Find An Eating Disorder Therapist in Springfield, NJ.

I offer a solution-focused approach that is tailored to each client’s specific needs, and is based on empirical research. I have an unusually high success rate – helping clients to achieve permanent recovery from eating disorders – from my years of experience and training in a variety of therapeutic methods. Each session is designed to address the specific concerns of the client, and is informed by my training in psychodynamic therapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent therapy, family therapy, psychology of women, feminist therapy, and men’s issues.

There is a common misconception that eating disorders are a lifestyle choice. The disorder usually begins with an obsession with food, body image and weight, but can quickly turn into a more serious illness that can lead to long term emotional, mental and physical health issues. Three types of eating disorders are binge eating, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. At Emerge, we not only look at your current status with the eating disorder, but determine the cause of where it initially stemmed from and what steps you need to take to change not only the addictive habits and thoughts. You’ll learn to redefine your relationship with yourself and how it connects to the foods you choose to nourish and put in your body. You’ll be able to see how you evolve and your self-esteem increases.

Over the years I have had a number of clients who suffer from anorexia or bulimia. Generally these are young women who are convinced that their misguided eating habits and distorted view of their body are necessary and "normal." Using a gentle but honest approach, I try to help them see the many ways they are hampering their health and their relationships through maintaining their disorder. In time, if they stick with my program, they work through the internal conflicts that underlie the eating disorder and begin to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

If you have struggled unsuccessfully with weight loss, I will help you by looking at all the things that have gotten in your way of healthy weight loss. We will look at family, friends, and romantic relationships in your life, and what you learned about food and your body. We will uncover fears you may have that have to do with relationships and dating. If you are anorexic or bulimic I can work with you if you are not struggling with a life threatening situation. Recovered anorexics or bulimics who have more work to do in therapy to clarify the issues entrenched in their behavior, and emotional triggers for unhealthy behavior.

Has your life spiraled out of control because of food? Despite what you're experiencing on the inside, are others around you totally oblivious? How can you take your life back? Thanks to the advancement of technology, we are always on the go. Add to that the unrelenting expectations of others - to perform better or look a certain way - and it's inevitable that we've come to live to eat and not eat to live. We can get your life back on track, you can regain control of your relationship with food, and you can finally live free of your thoughts of food.

Our credentialed music therapists tailor sessions to each individual, utilizing personalized music exercises and interventions to address each person's unique symptoms of eating disorder. Our music therapists work with each client using musical elements like songwriting, processing, and guided imagery to help clients find their own voice and learn new coping skills to help manage eating disorders of any severity.

I show people with weight and eating disorders to first fully accept themselves with their problem. It is important to eliminate any shame, guilt and anxiety associated with an eating disorder. I then move onto the primary problem which is the eating disorder. Patients learn the critical role their thinking plays in perpetuating their disorder. I quickly focus in on core beliefs that are at the root of their problems. Together we work to modify these beliefs and replace them with healthier beliefs about eating, one’s body, coping with personal traumas, and engaging in sensible exercise. I teach self-control strategies that help them cope and avoid self-defeating eating behaviors.

I help clients with mild eating disorders that are not causing any medical complications. This might look like binge eating when you are anxious in order to stuff down feelings of heartbreak, loneliness or helplessness. I can help you learn how to manage these deep painful feelings rather than trying to avoid them by overeating. Once you learn that you can feel these difficult feelings than you no longer have to avoid them with food.

I work with eating disorders as a symptom of a deeper issue. By using a combination of behavioral changes and analytic understanding of the meanings of your symptoms, you will gain the control you need to become healthy. If you need a higher level of care, such as intensive outpatient or hospitalization, I will refer you. I can see you several times a week, if you would benefit from that. If you have been in intensive programs for anorexia, bulemia, or compulsive overeating, and are ready to explore your own personal meanings and issues with food, I am available to take that journey with you.

I specialize in supporting individuals in recovery from eating disorders by offering guidance and strategies for long-term maintenance. My approach focuses on helping clients establish healthy coping mechanisms, build a positive relationship with food, and nurture their self-esteem as they move forward in recovery. While I do not meet with individuals actively struggling with an eating disorder, I assist those who are in the post-treatment phase, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to maintain their progress and prevent relapse.

Clients struggling with disordered eating concerns can develop increased insight, learn psychoeducation regarding symptoms and treatment for eating disorders, and can begin the process of healing from any traumatic life experiences that may have contributed or worsened development of current symptoms and concerns. Clients can implement mindfulness skills.

As one who has suffered and recovered from eating disorders, I know personally and professionally the challenges of recovering. I have weighed as little as 79 pounds and as much as over 200. Recovery is a journey of highs and lows, but the direction we move in in therapy remains steady. I use an individualized and collaborative approach to treatment. It is positive, supportive, and comprehensive. If I recovered, you can do.

I help clients who want to change their relationship with food. I am not a specialist in eating disorders -- concerns like anorexia or bulimia should be handled by a specialist. But I can work with clients who want to set goals around eating better and loving themselves more. I take a "healthy at every size" approach and will help you unpack unhealthy social messages about your weight or appearance while ensuring your physical health is your top priority.

Treatment may vary depending on your particular condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your wellness goals. It might require a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical care, psychiatry, psychotherapy, medication, nutritional guidance, and education. This process may call for individual or group sessions, as well as self-help efforts. Psychotherapy, counseling, or talk therapy, can be beneficial to change unhealthy eating behaviors and address the emotional distress that comes with disordered eating.

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.