A Combined Approach to Care
Located on California ’s Central Coast in San Luis Obispo , SLO Eating Disorders specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and related issues, such as mood disorders, trauma, life transitions and interpersonal struggles. SLO Eating Disorders offers a range of services, tailored to meet individual needs, including:
- one-on-one therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- nutritional assessment and counseling
- yoga therapy
- recommendations and referrals to in-patient treatment
Individual therapy is the treatment modality with one client and one therapist. This offers the most attention to individuals concerns. Because the eating disorder individual usually struggles in his/her ability to identify and express feelings, this treatment modality is imperative in the recovery journey.
Family therapy includes all or as many as possible of a family. This helps identify maladaptive patterns of interacting that may get in the way of well being and recovery. In the treatment of eating disorders as the individual recovers, the family system changes. Family therapy provides a place for all to process these changes.
Group therapy is conducted with 3-8 clients together. This modality provides the client the opportunity to interact with other individuals who are also struggling with an eating disorder, giving both support and the feeling that one is not the only one struggling. This results in greater understanding of their own eating disorder and in greater compassion for both themselves and others. It gives them a chance to learn about their own unique relationship style.
Marital/Relationship therapy is conducted with couples in a marital or “significant other” relationship. The purpose of couples therapy is assist the couple in establishing realistic, adult expectations, and to communicate in a loving and compassionate way as they approach daily life. A dysfunctional relationship makes recovery from an eating disorder extremely difficult.
YOGA THERAPY is the facilitation of of an integrated self or embodiment. Embodiment is the felt sense of being present in the physical body; of being able to process and utilize emotions in decision making; and of effectively acting as an integrated whole both autonomously and within relationships.
For those who suffer from trauma and dissociation, anxiety disorders, dysregulated emotions, addiction, and eating disorders the body does not feel like a safe place to be. Either consciously or unconsciously those struggling in these ways may adopt the notion that the body is not good or safe. Some go into their heads- over-analyzing, ruminating, intellectualizing in the hopes of resolving their struggles by “thinking it through”.
The body is the starting place for healthy self regulation, effectiveness, and contentment. With practice, the self-destructive and dysfunctional tools for coping can become unnecessary and the body can be re-experienced as a safe place.
What is a certified Eating Disorder Specialist?
An Eating Disorder Specialist is a highly-trained and certified professional, who meets the following criteria:
- Has completed the required IAEDP core coursework 2000 hours of direct ED patient hours supervision with IAEDP approved supervisor
- Has passed a certification exam
- Complies with the required continuing education specific to eating disorder treatment
- Practices with compassion, passion and commitment to the eating disordered person and their loved ones