AboutJoanna Lhulier, Psy.D. Expertise I can answer several different types of questions about eating disorders, and how to deal with them. I can help figure out how to determine whether an individual needs professional help; how to choose what type of treatment may be most effective (i.e. therapist, nutritionist, psychiatrist or combination). I can give information about what a person can do to avoid relapse which would include an explanation regarding how to identify and avoid triggers and give ideas about where to get help in person and online. I can also give advice to concerned family members or friends. Perhaps most importantly, I can help increase self-understanding and acceptance.
Experience I have been in private practice for seven years. My specialty is working with individuals struggling with eating disorders and/or body image issues. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
Organizations The American Psychological Association
Eating Disorders Hope
Division 39 of APA (Psychoanalytic Psychology)
Publications I have published a paper about training in the Psychoanalytic Psychology journal which is sponsored by the American Psychological Association. My writing and presentation interests include exploring topics such as loneliness, the learning process, and the benefits of mindfulness meditation.
Education/Credentials I have earned a doctorate in Professional Psychology from the George Washington University (2001). I obtained my Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University (1997).
Awards and Honors I serve as a member of the Clinical Supervisory Faculty for The George Washington University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program. I am also an adjunct professor in Argosy University's Professional Psychology Doctoral Program.
Question QUESTION: It took me weeks to get used to eating 3 times a day because my phys Ed teacher told me it could help prevent some of my headaches,though I haven't been eating like I normally would. I pretty much put it off till all the kids in the house eat first. Sometimes I just don't eat at all. I cant actually eat 3 times a day anymore.The idea of it makes my stomach turnover. A few days ago, I tried to eat something I used to love eating and it made me sick and to stop myself form throwing it back up, my mom told me to drink coke. since then The only thing I've been able to keep down is water, bread and soda. Does this mean I developed an eating disorder?
ANSWER: Hi Gillian-
I am not sure why you stopped eating. If it was too lose weight or change the way your body looks then, I would say it sounds like you have developed quite a serious eating disorder. That being said, it is very important to rule out any medical causes for this change in eating habits, especially considering the nausea. You need to see your doctor to make sure that you are not suffering from an illness (other than an ED) I wonder if your eating behaviors have changed over time or have they changed dramatically over a short period of time? Has anything happened in your life that has made you feel out of control or very upset?
Gillian, you need to get some help. Please talk to someone you trust. Let me know if I can help you find the right kind of therapist. I know it might be difficult but it is important that you start to deal with this.
Take Care,
Dr. Lhulier
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QUESTION: Its only been happening recently. I can't say if I actually lost any weight because of it, but Im pretty sure I'm far from skinny. I havent really paid it any mind until my mom told me I'm going to live with my grandmother a couple of monthes ago. could that be the cause of it?
Answer Yes, Gillian, I would think something like that- going to live some place else with someone else would be very stressful, even if you don't mind. I encourage you to think about how you feel about the move and talk to your mom about it. It seems as though your body is dealing with a lot of your feelings right now and it might be better if you put some of these feelings into words. I wish you the best of luck.
Dr. Lhulier
