eating disorder treatment
Oct 29, 2012
The Warning Signs of Self-Harm Addiction
The Victorian admits clients with eating disorders as well as co-occurring disorders; alcoholism, bipolar disorder, border line personality disorder, drug addiction, kleptomania and self-harming behaviors. Today, we discuss the warning signs of self-harm that is a predominant co-occurring disorder found among many eating disorder sufferers.
An eating disorder; whether it be anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating is a control disorder and a form of self-harming. Typical eating disorder patterns and self-injury patterns carry similar traits:
· Perfectionist personalities
· History of trauma
· Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
· Family issues
· Feelings of self-loathing
· Low self-worth
Both self-injury and eating disorders are ways for people to cope with the uncomfortable feelings of anger, shame, sadness, loneliness and guilt. They are also ways for these individuals to punish themselves and express self-hatred for their bodies.
For many, self-injury and eating disorders coexist. For others, self-injury develops as a way to replace an eating disorder. For example if the person overcomes an eating disorder but doesn’t learn how to properly cope with emotions, they may seek relief through other ways such as cutting and self-mutilation.
WARNING SIGNS
· Cuts/burns on the wrists, arms, legs, back, hips, or stomach
· Wearing baggy, loose clothes repeatedly
· Makes excuses for having cuts, marks or wounds on the body
· Finding razors, scissors, lighters or knives in strange places (i.e., a purse, the bathroom.)
· Spending long periods locked in a bedroom or bathroom
· Isolation and avoiding social situations
RECOVERY
Similar to an individual being suicidal, self-harm is a cry for help. People who self-harm may feel that there is no other outlet to express their emotional pain and cope with distress. People who self-harm don’t do it to seek attention; they actually do it to escape the struggles of their daily life. If you know someone who is engaging in self-injurious behavior reach out to him or her. Let him/her know you care through getting them the help they need.
You can call The Victorian – eating disorder treatment today for a list of treatment packages at:
(888) 268-9182
Sep 07, 2012
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WORK IN THE EATING DISORDER RECOVERY FIELD (PART 2)
Many of our blog, Twitter and Facebook friends are constantly asking us “What does it take to work at the Victorian – Eating Disorder Treatment?” Last week we covered the rewarding and challenging aspects of a career in the eating disorder field. This week we are looking at the roles of each position and the schooling needed for each to be on an eating disorder treatment team.
Due to popular demand, today we are looking at the positions on an eating disorder treatment team and the necessary certificates and schooling that go with each. Last week we covered the rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the field. If you haven’t already read that post check it out HERE. If you have, then you already understand the emotional toll it takes to work in the recovery field. Now, we will cover the different roles:
SUPPORT STAFF – The role of Support Staff is to support clients in their day to day living skills. The following goes into the position:
- Observe the preparation of meals
- Eat meals with clients, processing emotions and thoughts during meals
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Assist in conflict resolution between clients
- Attend recovery meetings with clients
- Remind clients of chores, obligations and appointments
- Dispense medication
- Drive client to appointments and meetings
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
- Eating Disorder Treatment Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 7 am to 3 pm
- Evenings: 3 pm to 11 pm
- Overnight: 11pm to 7am
ART THERAPIST – An Art Therapist uses art as a tool to do therapy with a group of clients. The following goes into the position:
- Create art lesson plans for clients
- Encourage clients to express themselves creatively
- Talk with clients about their created art and what it reveals about their recovery
- Track progress of clients
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Assist in conflict resolution between clients
- Attend treatment team meetings
- Shopping for art materials
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Art Therapy certification
*These are the most common requirements, but vary by treatment facility.
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
YOGA TEACHER – A yoga teacher visits the treatment facility and teaches yoga to a group clients. The following goes into the position:
- Creating yoga lesson plans
- Assuring clients are safe during class
- Adjusting clients posture and poses during classes
Education:
- Certified yoga teachers training
- Knowledge of eating disorders and addictions
Shifts:
- 1 to 2 hour classes
*Vary by treatment facility
NUTRITIONIST – A Nutritionist works with each client to reach her nutritional goals. The following goes into the position:
- Assess the clients nutrition and exercise needs
- Create a meal plan for clients
- Create an exercise plan for clients
- Work with the treatment team to create grocery lists and menus for the house
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Observe the preparation of meals
- Eat meals with clients
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- Registered dietitian
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- Some evenings to assist at dinner outings and meals with clients
CASE MANAGER – A Case Manager over sees the client’s entire treatment plan from admit to discharge. The Case Manager is a liaison between the client and parents, spouses, therapists, doctors, nurses and schools. . The following goes into the position:
- Determine clients recovery goals (i.e. return to school, career, family)
- Create a weekly schedule with clients
- Assist client with finding a volunteer opportunity and/or job
- Assist client with returning to school
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Follow up with clients family with recovery progress
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
- Eating Disorder Treatment Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
THERAPIST - A therapist works with a client to reveal the underlying themes and behaviors that have triggered disordered eating. Then they work on how to cognitively change these harmful themes and behaviors. The following goes into the position:
- Determine clients family themes
- Determine clients triggers
- Determine clients possible co-occurring disorders
- Assist client with finding their true self
- Assist clients in distinguishing between the ED voice and their true voice
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
CLINICAL DIRECTOR– A Clinical Director over sees the clinical treatment being done by the facility staff. The following goes into the position:
- Creating and implementing treatment methods for the facility
- Meeting one on one with clients and tracking their progress
- Leading treatment therapy groups
- Facilitating groups and lectures for clients and families
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. Social Work and/or
- M.A. Psychology and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
PROGRAM DIRECTOR - A Program Director over sees the entire treatment staff and works directly with the Clinical Director to ensure that the treatment methods are being implemented throughout the program. The following goes into the position:
- Hiring of staff and interns
- Training staff
- Overseeing interns
- Managing facility budget
- Ensuring staff is implementing the proper treatment methods with the clients
- Meeting one on one with clients and parents
- Leading groups
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. Social Work and/or
- M.A. Psychology and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what it looks like to have a career in the eating disorder treatment field. It is an equally challenging and rewarding field to work in!
Did we answer all of your questions?
Are you still interested in pursuing
a career in the eating disorder recovery field?
Join the Conversation in the
comment section below!
Aug 01, 2012
Using Jewelry To Inspire Recovery
Sarah Munsey has struggled with self-harm addiction for years. Now, she is using her experience to use her hands to “create instead of destroy.” Munsey is spreading awareness, giving to non-profits and making incredible jewelry with an inspiring message!
Eating disorders are considered a self-harming behavior. Whether a person is under eating, overeating or purging these acts are life threatening. Many of the Victorian – Eating Disorder Treatment clients also physically cut, burn, pick at their flesh. Sarah Munsey is one young woman who has struggled with self-harm. Today, she is “using Her hands to create instead of destroy” through a jewelry line she has started, Wired For Freedom.
Munsey says,“ Wired for Freedom allows me to use my hands to create instead of destroy. No one wants to be trapped behind their struggle, but many are. I stand here today and tell you that we ALL are wired for freedom, and I hope you too find yours.”
Using her hands is a huge part of Munsey’s own recovery. She talks about the difficulty in creating jewelry, “I start sketching on paper (which usually looks horrible, I can’t draw for anything). I draw different options and once I’m satisfied with the design on paper, I bring it to life using practice wire. This is where trial and error takes place, and also where God taught me a HUGE lesson in recovery. Being a perfectionist, messing up used to cripple me. But God showed me how to turn mess ups into a new collection, Beautiful Mess. Just like in life, our mistakes can turn into something beautiful later.”
Munsey sells her jewelry on Etsy.com and also allows others to host house parties and sell her jewelry there. A portion of the proceeds from the house parties goes to charity. Munsey is very proud to be spreading her recovery story through a creative medium she loves and hopes others will be inspired to do the same. You can check out the Wired For Freedom jewelry line HERE:
How do you “create instead of destroy?”
Do you have any ideas for sharing your recovery
with others?
Join The Conversation Below!
Jul 02, 2012
How Bulimia is like Drug Addiction
The idea of an eating disorder being classified like an addiction to drugs shocks some people. Today we explain specifically why bulimia is called an addiction.
The craving to purge his someone suffering from bulimia the same way you may feel when you badly need to urinate. If you can imagine a time when the discomfort of having to relieve yourself was so consuming you couldn’t think of anything else, this is similar if not worse. Resisting the urge to purge when you have an eating disorder is like resisting an urge to use drugs for a drug addict. It can feel intensely painful despite knowing that such resistance would ultimately be better down the road. New research analyzes the similarities between bulimia and drug addiction.
The research done by Tufts Medical School and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmocology, highlights many similarities in the behavioral experience of bulimia and drug addiction. For example, both food and drug are experienced as cravings that often become associated with certain places or situations (and the brain may become wired to associate cravings with certain emotions). People experience positive shift in moods when eating and using drugs which provides this behavior to continue. They also describe feeling a loss of control in the moments before or during binging/purging and using.
The authors explain how tolerance usually associated with drug addiction can also be seen in bulimia. As compared to when they first developed bulimia, people describe needing to eat larger quantities of food later on to get the same emotional/physical effect. The researchers speculate that there may also be a similar neurological pattern of withdrawal in bulimia and drug addiction. In fact, many people with bulimia report signs of drug withdrawal when they try to abstain from binge eating including increased anxiety, disturbed sleep, and strong cravings.
Given all these behavioral similarities, it seems likely that there are biological similarities between bulimia and drug addiction. Indeed, a new study held at Columbia University that will be published next month suggests that people with bulimia have similar dopamine abnormalities in their brain as people suffering from cocaine and alcohol addiction. A few other studies have looked at how the brain reacts to cravings - similar parts of the brain were activated in people with bulimia and drug addiction as they craved food and drugs, respectively.
It’s no surprise that many people with bulimia have also suffered from drug addiction. Considering bulimia as a form of “food addiction” may help others better understand how paralyzing the illness can feel.
Have you or someone
you know struggled with bulimia and alcohol addiction?
We’re you able to see
how the cravings were similar?
Join the conversation
below!
Mar 20, 2012
New Eating Disorder Discovered : Neophobia
If you think eating disorders are simply anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating you’re mistaken. Learn about a new eating disorders on the rise: Neophobia - Picky eaters.
As a leading eating disorder treatment facility, the Victorian prides itself in being at the front lines of the latest eating disorder research and treatments. The more we understand about eating disorders and the several ways they manifest, the better we can treat our clients. Eating disorders are not simply Anorexia, Bulimia and Compulsive Overeating, sometimes they manifest into Exercise Bulimia where a client exercises for hours at a time to purge calories. Another new discovery is Pregorexia where a woman develops Anorexia while being pregnant. She goes on to withhold food from herself and her unborn child. These conditions are new and still being researched, but we have built relationships with specialists who can assist our client. The latest eating disorder discovery is Neophobia, a disordered in which a person is overly selective of their food due to being picky of foods texture and smell. This selectivity limits their diet to only a few foods, limiting nutrients and calories dramatically.
This may sound similar to the picky eating of some young children who resist sauces, spice and certain textures. Although Neophobia has not yet been officially recognized as a mental disorder, the American Psychiatric Association is considering its inclusion in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the official compendium of emotional and mental disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Duke University are studying
the problem of extreme picking eating, Nancy Zucker of Duke University first
became aware of the disorder when adult picky eaters came to Duke's Center for
Eating Disorders seeking help. According to Zucker, this is a real disorder.
"People who are picky aren't doing this to be stubborn." Adults
with selective eating disorder experience food differently from other people.
Instead of avoiding one or two foods, they have such a limited list of
acceptable food that their eating interferes with functioning in daily life. This
is indicative of a mental disorder, such that it plays out in harming
friendships, families and careers. Most people with this eating disorder are
very embarrassed by their behavior in relation to food and do everything they
can to keep it hidden. In addition to the embarrassment caused by this
disorder, doctors are concerned that a limited diet of foods that are low in nutrition
can lead to long-term nutritional deficiencies and health problems that can include
heart and bone problems similar to the reprecussions of anorexia and bulimia.
One theory for the causes of Selective Eating Disorder (SED)is that it may be
linked to an extreme sensitivity to the smell or texture of food that is often
associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or autism.
Bob Krause, 63, of Virginia runs an online support group called PickyEatingAdults.com. Started in 2003, the site has more than 10,000 members that include picky eaters as well as concerned loved ones of the picky eaters. Krause limits his own diet to milk, toast, crackers, popcorn, peanuts, French fries, grilled cheese sandwiches and plain milk chocolate bars. Since childhood, Krause has avoided visiting friends at mealtime to avoid being offered food that he has an aversion to. Krause attributes the failure of two marriages to his eating disorder and says that if he could snap his fingers and change, he would. The loss of relationships is often a repercussion of eating disorders.
Nancy Zucker and other scientists at Duke University are developing treatment
plans that include slowly introducing people with selective eating disorders to
new foods. Treatment also focuses on helping picky eaters overcome their
embarrassment about their food preferences and not letting their disorder
interfere with personal and business relationships.
Jan 09, 2012
Pregnant Women with Eating Disorders – Support Group
The experience of being pregnant is joyful and challenging for many women. At times it is more triggering for women who struggle with eating disorders. What support can a woman with an eating disorder find to protect herself and her child if she becomes pregnant?
A few years ago The Victorian, Eating Disorder Treatment had the pleasure of working with one exceptionally talented counseling intern, Maggie Baumann. The Victorian clients adored Baumann for her authenticity, insight and strength both in individual counseling and leading group sessions. Years later Baumann has gone on to establish her own counseling practice treating those with eating disorders, dual addictions and trauma therapy. She is also in the process of getting trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy. As well, she has brought light to the eating disorder Pregorexia; the eating disorder which causes a pregnant mother to limit the calories she is giving to herself and her unborn child.
The overwhelming response from those suffering from Pregorexia has led Bauman’s establish a Free Eating Disorder Support Group for women with Pregorexia in Southern California.
MOMS with EATING DISORDERS & PREGNANT WOMEN with EATING DISORDERS
Beginning: February 9, 2012
Groups meets weekly: Thursdays • 6:30-7:30 pm
Location: 180 Newport Center Dr., Ste. 270, Newport Beach, CA
Facilitator: Maggie Baumann, MFT
RSVP or for more info: call (949) 439-2607
or email at Maggie-Baumann@cox.net
Topic of discussion focuses on the impact of eating disorders on pregnant women (and their babies in the womb) and how moms with eating disorders who already have children work towards eating disorder recovery and achieving healthy family relationships.
If you have more questions please feel free to reach out to Maggie Bauman directly.
Maggie Baumann, MA, MFT
180 Newport Center Dr., Ste. 270
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Tel: (949) 439.2607
www.MaggieBaumann.com
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Sep 05, 2011
NEW! Eating Disorder Recovery meetings in Orange County
With multiple eating disorder recovery meetings a day, Orange County is renown for it’s thriving eating disorder recovery community. Today we add even MORE meetings to the growing list of support. Check out the latest and greatest meetings that fit your busy schedule of recovery!
The below meetings are the latest and greatest eating disorder recovery meetings in Orange County. We have attended them all and can vouch they are awesome! Check them out!
Monday – 7 PM to 8 PM
@ The Victorian – 509 29th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663
This meeting focuses on Anorexics and Bulimic recovery. A speaker shares her experience, strength and hope for 15 minutes and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact Elyse R. for more info: (714) 316 - 3073
Tuesday – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
@ The Grange - 2144 Thurin Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92627
This meeting is open to everyone struggling with food. A step or tradition from the The 12 Steps & 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous is read and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact CT T. for more info: (949) 294-1496
Thursday – 7 AM to 8 AM
@ The Costa Mesa Alano Club- 2040 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Open to everyone struggling with food issues. This one hour meeting includes 5 minutes of meditation and then the meeting is open for sharing .
Contact Sarah L. for more info: (310) 388-7716
Saturday – 9 AM to 10 AM
@ The Costa Mesa Alano Club – 2040 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
This meeting is open to everyone struggling with food. A reading from the book, For Today of Overeaters Anonymous is read and then the meeting is open for response and sharing.
Contact CT T. for more info: (949) 294-1496
These meetings truly are where the eating disorder recovery is at! I hope to see you all there soon!
Happy Recovery!
Irvina
Aug 03, 2011
The Victorian sponsors non-profit, Rewrite Beautiful Art Show
The Victorian of Newport Beach sponsored the non-profit, Rewrite Beautiful’s 1st Annual Art Show to prevent eating disorders and spread awareness.

The Victorian of Newport Beach is proud to be a leader in eating disorder treatment. The best counselors, therapist, art therapist, dietitians and support staff have put The Victorian on the map for outstanding treatment and recovery. Now, The Victorian is leading the way in eating disorder prevention. Last Saturday night The Victorian was a proud sponsor of the Rewrite Beautiful 1st Annual Art Show TELEIOS. The Art Show was a fundraiser for the non-profit to continue their Street Art Workshops that change how girls see beauty in themselves and prevent eating disorders. All of the art work for the show was created with the Rewrite Beautiful vision in mind, “Beauty in women is found in ACTIONS of Creativity, Kindness and Strength.” Check out some of the art from the evening:
Gallery attendants were invited to 'Rewrite Beautiful' for themselves.... Check out some of their work....
A Poet Nomad Ali, Correy Adam's Rabble Family Band and Moonsville Collective put some awesome tunes through the gallery....
Rewrite Beautiful will be coming to The Victorian and Sober Living by the Sea in early September to do a Street Art Workshop with our women. Check back soon for pictures from the workshop.
We hope it inspires you to know that there are artists, musicians, women, men, children and strangers off the street who are passionate about preventing eating disorders. You have a ton of people rooting for your recovery. We hope you join us at The Victorian get recovery for yourself and pass that recovery on and prevent eating disorders from happening to someone else.
Happy Recovery,
Irvina
Jan 11, 2011
Gray Swan?
There has been a ton of talk about Black Swan in the Eating Disorder community. The movie doesn't address Eating Disorders directly, but definitely alludes to them. This isn't a movie review ; It is a 'life review' on Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman. Like an Eating Disorder, Black Swan is bottled terror that explodes leaving you with a lot of pain and questions.

The growth process is a tricky, icky, sticky one. I’ve been around for 20 some odd years now and I’m still towel drying off gobs of growth. A few years ago I met a little boy who had a severe form of Autism. His condition bothered me so much that I did some research on it. I found that Autism is predominantly found in boys over girls. One of the theories is that at conception the fetus is female for 8 weeks, then the Y chromosome develops distinguishing the fetus as a male. The transformation process is so dramatic that birth defects occur during this stage. This particular theory believes that autism takes root during this transformation.
I thought about this theory as I watched Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman. Portman plays an innocent, sheltered, ballerina with one passion: attaining perfection in her art form. The movie follows Portman as she strives for perfection in her craft and also parallels the imperfection of her human character that reveals itself as she cheats, lies, steals and purges in order to get to the top of her game. Quite the dichotomy eh?
My friends weren’t fans of this movie. I thought the hot and heavy lesbian scenes would at least have made my male counterpart put a 9 on the scoreboard, but even his reaction was, “I’m sorry I suggested we see this and by the way chicks are still crazy.” Personally,
Mar 30, 2010
Staying in the Now with an Eating Disorder
The terms, staying in the “NOW” being “Present” and life is in the “ moment” all seem to be the latest psycho-babble trends.
Just this past week The Victorian Recovery Rocks – Alumni Group had, Lindsay Elliot PsYD, MFT come and be a guest speaker at our Sunday night meeting here at the Victorian House. Dr.Elliot chose to speak to the women about staying present and how that affects their recovery. She started by point blank asking the woman, “Who doesn’t want to be here?” Three raised their hands, Dr.Elliott then spoke to each one and asked them, “What would you rather be doing?” she then went on to ask them, “How does wanting to be somewhere else affect what you are doing now?” The point of this exercise was to have those women observe their thoughts of feelings.

- Staying in the NOW with ED
This detachment from their feelings makes it easier to engage in harmful eating disorder behaviors
because they have no thought connection to the binging and starving. They think, I want to be thin…don’t eat…exercise…don’t eat…exercise…” They never get the opportunity to pause and say, “Hey what is going on in this moment in my life. WHY do I want to be thin?” Eventually clients find that the lack of food or excess means something greater than their feeling at the moment.
After living in the NOW is used daily to combat eating disorder thoughts in can also be used to help clients discover who they really are. Many clients come in to Eating Disorder treatment
and discover that they are a completely different person than they thought they were. Sometimes they have a new favorite color or favorite band, some even dabble with the thought of a new occupation. It’s the act of being still, listening to their inner dialogue that they are able to discover themselves and heal.
Staying in the NOW allows an Eating Disorder patient
to be mindful of her feelings. To center herself and find what kind of role she want to play in the world she lives in.
xoxo Irvina
Mar 29, 2010
Hunger and Treatment is a Family Affair by Dr.Michele Lob
Eating disorder treatment affects the whole family and needs to be addressed at the family level to maximize the efficacy of a treatment program.
When family members bring their loved ones to treatment for substance abuse and eating disorder issues, the hopeful anticipation is that at discharge, they will be ‘fixed’. Despite the fact that my magic wand holds a special place in my office, it seldom works the way family members want it to. Healing from substance abuse and eating disorder behaviors is a complex and complicated endeavor and requires more than simply work on the sufferer’s behalf. From my perspective, healing is a family affair revolving around the building of open and honest lines of communication. Getting to this point can be challenging and oftentimes the clinician has to overcome significant defenses inherent within the family system.
The goal of family healing is to subvert any notion of blame. Rather the intention is to move from self-absorption or self- flagellation to a place without guilt and shame – a place of openness focused on utilizing the past only for self-discovery and growth. The creation of substance abuse and eating disorder behaviors usually develops from multiple factors rather than one single cause. There is no need to expend time and energy on examining these factors ad infinitum. Most important is to begin with a willingness to create the open, honest lines of communication towards the development of new behaviors and discovery; a willingness to listen and tackle those issues in a significant enough way that allow for listening closely to the sufferer’s story.
Let’s examine what we know about the complexities of substance
abuse and eating disorder behaviors. For the most part, these behaviors are
utilized as coping mechanisms by the sufferer to act as numbing behaviors to
separate them from ‘feeling states’. But if we look closely with open hearts and
eyes, it soon becomes revealed that these behaviors when extreme, become a cry
for help, a cry for attention by the sufferer.
There are many contributing factors to the rise of substance abuse and eating disorder behaviors. We live in a world where the media barrage of diet fads and obsessive attention to body image is excessive to say the least. We live in a world where family structures are dissipating which in turn leaves adolescents vulnerable to define their own acceptable sense of self. We live in a world where perfectionism is a common denominator between those who are born to believe they are capable and those who are not. Most importantly there are many exemplifying factors to consider such as stress, depression, socioeconomic positioning, and the list continues.
But let’s get to the bottom line here – the healing process is indeed a
family affair.
My goal when working with families is to help understand
each individuals’ fears surrounding the sufferer, and to help each person in the
system become empowered by creating honest, trusting, and deep bonds with the
other. This development is not an overnight process, nor does my ‘magic wand’
help in the endeavor. Rather it is a slow, pedantic process requiring an open
heart, mind, and most importantly, the willingness to be vulnerable,
introspective, and supportive in a healthy way to the sufferer. I firmly believe
that if these elements are in place, magic can happen in the healing process.
The most significant factor of all is that the identified sufferer
gleans a new perspective on life as do those in the family system who come to
the witness the metamorphosis. Oftentimes the metamorphosis is their very own.
Dr. Michele Lob PsyD MFT has a private practice working with families and children in Newport Beach.






















