Eating Disorder Therapy

Are you or a loved one struggling with an eating disorder, disordered eating, or body image concerns? Let Dr. Ortiz help you along your recovery journey! 

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What Are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect your relationship with food, body image, and overall emotional well-being. Common types of eating disorders include:​

• Anorexia Nervosa

• Bulimia Nervosa

• Binge Eating Disorder

• Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorder (OSFED)​

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What Are Common Symptoms of an Eating Disorder?

• Insufficient food intake, intense focus on weight, body shape, or appearance, and self-worth heavily tied to body image

• Eating large quantities of food in a short time with a sense of loss of control

• Inducing vomiting to manage weight

• Using laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics for weight control

• Persistent thoughts about food, dieting, and weight, fear of weight gain or distress around eating 

• Engaging in compensatory exercise

• Withdrawing from social activities, friends, and family, increased isolation

• Noticeable weight loss, even if within a medically normal range (significant weight loss is not necessary for an eating disorder diagnosis)

• Overwhelming feelings of guilt related to food or eating habits

• Extreme restriction of food intake

• Consistently eating large amounts of food late at night

• Heightened distress or anxiety about physical appearance

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Dr. Ortiz's Approach to Eating Disorder Therapy: Dr. Ortiz follows a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach, focusing on helping individuals regain a fulfilling life free from their eating disorder. Health looks different for everyone and is influenced by genetics and life experiences rather than outdated BMI guidelines. Research has shown that weight stigma and intentional weight loss efforts can contribute to eating disorder symptoms, which is why weight management is not a component of treatment. If you have any questions about how this approach applies to your care, feel free to reach out for more information.

 

Dr. Ortiz tailors treatment plans based on the specific type of eating disorder, past treatment experiences, and individual preferences, using evidence-based approaches. In most cases, the most effective care involves collaboration with a team of professionals, including a dietitian, physician, and psychiatrist. Dr. Ortiz works closely with clients to help build a comprehensive support team that meets their needs. Dr. Ortiz incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based treatment, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure, and mindfulness-based strategies. Together, clients and Dr. Ortiz will learn to understand the role of the eating disorder, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve their relationship with food and their body.