am a good choice. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, I know what it’s like to want to talk with someone who has been there.  I have both personal and professional experience which makes clients feel more comfortable and better understood.

You can't imagine life without your eating disorder. It has protected you.  It has also done a great job of numbing your emotions and diminishing your real feelings.

You pretend that you are in control of your life when in reality, the eating disorder has taken over. You’re lost within a sea of anxious thoughts about what you can and can’t put in your mouth for fear of the number on the scale or what you see when you look in the mirror. You’re tired of hearing from friends and family, “Just eat," because you know it is not that simple.

You’re angry about all the things your eating disorder has taken away from you, but you’re so afraid to let it go because you feel so attached to your eating disorder that you have forgotten who you used to be. But when is enough going to be enough?

You are looking for a therapist who truly understands that this has nothing to do with food, sees you for who you are, and realizes the potential you have.  

I help clients who struggle with their relationship with food, who do not like who they see when they look in the mirror, and who desire to have a more neutral acceptance of their body. Food does not have to define how you see yourself! 

When you seek counseling for Eating Disorders with me, you will begin too: 

1. Process the root of your eating disorder so you can begin to understand how it developed and how you can begin to heal. 

2. To repair your relationship with food; you will be able to enjoy that cake or your once favorite foods

3. To not wake up and be consumed with the thought of food or the number of calories you are consuming so you can finally give yourself permission to eat the foods that you feared. 

4. To like what you see when you look in the mirror so that you feel free to enjoy food and what your life can offer. 

5. To come to accept your body so you can honor and respect it for all it does for you.

Therapy for Eating Disorders: The Process

·      Counseling for eating disorders is intended for clients whose identity has gotten lost with their eating disorder

·      Together, we will work on your eating disorder and begin to peel back the layers of your anxiety so you can begin to live a life without engaging in eating disorder behaviors. 

·      We will meet online weekly (or as needed, based on your needs and comfort level) for a minimum of 6-8 weeks and work together on reducing your anxiety.

Here is what to expect:

I offer a 15 minute consultation 

Technology: Similar to traditional therapy, talking online is face-to-face, and sessions are kept confidential by using a secure encrypted HIPAA compliant platform. As long as you have a front-facing camera on your phone, tablet, or computer, you can take advantage of online counseling. Many clients appreciate the ease of access, avoiding going to an office, parking and avoiding the commute, and being able to not have to miss any other appointments. This can be done from the safety of your own home or anywhere. 

Consultation: Initially, I offer a free 20-minute consultation to get a feel for the type of services you are looking for. Once we decide we would like to work together, we will schedule a more in-depth session. You will receive intake forms and other paperwork via email for you to complete. 

Intake session: For our intake session together, we will talk more specifically about what you want to get out of therapy, individual goals you have for yourself, and help you address your concerns and reasons that brought you to therapy. We will focus on what you want to get out of therapy and identify individual goals you want to accomplish during our work together. It is my hope that our therapeutic relationship and rapport building will take shape during this session and that it outlines what future sessions can look like. 

Although there are many benefits to online counseling, there are also risks and it is not always a good match for everyone. If you are interested in learning more about the process and to see if online counseling is a good fit for you, we can discuss it during our free 20-minute initial phone or video call.

More About Jennie,

As an LMHC, LPC, I work with clients who are struggling with an Eating Disorder. I use CBT approach along with mindfulness techniques that include grounding techniques and meditation.   

What does Therapy for Eating Disorders Cost?

We have discussed and agreed upon the following rates:

Free initial 15-minute consultation

50-minute Psychotherapy Sessions                                                         $150.00

Therapy for Eating Disorders: Who Benefits Most

Therapy for Eating Disorders is best for those who want to have a better relationship with food and how they see their bodies. 

I am a firm believer that the right fit is essential for developing rapport and to do work that can leave a lasting impact. If I feel I cannot help, I will refer out. Alternatively, if you feel you are not benefiting from my services, I will provide you with referrals for other therapists.  

You will benefit from eating disorders therapy if:

You have struggled with your eating disorder for a while and are tired of the emotional, mental, and physical toll it has taken on you

You want to eat foods that you choose, not those your eating disorder chooses for you

You want to listen to messages that are not dictated by your eating disorder

You want to add coping skills to your knowledge so you can combat engaging in disordered eating behaviors or having any eating disorder thoughts.