Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Fairfield, CA.

Most eating disorders are experienced by people whose lives feel out of control. This often comes from having an autonomic nervous system that does not regulate the body well. This dysregulation is based in both shock trauma (single episode overwhelming events) and developmental trauma (repeated lower grade trauma and attachment/neglect problems). I use Somatic Experiencing to help individuals to gain mastery over their autonomic nervous system and feel like they are once again back in control of their body and their life.

I help people with eating disorders overcome their concerns with feeding and eating by assisting them in developing and maturing their minds intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically. I appreciate the unique complexities involved in developing and interrupting eating disorder tendencies and recognize how early experiences impact the mind and the body. Rich insight and sustained change over time can be found by working in a psychodynamic fashion.

Eating disorders benefit from the same or similar approach used for all addictive behaviours. One of the main therapeutic approaches I use is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. The relationship to food can be quite complex involving societal or cultural pressures, self-image, past traumas, addictive non-nutritious junk food, media images, social media pressures, bullying. Shame and guilt need to be addressed along with peer pressures. The most common eating disorders are: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidance/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Orthorexia, Purging Disorder etc. The benefits of therapy are enhanced self-image, health and well-being.

Understanding and recovering from an eating disorder can be excruciating. The roots of this disease run deep and constrain both sufferers and loved ones. The inexorable feelings of helplessness, shame, anger, and fear felt by those who have suffered from an eating disorder (or by those who know someone who has) are overwhelming. A lot of people hold misconceptions about eating disorders. This misunderstanding leads to further disconnection between those who suffer directly from an eating disorder and their loved ones. In our work together, we will explore what led you to the eating disorder, acknowledge the ways it's served you, and practice adaptive skills to replace it.

Since food is one of the first ways we learn to comfort ourselves, it is often what we turn to for support when no one else is there and when nothing else will do. No wonder it can become a craving, a reward, or an obsession. It can also be the one thing no one can force you to do, no matter how much power they have. When everything else is out of control, you choose whether or not you eat. This form of comfort/control can ultimately feel out of control. Find out what keeps you stuck in your relationship with food that you tell yourself you should be able to change on your own, and that seems so impossible. You can get your life and health back, and you don't have to do it alone.

I work with clients on body image, self-esteem, and their emotional relationship with food and our bodies. Often times these processes get stuck because of relationship issues (not just romantic), trauma, or how we rely on food in our lives. There can also be a lot of meaning that is placed on food, as it is a big part of our culture and societal influence.

Eating disorders are most often experienced by those who have survived some type of trauma in their lives. As a trauma therapist, I treat many clients who have disordered eating habits. This can include an unhealthy relationship with food, an unhealthy or negative body image, and even those who binge eat for stress. We all struggle with our weight or self-image at some point in our lives, but therapy is the best place to find a path forward. You don't have to suffer long term with these body image issues. Instead I will help you find your own unique path toward your body confidence. If you are embarrassed about your body in any way, bring that information to therapy and we will get started!

I help clients overcome addictive relationships with food. Like all addictions, the behavior is the tip of the iceberg, used to cope with underlying thoughts and emotions. Through collaborative conversations, clients gain insight into underlying concerns, gaining coping skills to more effectively navigate these issues. I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), helping clients achieve a sense of freedom and control over their lives, leading to long-term change.

My approach to eating disorder therapy emphasizes a holistic understanding of the individual in the context of relationships, phase of life, and physical health. By integrating various therapeutic techniques tailored to the unique needs of each client, I aim to uncover the underlying emotional factors contributing to the eating dysregulation. Clients benefit from this personalized approach as it not only addresses the symptoms but also fosters resilience, self-awareness, and healing in a supportive environment. My approach encourages a sustainable recovery by empowering you to develop healthier relationships with food and yourself, promoting overall well-being.

As a woman, I know all too well the ways that you may find yourself in a painful relationship to food and to your body. Society's unrealistic standards and preoccupation with women's external beauty can challenge a woman's self worth at various stages of life. Perhaps this is old news to you but you don't know how to free yourself from it. In our work, we begin by listening to your body and cultivating a relationship with it. Getting to know your body on a deeper level and your full range of feelings, is getting to know you and what really matters to you. It may feel daunting or strange, but I assure you it is one of the most rewarding processes towards truly enjoying your body and food.

An eating disorder is not a lifestyle choice. An eating disorder is a serious and often fatal illnesses that causes serious disturbances to a person’s eating behaviors, physical health, and relationships. Obsessions with food, body weight, and shape may also signal an eating disorder. The sooner someone struggling with this illness, or displaying behaviors and attitudes consistent with these disorders, can get connected to help, the better. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. As with any illness or psychological disorder, these problems will not go away on their own; without clinical support they often only escalate dangerously.

While most eating disorder issues are treated by cognitive behavioral methodologies or specialized outpatient/inpatient programs, Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, PhD provide relief first and foremost for the brain of one suffering from an eating disorder----without giving them medication. We believe that the neural circuitries responsible for the compulsive behaviors with eating are not necessarily only a neurotransmitter issue but of overused neural networks that affect the harmonization, balance, and decisions of the whole brain. Contact kevin@kevinfleminphd.com or 877-606-6161 to learn more about this safe and effective alternative.

While most eating disorder issues are treated by cognitive behavioral methodologies or specialized outpatient/inpatient programs, Grey Matters International and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, PhD provide relief first and foremost for the brain of one suffering from an eating disorder----without giving them medication. We believe that the neural circuitries responsible for the compulsive behaviors with eating are not necessarily only a neurotransmitter issue but of overused neural networks that affect the harmonization, balance, and decisions of the whole brain. Contact kevin@kevinfleminphd.com or 877-606-6161 to learn more about this safe and effective alternative

CONCERNED ABOUT OVEREATING? Are you obsessed with self image, weight issues and food? Do you frequently get on some type of diet and then realize that it does not work for you? I can help you look deeper and uncover the real underlying issue and the source of your emotional pain. In counseling, you can work through your inner conflicts, your painful past issues, unpleasant memories and move on to balance, healing, recovery, and healthy self-esteem. Call me for a FREE telephone consultation session and we will go from there!

Eating disorders are complicated. You probably know already that most don't seem to understand your experience with food. However people try to understand, it is your relationship with food, not theirs. That's why therapy should be a place where you can think things through for yourself, without anyone telling you how to eat. If you want to know more about my approach, call for a free consultation.