Dore Mann LCSW, Eating Disorder and Trauma Psychotherapist

In my experience working with people with a difficult relationship with food I have found that Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers a unique and effective approach in treating eating disorders by focusing on the internal dynamics and conflicting parts within individuals. More specifically, IFS helps someone who struggles with their relationship with food by,

Understanding Internal Conflicts: IFS helps individuals recognize and understand the different parts of themselves that may hold conflicting beliefs, desires, or emotions regarding food and body image. By acknowledging these internal conflicts, individuals can work towards resolving them in a healthier way.

Self-Compassion and Acceptance: IFS encourages self-compassion and acceptance of all parts of oneself, including those that may contribute to disordered eating behaviors. By fostering a non-judgmental attitude towards one's internal experiences, individuals can develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves, which is crucial in the recovery process.

Empowerment and Self-Leadership: Through IFS therapy, individuals learn to identify their "Self," which represents their core, authentic, and wise essence. By accessing this Self, individuals can take on the role of a compassionate and effective leader within themselves, guiding and integrating the various parts towards healing and wholeness.

Trauma-Informed Approach: Many individuals with eating disorders have experienced trauma or adverse life events that contribute to their disordered eating patterns. IFS provides a trauma-informed framework for understanding how these experiences impact different parts of the self and how healing can occur through compassionate exploration and integration.

Emotional Regulation: Disordered eating behaviors often serve as maladaptive ways of coping with difficult emotions or experiences. IFS helps individuals develop healthier strategies for emotional regulation by acknowledging and addressing the underlying emotions and needs driving their behaviors.

Resolving Inner Conflicts: By working with the various parts of oneself, individuals can identify and resolve inner conflicts that contribute to disordered eating behaviors. This process allows for greater harmony and coherence within the internal system, reducing the urge to engage in harmful eating patterns.

Overall, Internal Family Systems therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to treating eating disorders, addressing the underlying psychological, emotional, and relational factors that contribute to disordered eating behaviors. Through self-compassion, understanding, and empowerment, individuals can embark on a journey of healing and transformation towards a healthier relationship with food and themselves. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me to discuss further and how IFS therapy might help you or someone you care about improve their relationship with food and themselves.

In my experience treating individuals struggling with anorexia requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both physical and psychological aspects. Anorexia nervosa is a complex mental health disorder characterized by a distorted body image and an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to severe food restriction and often excessive exercise.

One important aspect of treating anorexia is to approach individuals with empathy, understanding, and without judgment. It's crucial to recognize that anorexia is not a choice but rather a serious mental illness with biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to its development and persistence.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy can be a valuable tool in the treatment of anorexia for some clients. EMDR is a psychotherapy approach that has been primarily used for the treatment of trauma-related disorders but has shown promise in addressing other mental health issues, including eating disorders like anorexia.

For those that don't know EMDR works by helping individuals process distressing memories and experiences that may be contributing to their eating disorder symptoms. It can help individuals identify and challenge negative beliefs about themselves, their bodies, and food, while also addressing any underlying trauma or unresolved issues that may be fueling their disordered eating behaviors.

However, it's important to note that EMDR may not be suitable for everyone with anorexia, as each individual's treatment needs are unique. Additionally, EMDR should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medical monitoring, nutritional counseling, individual and group therapy, and support from loved ones.

Overall, working with individuals who struggle with anorexia requires patience, compassion, and a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. EMDR can be a valuable tool in this process for some clients, but it should be integrated into a broader treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs and circumstances.
Anorexia nervosa, characterized by extreme food restriction and an irrational fear of gaining weight, is a complex mental health disorder with potentially severe consequences. Traditional treatment approaches often involve a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medication. However, emerging therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are showing promise in addressing the underlying trauma and emotional distress that often accompany anorexia.

Anorexia nervosa is not solely about food or weight; it is a multifaceted disorder with psychological, emotional, and social components. Individuals with anorexia often have distorted body image perceptions, placing an excessive emphasis on thinness as a measure of self-worth. Underlying factors such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety, and trauma can contribute to the development and maintenance of anorexia.

Traditional treatments for anorexia focus on addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. While these interventions are essential, they may overlook the emotional trauma and unresolved issues that fuel the disorder. This is where EMDR therapy comes into play. Basically, it's not always about what they aren't or are eating, but what is eating them.

EMDR therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is primarily used to treat
post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) but has since been adapted to address a wide range of psychological issues, including eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. EMDR therapy integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing and resolution of traumatic memories and negative beliefs.

During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a structured process that involves recalling distressing memories or triggers while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist's hand movements with their eyes or listening to alternating tones. This dual focus helps desensitize the individual to the traumatic material and allows for the reprocessing of memories in a more adaptive way.

EMDR and Anorexia Treatment:
The connection between trauma and eating disorders like anorexia is well-documented. Many individuals with anorexia have experienced significant trauma or adverse life events, such as childhood abuse, bullying, or dysfunctional family dynamics. These traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns as a means of coping with overwhelming emotions and feelings of powerlessness.

EMDR therapy offers a unique approach to addressing the underlying trauma that may be driving an individual's anorexic behaviors. By targeting the root causes of their distress, EMDR can help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and beliefs about themselves and their bodies. This can lead to improvements in body image, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

One of the key features of EMDR therapy is its ability to target and process traumatic memories that may be contributing to an individual's eating disorder symptoms. Through repeated sets of bilateral stimulation, clients can experience a reduction in the emotional intensity associated with these memories, allowing them to reinterpret their experiences in a more adaptive manner. This can lead to a sense of empowerment and control over their thoughts and behaviors related to food and body image. Use the control they have developed over their food intake as a strength in their recovery.

Additionally, EMDR therapy can help individuals identify and challenge negative core beliefs that underlie their anorexic tendencies. These beliefs, such as "I am unworthy unless I am thin" or "I must be perfect to be loved," "I would rather be a perfect co**se than an imperfect living person that had so much taken away from me which was out of my control" are often deeply ingrained and reinforced by past traumas. By engaging in the reprocessing of these beliefs within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship, clients can develop more balanced and compassionate perspectives about themselves and their bodies.

In conclusion, Anorexia nervosa is a complex and debilitating mental health disorder that requires a comprehensive and individualized approach to treatment. While traditional interventions are essential, emerging therapies like EMDR offer new possibilities for addressing the underlying trauma and emotional distress that fuel the disorder.

By targeting traumatic memories, negative core beliefs, and maladaptive coping mechanisms, EMDR therapy can help individuals with anorexia develop healthier attitudes towards food, body image, and self-esteem. With the right client and most importantly a very healthy alliance between therapist and client it can a valuable adjunctive therapy in promoting recovery and healing for individuals struggling with this challenging condition.

Dieting feels like a constant battle against your own body, but the truth is, it fights back even harder. In the end, there are no real winners, except maybe for the diet industry.

I'm thrilled to share that I've developed a system aimed at supporting individuals dealing with emotional eating, chronic dieting, binging, and body image concerns. It's been an incredible journey working with those facing these challenges, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact.

If you find yourself struggling with any of these issues, know that you're not alone, and there's hope for a brighter, healthier future. I invite you to book a consultation with me to explore how my approach might align with your needs. Together, we can embark on a journey towards healing and empowerment. Don't hesitate to reach out—I'm here to help.

My website

The Talking Cure | Online Psychotherapy in New York It's time to take back control of your life. Dore Mann, LCSW provides psychotherapy for adults, teens, couples, and families online throughout New York.

https://www.praxiscet.com/events/act-bootcamp-philadelphia-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1ZUWqPPoFXv0rMhkAEFCz8LAfaiLE1kPSv9HGcv-pd7qLYYA7f0WU9rBQ

ACT BootCamp® - Philadelphia | Praxis Continuing Education and Training If you mention you’re interested in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), the next question you’re likely to hear is, “Have you been to BootCamp®?” Led by ACT’s cofounders, Drs. Steven C. Hayes and Robyn Walser, this essential workshop has been the foundation of ACT training for thousa...

As a provider of human services, I am grateful that DBT exists. I have seen firsthand how helpful it can be for people feeling big problems in an unfiltered way. And while I don’t believe that DBT is the right treatment path for everyone, I have yet to meet a person who wouldn’t benefit from learning a distress tolerance skill or 2,3,4, and 5 (taken the subway lately?). Or some mindfulness to help focus on a task long avoided. Hey, that sounds a lot like me writing this post rather than tackling a task on my to-do list. So if by chance you're looking to distract yourself from your to-do list please read below for some musings about Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) -
When the demands placed upon a person outweigh their skills, behavioral dysfunction occurs
This is the foundation for nearly every type of therapy, especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – But DBT therapy is centered around Mindfulness. Why is DBT therapy centered around mindfulness? The thinking goes that you “must” change the way you think to change the way you behave. Although to me in practice the must feels too rigid and final. Luckily DBT is one of the most adaptable therapies available in the treatment toolshed.

Understanding comes before helping -
I invite you to set aside some time to try and think about the skills you feel you often lack to be more effective in your life, such as executive skills, communication skills, emotion regulation skills, and social skills. Ask yourself when and why you become overwhelmed to identify the problems that you do not currently possess the skills to solve.

We all have cognitive deficits -
Dialectical Behavior Therapy was originally designed to assist individuals in achieving emotional and behavioral control and efficacy by learning and practicing the skills that they were never taught in a healthy, humane manner. Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT and is used throughout a person's DBT treatment journey, which will also include learning the necessary skills to become more effective at interpersonal communication, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. DBT is specifically tailored for individuals suffering from a borderline personality disorder (BPD) which is marked by extreme, intense, and overwhelming emotions, unhealthy behavioral and mental reactions to emotions – including impulsiveness, consistent self-harm and/or su***de attempts, a distorted view of oneself and others, and general errors in cognitive processing. That being said, DBT is not just for the treatment of BPD. It is for anybody who wants to achieve a life that works better for them, gain more control over their mind, emotions, and behaviors, learn to communicate better and have more positive and stable relationships, or just be a better version of themselves. I believe that everyone has room for improvement and opportunities present themselves constantly to practice the skills we lack to achieve the best outcome in any situation. Honestly, it would have been more effective if I had left out the above and instead wrote the following, Even if a full course of DBT isn’t for you there are still parts of it that can benefit your life.

I really love Carl Rogers! I have heard and read criticisms of Dr. Rogers that usually sound something like this…"all he does is listen to what someone says and says it back to them in such a way that they feel they have been heard“. Or he just shows them unconditional positive regard. And least but not least that Dr. Rogers had an overly optimistic understanding of human behavior. The first time I heard the above-mentioned critique of his work I thought he was being complimented for his approach, not diminished. That being said I will leave the very complicated, dense, overly theatrical, non-validating, therapy to others. For me, he got it right. What type of relationship have you found works for you with your therapist both in the past and presently. Thanks in advance for sharing. And speaking of sharing here is a quick 45-minute video that shows Carl Rogers at work with a client doing his very uncomplicated therapy. What’s not complicated is how quickly she feels safe enough to sit down and say everything on her mind, including thoughts and feelings she hadn’t yet acknowledged. Yes, it’s 45 minutes. I will give you a tip, you can start the video at 40 seconds. Enjoy!

Carl Rogers and Gloria - Counselling 1965 Full Session - CAPTIONED

I have found that even in the best relationships, there will be things that are painful and difficult. Very rare is a close relationship that only ever gives rise to joyful, loving, happy, feelings. As our experience teaches us there will be at times, anger, loneliness, fear, unmet needs, and one of the big D’s - Disappointment. I think a critical question to ask oneself during a wise mind moment (the state of mind where reason and emotion are balanced) is do you wish to build close, loving relationships that are strong enough to make room for the painful feelings that inevitably show up along the way? As usual, the great Russ Harris captures it best in his illustration below.

Question about acceptance.
How does one go about accepting? By focusing on something else or is it more of a realization?

Thanksgiving can be challenging for anyone with an anxious relationship with food. It's ok to de-prioritize that aspect of the day and instead focus on nourishing yourself with the people, the places, the music, books, movies and animal friends that bring you true happiness. The good parts of life that make you want to hum and for which you feel grateful. It's what this day is all about!

Dore Mann LCSW, Eating Disorder and Trauma Psychotherapist Welcome! Learn how to feel better.

Did you know that certain mental health conditions are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? It means that you are entitled to reasonable accommodations to do your job while living with what the ADA considers invisible disabilities that 'substantially limit one or more major life activities". It implies protection at work against harassment and discrimination and the right to privacy in the workplace. Depression, OCD, bipolar disorders and eating disorders can all be covered by the ADA. Concretely it means you can negotiate with your employer certain accommodations such as flexible schedules, modified break schedules, policy modifications, habit monitoring, private spaces etc.

Eating Disorders Accommodation and Compliance: Eating Disorders

Happy Halloween!
Give yourself a break from worrying today! Let it be your treat to yourself.

Accepted Insurances:
Aetna, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Oxford, Oscar Health.

It's not easy to have a healthy relationship with food. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with one of the few aspects of our lives we can't divorce from. We use food to celebrate and to survive; but also, to cope with stress, to numb anxiety and to eat away grief. Yet not all of us end up with an eating disorder. How do we know when it's time to seek help? How do we know when we are at risk of too much dysfunction in our relationship to food? Below is an anonymous screening tool that can help bring a little bit of clarity for yourself.

Eating Disorder Test The Eating Disorder Test can help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.

Welcome to my page! I'm a psychotherapist practicing virtual individual psychotherapy for adults in NY state. My main focus is on clients that struggle with eating disorders. However, as a trained cognitive/behavioral and DBT therapist, I offer psychotherapy for people struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, relationship and work trouble, life transitions, trauma and loss as well.

If you feel stuck and don't know where to turn anymore, give me a call, maybe we can figure it out together.

I accept most health insurances. Money should not be a barrier to getting the help you need.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Halloween for people suffering from an eating disorder can be monstrous in a different way. However, there are ways to make sure the eating disorder monster doesn't take away all the Halloween fun. So here we go:

1. Pick a costume in which you feel comfortable, or don't pick one at at all. It's not a big deal.

2. Plan ahead, maybe with a professional or a friend on how to negotiate candy. Listen to your body and make smart decisions. It's ok to say no!

3. It's ok to make plans that don't involve food. Go on a hayride, visit a haunted house or a jack 0 lantern tour.

4. Buddy up with a trusted person who understands your struggle. And remember it's ok to leave when necessary. There's always another Halloween next year!

Dore Mann LCSW, Eating Disorder and Trauma Psychotherapist Welcome! Learn how to feel better.

Happy Body Acceptance Week!

Oct 24 to 28 is Body Acceptance Week. Research has shown that body dissatisfaction is a leading risk factor in the development of an eating disorder. Body positivity, body neutrality and body liberation are important perspectives that can help prevent eating disorders. But what are they?