You are here:

Anorexia/Eating Disorders/anorexia/body image problems

Advertisement

Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 6/1/2008


Question
about 3 or 3 months ago i had an eating disorder. I knew it wasn't right but i didn't care. after about a month i couldn't take it anymore, and i knew i had to start eating. i was so unhappy and i was starting to get so emotional so i got back on track. before my eating disorder i weighed 115 pounds and then i went down to 110 which was good since i didn't go down a lot. within a few weeks i gained all the weight back, but now i feel so fat. I have been getting so frustrated with my weight now that summer is coming in a few weeks. A few of the other experts on this site i have asked said that they think i have a body image problem which i can say i think i might. I do not know what to do because thoughts of not eating have been going through my mind and i don't want to go down that path again, but i don't know how to control myself. please can you help me. thank you so much

Answer
Hi Cassidy-
I am sorry that you are struggling so much at this time.  I think it is important and good that you are reaching out for help.  It seems to me that you are at a critical point with your ED in that you can turn away from it or fall deeper into it.  It is a very difficult place.  I think you know that you need to get out of it and there are a couple different ways to do this.  Usually therapy is really helpful for those just getting started with their recovery.  You might find other things like music, art, or animals helpful.  I recommend that you find a therapist with a good understanding of EDs and develop a plan together.  Please try it, if it does not work get back to me and we can brainstorm together.
Take Care,
Dr. Lhulier

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Joanna 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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.