Staff

  Dr. Linda Shanti, PsyD is an eating disorder expert with almost two decades of experience working in the field. As a recovered professional, she understands what her clients are facing on a day to day basis and is able to support them on their journey. In her writing, Dr. Shanti tells some of what her ...

While in isolation, mindfulness can fall to the wayside. This is especially true for those who previously engaged in group activities, like yoga and guided meditation.  Without mindfulness, ignoring inner thoughts and feelings quickly becomes a habit once again, reducing mental resiliency and wellbeing. With that comes a risk of returning to disordered eating patterns and ...

10 Questions To Ask If You Think A Loved One Has Anorexia Nervosa

Becky Henry is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and uses those skills to guide families to let go of fear and panic, learn self-care skills and become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In her writing, Becky offers self care tips for those caring for loved ones in recovery ...

The road to eating disorder recovery is long and requires the help of professionals, loved ones and above all, acceptance and love from yourself. Developing positive behaviors and attitudes towards food and outlets for stress is critical to the longevity of any implemented plan. While your physical well-being is the first step, tending to your ...

When it is suspected a loved one may have an eating disorder, it is crucial to watch for the signs and symptoms so they can enter treatment at a binge eating treatment center and begin on the path to binge eating recovery. There are many symptoms besides the more obvious physical signs; individuals with binge eating disorder may exhibit ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. Recovered herself, Jennifer is extremely passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies and be empowered in their lives. She teaches yoga at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia and is a ...

Research has shown that common eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa typically onset during the early teen years. Eating disorders bring with them serious medical and mental health consequences and are well known for being very difficult to treat. Most often, specialized eating disorder treatment is required before adolescents are recovered. It is important ...

In spite of great strides being made within the past few years, eating disorders are still often misunderstood. The good thing is that more high-quality eating disorder treatment centers that offer eating disorder treatment programs that are tailored to the individual are available today than ever before. Taking the following crucial steps can help the ...

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, eating disorders are among the most common forms of mental health disorders affecting teenagers and young adults in the United States. Any eating disorder can wreak havoc on a person’s life – they might become trapped in a recurrent pattern of compulsive eating, binging and purging, food restriction, ...

5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is among the most important and yet misunderstood mental health disorders in the world. It is surprisingly common and can have dangerous health consequences if left untreated, like obesity, heart disease, sleep apnea, and many others. Even beyond the health risks, experts at eating disorder recovery centers have noted the emotional distress ...

Awareness of eating disorders and their impact on people has increased in recent years, in large part due to the growth of eating disorder recovery and body positivity accounts on social media. These platforms, which can be double-edged swords with the fatphobic, diet-industry imagery that are also present, have changed the way people with eating ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares about one of the most important concepts taught to clients during treatment. Based on the 8 Keys book by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin, Keesha explains how the client’s understanding of the “Eating Disorder Self” and “Healthy Self” plays a crucial role in their ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS continues her series this week on the 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin with the 4th key. In her writing, Keesha discusses the importance of ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS continues her series this week on the 8 Keys book by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin with the 3rd key. In her writing, Keesha explains how this key stresses that the eating disorder is not just about the food, and the ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares about The 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder,by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin, the philosophy that guides Monte Nido’s practice in supporting clients to becoming fully recovered in this weeks blog post. In her writing, she explains the first key, ...

8 Things That Set the Best Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Apart

There is more than one kind of treatment available at an eating disorder treatment center. Some are more clinical or medical than others, and others are more focused on the emotional aspects. It is important to remember tending to the spirit at eating disorder facilities is just as important as tending to the body. Many ...

There are a number of different aspects to eating disorder counseling. Some are physical, and some are psychological, but all of them are very important. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that tending to the soul during eating disorder treatment is just as important as tending to the body. Not everyone is expecting this ...

Because social support is a key factor in recovery from any behavioral health disorder, eating disorder treatment centers often prioritize building these support systems in preparation for a successful transition to life in recovery. People in eating disorder treatment are encouraged to identify those in their social networks and find ways to rebuild their connections. ...

Stress is a primary trigger for most mental health conditions – from anxiety and depression, and especially eating disorders, external pressure leads to disordered thoughts and behaviors. When people have underlying conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, it can make handling stress that much harder and the urge to give in to the urge to ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Lead Therapist Colleen Baker, LMSW shares her soulful journey to joining the Monte Nido team in this week’s blog post. Learn more about Colleen and her work at Monte Nido Manhattan… Share about your background and what led you to Monte Nido: I became passionate about the field of eating ...

Emily Dumas, MA, LMFT is the Clinical Director of the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia. Emily has extensive experience in the eating disorder field and uses a collaborative and integrative style in her therapy in order to tailor her approach to each of her client’s needs. Get to know Emily more by taking a ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares her personal journey to joining Monte Nido & Affiliates. Keesha shares what inspires her and what she loves about being part of this organization. What first attracted you to want to work at Monte Nido & Affiliates, and what of those things ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Jacquie shares some advice of how to best be there for your loved one from her personal experience.  To all who are supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder: If there were one thing I wish ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel continues her heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Read on to learn from Jacquie’s personal experience…  Read Part One of Jacquie’s Series HERE. Connect. Take any one human’s dietary choices and simply turn to Google to find hundreds of people who would be willing ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Jacquie shares some advice of how to best be there for your loved one from her personal experience.  To all who are supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder: If there were one thing I wish ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel continues her heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Read on to learn from Jacquie’s personal experience…  Read Part One of Jacquie’s Series HERE. Connect. Take any one human’s dietary choices and simply turn to Google to find hundreds of people who would be willing ...

When people think of eating disorders, the first thing that comes to mind is often anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The most common kind of eating disorder, binge eating disorder, also comes to mind. The common factor these three disorders share is a sense of dissatisfaction with body size and weight. Although the symptoms of ...

Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk shares a special review of the book Dancing with a Demon by Valerie Foster. Read on to see why Kate feels this book is an invaluable resource for families of loved ones struggling with eating disorders.  Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia had the pleasure ...

Eating disorders are relatively widespread forms of mental health conditions that affect millions of people. Even though the usual perception of these disorders is that they are rare and only afflict certain demographics, they are present in every race, gender, and age group. They also tend to be more common than is normally expected. For example, ...

While in eating disorder treatment, patients must work with their care team to overcome social isolation while becoming recovered. Addressing this issue helps promote healing in recovery and builds the social support patients need. Social isolation occurs for many reasons and can be difficult to resolve in a short period of time. For this reason, across ...

Adolescents and Eating Disorders: What Are the Signs?

While eating disorders are the most common mental health condition, they often occur alongside other common mental health issues. Oftentimes, individuals with an eating disorder diagnosis will have already been experiencing co-occurring conditions like depression, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or substance abuse issues.  Research shows that up to half of all people diagnosed with an eating ...

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that binge eating disorder (BED) could potentially be the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States. Females are the most affected, with as many as 3.5 percent of women who could potentially benefit from attending an eating disorder recovery center. An estimated two percent of males also have BED. Yet, BED is ...

When left untreated, the eating disorder anorexia nervosa can wreak havoc on a person’s physical, mental, and social health.Long-term lack of nutrition, from calories to vitamins, overwhelms the body and brain. Even in the short term, physical consequences can be severe. Anything from heart failure to the hair falling out might result if disordered eating ...

Sometimes known as selective eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that can result in nutritional imbalance or even malnutrition in extreme cases. It’s characterized by the refusal to eat any but a few types of food. These “fear foods” cause a person great distress, and can be impactful on their ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 Ways to Create a Safe Space for Those Struggling This Holiday Season ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Who is Your Recovery Hero? Project Heal Let it Gleam Recovery Spark Celebrate the People ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Mindfulness: A Path to Self-Acceptance Psych Central Pain and Eating Disorders Denver Health  A 5-Minute ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders NEDA Garmet Project Offers Fresh Wardrobe to Those Recovering ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 New Year’s Resolutions that Have Nothing to Do With Changing Your ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   How Diet Talk Can Harm Your Future Grandchildren Psychology Today Dear Clients, Thanks ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Could You be Wearing Eating Disorder Sunglasses? Huffington Post Severe Eating Disorders in ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Negative Thoughts: 3 Causes. 7 Solutions Psych Central Power Pose: A Pathway to Strength ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Yoga: How it Can Help Eating Disorders Eating Disorder Hope 7 Ways to ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 Common Myths About Eating Disorders KSL How You Can Benefit From Adding ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Tips for Dealing with Diet and Weight Talk Over the Holidays Huffington ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. New Research Shows Yoga Improves Eating Disorder Symptoms Psychology Today Then and Now ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. What is Your Eating Disorder Keeping You From? Huffington Post Raising Awareness of ...

 Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk, MS, MFT is a recovered clinician who believes activating one’s soul self is essential in healing. In this week’s blog post, Kate shares the importance of asking questions and seeking answers, instead of assuming you know the best way to support someone.   I was out of ...

Our latest groundbreaking research was recently published about the association between major depressive and bipolar disorders and eating disorders.  The research article was written collaboratively by Molly Perlman and Guilia Suro from Monte Nido & Affiliates and also by Ismael Gavidia and Timothy D. Brewerton.  These findings have important implications for prevention, treatment and long-term follow-up ...

Back to Campus: Understanding Eating Disorders at Colleges and Universities

Summer is a time to slow down and recharge the mind, body and spirit. This is especially important for those of us in the world of healing. Monte Nido would like to invite you to kick off your sandals and spread your toes in the sand for this very special summer series. Each month we will ...

Eating disorder counseling is an important component of eating disorder recovery and offers a wide variety of benefits to individuals enrolled in programs at eating disorder treatment facilities. When eating disorder counseling is part of a treatment program, clients are more likely to achieve and maintain full recovery. Understanding the Development of Eating Disorders Eating disorders can ...

Beyond Binary Part One: Understanding gender diversity in eating disorder treatment

Beyond the Binary: Gender diversity and its added complexity in eating disorders

Binge Eating Disorder – A Short FAQ

Executive Director of Oliver-Pyatt Centers and Clementine Miami Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S shares an informative piece on Binge Eating Disorder. Dr. Spann discusses the potential causes and symptoms in part one of her two part series… Society unfortunately has a history of making weight based judgements of others as evident through the media. This is known ...

Executive Director of Oliver-Pyatt Centers and Clementine Miami Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S continues her series on Binge Eating Disorder. In part two, Dr. Spann shares about Bing Eating Disorder treatment. There is no quick fix and no miraculous intervention for those battling Binge Eating Disorder (BED). As discussed in part one of this series, the onset of Binge Eating Disorder ...

While most Americans have heard about common eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, most don’t realize that binge eating disorder is a separate psychological illness on the rise among people of all ages. Characterized by frequent episodes of eating excessive amounts of food, even without feeling hungry, binge eating disorder can result in an ...

Often first occurring in the late teens and early twenties, binge eating disorder can wreak havoc on physical and mental health if left undiagnosed. Unfortunately, feelings of guilt, shame, and denial can prevent people from getting a diagnosis and the care they need to become recovered. Loved ones can help, however, by watching for the ...

Binging but not Purging: How to Tell Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder Apart

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk shares an inside look at the Body & Soul Group she runs with her clients. Kate discusses what group therapy looks like at EDCPA and how she supports clients in discovering their soul self. No matter how long one has been struggling with an eating ...

Adolescence is a time of great change in everyone’s life. As a person beings to develop from a child into an adult, there are major changes in their physical state, their psychology, and the way they perceive their body. These changes can carry a risk, however. Eating disorders most commonly begin during late adolescence and ...

Accepting the way our bodies look is one of the hardest things to do. Feeling positive about them might be even harder. It’s well known that everyone feels bad about their appearance from time to time; what might come as a surprise is how common this is. According to a study performed by Front Psychiatry ...

The best eating disorder treatment centers, eating disorder therapists, and even the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common type of eating disorders in the United States, and one that comes with a litany of possible complications. It’s estimated that about 3.5 percent of women have or will have ...

Monte Nido Newport Beach Registered Dietitian Courtney Toya, MS, RD discusses building a healthier relationship with food in this week’s blog post. Courtney dives into the idea of giving ourselves permission to eat. She shares the importance of listening to our bodies instead of applying external rules that dictate our behavior. We live in a world of conditions: You ...

When people think about eating disorders, bulimia nervosa is one of the first things that springs to mind. It’s a prominent form of disordered behavior that affects millions of people in the United States, and without professional eating disorder treatment, it can hinder a person’s ability to live their happiest, healthiest life. Despite all this, ...

Bulimia Nervosa, Body Image, and Rejecting the Myth of the “Perfect Body”

Can Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Really Work?

Becky Henry​ is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), ACC and provides radical support for caregivers to become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In this post, Becky discusses Support that is essential when a child is in recovery. My Jan 24, 2018 article: ​What Parents and Health Care Professionals ...

The transition from treatment to the outside world can be challenging.  Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Carrie Wasterlain, LMSW offers tips to manage the messages we are constantly inundated with when trying to stay focused on full recovery in part one of her series.  It’s not news that our culture is saturated with diet-focused ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Carrie Wasterlain, LMSW continues sharing tips to manage the messages we receive from the outside world when trying to stay focused on full recovery. Read on to see Carrie’s helpful tips… Read Part One of Carrie’s Series HERE.  Next, stop buying women’s magazines, following triggering social media pages, and focusing ...

Expert Advisor to Monte Nido Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS is nationally known for her work on the medical complications of eating disorders. She recently opened the Gaudiani Clinic, a unique outpatient medical clinic specifically dedicated to adults with eating disorders. Dr. Gaudiani shares her expertise in this week’s blog post where she discusses her work with patients ...

Upon discharging from an eating disorder treatment center, adolescents must continue using their healthy coping skills to remain recovered. Through the use of these methods, adolescents can better handle the stressors in their daily lives without returning to disordered thoughts and behaviors as coping mechanisms. The removal of these obstacles allows children to return their ...

Monte Nido River Towns Primary Therapist Joe Sciarretta, MSW, LMSW  brings enthusiasm, truth and an appreciation for the challenges his clients face to his therapeutic practice. In this week’s blog post, Joe explains how Eating Disorder Selves develop to ultimately interrupt life, and how the whole person is uniquely cared for at Monte Nido. Special thanks to colleague Elizabeth Parks, ...

As families well know, kitchens and dining areas can become a battle zone when an eating disorder is present. Since they are so often such places of conflict, we need to prep them for the fragile early stage of returning home from treatment, when things as simple as the color of the placemats, type of ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Melissa Daum, LMFT uses metaphor to help explain the challenges of living with an eating disorder. In her post, Melissa sheds light on the “monsters” clients face as they work toward full recovery. With Halloween upon us and the crisp chill of fall in the air, ’tis the season ...

There are many approaches to treating eating disorders and other forms of behavioral health conditions. As long as the individual being treated is helped, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. There are faith-based approaches, 12-step approaches, and many others that have proven effective. However, in modern clinical settings, the watchword is “evidence-based.” ...

Over 1.5 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). That includes 187,000 people under the age of 18. The ADA also estimates that 30-40% of adolescents with type 1 diabetes will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Young women with the disease are about twice as ...

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is known to affect approximately two percent of the overall population. Similar to other eating disorders, binge eating disorder is more prominent in women, although unlike anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, it affects men almost as frequently as women. Binge ...

Treatment professionals focused on helping those with eating disorders understand how important it is that eating disorder treatment centers offer programs that address the needs of all types of people. Eating disorder treatment programs, such as residential eating disorder programs, offer specialized programs to help those diagnosed with eating disorders like binge eating disorder and anorexia ...

Bulimia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, and among the most well-known. When this disorder is not treated properly, it can lead to a host of complications and may even be fatal. For this reason, treating this disorder effectively is essential. In general, you should seek bulimia nervosa therapy from a professional treatment center, ...

Based on studies produced by the National Eating Disorders Association and other organizations, binge eating disorder is a common and possibly life-threatening form of eating disorder. The symptoms include recurring binge eating episodes (where the individual eats uncontrollably), feeling shame or distress following the episode, and secrecy about the actions and feelings that come with it. The occurrence of ...

  Monte Nido Assistant Clinical Director Jessyka Young, LMHC explores the use of yoga therapy in eating disorder treatment in this week’s blog post. She explains how yoga can help clients to listen to and become attuned to the signals and needs of their bodies. “Body image is the last thing to go”. This statement seems to ...

Don’t Forget About Eating Disorders in Adults

Dual Diagnosis: Common Mental Health Disorders that Co-Occur with Eating Disorders

In the field of eating disorder treatment, we understand that patients who seek care are typically presenting with ranging types and degrees of co-morbidities. Particularly delicate is the treatment of a patient who presents with both an Eating Disorder (ED) and a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). To meet the individualized needs of our patients who ...

A growing topic of debate in the LGBTQ and anorexia nervosa recovery circles is centered around gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia and their relationship to clinical diagnoses of a mental health disorder.  Even beyond the similarities of the terms, there has been confusion over why one description (gender dysphoria) is not considered a mental health disorder, ...

At Monte Nido Portland, we are sensitive to the developmental needs of the adolescent population, and our experienced multidisciplinary team takes a holistic approach to get teens on the path to full recovery. Whether stepping down from Monte Nido & Affiliates Clementine Portland program for adolescents, another residential treatment center or simply needing partial hospitalization or intensive ...

As we prepare to enter into a new decade, many people are taking time to reflect on the last 12 months in an effort to set new goals for the future. Spending some time in self-reflection is an important part of being more mindful and can bring on a variety of new feelings for People ...

Eating disorders affect people all across the United States, and Boston is no exception. In this city, both men and women are struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other similar issues. Fortunately, people in the Boston area who are dealing with the symptoms of an eating disorder can find plenty of ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Primary Therapist Temimah Zucker, LMSW shares important information about distinguishing between eating disorders and disordered eating. Temimah explains how to discern when disordered eating has turned into an eating disorder and warning signs to look out for.  One of the most common questions I’ve received as both a clinician and an eating disorder ...

When choosing a center for treating eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or others, prospective clients and their families have to find not only an accredited treatment facility but one that is capable of meeting their unique needs. Choosing a treatment facility can feel overwhelming; eating disorders are highly complex ...

When it is time to choose an eating disorder treatment center, it is important the person seeking help finds a center that fits their needs. Eating disorder treatment centers are not all the same, although many of them may have similar offerings. Because they are all a little different, some of these centers may be a better fit for some clients than ...

When someone receives a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, it’s natural for them to experience worry and fear about the future. It’s an extremely dangerous mental health disorder and treatment can be difficult and extensive. For those reasons, treatment of anorexia nervosa should include some aspect of family support or that of a close-knit group of ...

In modern eating disorder treatment practice, many kinds of therapy can be applied. Some, like CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) are mainstays of virtually every program. Others, such as animal-assisted therapy or faith-based programs are less used and more specialized. However, one form of therapy has been proven an excellent way ...

Examining the Role of Gender in the Development of Eating Disorders

Everyone knows that engaging in physical exercise regularly is good for your body. In fact, regular exercise has been connected to improved physical condition, as well as better mental health. However, there is always a potential for exercise to become an obsession, especially among people who have certain mental health or eating disorders. When exercise ...

Binge eating disorder revolves around the compulsive urge to consume huge amounts of food in a set period of time. People with binge eating disorder often feel like they cannot control this urge to overeat nor stop eating when satisfied or even full. This disorder may or may not involve purging after binge eating, but ...

Traditionally, the consensus in the eating disorder field had been to avoid trauma work during intensive treatment, opting to address it later in outpatient settings. This approach stems from a concern of making the eating disorder worse, along with a lack of trauma-informed treatment options. However, recent research conducted by Monte Nido & Affiliates and published ...

Exploring the Relationship Between Eating Disorders and OCD

While receiving care at an eating disorder recovery center, patients can greatly benefit from attending individual, group and family therapy sessions. These varied therapies allow patients to explore and challenge the underlying causes of their eating disorder, develop coping skills and receive support on the path to recovery. When searching for an “eating disorder treatment center near me” ...

Fat Shaming, Fat Phobia and the Rise in Eating Disorders

Monte Nido River Towns Clinical Director Gillian Tanz, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience treating a variety of mental health disorders in multiple treatment settings. In this week’s blog post, Gillian discusses the importance of play in eating disorder recovery.  As adults, and even adolescents, our society tells us ...

Five Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa That Can’t be Ignored in Younger People

Frequently Asked Questions About Anorexia Nervosa

Certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT shares an excerpt from her book, Body Mindful Yoga, which seeks to guide readers to learn how to affirm their bodies in this week’s blog post. The book includes a variety of mental, physical, auditory, and visual practices designed to help you ...

Fully Recovered vs. In Recovery: A Discussion of the Similarities and Differences

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, RYT 500 is the founder of Chime Yoga Therapy and specializes in eating disorders and body image. In addition to her private yoga therapy practice, Jennifer leads yoga therapy groups at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia, is cofounder of the Body Kindness Project, and a partner with both the Yoga and Body ...

Kelly Souza, PsyD has been working in the field of mental health for the past 14 years in various settings including residential foster care, a psychiatric hospital, various partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs and outpatient therapy centers. Kelly recently moved into her current role as Monte Nido & Affiliates Senior Director of Clinical Programming for California ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Eugene Clinical Director Kristen Doecke, LPC, ATR hopes to help women and men build the courage to reconnect with themselves and to gain insight into the underlying factors that drive their eating disorder. In this week’s blog post, Kristen shares some of her personal journey to joining the Monte ...

The approach of springtime with its milder weather, budding plants and more frequent displays of sunshine seems like it would be welcomed by everyone. After all, these signs of spring are evidence that the long, cold and sometimes-brutal winter season is taking a turn for the better. For someone who is experiencing body image negativity, though, the ...

Don Blackwell is a Trial Attorney with extensive experience in the eating disorder community. He has a unique perspective which he often shares through his honest and heartfelt writing. In his post, Don reminds us that re-discovery of our “authentic self” is possible. The more hearts I listen to the more convinced I become that we not ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Adolescent Treatment Program, Clementine Briarcliff Manor Clinical Director Danielle Small, MS, LMFT, CEDS is an eating disorder expert who is dedicated to helping clients learn to accept their bodies and embrace their spirit while also connecting to their intellectual curiosity. In this week’s post, Danielle dives into the idea of treating ...

The media has long been an influencer in the daily lives of Americans. The fashion industry is a prime example of the nearly-endless influence that the media has. As the latest trends regarding clothing and the ideal woman’s body were showcased on the runways of New York City, the local and national media rushed to ...

How Body Dysmorphia Affects the Development of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa

How Bulimia Nervosa Affects the Brain

How Does Social Media Trigger Disordered Eating Behaviors?

Seeking out eating disorder treatment near you can fundamentally change your life or the life of a loved one for the better. The symptoms of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an unspecified obsessive eating disorder must be treated, but there is also more to the equation than simply addressing the ...

How Eating Disorders Affect the Elderly

How Eating Disorders Affect the Mind and Body and How Anorexia Treatment Can Help

How Exercise Addiction Relates to Eating Disorders

How Fitness Can Be About Something Other Than Changing Your Body

How Is Binge Eating Disorder Underrepresented Compared to Other Eating Disorders?

How Psychiatric Care Can Counteract Diet Culture as Part of Treatment

While working on healing a disordered relationship with food and exercise at anorexia treatment near you, stress levels can start to rise. Without a way to relieve that stress, it can feel difficult to stay on track and follow the treatment plan. Thankfully, self-care can assist in this process, helping relieve stress and providing many other ...

As clients near the end of their journey in becoming fully recovered, they will need to prepare to transition out of the eating disorder treatment environment. The best eating disorder treatment centers aid in this transition by offering a full range of support services. Through these alumnae services, clients can remain connected to the treatment center staff ...

Like every other eating disorder, binge eating disorder poses many challenges for a person trying to better their life through treatment.Each person’s challenges differ according to their unique situations and their personality, so knowing the general issues that could put a wall between them and their recovery is useful in making a plan. For people who ...

The complex nature of eating disorders and their symptoms cause these conditions to have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. From bulimia nervosa to selective eating disorder, each condition presents unique challenges that must be addressed in an eating disorder treatment program. Across all eating disorder conditions, disordered thoughts and actions can quickly ...

While enrolled in residential eating disorder treatment programs, clients will receive meal support services to help them restructure their outlook on eating and mealtimes. The meal support services are designed to help them stick with their meal plan and overcome the challenges they might face. With meal support, clients can address their concerns and difficulties ...

In The Weeds: Marijuana Use & Eating Disorders

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking treatment is the best course of action. A professional eating disorder treatment program gives you the best chance of overcoming the disorder and returning to your healthy self. However, not all eating disorder treatment programs are the same. These programs last for ...

Tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally.  I am a widow, mother of three and grandmother of 4. How long have you worked at Monte Nido? I started working at Monte Nido RainRock outside of Eugene, Oregon in October of 2007. How did you hear about Monte Nido? I homeschooled my children, and when that was done started ...

How long have you worked at Monte Nido? I started with Monte Nido at the original site in Calabasas on February 1, 2001.  It fascinates me how quickly twenty years can fly by.  More astounding than the rapid speed of time, though, is the fact that I can say I have not been bored working at ...

Tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally. I am a recovered professional – sober and recovered from my eating disorder for over 20 years now. I got involved in community outreach for eating disorders awareness, on a personal level, which led me to return to school for psychology.  I live in the Philadelphia ...

One of the keys to a successful stint at an eating disorder treatment center is learning about your options before committing to one center or plan. Learning more about what to expect at residential or outpatient may provide a sense of motivation to get better. Most eating disorder treatment centers are ready to support that ...

When someone close to you gets a diagnosis of an eating disorder, it can be hard to know what the best course of action is.You may argue, or feel you or the person in question did something wrong – and these feelings are normal. However, negativity doesn’t accomplish anything. The important thing is to take ...

Every eating disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder, and as such tends to have equally complex causes that vary from individual to individual. ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is no different. Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa, and others, it’s impossible to point to specific factors that will always cause the disorder. Instead, ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Primary Therapist Kelsey Fisher, LMSW approaches each new therapeutic relationship with hope and the belief that full recovery is a genuine possibility for every person who embarks on the journey to wellness. In her writing, Kelsey discusses her work with clients in identifying and challenging their negative body image. Bad body image is ...

One of the most common things eating disorder therapists hear from their clients is a sense that they are perceived as being somehow lazy or weak-willed.  Even with the widespread presence of binge eating disorder treatment centers around the country, too many people still believe that binge eating disorder (BED) is a choice that people ...

Food is an important part of Jewish culture. Its role can be seen in everyday observances, as part of almost every holiday, and as a cultural marker that sets the faithful apart and provides continuity with the past. Virtually every life event from a wedding to a high school graduation is accompanied by a seudat ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, RYT 500 is the founder of Chime Yoga Therapy and specializes in eating disorders and body image. In addition to her private yoga therapy practice, Jennifer leads yoga therapy groups at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia, is cofounder of the Body Kindness Project, and a partner with both the Yoga and Body ...

Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and body image concerns. She also works with substance misuse, anxiety and mood disorders, infertility, and relationship difficulties. A certified group psychotherapist and certified eating disorder specialist, Dr. Rosenfeld has worked at various treatment centers and universities and now directs the Gatewell Therapy Center ...

While people with eating disorders enroll in treatment programs at eating disorder recovery centers, they will have regular opportunities to head out into the surrounding community to enjoy life-enhancing experiences. These outings give individuals a chance to try out their new skills and see how they respond to real-life situations. If any difficulties arise, fully ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Assistant Clinical Director Temimah Zucker, LMSW shares important information on distinguishing between eating disorders and disordered eating. Temimah explains how to discern when disordered eating has turned into an eating disorder and warning signs to be aware of.  One of the most common questions I’ve received as both a clinician and an eating disorder ...

There’s no simple panacea for treating eating disorders. To make a complete recovery, several disciplines and types of treatment are needed.  This can include a combination of therapy, in some rare cases, medication, and education. Because of the variety of various treatments available, the types are used will depend on the eating disorder a person has ...

Libby Parks, MA, LMSW utilizes a compassionate and informed approach to support clients and families on the journey to full recovery in her role as Lead Therapist at Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Westchester. In this week’s blog post, Libby discusses the idea of lovingkindness in eating disorder recovery. Call to mind the biggest bully ...

Chief Clinical Officer Melissa Spann, LMHC, PhD, CEDS-S offers tips to maintain recovery during COVID-19. Read on to learn how to take care of yourself during this difficult time… In the best of circumstances, recovery is hard. Really Hard. These are not those circumstances. The circumstances facing us to have those who are struggling trying to ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. Recovered herself, Jennifer is extremely passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies and be empowered in their lives. She teaches yoga at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia and is a partner with ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk offers tips for navigating the upcoming change of seasons and return to school. Kate shares ways to maintain recovery and manage the stress of a new schedule and academic pressure.   As summer fades into fall here on the east coast I can’t help but get ...

Conventional Wisdom tells us 1 in 10 people with eating disorders are male, but data suggests 25% of diagnosable cases occur in males.  Unfortunately, the under reporting is likely a result of stigma, lack of sensitivity and detection, and gendered perceptions of eating and dieting. The lower occurrence of eating disorders in males may, however, also ...

A residential eating disorder treatment program is an important step towards long-term recovery. But unfortunately, taking time away from work and family responsibility can be difficult. This leads many adults with eating disorders to put residential eating disorder treatment on the back burner because it could interfere with other important commitments in their lives. Even ...

The holidays are a time of celebration and joy for many, but for a person who’s in eating disorder recovery, the season can be challenging. In the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, as people get together with their families, stressful situations arise; even though we’re with the ones we love, our closest relationship can ...

Most of what we know about eating disorders is based on what we know about women with eating disorders. Most of what we know about men with eating disorders is based on what we know about conventional models of masculinity. Most of what the two of us know about either of these topics is heavily ...

Doug Bunnell, PhD, FAED, CEDS is an expert clinician and leader in the eating disorder field. He brings over three decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to his role as Monte Nido Chief Clinical Officer. He shares important information about treating males with eating disorders in this week’s blog post. Most of what we ...

Movement may often be overlooked as an effective component of bulimia nervosa recovery programs. Although it is not universal, many people with bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders feel compulsions to exercise excessively. In fact, some cases of bulimia nervosa involve exercising excessively instead of vomiting as the purging mechanism following a binge eating episode. ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS has over 10 years of experience working in the eating disorder field and is trained in EMDR. In this week’s blog post, Keesha discusses mindfulness and how it can be incorporated into treatment. Mindfulness might be one of the buzziest of the current buzz ...

When first facing the prospect of entering an eating disorder treatment center, many people are unsure what to expect. They may even be nervous or resistant. It’s natural to have some cold feet when it comes to entering an eating disorder treatment center, but a quality facility will have some characteristics that make the time ...

Part 2 of 2: A Discussion During Mental Health Awareness Month As a follow-up to mental health awareness month, brain research has revealed that neurochemistry is disrupted in individuals with eating disorders. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are involved in complex signaling pathways. These pathways are dysregulated in eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders. Dopamine ...

Part 1 of 2: A Discussion During Mental Health Awareness Month It is an exciting time in the world of brain and mental health research. Over the past few years, there has been an exponential increase in research findings in the neurobiology and genetics of mental health disorders. While we have known for decades that mental ...

Becky Henry is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and uses those skills to guide families to let go of fear and panic, learn self-care skills and become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In this week’s post, Becky offers some inspiration in dealing with challenges mothers face both ...

When a person is living in the trenches of an eating disorder, decisions around how to safely and appropriately interact with food are dominated by unhealthy, dangerous and life-limiting thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. Over time, connections to bodily signals are weakened and awareness of hunger and fullness becomes distorted. At Monte Nido, we understand while ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Nursing Lyn Goldring, RN, BN, CEDRN helped to create the current nursing program, and currently oversees the well being of clients and the team of nurses. In this week’s blog post, Lyn dives into the passion and dedication behind the Monte Nido nursing program. Research now supports the notion ...

It’s incredibly difficult to keep track of what each program provides and who each program “is” in the eating disorder industry. We know when a family asks you to recommend a program that treats eating disorders, you’re taking their lives in your hands. We know they ask you, “Does the program work? How do you know this ...

It’s incredibly difficult to keep track of what each program provides and who each program “is” in the eating disorder industry. We know when a family asks you to recommend a program that treats eating disorders, you’re taking their lives in your hands. We know they ask you, “Does the program work? How do you know this ...

The constant media attention around GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and others are making their popularity soar while taking a toll on those at risk for or living with eating disorders. The countless stories of famous people who are using the medication for weight loss exacerbates the preoccupation with changing our bodies to fit the thin ...

Bulimia nervosa affects millions of people, despite the common misconceptions that it is a rare disorder. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, one percent of young women and 0.1 percent of young men are shown to display symptoms of this disorder at some point. The numbers are similar for other forms of eating disorders. ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt letter to her younger brother in this week’s blog post. Read Jacquie’s moving post about her eating disorder recovery journey and her love and appreciation for her brother. Dear Felipe, You are one incredible human. I don’t think you know how lucky it is to ...

Emily Dumas, MA, LMFT is the Clinical Director of the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia. Emily has extensive experience in the eating disorder field and uses a collaborative and integrative style in her therapy in order to tailor her approach to each of her client’s needs. Get to know Emily more by taking a glimpse ...

  Dr. Linda Shanti, PsyD is an eating disorder expert with almost two decades of experience working in the field. As a recovered professional, she understands what her clients are facing on a day to day basis and is able to support them on their journey. In her writing, Dr. Shanti tells some of what her ...

While in isolation, mindfulness can fall to the wayside. This is especially true for those who previously engaged in group activities, like yoga and guided meditation.  Without mindfulness, ignoring inner thoughts and feelings quickly becomes a habit once again, reducing mental resiliency and wellbeing. With that comes a risk of returning to disordered eating patterns and ...

10 Questions To Ask If You Think A Loved One Has Anorexia Nervosa

Becky Henry is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and uses those skills to guide families to let go of fear and panic, learn self-care skills and become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In her writing, Becky offers self care tips for those caring for loved ones in recovery ...

The road to eating disorder recovery is long and requires the help of professionals, loved ones and above all, acceptance and love from yourself. Developing positive behaviors and attitudes towards food and outlets for stress is critical to the longevity of any implemented plan. While your physical well-being is the first step, tending to your ...

When it is suspected a loved one may have an eating disorder, it is crucial to watch for the signs and symptoms so they can enter treatment at a binge eating treatment center and begin on the path to binge eating recovery. There are many symptoms besides the more obvious physical signs; individuals with binge eating disorder may exhibit ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. Recovered herself, Jennifer is extremely passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies and be empowered in their lives. She teaches yoga at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia and is a ...

Research has shown that common eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa typically onset during the early teen years. Eating disorders bring with them serious medical and mental health consequences and are well known for being very difficult to treat. Most often, specialized eating disorder treatment is required before adolescents are recovered. It is important ...

In spite of great strides being made within the past few years, eating disorders are still often misunderstood. The good thing is that more high-quality eating disorder treatment centers that offer eating disorder treatment programs that are tailored to the individual are available today than ever before. Taking the following crucial steps can help the ...

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, eating disorders are among the most common forms of mental health disorders affecting teenagers and young adults in the United States. Any eating disorder can wreak havoc on a person’s life – they might become trapped in a recurrent pattern of compulsive eating, binging and purging, food restriction, ...

5 Common Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is among the most important and yet misunderstood mental health disorders in the world. It is surprisingly common and can have dangerous health consequences if left untreated, like obesity, heart disease, sleep apnea, and many others. Even beyond the health risks, experts at eating disorder recovery centers have noted the emotional distress ...

Awareness of eating disorders and their impact on people has increased in recent years, in large part due to the growth of eating disorder recovery and body positivity accounts on social media. These platforms, which can be double-edged swords with the fatphobic, diet-industry imagery that are also present, have changed the way people with eating ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares about one of the most important concepts taught to clients during treatment. Based on the 8 Keys book by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin, Keesha explains how the client’s understanding of the “Eating Disorder Self” and “Healthy Self” plays a crucial role in their ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS continues her series this week on the 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin with the 4th key. In her writing, Keesha discusses the importance of ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS continues her series this week on the 8 Keys book by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin with the 3rd key. In her writing, Keesha explains how this key stresses that the eating disorder is not just about the food, and the ...

Monte Nido Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares about The 8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder,by Gwen Grabb, LMFT and Monte Nido Founder Carolyn Costin, the philosophy that guides Monte Nido’s practice in supporting clients to becoming fully recovered in this weeks blog post. In her writing, she explains the first key, ...

8 Things That Set the Best Binge Eating Disorder Treatment Centers Apart

There is more than one kind of treatment available at an eating disorder treatment center. Some are more clinical or medical than others, and others are more focused on the emotional aspects. It is important to remember tending to the spirit at eating disorder facilities is just as important as tending to the body. Many ...

There are a number of different aspects to eating disorder counseling. Some are physical, and some are psychological, but all of them are very important. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that tending to the soul during eating disorder treatment is just as important as tending to the body. Not everyone is expecting this ...

Because social support is a key factor in recovery from any behavioral health disorder, eating disorder treatment centers often prioritize building these support systems in preparation for a successful transition to life in recovery. People in eating disorder treatment are encouraged to identify those in their social networks and find ways to rebuild their connections. ...

Stress is a primary trigger for most mental health conditions – from anxiety and depression, and especially eating disorders, external pressure leads to disordered thoughts and behaviors. When people have underlying conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, it can make handling stress that much harder and the urge to give in to the urge to ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Lead Therapist Colleen Baker, LMSW shares her soulful journey to joining the Monte Nido team in this week’s blog post. Learn more about Colleen and her work at Monte Nido Manhattan… Share about your background and what led you to Monte Nido: I became passionate about the field of eating ...

Emily Dumas, MA, LMFT is the Clinical Director of the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia. Emily has extensive experience in the eating disorder field and uses a collaborative and integrative style in her therapy in order to tailor her approach to each of her client’s needs. Get to know Emily more by taking a ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS shares her personal journey to joining Monte Nido & Affiliates. Keesha shares what inspires her and what she loves about being part of this organization. What first attracted you to want to work at Monte Nido & Affiliates, and what of those things ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Jacquie shares some advice of how to best be there for your loved one from her personal experience.  To all who are supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder: If there were one thing I wish ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel continues her heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Read on to learn from Jacquie’s personal experience…  Read Part One of Jacquie’s Series HERE. Connect. Take any one human’s dietary choices and simply turn to Google to find hundreds of people who would be willing ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Jacquie shares some advice of how to best be there for your loved one from her personal experience.  To all who are supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder: If there were one thing I wish ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel continues her heartfelt series for anyone supporting a loved-one with an eating disorder. Read on to learn from Jacquie’s personal experience…  Read Part One of Jacquie’s Series HERE. Connect. Take any one human’s dietary choices and simply turn to Google to find hundreds of people who would be willing ...

When people think of eating disorders, the first thing that comes to mind is often anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The most common kind of eating disorder, binge eating disorder, also comes to mind. The common factor these three disorders share is a sense of dissatisfaction with body size and weight. Although the symptoms of ...

Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk shares a special review of the book Dancing with a Demon by Valerie Foster. Read on to see why Kate feels this book is an invaluable resource for families of loved ones struggling with eating disorders.  Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia had the pleasure ...

Eating disorders are relatively widespread forms of mental health conditions that affect millions of people. Even though the usual perception of these disorders is that they are rare and only afflict certain demographics, they are present in every race, gender, and age group. They also tend to be more common than is normally expected. For example, ...

While in eating disorder treatment, patients must work with their care team to overcome social isolation while becoming recovered. Addressing this issue helps promote healing in recovery and builds the social support patients need. Social isolation occurs for many reasons and can be difficult to resolve in a short period of time. For this reason, across ...

Adolescents and Eating Disorders: What Are the Signs?

While eating disorders are the most common mental health condition, they often occur alongside other common mental health issues. Oftentimes, individuals with an eating disorder diagnosis will have already been experiencing co-occurring conditions like depression, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or substance abuse issues.  Research shows that up to half of all people diagnosed with an eating ...

The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that binge eating disorder (BED) could potentially be the most prevalent eating disorder in the United States. Females are the most affected, with as many as 3.5 percent of women who could potentially benefit from attending an eating disorder recovery center. An estimated two percent of males also have BED. Yet, BED is ...

When left untreated, the eating disorder anorexia nervosa can wreak havoc on a person’s physical, mental, and social health.Long-term lack of nutrition, from calories to vitamins, overwhelms the body and brain. Even in the short term, physical consequences can be severe. Anything from heart failure to the hair falling out might result if disordered eating ...

Sometimes known as selective eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a psychiatric disorder that can result in nutritional imbalance or even malnutrition in extreme cases. It’s characterized by the refusal to eat any but a few types of food. These “fear foods” cause a person great distress, and can be impactful on their ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 Ways to Create a Safe Space for Those Struggling This Holiday Season ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Who is Your Recovery Hero? Project Heal Let it Gleam Recovery Spark Celebrate the People ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Mindfulness: A Path to Self-Acceptance Psych Central Pain and Eating Disorders Denver Health  A 5-Minute ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders NEDA Garmet Project Offers Fresh Wardrobe to Those Recovering ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 New Year’s Resolutions that Have Nothing to Do With Changing Your ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   How Diet Talk Can Harm Your Future Grandchildren Psychology Today Dear Clients, Thanks ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Could You be Wearing Eating Disorder Sunglasses? Huffington Post Severe Eating Disorders in ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Negative Thoughts: 3 Causes. 7 Solutions Psych Central Power Pose: A Pathway to Strength ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   Yoga: How it Can Help Eating Disorders Eating Disorder Hope 7 Ways to ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here.   5 Common Myths About Eating Disorders KSL How You Can Benefit From Adding ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. Tips for Dealing with Diet and Weight Talk Over the Holidays Huffington ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. New Research Shows Yoga Improves Eating Disorder Symptoms Psychology Today Then and Now ...

Join us in reading soulful articles we have cultivated from across the web. If you have found an article you feel is inspirational, explores current research, or is a knowledgeable piece of literature and would like to share with us please send an e-mail here. What is Your Eating Disorder Keeping You From? Huffington Post Raising Awareness of ...

 Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk, MS, MFT is a recovered clinician who believes activating one’s soul self is essential in healing. In this week’s blog post, Kate shares the importance of asking questions and seeking answers, instead of assuming you know the best way to support someone.   I was out of ...

Our latest groundbreaking research was recently published about the association between major depressive and bipolar disorders and eating disorders.  The research article was written collaboratively by Molly Perlman and Guilia Suro from Monte Nido & Affiliates and also by Ismael Gavidia and Timothy D. Brewerton.  These findings have important implications for prevention, treatment and long-term follow-up ...

Back to Campus: Understanding Eating Disorders at Colleges and Universities

Summer is a time to slow down and recharge the mind, body and spirit. This is especially important for those of us in the world of healing. Monte Nido would like to invite you to kick off your sandals and spread your toes in the sand for this very special summer series. Each month we will ...

Eating disorder counseling is an important component of eating disorder recovery and offers a wide variety of benefits to individuals enrolled in programs at eating disorder treatment facilities. When eating disorder counseling is part of a treatment program, clients are more likely to achieve and maintain full recovery. Understanding the Development of Eating Disorders Eating disorders can ...

Beyond Binary Part One: Understanding gender diversity in eating disorder treatment

Beyond the Binary: Gender diversity and its added complexity in eating disorders

Binge Eating Disorder – A Short FAQ

Executive Director of Oliver-Pyatt Centers and Clementine Miami Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S shares an informative piece on Binge Eating Disorder. Dr. Spann discusses the potential causes and symptoms in part one of her two part series… Society unfortunately has a history of making weight based judgements of others as evident through the media. This is known ...

Executive Director of Oliver-Pyatt Centers and Clementine Miami Melissa Spann, PhD, CEDS-S continues her series on Binge Eating Disorder. In part two, Dr. Spann shares about Bing Eating Disorder treatment. There is no quick fix and no miraculous intervention for those battling Binge Eating Disorder (BED). As discussed in part one of this series, the onset of Binge Eating Disorder ...

While most Americans have heard about common eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, most don’t realize that binge eating disorder is a separate psychological illness on the rise among people of all ages. Characterized by frequent episodes of eating excessive amounts of food, even without feeling hungry, binge eating disorder can result in an ...

Often first occurring in the late teens and early twenties, binge eating disorder can wreak havoc on physical and mental health if left undiagnosed. Unfortunately, feelings of guilt, shame, and denial can prevent people from getting a diagnosis and the care they need to become recovered. Loved ones can help, however, by watching for the ...

Binging but not Purging: How to Tell Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder Apart

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk shares an inside look at the Body & Soul Group she runs with her clients. Kate discusses what group therapy looks like at EDCPA and how she supports clients in discovering their soul self. No matter how long one has been struggling with an eating ...

Adolescence is a time of great change in everyone’s life. As a person beings to develop from a child into an adult, there are major changes in their physical state, their psychology, and the way they perceive their body. These changes can carry a risk, however. Eating disorders most commonly begin during late adolescence and ...

Accepting the way our bodies look is one of the hardest things to do. Feeling positive about them might be even harder. It’s well known that everyone feels bad about their appearance from time to time; what might come as a surprise is how common this is. According to a study performed by Front Psychiatry ...

The best eating disorder treatment centers, eating disorder therapists, and even the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) states that binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common type of eating disorders in the United States, and one that comes with a litany of possible complications. It’s estimated that about 3.5 percent of women have or will have ...

Monte Nido Newport Beach Registered Dietitian Courtney Toya, MS, RD discusses building a healthier relationship with food in this week’s blog post. Courtney dives into the idea of giving ourselves permission to eat. She shares the importance of listening to our bodies instead of applying external rules that dictate our behavior. We live in a world of conditions: You ...

When people think about eating disorders, bulimia nervosa is one of the first things that springs to mind. It’s a prominent form of disordered behavior that affects millions of people in the United States, and without professional eating disorder treatment, it can hinder a person’s ability to live their happiest, healthiest life. Despite all this, ...

Bulimia Nervosa, Body Image, and Rejecting the Myth of the “Perfect Body”

Can Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Really Work?

Becky Henry​ is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC), ACC and provides radical support for caregivers to become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In this post, Becky discusses Support that is essential when a child is in recovery. My Jan 24, 2018 article: ​What Parents and Health Care Professionals ...

The transition from treatment to the outside world can be challenging.  Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Carrie Wasterlain, LMSW offers tips to manage the messages we are constantly inundated with when trying to stay focused on full recovery in part one of her series.  It’s not news that our culture is saturated with diet-focused ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Carrie Wasterlain, LMSW continues sharing tips to manage the messages we receive from the outside world when trying to stay focused on full recovery. Read on to see Carrie’s helpful tips… Read Part One of Carrie’s Series HERE.  Next, stop buying women’s magazines, following triggering social media pages, and focusing ...

Expert Advisor to Monte Nido Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS is nationally known for her work on the medical complications of eating disorders. She recently opened the Gaudiani Clinic, a unique outpatient medical clinic specifically dedicated to adults with eating disorders. Dr. Gaudiani shares her expertise in this week’s blog post where she discusses her work with patients ...

Upon discharging from an eating disorder treatment center, adolescents must continue using their healthy coping skills to remain recovered. Through the use of these methods, adolescents can better handle the stressors in their daily lives without returning to disordered thoughts and behaviors as coping mechanisms. The removal of these obstacles allows children to return their ...

Monte Nido River Towns Primary Therapist Joe Sciarretta, MSW, LMSW  brings enthusiasm, truth and an appreciation for the challenges his clients face to his therapeutic practice. In this week’s blog post, Joe explains how Eating Disorder Selves develop to ultimately interrupt life, and how the whole person is uniquely cared for at Monte Nido. Special thanks to colleague Elizabeth Parks, ...

As families well know, kitchens and dining areas can become a battle zone when an eating disorder is present. Since they are so often such places of conflict, we need to prep them for the fragile early stage of returning home from treatment, when things as simple as the color of the placemats, type of ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Manhattan Primary Therapist Melissa Daum, LMFT uses metaphor to help explain the challenges of living with an eating disorder. In her post, Melissa sheds light on the “monsters” clients face as they work toward full recovery. With Halloween upon us and the crisp chill of fall in the air, ’tis the season ...

There are many approaches to treating eating disorders and other forms of behavioral health conditions. As long as the individual being treated is helped, there’s no right or wrong way to do it. There are faith-based approaches, 12-step approaches, and many others that have proven effective. However, in modern clinical settings, the watchword is “evidence-based.” ...

Over 1.5 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). That includes 187,000 people under the age of 18. The ADA also estimates that 30-40% of adolescents with type 1 diabetes will develop an eating disorder at some point in their lives. Young women with the disease are about twice as ...

Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. It is known to affect approximately two percent of the overall population. Similar to other eating disorders, binge eating disorder is more prominent in women, although unlike anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, it affects men almost as frequently as women. Binge ...

Treatment professionals focused on helping those with eating disorders understand how important it is that eating disorder treatment centers offer programs that address the needs of all types of people. Eating disorder treatment programs, such as residential eating disorder programs, offer specialized programs to help those diagnosed with eating disorders like binge eating disorder and anorexia ...

Bulimia nervosa is one of the most common eating disorders, and among the most well-known. When this disorder is not treated properly, it can lead to a host of complications and may even be fatal. For this reason, treating this disorder effectively is essential. In general, you should seek bulimia nervosa therapy from a professional treatment center, ...

Based on studies produced by the National Eating Disorders Association and other organizations, binge eating disorder is a common and possibly life-threatening form of eating disorder. The symptoms include recurring binge eating episodes (where the individual eats uncontrollably), feeling shame or distress following the episode, and secrecy about the actions and feelings that come with it. The occurrence of ...

  Monte Nido Assistant Clinical Director Jessyka Young, LMHC explores the use of yoga therapy in eating disorder treatment in this week’s blog post. She explains how yoga can help clients to listen to and become attuned to the signals and needs of their bodies. “Body image is the last thing to go”. This statement seems to ...

Don’t Forget About Eating Disorders in Adults

Dual Diagnosis: Common Mental Health Disorders that Co-Occur with Eating Disorders

In the field of eating disorder treatment, we understand that patients who seek care are typically presenting with ranging types and degrees of co-morbidities. Particularly delicate is the treatment of a patient who presents with both an Eating Disorder (ED) and a Substance Use Disorder (SUD). To meet the individualized needs of our patients who ...

A growing topic of debate in the LGBTQ and anorexia nervosa recovery circles is centered around gender dysphoria, body dysmorphia and their relationship to clinical diagnoses of a mental health disorder.  Even beyond the similarities of the terms, there has been confusion over why one description (gender dysphoria) is not considered a mental health disorder, ...

At Monte Nido Portland, we are sensitive to the developmental needs of the adolescent population, and our experienced multidisciplinary team takes a holistic approach to get teens on the path to full recovery. Whether stepping down from Monte Nido & Affiliates Clementine Portland program for adolescents, another residential treatment center or simply needing partial hospitalization or intensive ...

As we prepare to enter into a new decade, many people are taking time to reflect on the last 12 months in an effort to set new goals for the future. Spending some time in self-reflection is an important part of being more mindful and can bring on a variety of new feelings for People ...

Eating disorders affect people all across the United States, and Boston is no exception. In this city, both men and women are struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other similar issues. Fortunately, people in the Boston area who are dealing with the symptoms of an eating disorder can find plenty of ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Primary Therapist Temimah Zucker, LMSW shares important information about distinguishing between eating disorders and disordered eating. Temimah explains how to discern when disordered eating has turned into an eating disorder and warning signs to look out for.  One of the most common questions I’ve received as both a clinician and an eating disorder ...

When choosing a center for treating eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or others, prospective clients and their families have to find not only an accredited treatment facility but one that is capable of meeting their unique needs. Choosing a treatment facility can feel overwhelming; eating disorders are highly complex ...

When it is time to choose an eating disorder treatment center, it is important the person seeking help finds a center that fits their needs. Eating disorder treatment centers are not all the same, although many of them may have similar offerings. Because they are all a little different, some of these centers may be a better fit for some clients than ...

When someone receives a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, it’s natural for them to experience worry and fear about the future. It’s an extremely dangerous mental health disorder and treatment can be difficult and extensive. For those reasons, treatment of anorexia nervosa should include some aspect of family support or that of a close-knit group of ...

In modern eating disorder treatment practice, many kinds of therapy can be applied. Some, like CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) are mainstays of virtually every program. Others, such as animal-assisted therapy or faith-based programs are less used and more specialized. However, one form of therapy has been proven an excellent way ...

Examining the Role of Gender in the Development of Eating Disorders

Everyone knows that engaging in physical exercise regularly is good for your body. In fact, regular exercise has been connected to improved physical condition, as well as better mental health. However, there is always a potential for exercise to become an obsession, especially among people who have certain mental health or eating disorders. When exercise ...

Binge eating disorder revolves around the compulsive urge to consume huge amounts of food in a set period of time. People with binge eating disorder often feel like they cannot control this urge to overeat nor stop eating when satisfied or even full. This disorder may or may not involve purging after binge eating, but ...

Traditionally, the consensus in the eating disorder field had been to avoid trauma work during intensive treatment, opting to address it later in outpatient settings. This approach stems from a concern of making the eating disorder worse, along with a lack of trauma-informed treatment options. However, recent research conducted by Monte Nido & Affiliates and published ...

Exploring the Relationship Between Eating Disorders and OCD

While receiving care at an eating disorder recovery center, patients can greatly benefit from attending individual, group and family therapy sessions. These varied therapies allow patients to explore and challenge the underlying causes of their eating disorder, develop coping skills and receive support on the path to recovery. When searching for an “eating disorder treatment center near me” ...

Fat Shaming, Fat Phobia and the Rise in Eating Disorders

Monte Nido River Towns Clinical Director Gillian Tanz, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience treating a variety of mental health disorders in multiple treatment settings. In this week’s blog post, Gillian discusses the importance of play in eating disorder recovery.  As adults, and even adolescents, our society tells us ...

Five Warning Signs of Anorexia Nervosa That Can’t be Ignored in Younger People

Frequently Asked Questions About Anorexia Nervosa

Certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT shares an excerpt from her book, Body Mindful Yoga, which seeks to guide readers to learn how to affirm their bodies in this week’s blog post. The book includes a variety of mental, physical, auditory, and visual practices designed to help you ...

Fully Recovered vs. In Recovery: A Discussion of the Similarities and Differences

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, RYT 500 is the founder of Chime Yoga Therapy and specializes in eating disorders and body image. In addition to her private yoga therapy practice, Jennifer leads yoga therapy groups at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia, is cofounder of the Body Kindness Project, and a partner with both the Yoga and Body ...

Kelly Souza, PsyD has been working in the field of mental health for the past 14 years in various settings including residential foster care, a psychiatric hospital, various partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs and outpatient therapy centers. Kelly recently moved into her current role as Monte Nido & Affiliates Senior Director of Clinical Programming for California ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Eugene Clinical Director Kristen Doecke, LPC, ATR hopes to help women and men build the courage to reconnect with themselves and to gain insight into the underlying factors that drive their eating disorder. In this week’s blog post, Kristen shares some of her personal journey to joining the Monte ...

The approach of springtime with its milder weather, budding plants and more frequent displays of sunshine seems like it would be welcomed by everyone. After all, these signs of spring are evidence that the long, cold and sometimes-brutal winter season is taking a turn for the better. For someone who is experiencing body image negativity, though, the ...

Don Blackwell is a Trial Attorney with extensive experience in the eating disorder community. He has a unique perspective which he often shares through his honest and heartfelt writing. In his post, Don reminds us that re-discovery of our “authentic self” is possible. The more hearts I listen to the more convinced I become that we not ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Adolescent Treatment Program, Clementine Briarcliff Manor Clinical Director Danielle Small, MS, LMFT, CEDS is an eating disorder expert who is dedicated to helping clients learn to accept their bodies and embrace their spirit while also connecting to their intellectual curiosity. In this week’s post, Danielle dives into the idea of treating ...

The media has long been an influencer in the daily lives of Americans. The fashion industry is a prime example of the nearly-endless influence that the media has. As the latest trends regarding clothing and the ideal woman’s body were showcased on the runways of New York City, the local and national media rushed to ...

How Body Dysmorphia Affects the Development of Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia Nervosa

How Bulimia Nervosa Affects the Brain

How Does Social Media Trigger Disordered Eating Behaviors?

Seeking out eating disorder treatment near you can fundamentally change your life or the life of a loved one for the better. The symptoms of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder or an unspecified obsessive eating disorder must be treated, but there is also more to the equation than simply addressing the ...

How Eating Disorders Affect the Elderly

How Eating Disorders Affect the Mind and Body and How Anorexia Treatment Can Help

How Exercise Addiction Relates to Eating Disorders

How Fitness Can Be About Something Other Than Changing Your Body

How Is Binge Eating Disorder Underrepresented Compared to Other Eating Disorders?

How Psychiatric Care Can Counteract Diet Culture as Part of Treatment

While working on healing a disordered relationship with food and exercise at anorexia treatment near you, stress levels can start to rise. Without a way to relieve that stress, it can feel difficult to stay on track and follow the treatment plan. Thankfully, self-care can assist in this process, helping relieve stress and providing many other ...

As clients near the end of their journey in becoming fully recovered, they will need to prepare to transition out of the eating disorder treatment environment. The best eating disorder treatment centers aid in this transition by offering a full range of support services. Through these alumnae services, clients can remain connected to the treatment center staff ...

Like every other eating disorder, binge eating disorder poses many challenges for a person trying to better their life through treatment.Each person’s challenges differ according to their unique situations and their personality, so knowing the general issues that could put a wall between them and their recovery is useful in making a plan. For people who ...

The complex nature of eating disorders and their symptoms cause these conditions to have a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. From bulimia nervosa to selective eating disorder, each condition presents unique challenges that must be addressed in an eating disorder treatment program. Across all eating disorder conditions, disordered thoughts and actions can quickly ...

While enrolled in residential eating disorder treatment programs, clients will receive meal support services to help them restructure their outlook on eating and mealtimes. The meal support services are designed to help them stick with their meal plan and overcome the challenges they might face. With meal support, clients can address their concerns and difficulties ...

In The Weeds: Marijuana Use & Eating Disorders

If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, seeking treatment is the best course of action. A professional eating disorder treatment program gives you the best chance of overcoming the disorder and returning to your healthy self. However, not all eating disorder treatment programs are the same. These programs last for ...

Tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally.  I am a widow, mother of three and grandmother of 4. How long have you worked at Monte Nido? I started working at Monte Nido RainRock outside of Eugene, Oregon in October of 2007. How did you hear about Monte Nido? I homeschooled my children, and when that was done started ...

How long have you worked at Monte Nido? I started with Monte Nido at the original site in Calabasas on February 1, 2001.  It fascinates me how quickly twenty years can fly by.  More astounding than the rapid speed of time, though, is the fact that I can say I have not been bored working at ...

Tell us a little bit about yourself personally and professionally. I am a recovered professional – sober and recovered from my eating disorder for over 20 years now. I got involved in community outreach for eating disorders awareness, on a personal level, which led me to return to school for psychology.  I live in the Philadelphia ...

One of the keys to a successful stint at an eating disorder treatment center is learning about your options before committing to one center or plan. Learning more about what to expect at residential or outpatient may provide a sense of motivation to get better. Most eating disorder treatment centers are ready to support that ...

When someone close to you gets a diagnosis of an eating disorder, it can be hard to know what the best course of action is.You may argue, or feel you or the person in question did something wrong – and these feelings are normal. However, negativity doesn’t accomplish anything. The important thing is to take ...

Every eating disorder is a complex psychiatric disorder, and as such tends to have equally complex causes that vary from individual to individual. ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is no different. Like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, orthorexia nervosa, and others, it’s impossible to point to specific factors that will always cause the disorder. Instead, ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Primary Therapist Kelsey Fisher, LMSW approaches each new therapeutic relationship with hope and the belief that full recovery is a genuine possibility for every person who embarks on the journey to wellness. In her writing, Kelsey discusses her work with clients in identifying and challenging their negative body image. Bad body image is ...

One of the most common things eating disorder therapists hear from their clients is a sense that they are perceived as being somehow lazy or weak-willed.  Even with the widespread presence of binge eating disorder treatment centers around the country, too many people still believe that binge eating disorder (BED) is a choice that people ...

Food is an important part of Jewish culture. Its role can be seen in everyday observances, as part of almost every holiday, and as a cultural marker that sets the faithful apart and provides continuity with the past. Virtually every life event from a wedding to a high school graduation is accompanied by a seudat ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, RYT 500 is the founder of Chime Yoga Therapy and specializes in eating disorders and body image. In addition to her private yoga therapy practice, Jennifer leads yoga therapy groups at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia, is cofounder of the Body Kindness Project, and a partner with both the Yoga and Body ...

Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld is a clinical psychologist specializing in eating disorders and body image concerns. She also works with substance misuse, anxiety and mood disorders, infertility, and relationship difficulties. A certified group psychotherapist and certified eating disorder specialist, Dr. Rosenfeld has worked at various treatment centers and universities and now directs the Gatewell Therapy Center ...

While people with eating disorders enroll in treatment programs at eating disorder recovery centers, they will have regular opportunities to head out into the surrounding community to enjoy life-enhancing experiences. These outings give individuals a chance to try out their new skills and see how they respond to real-life situations. If any difficulties arise, fully ...

Monte Nido Manhattan Assistant Clinical Director Temimah Zucker, LMSW shares important information on distinguishing between eating disorders and disordered eating. Temimah explains how to discern when disordered eating has turned into an eating disorder and warning signs to be aware of.  One of the most common questions I’ve received as both a clinician and an eating disorder ...

There’s no simple panacea for treating eating disorders. To make a complete recovery, several disciplines and types of treatment are needed.  This can include a combination of therapy, in some rare cases, medication, and education. Because of the variety of various treatments available, the types are used will depend on the eating disorder a person has ...

Libby Parks, MA, LMSW utilizes a compassionate and informed approach to support clients and families on the journey to full recovery in her role as Lead Therapist at Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Westchester. In this week’s blog post, Libby discusses the idea of lovingkindness in eating disorder recovery. Call to mind the biggest bully ...

Chief Clinical Officer Melissa Spann, LMHC, PhD, CEDS-S offers tips to maintain recovery during COVID-19. Read on to learn how to take care of yourself during this difficult time… In the best of circumstances, recovery is hard. Really Hard. These are not those circumstances. The circumstances facing us to have those who are struggling trying to ...

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. Recovered herself, Jennifer is extremely passionate about helping others reconnect with their bodies and be empowered in their lives. She teaches yoga at the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia and is a partner with ...

Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia Primary Therapist Kate Funk offers tips for navigating the upcoming change of seasons and return to school. Kate shares ways to maintain recovery and manage the stress of a new schedule and academic pressure.   As summer fades into fall here on the east coast I can’t help but get ...

Conventional Wisdom tells us 1 in 10 people with eating disorders are male, but data suggests 25% of diagnosable cases occur in males.  Unfortunately, the under reporting is likely a result of stigma, lack of sensitivity and detection, and gendered perceptions of eating and dieting. The lower occurrence of eating disorders in males may, however, also ...

A residential eating disorder treatment program is an important step towards long-term recovery. But unfortunately, taking time away from work and family responsibility can be difficult. This leads many adults with eating disorders to put residential eating disorder treatment on the back burner because it could interfere with other important commitments in their lives. Even ...

The holidays are a time of celebration and joy for many, but for a person who’s in eating disorder recovery, the season can be challenging. In the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, as people get together with their families, stressful situations arise; even though we’re with the ones we love, our closest relationship can ...

Most of what we know about eating disorders is based on what we know about women with eating disorders. Most of what we know about men with eating disorders is based on what we know about conventional models of masculinity. Most of what the two of us know about either of these topics is heavily ...

Doug Bunnell, PhD, FAED, CEDS is an expert clinician and leader in the eating disorder field. He brings over three decades of experience and a wealth of knowledge to his role as Monte Nido Chief Clinical Officer. He shares important information about treating males with eating disorders in this week’s blog post. Most of what we ...

Movement may often be overlooked as an effective component of bulimia nervosa recovery programs. Although it is not universal, many people with bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders feel compulsions to exercise excessively. In fact, some cases of bulimia nervosa involve exercising excessively instead of vomiting as the purging mechanism following a binge eating episode. ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Clinical Programming Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS has over 10 years of experience working in the eating disorder field and is trained in EMDR. In this week’s blog post, Keesha discusses mindfulness and how it can be incorporated into treatment. Mindfulness might be one of the buzziest of the current buzz ...

When first facing the prospect of entering an eating disorder treatment center, many people are unsure what to expect. They may even be nervous or resistant. It’s natural to have some cold feet when it comes to entering an eating disorder treatment center, but a quality facility will have some characteristics that make the time ...

Part 2 of 2: A Discussion During Mental Health Awareness Month As a follow-up to mental health awareness month, brain research has revealed that neurochemistry is disrupted in individuals with eating disorders. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are involved in complex signaling pathways. These pathways are dysregulated in eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders. Dopamine ...

Part 1 of 2: A Discussion During Mental Health Awareness Month It is an exciting time in the world of brain and mental health research. Over the past few years, there has been an exponential increase in research findings in the neurobiology and genetics of mental health disorders. While we have known for decades that mental ...

Becky Henry is trained as a Certified, Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and uses those skills to guide families to let go of fear and panic, learn self-care skills and become effective guides for their loved one in eating disorder recovery. In this week’s post, Becky offers some inspiration in dealing with challenges mothers face both ...

When a person is living in the trenches of an eating disorder, decisions around how to safely and appropriately interact with food are dominated by unhealthy, dangerous and life-limiting thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. Over time, connections to bodily signals are weakened and awareness of hunger and fullness becomes distorted. At Monte Nido, we understand while ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Vice President of Nursing Lyn Goldring, RN, BN, CEDRN helped to create the current nursing program, and currently oversees the well being of clients and the team of nurses. In this week’s blog post, Lyn dives into the passion and dedication behind the Monte Nido nursing program. Research now supports the notion ...

It’s incredibly difficult to keep track of what each program provides and who each program “is” in the eating disorder industry. We know when a family asks you to recommend a program that treats eating disorders, you’re taking their lives in your hands. We know they ask you, “Does the program work? How do you know this ...

It’s incredibly difficult to keep track of what each program provides and who each program “is” in the eating disorder industry. We know when a family asks you to recommend a program that treats eating disorders, you’re taking their lives in your hands. We know they ask you, “Does the program work? How do you know this ...

The constant media attention around GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and others are making their popularity soar while taking a toll on those at risk for or living with eating disorders. The countless stories of famous people who are using the medication for weight loss exacerbates the preoccupation with changing our bodies to fit the thin ...

Bulimia nervosa affects millions of people, despite the common misconceptions that it is a rare disorder. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, one percent of young women and 0.1 percent of young men are shown to display symptoms of this disorder at some point. The numbers are similar for other forms of eating disorders. ...

Monte Nido & Affiliates Education Training Manger Jacquie Rangel shares a heartfelt letter to her younger brother in this week’s blog post. Read Jacquie’s moving post about her eating disorder recovery journey and her love and appreciation for her brother. Dear Felipe, You are one incredible human. I don’t think you know how lucky it is to ...

Emily Dumas, MA, LMFT is the Clinical Director of the Monte Nido Eating Disorder Center of Philadelphia. Emily has extensive experience in the eating disorder field and uses a collaborative and integrative style in her therapy in order to tailor her approach to each of her client’s needs. Get to know Emily more by taking a glimpse ...