Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Ramona, CA.

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!

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.

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.

It's not your fault. Really. Blaming yourself will only make it worse. The more shame you feel, the worse it gets! We will work to reduce your self-shaming, which will give you a great start to "out-grow" your eating disorder. Out-grow it? Yes - you don't "fix it". You learn, practice, and outgrow it! Eating disorders are really common these days, as our society provides many triggers. The more you learn about it, the more options you will have to learn to out-grow it as a coping mechanism. I know how to do that with you. Psychotherapy offers a variety of avenues for healing, and becoming a loving care-taker of your body. So NO GUILT! NO SHAME! Let's meet, and build the plan.

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.

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.

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.

In the realm of Eating Disorder Counseling and Treatment, my methodology hinges on a compassionate, holistic understanding of the individual's relationship with food, body image, and underlying emotional factors. Recognizing that eating disorders often arise from complex interplays of psychological, sociocultural, and physiological elements, I offer a safe space where clients can confront and unravel these intricate ties. By utilizing evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, clients are guided to rebuild a healthy self-perception and relationship with nourishment. The ultimate aim is not just symptom relief but a lasting transformation that all

The voice of eating disorders will have individuals inaccurately believing that in order to be happy, one has to lose weight and look good. The truth is that happiness and self-esteem come from loving yourself for who you truly are. Achieving that goal is only possible through recovery. With treatment, support from others, and smart self-help strategies, a person can overcome their eating disorder and gain true self-confidence. The road to eating disorder recovery starts with admitting a problem exists. True recovery from eating disorders involves: learning to listen to your body; learning to listen to your feelings; learning to trust yourself; and learning to accept and love yourself.