About
I use research in the fields of CBT, DBT, Trauma, Psychoanalysis, Relational Psychology and Self Psychology to start where the patient is currently struggling and move toward understanding the role of the eating disorder in the patient’s life. My perspective is that the pain created by eating disorder symptoms distracts patients from the emotional pain they are not sure how to manage within themselves and within their interpersonal relationships. Sometimes, the emotional pain is so hidden by the eating disorder that feelings are hard to uncover. As such, I focus on providing safety and assurance for all feelings to arise.
I have worked in the field of eating disorder treatment for 20 years. Starting with my graduate study at Widener University under psychoanalytically-trained creative minds, I began working with underserved children and families in intensive treatment programs. In 2000, I started my dissertation: eating disorders in type 1 diabetics. As expected, I found that diabetics have an increased incidence of eating disorders compared to the general population, suggesting a need for diagnosis and treatment that addresses the chronic stress of diabetes management. The following year, I interned at an inpatient eating disorder unit in a Philadelphia hospital. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in this specialty, working for Renfrew in Manhattan and then in private practice. I have led groups, worked with families and couples, and worked with individuals. I find it both challenging and rewarding to work along with people as they grow toward a fulfilling and complex sense of self.
Today I work with all eating disorder patients and am particularly interested in working with diabetics who struggle with all types of eating disorders. Because food digestion is at the heart of this medical diagnosis, body and food issues can easily arise. My unique understanding of the treatment and physical experiences of diabetes help me to communicate with the patient along with the doctors, diabetes educators, and nutritionists.
In 2019, I moved with my family to Cleveland, Ohio. While continuing to work with telepsychology patients in NY, I am also accepting new patients in my practice in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. My new location is close to Shaker Heights and University Heights, to the east of Cleveland. I see patients in person as well as by telepsychology.